Stepmonster
A New Look at Why Real Stepmothers Think, Feel, and Act the Way We Do

What makes stepmothering so hard? And why are we, as people and a culture, so hard on stepmothers? How can we make it easier? Stepmonster is a truly unique and groundbreaking book for women with stepchildren, men with kids who repartner, adult stepchildren, and anyone who cares about them. It is a comprehensive, cross-cultural, research-based reconsideration of stepfamily dynamics—from the perspective of the stepmother. How does she think, act, and feel, and why? Part no-holds barred memoir of stepmothering in the trenches, part analysis of why stepmothering is tough and steps women with stepkids can take to thrive, Stepmonster has been hailed as "the thinking woman's guide to stepmothering" and "life altering," igniting conversations, controversy, and changes in how we perceive and experience stepmothering. "[Martin's] well-researched work delves into the animal world, fairy tales, psychology, and sociobiology…" ---Library Journal