Laura Bennett was the only contestant that's been pregnant on Project Runway. Already a mother of 5, she made it to Bryant Park and came in second. I loved her clothes, but didn't think I could ever have related to her.
Still, I jumped at the opportunity to review her new book Didn't I Feed You Yesterday?, and found that we actually have a lot in common.
Bennett's first child is a product of a previous marriage, and she was a single mom for three years. Then she met Peter, and along came five boys. And a stint on one of the best reality shows on television.
Bennett's writing style is just as sophisticated as her clothes, but as a mother, she's way more casual.
She doesn't sweat the small stuff. She accepts that it takes a village, and pays tribute to every member. She has clearly considered all of the alternative ways of parenting, and even if her decisions might be controversial at times, it is clear she has made her own informed choice.
Her book is full of humor, most particularly at herself. She makes no apologies, but can admit her mistakes or shortcomings.
Her book is best enjoyed with a glass of wine, curled up in your favorite reading space while your kids sleep. Warning: you may lose track of time and go to bed too late. Each chapter is its own story, but I kept turning the pages anyway, thinking, "just one more."
The ending was a little abrupt, but the acknowledgments make up for it and give a sense of closure.
I asked her for any advice she might have for single parents: "When I was a single mother and dating in New York, I never felt that I was damaged goods. I never felt that having a child was a liability, or made me any less desirable that any of the other women out there. In fact, I think it is what made my relationship with my current husband so successful."
I think that must be Bennett's strongest asset; her self-confidence allows her to overcome any challenge that comes her way.
You can read an excerpt of the book on The Daily Beast. And then buy it.
3 comments:
I hoped that she won from the show but its good to know that this book is just like her designs too.
I really like the self-confidence quote!
I didn't know she put out a book. I'll have to check it out when I'm done with "Getting Naked Again." And I love what she said at the end!
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