Book Club - To Have and to Hold: Motherhood, Marriage, and the Modern Dilemma
We'll discuss themes from To Have and To Hold: Motherhood, Marriage, and the Modern Dilemma by Molly Millwood.
You're welcome whether you read the whole book or skimmed the first page. The point is to be together and talk about ideas, not pass a test. I'll have questions to guide our conversation while being mindful to leave space for us to bring our own experiences into the conversation.
About the book: In To Have and to Hold, Molly explores the complex terrain of new motherhood, illuminating the ways it affects women psychologically, emotionally, physically, and professionally—as well as how it impacts their partnership. Along with the arrival of a bundle of joy come thorny issues such as self-worth, control, autonomy, and dependency. And for most new mothers, these issues are experienced within the context of an intimate relationship, adding another layer of tension, conflict, and confusion to an already challenging time.
As Molly examines the inextricable link between women’s well-being as new mothers and the well-being of their relationships, she offers guidance to help readers reclaim their identities, overcome their guilt and shame, and repair their relationships. A blend of personal narrative, scientific research, and stories from Molly’s clinical practice, To Have and to Hold provides a much-needed lifeline to new mothers everywhere.
This book club is hosted by Rose, who runs Parenting Club, a small business dedicated to making parenthood less stressful.