Like Lucy Jones, I was introduced to the term Matrescence through Alexandra Sacks. I loved listening to her podcast, Motherhood Sessions, and reading articles and books on motherhood back in 2019 when I was pregnant with my first child. Matrescence is a term that is so needed, because there is a becoming to motherhood. In her memoir, Matrescence: On Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Motherhood' Jones explores her own experiences with motherhood, while interweaving in bits from nature, as well as history and science. Jones has presented my favorite type of book! She gives space to the rawness of becoming a mother and some of the uncomfortable truths that are left unsaid when you attend a typical mom support group or mommy-and-me class.

It was interesting to hear about the birth experience in the UK, as there are some differences than in America. Ultimately, however, motherhood and matrescence are a universal experience that transcends cultures. It felt powerful to read a story about a woman's experience in this transition. Jones was able to highlight the absolute bliss and depths of treacherousness that so many women experience in becoming a mother. I especially enjoyed the chapters on maternal ambivalence and intensive motherhood, as these seem relative to the experiences of so many women. I made quite a few highlights of books I want to read as a follow-up to learn more.

Thank you to NetGalley, Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, Pantheon, and the author Lucy Jones for an ARC of this wonderful memoir and reflection on matrescence.

Lucy Jones has written a beautiful ode to motherhood that is so much more. Matrescence brings to light the secrets of motherhood that few women talk about even with their best friend, believing they are alone in their experience. And then, Jones adds the science behind the changes that happen to women when they become mothers. Matrescence adds a necessary perspective to the current conversation about women's health.

My interest in this book heightened after being longlisted for The Women's Prize for Non-Fiction earlier this year. Going into this book, I wondered how much I would find this relatable, being childfree myself. I should not have worried because although it is part memoir of the author's pregnancies, I found the cultural and health aspects enlightening. Matrescence is a call to action to provide better care and health outcomes for mothers and babies.

Woof, what a book. Detailing the author's journey through a tough pregnancy and matrescence (the act of becoming a mother that is in fact a real world, despite what the dictionary says), this is not an easy book to read (especially while pregnant!) It's a very scientific approach to a well-trodden topic, and while I can't say I learned too much new information, I was cheering along with Jones' call to action for how to make our society better for women.

first off, this book was incredibly well written and thoroughly researched. the passion the author has for this book, and for dissecting motherhood and all its complexities, is evident on every page. i approached this one as a childless adult woman that has been on the fence about having kids and i really appreciated the perspective this book brought. it is honest and factual while also exploring raw, emotional, spiritual aspects of women becoming mothers. this one won’t be for everyone but i’m glad i gave it a go. thanks to the author and the publisher for the e-ARC!