This moving and powerful memoir describes how the author, a suburban mom, ended up in jail after an addiction to pain pills turned into an addiction to heroine which led her to credit card and identity theft. We follow her journey through jail and probation to finally getting her life back together.

This is definitely up there with the best memoirs I’ve ever read. Lara’s story is so compelling, and her writing is wonderful. But beyond that, it’s a book that makes you not just feel so many emotions but also think deep thoughts - about the injustice of our justice system, about punishment vs rehabilitation, about addiction, about forgiveness and self-forgiveness.

I originally started reading this as my “phone book” which is usually a book I read slowly over a period of weeks or even more - but I became so caught up on it that I put my other book aside to just read this one and finished it in just a couple of days - all the while talking about it constantly with my family. So good, this one will stay with me for a long time.

4.5 stars

This memoir provided a realistic look at the US prison system and one woman's journey, family, and career trajectory as a result of her time in prison. It was illuminating and was filled with gripping prose.

I actually did not finish this book - I started, and got about 10% in and realized I just could not take reading about the drug induced behavior of Lara and her husband. I have no idea what happened to her child that was seized and taken to foster care but I just could not get through this book.

The Many Lives of Mama Love. The opening scene is intense as Hardin details how she went from being a suburban mom attending PTA meetings to being arrested for identity theft, addicted to heroin and losing custody of her toddler son. She takes you along through her journey and spares no detail. I devoured this book in a day and a half and felt my anxiety spiking as Hardin’s story unfolded.

While Hardin’s story is very much the exception for what happens to others who are incarcerated, it is an important story to hear. How she was able to atone for her mistakes, while using her gift of writing to help others is inspiring. This is a memoir about how to move past your worst moments and learn from them.

I found this one easy to read and flew through it quickly. I wanted more about how Hardin found herself struggling with addiction, but realize that this memoir is more focused on how she overcame her hardships. I thought the writing was easy to read, but at times felt a little basic, but when it comes to a memoir I'm not one to judge too harshly because someone was brave enough to share their life experiences.

I struggle to rate memoirs because obviously each person's story is their own. So, in this case the issue is not her life but the way she chose to share it with us.

The description of "The Many Lives of Mama Love" feels very different from what the book actually was. "Jailhouse shot caller" seems a bit dramatic.

The early chapters of the book were quite interesting. It began to get flat and boring to me as the book went on. There was a startling absence of introspection. I thought we would have gotten some sort of evaluation about how she ended up where she was, what may have led her to make the choices she made. There was none of that. Almost no discussion of her life prior to her arrest. In the prologue she thanks a new found family and then notes that is a subject for another book. That instantly made me roll my eyes. This might have been a more interesting story if she had talked about aspects of her family - new and old and how all of that contributed to all that she became.

Her ability to rise above her mistakes was indeed admirable but the last at least 1/3 of the book felt like she was name dropping to convince us and maybe herself that she had truly moved beyond the woman who was initially arrested. She did, at least, succeed in convincing me to download one of the books she had written about a wrongly convicted man.

I did appreciate Love Hardin's attempts to highlight some of the issues within the criminal justice system and the ways it is set up to keep inmates from being able to reintegrate into society. However, many times she seemed to take a victim position without owning all she did to end up where she was and all the privilege she had (someone to look after her kids, education, mother-in-law with money, access to an attorney, relatively low sentence, etc) even in her lowest moments.

Overall, though "The Many Lives of Mama Love" was relatively well written, I found it flat and boring and truly felt like a wasted opportunity to explore the many facets of addiction and ultimately redemption.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

I couldn't put this book down! It's so well-written, engaging, and moving. It's basically about how our society treats people who've made mistakes, and how we don't make a distinction between those who are sorry for their crimes and those who aren't. Based on this book and others I've read, the US criminal justice system seems to be designed to keep people locked up once they've been inside for even a day.

But even though the book is heavy, it also made me genuinely happy for the author and how things turned out for her. It's a sad story, but not a sad book, and it has a happy ending (I promise I'm not spoiling anything; the author clearly wrote the book, so she's okay!).

I don't think you could read this book and not root for Mama Love.

I absolutely loved this book! It is a highly recommend for all of my reader friends. I love memoirs and especially those of addiction. Hardin writes in an honest and vulnerable way and takes her readers along on her journey. I was rooting for Hardin all the way through. The writing is beautiful and simple. It is a fast read and inspiring. I would recommend this for anyone who enjoys the genre of memoir.

This was an engaging and interesting memoir from start to finish. The author tells her story of addiction, incarceration, motherhood and redemption. I enjoyed the journey through this emotional and well written book.

