Yiddishe Mamas: The Truth About the Jewish Mother by Marnie Winston-Macauley is an eye-popping view of this often maligned, consistently misunderstand "stereotype." In Ms. Winston-Macauley's well-honed hands, using her clinical, research and humor skills, she has created a small masterpiece which will evoke learning, laughter, and tears in the reader. Through interviews, history, anecdotes, facts, and humor she delves deeply into all facets of the Jewish mother experience, painting a strong and accurate portrait of this controversial cultural icon. The reader will journey through special "ethno-traits," will discover how, in about 70 years, the Jewish mother went from adored status to the cartoon cut-out, and will read about both the famous and unsung heroes, with examples from Biblical times to today. This extraordinary book also looks at how non-Jewish women see "the Jewish mother." Yiddishe Mamas: The Truth About the Jewish Mother is a true page-turner.
In Marnie Winston-Macauley's own words:
We've all heard them. The Jewish mother stereotypes, borne of ridicule, heightened by Borscht belt comics, portrayed in media. And so, we have become the "cartoon." The prototype of the overzealous, over-involved, over-worried, over-protective, over-nurturing, over-bearing presence that has invaded popular culture.
But those who have looked beyond the stereotype are not being heard loud enough. But then, the quick sound bite, the joke, is easier. It ends with a laugh, a "period." As a journalist, I've been forced to look beyond that period. At the commas, the exclamation points, the 5000 year-old clauses that have come before.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
yiddishe mamas: The Truth About the Jewish Mother:
Yiddishe Mamas: The Truth About the Jewish Mother is an extraordinary work! Combining interviews, anecdotes, facts, history and humor, the author, Marnie Winston-Macauley, is passionate about her subject and shedding new light on the subject. Finally, a book that tells the story of the real heroes, Jewish mothers, who have changed and created history! An amazing holiday gift for all on your list! Jewish Literatary Buff
Enjoyable, memory evoking and funny!:
I loved this! The anecdotes are so true and brought to mind memories of Jewish mothers that I knew. I found the factual information quite fascinating. All in all, a good read.
A fantastic funny and eye opening book:
I find this book a superbly written account of the Jewish Mother. It evoked memories of my childhood. It brought tears, laughter, giggles, emotional responses and happiness to me on every page. Stetl life has molded the Jewish Mother and daughters into a wonderful way of life.
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