Dani Shapiro, the acclaimed author of the novel Black and White and the bestselling memoir Slow Motion, is back with Devotion: “a searching and timeless new memoir that examines the fundamental questions that wake women in the middle of the night, and grapples with the ways faith, prayer, and devotion affect everyday life.”

In her mid-forties and settled into the responsibilities and routines of adulthood, Dani Shapiro found herself with more questions than answers. Was this all life was—a hodgepodge of errands, dinner dates, e-mails, meetings, to-do lists? What did it all mean?

Time magazine reviewer Mary Pols – whose incredible memoir details her own journey into single motherhood — says:

“Shapiro uses the word neurotic to describe herself–a relief, because it saves me from pointing the finger. She is the nervous type, and her journey evolves in such an indulged mind-set that those plagued by more practical matters may find Devotion silly. But her sincerity, intelligence and admission that she doesn’t actually read all the yoga books she buys are endearing; her need for answers touching.”

One of our favorite lines takes place during an AA meeting, as Dani listens to other members share their stories and realizes: “The human heart was elastic. It could withstand untold grief and still keep beating.”

To enter to win — we’re giving away two copies — all you need to do is tell us about the moment you knew (or not) that your own heart was elastic.

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If you were going to write a memoir, what would the title be?

Welcome to the theme of our very first Mother’s Day book giveaway at Singlemommyhood!

We couldn’t be more thrilled about this contest because a few single mom authors whom we admire a lot have offered to give away their books to YOU!

For starters, there’s one of our all-time favorite authors --  Mary Pols — whose memoir, Accidentally on Purpose will be out in paperback on May 5.

In Accidentally on Purpose, Mary gets pregnant after a one night stand she had with a cute 29-year-old whom she picked up at a Bay Area bar. Mary, the youngest of a large Catholic family from Maine, resolved to make a go at single motherhood — and, boy, has she!

Publishers Weekly says: “Candid and unaffected, Pols provides an important lesson about not being willing to compromise herself, and that being brave can bring the richest rewards.”

Elle adds: “It’s funny, intimate, wise, and real, and we get to root for forty­something Mary, her twentysomething coparent, Matt, and their little son, Dolan, now four.”

Secondly, we’re giving away Amy Dickinson‘s Mighty Queens of Freeville: A Mother, a Daughter, and the Town That Raised Them.

“Ask Amy” and frequent NPR contributor, Dickinson is giving away her memoir. Amy tells the tumultuous and often heartwarming story of her divorce and of raising her daughter, Emily, in her small hometown of Freeville, New York.

With the help of the wonderful women of her family, whom she has dubbed the Mighty Queens of Freeville,  Amy is working to establish a new life for herself and her young child; it’s about life and the importance of love, family, and friendships.

Publishers Weekly says that “Dickinson’s irresistible memoir reads like a letter from an upbeat best friend.”

Lastly, Christine Coppa — who pens Glamour’s popular blog Storked! — is giving away copies of her just-published memoir, Rattled.

Christine details the night that she and her boyfriend of not-yet three months slept together. In straight-out honesty, she describes how she and “A” relinquished the condom.

One of our favorite lines early in the book is: “Penises should just come with condoms.”

Although both of our lives share many parallels to Christine’s –raising our kids solo without a father in the picture — she swiftly figured out how to fit a baby into her social lifestyle. (It took both of us a good many years and one of us is still figuring this out!)

She even had the wherewithal to realize early on that her little boy would also need role models. Her father and brothers stepped up to the plate for her — and Jack Domenic.

“Everyone seems to think he is my husband,” Christine writes about her brother, Carlo. “Carlo is the most prominent male figure in Jack’s life. He even changes poo diapers.”

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So, here’s the scoop: 15 of you will win a copy of one of these memoirs!

All you need to do is answer this question:

“If you were going to write a memoir, what would the title be?”

If you have a preference about winning a certain title, please note it, and we’ll do our best to make it happen.

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2. How to be a happy single mother When Orit Sutton was eight months pregnant, her baby’s father...

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Does “Accidentally on Purpose” describe you?

Mary Pols‘ memoir opens with a one-night stand with an adorable but unemployed guy ten years her junior –and a night without a condom.

From the start, I was riveted by Accidentally on Purpose: A One-Night Stand, My Unplanned Parenthood, and Loving the Best Mistake I Ever Made.

Movie critic Mary Pols knew at age 39 that she wanted to have a baby. But never, ever on her own. Whether you’re a single mom by choice or circumstance, you’ll relate to the writing — and drama! — here.

Accidentally on Purpose is honest, candid, painful — and even funny about romance, single motherhood, work, dating.

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Thinking about knocking yourself up?

Knock Yourself Up is a marvelous book filled with sweet and stirring stories about women who chose single motherhood. Louise Sloan is a graceful and witty writer. If you are contemplating single motherhood, this is a must read. If you simply enjoy laughing out loud, this book will provide plenty of opportunity.

Inspiration for life changing action!

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Riveting single mom biography of the real King and I!

Left suddenly widowed with two young children, Anna arrived in Singapore six weeks later with a refurbished surname and a brand-new identity. Bombay Anna: The Real Story and Remarkable Adventures of the King and I Governess shows this governess’ adventures throughout her extraordinary life.

This is the story of Anna Leonowens (1831 – 1915) who became famous decades after her death as the well-born, gently bred governess. This story also became the blockbuster Broadway musical, The King and I.

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