Laurie Gelman’s clever debut novel about a year in the life of a kindergarten class mom—a brilliant send-up of the petty and surprisingly cutthroat terrain of parent politics. Jen Dixon is not your typical Kansas City kindergarten class mom—or mom in general. Jen already has two college-age daughters by two different (probably) musicians|and it’s her second time around the class mom block with five-year-old Max—this time with a husband and father by her side. Though her best friend and PTA President sees her as the “wisest” candidate for the job (or oldest)|not all of the other parents agree. From recording parents’ response times to her emails about helping in the classroom|to requesting contributions of “special” brownies for curriculum night|not all of Jen’s methods win approval from the other moms. Throw in an old flame from Jen’s past|a hyper-sensitive “allergy mom,” a surprisingly sexy kindergarten teacher|and an impossible-to-please Real Housewife-wannabe|causing problems at every turn|and the job really becomes much more than she signed up for. Relatable|irreverent|and hilarious in the spirit of Maria Semple this is a fresh|welcome voice in fiction—the kind of audiobook that real moms clamor for|and a vicarious listen for all mothers|who will be laughing as they are liberated by Gelman’s acerbic truths.
