Review: Don’t Say I Didn’t Warn You (Kids, Carbs and the Coming Hormonal Apocalypse)

by Anita Renfroe

Reviewed by Brenda Seward

At the end of September, I was in Greenville S.C for the SIBA Trade Show.  SIBA stands for the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance. It was a great event where publishers, booksellers throughout the South, and authors get together to network, pitch their products and talk about the business of bookselling and everything that lives in that world. At our last breakfast meeting, on our last day there, three authors were to speak about their new books. One of them was Anita Renfroe. Her name did not ring a bell with me right away, but when I heard it associated with “The Mom Song,” I made an immediate connection. I (along with many, many others) had received an e-mail a few years ago with the link to a YouTube video of a woman singing a litany of ‘Mom-isms’ to the tune of the William Tell Overture. The video went viral almost overnight. The reason it did, wasn’t just the cute originality, but the way the theme of it struck a chord with almost everyone. It wasn’t just the moms out there that identified with it, but everyone who had ever been the recipient of those particular threats, admonishments, warnings, etc.... When Anita Renfroe limped onto the stage (she had recently injured her ankle in what she described as a comedic pratfall at home) I saw that ”The Mom Song” was just a brief glimpse at her talent. She had us laughing with her from the moment she took the podium until she left.

In her book, Don’t Say I Didn’t Warn You - Kids, Carbs and the Coming Hormonal Apocalypse, Renfroe talks in length about all those Mom-isms she helped to make famous (or just funny), pointing out the lack of logic and fairness associated with the majority of them. She also talks about the TV moms who have had influence on the “Mom - standard” - all the way from Lucy to Claire Huxtable  (with Morticia Adams and Lily Munster thrown in for good measure), reflecting on how it would be great if real moms had writers to prepare snappy comebacks and heartfelt emotional speeches to use with their kids.

Far from being just a book for those of us who have gone forth to multiply, Anita talks in a frank and funny manner about all things in the female experience. From  the mom-related chapters:  “Brother, Can You Spare an Epidural” and “Playing Favorites ( Or as a Matter of Fact, I DO Love Your Brother More)” to the more universal chapters such as “Age Is Just a Number (A Really Big Number),” “The Hairy Truth,” “Money Can’t Buy You Love - But It Can Buy You Chocolate” and one of my favorites, “Let’s Stay Together (Because It’s Too Hard to Train Someone New),” Anita shares what most of us are thinking, but often don’t say out loud.

From weddings to mammograms, motherhood to menopause - even to the pursuit of the one good picture of ourselves - Anita Renfroe shares her highly amusing and relatable tales, delivered with her signature wit and honesty. Don’t Say I Didn’t Warn You is an incredibly fun read. As you go though the chapters you will often find yourself shaking your head and laughing or smiling as you see yourself and/or someone you know very well. Don’t say I didn’t warn you….

Cover Art & Content courtesy of Anita Renfroe, Hyperion Books and www.everywomansvoice.com.

Review by Brenda Seward, Owner, Simple Pleasures Books & Gifts

Simple Pleasures Books & Gifts is a family owned independent bookstore. Owned and managed by my three daughters, and myself. Our focus is toward women, while seeking to offer a little bit of something for everyone. From books, chocolate, unique custom gift bags and note cards to tea towels and bath products, Simple Pleasures offers just that- the simple pleasures of life.

All titles reviewed here are available at Simple Pleasures Books & Gifts in Ashland, VA or online at http://www.alibris.com/stores/spbooks1.