Testimonials

Here’s what readers are saying about “Mishegas of Motherhood.”

Ellie Grossman, with endless wit and wisdom, gives us a front row view of not only to her motherhood career, but to our own.  You will undoubtedly, as I did, recognize yourself in the many stories she shares, giving us all an opportunity to do the most important part of motherhood– laugh and learn.
Lori Palatnik, Founding Director of Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project and author of Gossip: Ten Paths to Eliminate It From Your Life and Transform Your Soul, Friday Night and Beyond: The Shabbat Experience Step-by-Step, Remember My Soul: What To Do In Memory of a Loved One, and Turn Your Husband Into Your Soul Mate

Ellie Grossman has the kind of whimsical and engaging voice that helps you laugh at yourself and your parenting while helping you shift perspective to a  more embracing, loving and affectionate approach. Her book made me smile inside.
Erica Brown, Scholar-in-Residence for The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and author of Leadership in the Wilderness, Return – Daily Inspiration for the Days of Awe, and In the Narrow Places – Daily Inspiration for the Three Weeks

Grossman is a gifted story teller who has chronicled sweet stories of motherhood from the perspective of a woman who clearly wants to instill traditional values in her children. The stories of family life are well told and heartwarming. While the anecdotes Grossman relays are universal, their meaning is derived when the author applies tenets of Judaism. Because of that the book would make an excellent small group study companion or individual devotional, or an enlightening resource for anyone who would like to learn how one family applies their faith. Excellent writing, highly relatable, quick and satisfying chapters. I’d say bravo to Grossman in Yiddish, if I knew how to do such a thing.
Lela Davidson, award-winning author of  Blacklisted from the PTA and Who Peed on My Yoga Mat?

Imagine you had a hysterically funny Yiddish spewing best friend, always ready with the perfect story or anecdote to make you feel better. Now, imagine she’s available entirely on your schedule, whenever you could possibly need her. Too good to be true? Nope. With Ellie Grossman’s Mishegas of Motherhood that’s exactly what you’ll find.
Jill Smokler, author of NY Times bestseller Scary Mommy and Motherhood Comes Naturally

I LOVED this column and I love your blog. I recently got engaged to a nice Jewish boy, so I am learning all these wonderful Yiddish words and Jewish traditions you mention from his wonderful mother.
Katie Bassel, St. Martin’s Press

Sometimes we need to sit back, take a breath, and laugh at our lives. Ellie helps us do just that! She reminds us, with warmth and humor, that the same conversations are happening in houses everywhere and that we are all in this wonderful human community!
Debbie Granick, Family Counselor and Coach

Mishegas of Motherhood is not only a phenomenal, practical, and humorous guide-book for parents, but I found it to be chock full of wonderful Judaic explanations and creative ideas as well.  I will use these ideas with my own children, as well as in my work with young families at the Jewish Community Center.  Ellie’s writing style is witty, universal and laugh-out-loud funny.  Any time that parents can laugh at themselves and the mishegas that comes with being a parent, it’s a good thing and this book allows the reader to do just that.  A great read from a hilarious author.”
Marianne Chervitz, Family Center Coordinator, Jewish Community Center

A funny, insightful look at how Judaism and motherhood go hand in hand.
Tiffany Current, Shirley You Jest! Book Awards judge and author of How To Move In With Your Boyfriend and Not Break Up With Him

Mishegas of Motherhood is more than just an amusing take on life and parenting, a la Erma Bombeck, it offers smart advice and an understanding of Jewish culture and traditions – with a good handful of recipes tossed in, too.
Linda Austin, The Examiner

In the tradition of such writers as Erma Bombeck and Ann Landers, Ellie S. Grossman mines her warm takes on her own family experiences to produce columns on an entire constellation of family issues. Her columns are good-natured, humorous and sometimes poignant. I know from my long experience at the St. Louis Jewish Light that Ellie’s “Mishegas of Motherhood” strikes responsive chords with readers.
Robert A. Cohn, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus, St. Louis Jewish Light

In the past after reading the front page of The Light, I normally turn to the wedding and obits as most people my age probably do. I don’t do that anymore. I go straight to your column. The columns are insightful and thought provoking. They make me want to dust off the old Royal from J-school and hunt and peck away, waxing as eloquently as you do about subjects that all of us have experienced in the human condition. I found this last column on how you explained to your kids why you believe in God most interesting and inspiring. It’s something I will hold on to and definitely use when the subject comes up as my grandson and future grandchildren ask those same questions that your kids asked of you. Thanks for enriching my day then and for what new “light” you’ll shed in The Light and other media down the road.
Rick Hitt, St. Louis, MO

Your article on talking to your children about God is simply beautiful. I can always hear you talking as I read your written word. I always admire people who can write the way they talk. You are gifted in that way. Have you ever though of reading your stories to a live audience? I loved your stories about camping and I could see it being read on stage. Your work is so relative and funny I really think it could transfer off the page onto a stage.
Terri Wright, St. Louis, MO

