Madness, Mayhem and Motherhood

Description

A wild roller-coaster ride through the ups and downs of motherhood and mental illness. At 26, Nikki found herself knocking on her best friend's door with a suitcase, a jar of coins and two little boys - all she had in the world. Madness, Mayhem and Motherhood is her funny, sad and brutally candid account of her life through poverty, homelessness, child-rearing, friendships, lust, love and loss. Whether she was cleaning the houses of millionaires to put food on the table, falling hard for The Wiggles, drowning in cask wine, living in a tent or dealing with predatory landlords, Nikki refused to go under and tethered her survival to her love for her children, which pulled her through the darkest days. In Madness, Mayhem and Motherhood, the struggles are raw but the laughs are loud and the love is palpable. Being a poor, mad mother has its challenges but Nikki McWatters humanises the face of poverty, while arm-wrestling her mental illness into submission and packing school lunches like a boss. Madness, Mayhem and Motherhood is a powerful, touching and wildly entertaining story of maternal endurance.

Nikki McWatters was shortlisted for a Queensland Premier's Literary Award (2010) and has published a memoir and two young adult novels. She won the Irish Moth Award (2016) and has written for the Sydney Morning Herald, The UK Huffington Post and The Big Issue. She is currently the spokesperson for the annual Vinnie's CEO Sleepout. Nikki also has a law degree in her bottom drawer somewhere. https-//nikkimcwatters.wordpress.com

'Nikki's voice is one that's not often heard. Raw, unfiltered, honest, this the story of a mother who, through sheer guts and determination, took up arms against poverty, mental illness and hopelessness in pursuit of a "Happy Ever After". And that's just the first bit ...' Wendy Harmer 'If you've ever felt like you weren't a good enough parent, partner or person, Nikki McWatters is the most important companion. She reminds us all - with rich insight, and without sentimentality - that to be flawed is to be richly and captivatingly human.' Benjamin Law 'Nikki McWatters recalls the hustle and the heartbreak of being single mum on a shoestring. She takes us on the epic highs and lows of becoming your kids' best friend and your own worst enemy. Hot-blooded and quick-witted, this book whips the breath from your lungs.' Jenny Valentish 'An honest voice which brilliantly tells the story of a woman who gets knocked down but gets up again. Over and over again. Nikki McWatters proves that love can overcome even the most unbelievable tragedies. Compelling, beautifully written and a complete page turner.' Mrs Woog