Book Review: Desperate; Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe by Mae and Clarkson

I received a copy of this book free of charge from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review.

I recently have been thrown back into that stage of raising a toddler/preschool aged child so I could relate to this book. Motherhood is hard work and this book was a fountain of encouragement if you find yourself barely making it through. If we are all honest we can all attest to those days of barely making it.

Desperate was written in a most interesting way and unlike any other book on motherhood I have seen before. What made this title distinct from the others was its style of writing is in a Titus 2 type of format or method. The way that an older woman comes alongside a younger woman to encourage and support her.

At many times I found the way that Clarkson came alongside and ministered to Mae seemed made up. I mean who does that these days?! It sounds way too good to be true, however this is how we should be ministering to one another. I think they have found a blessing in each other. It is definitely a relationship that we all should long for and be more intentional to seek out.

Because this was written in this Titus 2 type method each chapter starts out with a letter of desperation from Mae to Clarkson then a response letter from Clarkson to Mae. What then follows is a chapter on that entire subject written by both authors. In a way we can glean off this relationship however each of us need one like this, an older woman who would come alongside us and help us when we are in these desperate situations. An older woman who will take the time to teach us the things we never knew.

Each chapter discusses a different aspect of motherhood and potential exasperation. The book is Christ focused and redirects our gaze at remembering the cross and what Christ did for us. Remembering He sacrificed for us so we can in turn sacrifice for our children in HIM. He is well pleased with that.

Another interesting aspect of this book is that at the end of each chapter it does include some small group questions and Scripture which would prove helpful when meeting together in a small group. I think it would be a beautiful thing if a wide range of women came together and read and discussed to facilitate that Titus 2 method.

Also there is a video that you can watch that accompanies each chapter. You can either scan a QR code with your smartphone or visit a website to view these. They are about 3 minutes long and are an additional supplement to this book. Another neat added bonus is a question and answer portion that includes several questions people have asked Clarkson throughout the years. A nice way to glean from her wisdom.

Overall this book was easy to read, an encouragement to mothers, and pointed to our deep need for Christ in this high calling. It does point to Christ and give you hope. Enjoy your kids because they are gifts given to you!

To get a copy of this book from Amazon.com go here. Or even get it on kindle for a dollar cheaper here.