#momfluenced

By Sara Petersen.

Finished Momfluenced: Inside the Maddening, Picture-Perfect World of Mommy Influence Culture by Sara Petersen last night. To be honest, this book was VERY boring. It's exactly what you'd expect it would be – about how the momfluencers you see on Instagram are selling a fake story. They may seem perfect on the outside with their long billowy dress, perfectly-curled hair, clean countertops, and happy smiley children in all of their posts, but really all the majority of momfluencers are doing are perpetuating the unrealistic notion that mothers be perfect (and always happy and beautiful!) homemakers that work inside the home and that nothing is ever complicated or messy or hard. This book did point out an interesting idea that most of momfluencer culture just highlights those of privilege – white, straight, wealthy women. It doesn't take into account mom life in those with disabilities, those who aren't straight, those who are women of color, those who have to work multiple jobs and live in crappy housing, yada yada. And yet, even realizing this, it's still so easy to get sucked in to momfluencer culture and follow what they sell – not just the products that some are promoting, but the actual image and life they are seemingly living. It's so perfect, and sometimes it's just nice to escape the difficulties and nuances of one's own motherhood to embrace something that looks beautiful and easy, which the book discusses. So, there were certainly some relatable points made in this book, but honestly most of it was to be expected and there wasn't much insight beyond what most of us already probably know. All in all, it was pretty boring and I wouldn't necessarily recommend it. But if ya'll want an easy book, then here you go.