Why we love it: This story of three different bloggers is a sharp and funny look at the power of social media, and how the real story often differs from the filtered and idealised world presented.
The Mummy Bloggers is (as the name suggests) a story about three mothers who blog. But there’s a lot more to each of these women and the way they write about their parenting journey. Elle Campbell can be described as your aspirational blogger. Posts are likely to include pictures of her impeccable abs, multiple designer clothing changes for her two toddlers, and a lot of #loveandlight hashtags. Abi Black is more the earth mother type. She’s quit sugar, moved to the country and is home-schooling her kids. Think recipes for kombucha, where to find the best naturopath and how green divas will rule the world. Leisel Adams is just trying to get things done. She works at an office job all day before rushing home for precious moments before bedtime, feels guilty about spending time away from her kids, and then tries to answer some more work emails before she goes to sleep. She describes her readers as ‘working mothers who aren’t ashamed’. They couldn’t be more different if they tried.
When the three women are all nominated for a prestigious blogging award – which comes with a substantial cash prize – all bets are off. The fight is on with who can get the most clicks and likes, with often hilarious results. And as the awards get closer, Elle’s past threatens to catch up with her, and shows the lengths some people will go to, to protect the worlds they’ve constructed.
Bloggers of all types are becoming more and more influential in today’s society, particularly those blogs about parenting, and especially when it’s women writing them. Holly Wainwright knows what she’s talking about here; she works in digital media (she’s currently at Mamamia), hosts a parenting podcast and has two small children. As a result, her take on this world is insightful, entertaining, and will be instantly recognisable to anyone who reads blogs. Her treatment of trolls in the story is particularly topical – from the groups set up to abuse specific bloggers, to the trolling comments, and what happens when this abuse spills over into real life. These three women make us realise how many different ways there are to do this parenting thing. This book is funny, perceptive, and a must read for anyone with an interest in social media – and you don’t have to be a blogger (or even a parent) to appreciate it!
Holly Wainwright is a writer, editor, and broadcaster. Originally from Manchester in the north of England, she’s been living in Sydney for more than twenty years and has built a career there in print and digital publishing, most recently as Head of Entertainment at Mamamia Women’s Network. Holly also hosts a podcast about family called This Glorious Mess, has two small children, a partner called Brent and wishes there were four more hours in every day.
Have to put this on my to read list.