Massive thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy. The following thoughts/opinions are my own.

I fear that I will lack the words needed to convey just how amazing this memoir is. From serving time in jail for 32 felony counts to dining with the Dalai Lama and having lunch with Oprah, it is truly fascinating what Lara Love Hardin has accomplished, in her life.

Detailing her time behind bars and all the legal proceedings that coincided with it, Lara never once made herself out to be a victim. She admits that there was no cataclysmic event that caused her to turn to a life of crime. While she does allow space to feel sorry for herself, Lara does not allow anyone else to.

I did not have the chance to finish reading the e-book before publishing, but I snagged an audiobook copy from my local library. And listening to Lara tell her story was another powerful experience. When she details her suicide attempt and the subsequent days, I cried with her. And when she first managed to land a job, as a felon, I rejoiced with her. There is something about Lara's words that not only captivates a reader but does not let go until the story has finished.

Under Lara's own story, however, she expertly weaves in all of the shortcomings of this country's incarceration system and rehabilitation efforts. In short, they are heavily lacking and are in desperate need of reform. This was a top I was expecting to be taken by, but I am slowly falling down the rabbit hole of it.

I finished reading/listening to this memoir and was left feeling inspired to continue striving towards my own writing goals. And I also immediately looked up her TedTalk.

This is most definitely one of my top reads of 2023 and highly encourage fellow readers to pick this up. You will not regret it.

I couldn't put this 5 star memoir down! Lara kicks her story off by talking about her first ever addiction, which was reading. Then, beautifully segues into her more dangerous addictions later in life. ⁠She shares the story of how she went from overwhelmed suburban mom to opioid addict to serving jail time for 32 felonies. Then, how she rebuilt her life and family relationships, becoming a co-writer on bestselling books including The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton.⁠ Lara's writing style is highly engaging. Her story is sad and inspirational. She explores the debilitating effects of shame, problems in the parole and Child Protection Services systems, and co-writing for such luminaries as Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama.⁠ Do not sleep on this one - it's one of my favorite books of 2023 so far!

This is a memoir of love and shame, stealing and addiction. I absolutely loved the first line “Reading was my first addiction”. And how she relates that to her later addictions, saying they were both driven by the same thing – the need to escape. Lara Love Hardin does an excellent job of making her problems relatable while also accepting that her actions caused harms to others.

No one would ever want to be judged for their worst mistakes and Hardin shows how tough it can be to move forward after being released from prison. I especially loved her focus on how hard it can be to be a mother while in prison and the sometimes extremely difficult parameters placed on newly released prisons who are trying to reclaim their lives, and their children.

This is an overall uplifting and hopeful story, that takes the reader into the prison system and the difficulties that come with being a convicted felon while showing that there can be light at the end of the journey. Highly recommend this if you enjoy compelling memoirs.

@sarahsbookshelves has an excellent interview with Lara Love Hardin and they chat about this memoir and Hardin's life.

#themanylivesofmamalove #lauralovehardin #netgalley

Loved this book! It always amazes me how much one person can go through and then end up making it through and going on to do something great with their lives.

I love a good memoir. I want to learn, grow, feel and lean into something. This was one of those books. Powerful, emotional and so well written to boot. This was that perfect reminder people so often forget, that addiction doesn’t discriminate.

Synopsis: New York Times bestselling author Lara Love Hardin recounts her slide from soccer mom to opioid addict to jailhouse shot-caller and her unlikely comeback as a highly successful ghostwriter in this harrowing, hilarious, no-holds-barred memoir.

I really felt like I was on the rollercoaster with her. This was gutting and simultaneously validates and normalizes the addicts poor choices and behaviors through the lens of explaining more of the complicated backstory’s that exist. Addiction, the legal system, financial barriers and mental health issues have glaring stereotypes and complex interwoven systems. It’s hard to navigate getting out. Even with all the “help”.

I was tearful at the end of this one and enjoyed reading about an addict that was able to not just appear vilified and bad. As a substance abuse therapist that often feels pulled into forcing clients to jump through hoops and feeling frustrated by the lack of supportive systems. This was phenomenally well done, enlightening and inspiring.

A must read if you enjoy memoirs, are passionate about mental health, substance use or the legal system.

Laura Love Hardin has quite possibly solidified her spot as my favorite read of the year with her memoir, “The Many Lives of Mama Love.”

At no point during this heartbreaking account of addiction and recovery does she present as a “woe is me” protagonist. She is raw and real and acknowledges every wrong move, regret, and triumph she made along her journey.

Finding herself lost in her drug addiction, locked in a cell, and facing the loss of parental rights over her son, Laura knows she needs to make a change. She needs to get sober. Thus begins the tale of how she did exactly that.

