The Other Mother cover art

The Other Mother

 Preview

Audible Standard 1-month free trial

Auto-renews at $8.99/mo + applicable tax after 30-day trial. Cancel Anytime
Try for $0.00
More purchase options
Buy Now for $15.94

Buy Now for $15.94

About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

I'm Jen Brister, stand-up comedian, middle-aged adolescent and, more recently, a mum. But not that mum – I'm the other one. Confused? Let’s back up a bit. Two years ago, my partner (a woman – we're not solicitors) gave birth to twins. Yes. Yes. Already there’s a lot to take in here: gay mums, twins, solicitors… (I know! Believe me, I’m still reeling myself.)

Like every new parent, I had absolutely no clue what I was doing. Add ‘gay’ and ‘non-biological’ to the mix and what do you get? Not a weird box of detergent, but a panicked beige lesbian desperately googling, ‘Will my babies love me?’ at 3 a.m.

This is a book for any parent who feels they don’t fit the mould of a traditional 2.4 family. Stand-up comedian Jen Brister takes a very funny, very honest look at life as a parent: from IVF awfulness to crying over the pages of sleep training manuals.

As ‘the other mother’ she has the perfect vantage point for us to laugh and cry alongside her.

©2019 Jen Brister (P)2019 Penguin Audio Motherhood Parenting & Families Physical Illness & Disease Relationships Comedy Funny

What the critics say

"Hysterical, important, moving, wonderful." (Sara Pascoe)
All stars
Most Relevant
For sure, my review is biased.
I am a huge fan of Jen Brister as a female stand up comedian and listening to her read the story of her journey just made it all the more funny and special. So of course, I was bound to love it.
But regardless, this is a must read. Because Jen tells the story of all mothers, with their failures, their imposter syndrome and the “real shit show” that goes on when you are parent and that we all try to navigate without knowing half of the time what we are doing.
It’s real, it’s hilarious and it’s a beautiful ode to motherhood.

Hilarious and an ode to motherhood

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I have never written a book review before, but I feel compelled to do so. I discovered Jen Brister a few days ago through a random post on IG. After looking through several of her standup comedy videos - I was hooked. I saw she’d published a book so I jumped on it - and I wasn’t disappointed. The book is open, honest and hilarious along the way. Love her narrating it herself, as it definitely adds to the story. I really enjoy Brister’s sense of humour and perspective on having kids. As someone who is not keen on having kids myself, I appreciate the POV. I found myself giggling and full out laughing out loud by myself; my partner wondering what the hell I am listening to.
Highly recommend! This should be a NYT bestseller, if it isn’t yet.

Honest & Hilarious

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.