I enjoyed these pieces, funny, witty and sharp…
Jonny Geller, managing director of the books division at Curtis Brown Literary , one of Europe’s oldest and largest independent literary and media agencies

I read your column each week and love it! The articles you are writing are informative, glamechlich, and thoroughly enjoyable!
Jan Baron, St. Louis, MO

You are wise and your writing is wonderful, just full of practical wisdom and insights…I did love the article about finding God in the ordinary experiences of our daily lives. I also loved the article you wrote on chores. I think you and I are cut from the same cloth!
Becky Cawley, St. Louis, MO

I just want to tell you how much I enjoy your column. Sometimes it seems that it’s me talking, or getting advice from my sister.
Margee, St. Louis, MO

I loved your article in the Light and I am looking forward to reading more. Your style of writing is warm, approachable, and humorous!
Amy Ferman-Slakman, St. Louis, MO

I have been wanting to tell you how much I enjoy reading your columns every week in the Light. You are an amazing writer! You are so funny, articulate and right on! I look forward to them so much. Thanks for your insight and humor.
Susie Levinson, St. Louis, MO

I just went back and read your story on camping again. It is just as funny the second time around reading it! I think it is a classic. It would stand up against the best—as in Erma Bombeck.
Tammy Menees, St. Louis, MO

I love your writing style in your articles for the Light. I have a 14-year-old daughter and have experienced many of the same things you talk about. I’m not the only one reading—my water aerobics group talked about you last week. Keep up the good work and believe me, we moms are reading the paper and looking forward to your column.
Gloria Schonbrun, St. Louis, MO

The clothing story was a great article, and so in-tune with what we are all facing with our kids going back to school and gearing up for the holidays. And, that line about the fat and skinny clothes vs. our daughter’s wardrobes was priceless. I look forward to reading your columns.
Brandy Scheer, St. Louis, MO

I’m telling the truth when I say I just had a “laughing attack” in the bathtub while reading your camping trip story. I had printed it out and thought it would be fun to light a candle, enjoy a bubble bath, and read your article while my “boys” are out of the house…little did know that I would laugh so hard. It felt great—thanks! I couldn’t wait to read part 2 and so here I sit wrapped in a towel having just finished it and your dog article with a huge smile and still feeling the effects of the “laughing attack.” I know the last time I had one. I would pay BIG money to have them on a daily basis, or perhaps I will just wait for you to send one my way. Do you have a Fan Club yet?
Terri Wright, St. Louis, MO

I just wanted to let you know that I look forward to reading your stories each week. You have a great sense of humor and as a Jewish mom, I can really relate. My favorite so far was the one about Jewish moms don’t camp. Thanks for the laughs.
Elisa Mondschein, St. Louis, MO

I just cracked up reading your column from the September 13 issue. Not five minutes before, I was in my boss’s office changing out the batteries of his caller ID machine. In my hand was a long, purple tool. Inscribed on the handle were the words, “Property of Mom.” …My very own personalized screwdriver is one of only a handful of gifts received from my husband in 10 years. Ellie, thanks for the timing of your article.
Ellen Mandlman, Kansas City, MO

I just wanted to let you know that I love reading your column in the Jewish Light. I feel like I know you. I never miss an issue of the Light. It’s my connection to St. Lou. Now I have a reason to read more than just births, death, and bar/Bat Mitzvahs.
Julie Goodman (Goldberg), Bethesda, MD

I can’t begin to tell you how much I, among so many others, enjoy your weekly column, Your humor, “Jewish” anecdotes, and your experiences you share with us has touched us all. You bring a smile to my lips and my heart.
Bern Schuman, St. Louis, MO

I’m a 59-year-old “chef in the closet,” who is addicted to the TV Food Network. Thanks for the entertaining piece. You made me chuckle.
Ron, Colorado Springs, CO

I have been reading your stories since the beginning. I think you are a great writer and you always make me laugh. The one about the cooking channel was really good. I laughed at Sari’s comments and her imitation of Rachel’s carrying stuff to the counter…
Adrienne Hirschfeld, St. Louis, MO

I enjoyed reading your online piece about your trials and tribulations with lice. The term “mishegas” in the title of your site is most befitting many of the events you recount…You are blessed with the ability to laugh about it after the fact.
Richard J. Pollack, Ph.D, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA

You always bring a smile to my face and have the ability to relate to your readers.
Michelle Wiesman Beilenson, St. Louis, MO

Oh my gosh. Just visited your site and checked out some of your articles; you tickle my soul girl!!!! You have such an incredible gift. Your joy reflects in your work- your children too!!! I just love it.
Stephanie Gessner, St. Louis, MO