Love takes us through her prison days, her probation days, and the incredible days she has after both. She invites on her journey of self discovery, self trust, and self fulfillment. She shares with her readers the possibility of overcoming things you never thought imaginable.

I loved this book ! What a fascinating life she has led and I’m sure is still leading. A book so interesting I had to google her, look her up on Facebook and listen to her podcast interviews. Hopefully that doesn’t make me sound creepy !
So the story goes about a mom, in the suburbs, who is also a drug addicted con artist thief. She is sent to prison. Hearing about this book I thought “. I can’t relate to that” but it is written so well that it is relatable. There is sadness and much comedy.
A real gem of a book. Thanks to the author and publisher for this free arc in exchange for my honest opinion

Riveting. Raw. Thought provoking.

What if you were judged solely on the worst day of your life?

What a memoir! I read this book in less than 24 hours, completely captivated by Hardin’s unflinching honesty.

“Reading was my first addiction.” Me too, Lara. Me too!

“The truth is I’ve only ever had one addiction. The white whale of addictions: escape.”

And just like that, the story of a soccer mom turned heroin-addicted felon had my full attention.

Listening to Hardin recount her story felt much like sitting down with an old friend for an overdue coffee date. She bravely bares her soul exposing her most vulnerable thoughts and actions. But even in its most shocking details, it’s a story that oozes with humor and heart. I found myself cheering for Mama Love at every setback, in awe of her tenacity.

It’s easy to see how Hardin is a four-time NYT bestselling author after reading this memoir. Her writing is effortless and engaging. She’s a fierce talent, and I can’t wait to read more books penned by her. Up next: The Sun Does Shine.

Hardin accomplishes much in her memoir. With themes of perseverance and forgiveness, this book is easily relatable. And with necessary commentary on the justice system, it’s an education we all need.

I closed the last page of this book in complete awe of Lara’s transformation. This is a book I won’t soon forget and will be added to the ranks of other favorite memoirs (Jennette McCurdy, Chanel Miller, Trevor Noah, Viola Davis…).

🎧 Narrated by the author, the audiobook brims with authenticity and emotion. It added to my overall experience, and I highly recommend reading the print and audio in tandem. (You’ll appreciate the print version for all those great quotes!)

I requested a copy of this book because I read the book she co-wrote, The Sun Does Shine, and had no idea about her story. I'm a public defender and nonfiction stories about the United States' broken Criminal Justice System are always on my radar.

Reading physical books has been rough for me lately so it took me awhile to get through the first half of this book. Then, I read the second half in a day.

At its core, this memoir is a story of redemption and forgiveness, especially the most important kind of forgiveness: self-forgiveness. The author writes so beautifully. I can't even begin to imagine how hard this must have been for her to write but she does is with such humility, depth, and humor.

I highly recommend this one but obviously know going in that there's some tough topics discussed.

I can officially say that this has been my favorite book this summer! I read it in two days, and I don't usually read books that quickly.

This memoir hooked me right from the start. The author, Lara Love Hardin, was a suburban soccer mom when she was arrested and charged with 32 felonies. She shares her account of addiction, how she stole credit cards to pay for everything, her time in jail (my favorite part), and how she pulled her life together. The part about jail reminded me so much of the show "60 Days In," and Love Hardin did an excellent job of putting her reader right there with her.

The book is well-written, and I kept cheering her on throughout the book. It is a heavy book, but it is one of hope and forgiveness.

I gave this book five out of five starts. I was given this book for my honest review, and I highly recommend it.

This book reminded me of a quote from Mikki Bramer's book, The Collected Regrets of Clover, "That was the day that I began to realize how hard it is to be anything but what the world already thinks you are."

This novel explores just how much our past can come back to haunt us, so to say. Sometimes, no matter the progress we make, true forgiveness hasn't happened here on earth. That is a maddening fact, I think.

Hardin has an amazing story, from the depths of a life-ruining addiction (that included thefts that sent her to prison), to her eventual, painfully-won redemption. This is not a spoiler, because the road Hardin traveled is the story, an incredible journey from a no-win release, probation and restitution demands, to the world stage. After traveling this journey vicariously with her, I was stunned to realize she had collaborated on some pretty impactful books I've read. (And yes, had I done a deeper dive into her history before I started reading, I might have known this. But it's the journey, right?) Hardin's book was a close look inside a justice system that leaves those who've "paid their debt" still paying, many years after they've been released back into society. I was shocked at how long she paid for financial crimes, compared to the scant time served by those committing violent acts against women, etc. The system is broken. But fortunately for Hardin, she managed to fight her way out.