About the Book
This all began 34 years ago. A common topic among my friends–especially when combined with a glass or two of wine–was our mothers-in-law. We bolstered each other over unjust criticisms and trivial verbal skirmishes. No matter how minor or egregious the story, we promised each other that we would always remember how these interactions felt and never do the same when we became mothers-in-law.
Then, somehow, we fast-forwarded through 34 years of life. As our children began to pair up and move into their own marriages and partnerships, we actually couldn’t remember specifically what was so terrible or why it had mattered so much. I had this nagging suspicion that we were about to make a new generation of micro-inequities and mis-steps.
The Good, the Bad, the Mother-in-Law is a collection of stories about good and (alarmingly) bad mothers-in-law, as told to me by co-workers, friends and family. The book covers the MIL journey–from engagement and wedding to the pitter-patter of grandchildren. Other themes touch on generational communication, taming the need to control, and pitfalls to watch for. Who knew that Facebook is not always our friend?
I wrote the book for my fellow mothers-in-law (or, MILs) but it should entertain a generation of DILs too. This is a book to scan and enjoy ... and learn a little bit too. I know I did.
About the author
Kenis Dunne wonders if three decades is some sort of questionable record for writing and publishing a 120-page book. “Hey, I had stuff to do – marriage, career, children, planning to join a gym.”
She has spent her career working with words, starting as a journalist writing for community newspapers and then moving into various forms of communications for trade associations and hi-tech companies. Along the way, she and her husband raised two daughters and one son. She is a mother-in-law twice over, and a grandmother of three.
Kenis and her husband Rob live in Monterey, California.
Reader Chatter
“These true stories range from downright shocking to surprisingly heartwarming. I was sad to see each chapter end. A must-read for mothers and daughters-in-law who wish to learn the value of communication, respect, and seeing things from one another’s perspective.”
— Amanda P., daughter-in-law and mother
“Have you ever wondered if you were the only daughter-in-law with mother-in-law issues? This funny, quirky book is a must read. Daughter-in-law commentators hold nothing back in The Good, the Bad, the Mother-in-Law. You will laugh and grimace, and discover you are not alone.“
— Moryt Milo, former editor of the Silicon Valley Business Journal
“I loved this book. It is a combination of lessons, humor, and the best and worst mother-in-law examples. The Wisdom from a MIL Virtuoso story reminded me to forgive, forget and lead with love and maybe sometimes you just have to get out of the way.”
— Cindy Small, mother-in-law and grandmother of three
“Solidly entertaining and poignantly sweet, this book had me gasping at the bad mothers-in-law, laughing with the insightful daughters-in-law, and reminiscing about my own late mother-in-law with warmth and affection.”
— Cady McCowin, experienced daughter-in-law