The Mamas

Praise

“Fans of Andrews-Dyer . . . expect blunt observations and crisp opinions, and The Mamas does not disappoint. In prose full of quips and asides, the reader rides shotgun as Andrews-Dyer careens toward and makes her getaway from the moms she both needs and at times despises.”—The Washington Post

“Andrews-Dyer works sociological findings into her witty, profanity-laced account, broadening our appreciation of how early, perhaps even inevitably, Black children experience discrimination.”—The Boston Globe

“As a Black mama experienced in the ways of white mom groups, I felt so seen by The Mamas. I highlighted whole paragraphs, I punched the air, and I may have shouted ‘Preach!’ more than a few times. Through her sharp wit and dynamic anecdotal storytelling, Helena Andrews-Dyer shines a light on the cultural differences that separate Black and white mothers—challenges that are often invisible to non-Black moms—and this central tension makes for an utterly addictive read. Brava!”—Tia Williams, New York Times bestselling author of Seven Days in June

“Helena Andrews-Dyer is one of our generation’s sharpest voices. The Mamas captures the unique anxieties of Black motherhood with humor and sensitivity, expertly tapping into the alternating feelings of inadequacy and superior competency that define just how we mother.”—Jamilah Lemieux, co-host of the Mom and Dad Are Fighting podcast

“I devoured The Mamas, laughing and shouting with recognition the whole way through. Navigating the high anxiety of Black motherhood at the intersections of class, race, and social media should come with a manual, and Andrews-Dyer has generously given us that: a smart, hilarious, irresistible read that’s memoir, social science, history, and your most honest group chat all in one.”—Deesha Philyaw, author of The Secret Lives of Church Ladies

“[A] candid take on race, class, and motherhood. . . . [Andrews-Dyer] mixes in some sharp reporting on topics including the importance of talking to kids about race. This frank portrait of motherhood hits all the marks.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Andrews-Dyer examines modern motherhood and the contours of community with sharp and honest commentary.”—Arlington Magazine