Customer Reviews
Every mother should read this book!!!! 
2007-10-19
If you are considering buying this book, DO!!!! This is the best book for mothers that I have run across and I have read many as I try to come to grips with what has happened to my life following the birth of my son. Sarah Napthali presents the buddhism philosophy in ways that make it applicable to your daily experiences, particularly the daily experiences of moms. It is not "preachy" in any way and it should help you maintain a camlmer, happier attitude regardless of the religious beliefs or practices you currently have. I read the book and then started over again. It has really changed my perspective and helped me go from an anxious person who always wished things were just a little different than how they are to someone who relishes in the moment and sees life as a string of experiences that I have limited control over. I have realized that there is potential for happiness and wonder in nearly every daily interaction and that taking this perspective IS what I do have ultimate control over. The book also helped me to step back and take a look at motherhood from a different perspective, which helped me acknowledge and welcome (instead of feeling guilty about or overwhelmed with) the range of emotions that come with the incredible transition motherhood is. I have bought about 10 of these books and have shared them with nearly all of my mother friends. I am on today to buy some more to share. I suggest other mothers do the same!
Self Help/Parenting with a Buddhist flavour 
2007-08-29
This is not a bad book but it is fairly simplistic. It is a good book for mothers (Buddhist or not) of young children who won't mind the populist feel of the book. It is not an especially deep work though, so if you like your Buddhist books to be fairly weighty and insightful this is going to disappoint. If, on the other hand, you don't mind a book that reads like a series of really long magazine articles then you will probably like it.
Amazing Book. A Must Read! 2007-08-12
I absoultely loved this book. I read it a few months after my third child was born and what a welcome read it was. The approach is fresh and accepting, the writing is superb. Sarah Napthali says the most potent of things in short, concise sentences. It's amazing really. I am reading it for the third time right now and my child is only 14 months old (so it's my third read in less than a year). I reread it to remind myself of her inspirations and advice. Of course this book is not for the close-minded, although I think it will help open those types up. In my hectic life, I find myself mentally tuning into her advice on a daily basis. I love this book.
Buddhism for Mothers 2007-08-07
Sarah has excelled herself, I loved reading this book of wisdom. Nothing has impressed me like this book and I am a wide and avid reader, I didn't want it to finish. As a mother of 2 a young one aged 7 I now find myself frequently practising mindfulness. I love and have read many of Thich Nhat Than's books and other books on Buddhism. However this is so applicable to mothering and relationships. Thankyou Sarah will be looking forward to any other books you may publish.
Read only if new to Buddhism 2007-08-02
I found this a boring read. I was hoping for some fresh insight but came out empty handed. I couldn't even finish the book.
However, if you are new to Buddhism, I think this is a perfect philosophy to learn and raise your children by. The author explains loving kindness and meditation very well. In this society, we tend to preach and punish our children rather than let them grow into complete beings. Raising children without attachment allows them to develop into their own identity.
The most compelling motherhood read... 2008-04-15
Wow! At last! Someone finally has the guts to tell all. Being a foreigner in the USA, I often find that women are very socially conditioned, they too often do not speak their mind, but instead stick to revealing only that which is socially acceptable. Very frustrating! The minute I opened this book, I felt one with Sarah. In such a gentle yet wise way she is so open about her shortcomings, feelings and experiences - it was as if I myself were writing this book. Amazing! And for anyone looking to explore Buddhism, this is such an informative non-lecturing gentle approach. I would recommend this book to any mother, regardless of religion or faith. It is the most compelling motherhood and mothering book I have ever bought and am already ordering copies for others that I know!
Fantastic read for all women 2008-03-12
Buddism for Mothers is fantastic for keeping you grounded. Its honesty is refreshing as it feels like I am talking to a girlfriend. We can all relate to the bad days and not handling situations as well as we should have. Buddism for Mothers has lifted my spirit, given me courage to keep going when I thought I couldn't and confirmed that I am a good person doing the best I can in a difficult job. I have recommended this book to older women, friends with kids and to a friend that doesn't have children yet. The advice is practical, helpful,insightful and empowering.
Essential reading for Moms 
2008-02-07
I am not a Buddhist, although there is much about the religion that I think can help us in everyday life. I picked up this book more for the tips on parenting than to learn more about Buddhism. For this reason I only skimmed through the initial and final chapters which are more about Buddhism, and concentrated on the segments in the middle.
What I particularly like about this book is that is very upfront about how difficult and lonely parenting can sometimes feel. Sarah Napthali (and the other women whom she quotes) are very frank about the times when they've been angry with their children or partners, when they've felt depressed or anxious or when they just fail to enjoy parenting as much as they'd like to. It's clear that being a Buddhist doesn't mean that you never feel these difficult emotions, just that you work on not giving in to them. Because this book is written in such an unjudgemental and empathetic way, I found it very inspiring. I think this should be required reading for every mother!
My only critique really is that the book is too topline. Although Napthali does give a handy list of techniques to help you parent in a more calm way, I found that some of them were more headlines than how to-s. The book also includes a chapters on topics like concerns about ageing and relationships with your partner and while these were interesting I would have preferred her to spend more time on parenting issues.
Nevertheless, it's a fabulous book to keep on your bedside table. I liked to read a few pages and reflect back at the end of the day.
food for the soul 2007-10-28
I loved this book, it was really beautifully written, Sarah has a lovely style of writing. Her own personal stories were my favourite parts of the book but this book is much more about how to enrich our everyday lives with buddhism. The principles are outlined simply and applied to the painfully banal trials of parenting with compassion and humour. Forget any religious leanings, I recommend this book to all mothers.
down to earth! 2007-10-21
I have read a few books on Buddhism and this is the first book to acknowledge the unique role that many women have taken on. Practicing Buddhism and raising a three year old son can at times be challenging (well maybe all the time!) and this point is recognized throughout the entire book. I highly recommend this book for anyone, moms or dads, who is interested in a realistic approach to practicing Buddhism and raising a family.
