When I first started blogging, I was incredibly lucky. One of the first commenters I had (that wasn't related to me) was Joanne Bamberger. I had been stalking her blog for awhile because I so admired her mix of smarts, motherhood and politics on her blog, Pundit Mom. When she We had so much in common, but Joanne also challenged some of my views about politics and feminism. She's made me examine my own biases through a critical lens and she does with a deft hand. (Plus, Joanna is also a recovering lawyer. Although I didn't know it at the time, we would also eventually have the "recovering" part in common as well.)
Joanne has done so much for me professionally. When I wouldn't call myself a "real" writer, she smacked me upside the head. (Virtually, of course.) She introduced me to others in the bloggy world of moms and politics. She was my entree into the DC Metro Moms blog and we both joined MOMocrats at the same time. She's been a loyal cheerleader and an amazing friend over the last 5 years.
In the same time, Joanne has done some wonderful things. When we met, she was already an accomplished writer and blogger, but now her name is always mentioned as one of the top female political bloggers. She's debated conservatives on CNN, Fox and others. She's had policy discussions with our country's legislative leaders. She works tirelessly to do all of this with civility and respect for others, something that is often lost in politics.
Now, my dear friend has written a book. Now, this post isn't a review. I haven't read the book yet. Although, yes, I pre-ordered it on Amazon like, the moment it was available. But I already know that it's a must read. You see, the book, Mothers of Intention, takes its name from the series of guest posts from Joanne's blog. On Pundit Mom, she's been running the Mothers of Intention series for several years. (My post for the series appears in February of 2008.) She features women writing about politics, bt she doesn't just feature political writers. Joanne has managed to talk women (conservative and progressive) who swore they knew nothing about politics to open up and realize, well, HECK YEAH, maybe I DO have some opinions! And yes, those opinions matter.
The book also brings Jo's always thoughtful analysis to the topic of how women and social media are revolutionizing politics on both sides of the aisle. It's not just the boys' game anymore and Joanne knows it. I can't wait to read it. I hope you'll read it too.
In the interests of full disclosure, I should tell you that I'm a contributor to the book, although it's not the post linked above. But I'm just one of many, many thoughtful voices in the book. I'm actually amazed to be included with such wonderful women and I have Joanne to thank for that.
