Book Review: Mean Moms by Emma Rosenblum
Rating: 3.25🌟
When I first stumbled upon Mean Moms by Emma Rosenblum, I felt an irresistible pull—perhaps it was the enticing premise of drama-laden school drop-offs or the promise of glamorous, competitive mothers swirling in their own elite world. I mean, who can resist a peek into the life of affluent, over-the-top parents wielding power like it’s a designer handbag? Little did I know, this audiobook would serve up the perfect blend of wit, scandal, and social intrigue, all while revealing the true nature of those formidable moms at the intersection of parenthood and privilege.
Set against the backdrop of a prestigious Brooklyn private school, Rosenblum introduces us to a trio of formidable mothers: Frost, Morgan, and Belle. These women are not just navigating playground politics; they are embroiled in a high-stakes game where every drop-off can turn into a power struggle. Enter Sophia Perez, the newcomer from Miami, and you can bet that the waters get tumultuous. While the narrative might not veer into full-blown thriller territory, it unfolds like a deliciously juicy mystery, making me picture a mash-up of Real Housewives meets elite prep school battles.
What I enjoyed most was the slow-burn revelation of the plot. While I never felt compelled to guess what would happen next, I found comfort in the steady unearthing of secrets and scandal—think unexpected sabotage and social sabotage galore. Rosenblum’s sharp portrayal of the mothers left a lasting impression, even if the tension occasionally skimmed the surface rather than dive deep. It’s like watching reality TV—entertaining in its absurdity, yet strangely comforting.
One of the highlights for me was the group chat narration. The banter was pure gold, and January LaVoy’s voice work added an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience. Her portrayal of Sophia was particularly delightful, infusing the character with just the right amount of charm to keep her relatable among the chaos of the other moms. I’ll admit I found myself chuckling at some of the dialogue; it was like overhearing the best kind of juicy gossip at a soirĂ©e.
While Mean Moms doesn’t rank as my all-time favorite thriller, it’s certainly a refreshing take on the genre. If you enjoy stories that explore the absurdity of the rich, with ample snarky observations and plenty of backstabbing, you’ll likely find this audiobook to be delightful escape. It isn’t just about women behaving badly; it’s also a mirror reflecting their insecurities and struggles for acceptance within their gilded lives.
Ultimately, I’d recommend Mean Moms to anyone who enjoys a good dose of drama tied up with humor, especially fans of Mean Girls—but, you know, for the grown-ups. As I settled into this entertaining listen, I couldn’t help but appreciate the layers of humanity woven within the glamorous chaos, leaving me both amused and, surprisingly, somewhat reflective about the nature of motherhood in such competitive environments.
In the end, thanks to Macmillan Audio, NetGalley, and Emma Rosenblum for gifting me this experience; it’s a joyful “yes” from me! 🖤
Happy listening,
DeAnn @deannsreadingriot