Teaching My Mother how to Give Birth
In 'Teaching My Mother How to Give Birth,' Warsan Shire explores the complex relationships between women, culture, and identity. Through poignant poetry, she delves into the struggles of motherhood, migration, and the female experience, offering a raw and intimate glimpse into her world. The collection unveils the nuances of generational trauma while celebrating resilience and strength. Shire's evocative language not only conveys the pain of loss but also the beauty of life and connection. This powerful work challenges readers to reconsider their understanding of heritage and femininity.
By Warsan Shire
Published: 2011
""I want to teach you how to stand up without needing to be held, how to find the light that lives in the shadows of your own skin.""
Start Listening
What Readers Say About This Book
"Arts Council England"--Page facing title page.
The Mike & Casey Show
Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts
Key Points from Teaching My Mother how to Give Birth
About the Author
Warsan Shire
Warsan Shire is a British-Somali poet, writer, and activist known for her poignant exploration of themes related to identity, migration, and womanhood. Born in Nairobi, Kenya, and raised in London, Shire’s work reflects her rich cultural heritage and personal experiences. Her notable publications include the poetry collections 'Teaching My Mother How to Give Birth' (2011) and 'Her Blue Body' (2015), both of which have received critical acclaim for their lyrical intensity and emotional depth. Shire's writing style is characterized by its vivid imagery, raw honesty, and a strong sense of voice, often drawing on her own experiences as a daughter of Somali immigrants. She gained further recognition as the lyricist for Beyoncé's 2016 visual album 'Lemonade', amplifying her impact on contemporary literature and popular culture.
Book Details
Key information about the book.
- Authors
- Warsan Shire
- Published
- January 2011
- Publisher
- Mouthmark
- ISBN
- 1905233299
- Language
- English
- Pages
- N/A
- Genres
- MotherhoodFeminist LiteratureWomen
Purchase Options
Buy on Amazon
Buy via BookShopSupport local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
Similar books you might like →
Women Who Run with the Wolves
Clarissa Pinkola Estés Phd
The Baby Book
William Sears, Martha Sears
Raising Boys by Design
Dr. Gregory L. Jantz, Michael Gurian
Positive Parenting Solutions Simplified
Arun Raj Valiyapurakkal
Women, Fire, and Dangerous Things
George Lakoff
The Success Equation
Michael J. Mauboussin
The Dream of a Common Language
Adrienne Rich
Women Who Love Too Much
Robin Norwood
Prussian Blue
Philip Kerr
To Show and to Tell
Phillip Lopate
Little Women
Louisa May Alcott
Women in Clothes
Sheila Heti, Heidi Julavits, Leanne Shapton
This Is My Life
Meg Wolitzer
The Trident
Jason Redman, John Bruning
A People's History of the United States
Howard Zinn
The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game
Michael Lewis
Girl, Woman, Other
Bernardine Evaristo
Men Without Women
Haruki Murakami
The Mothers
Brit Bennett
Kim Ji-Young, Born 1982
Cho Nam-Joo
Only Don't Know
Seung Sahn
The Hotel New Hampshire
John Irving
The Second Sex
Simone de Beauvoir
A Vindication of the Rights of Men; A Vindication of the Rights of Woman; An Historical and Moral View of the French Revolution
Mary Wollstonecraft
Finding Your Own North Star
Martha Beck
Spies of the Balkans
Alan Furst
Thick
Tressie McMillan Cottom
Mythos
Stephen Fry
The Vagina Monologues
Eve Ensler
Take your reading experience to the next level
Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.
Book Collections you might like →
Adam Grant's Book Recommendations
Adam Grant is a renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, celebrated for his influential work on motivation and workplace dynamics. He is a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he has been the youngest tenured professor and earned numerous teaching awards. Grant's books, including "Give and Take," "Originals," and "Think Again," have been translated into multiple languages and have topped bestseller lists worldwide. His research and insights are frequently featured in major media outlets, and he hosts the popular podcast "WorkLife." Through his writing and speaking, Grant has profoundly impacted the fields of psychology, business, and education.
View Collection
Emma Watson's Book Recommendations
Emma Watson is a British actress and activist best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the "Harry Potter" film series, which brought J.K. Rowling's beloved books to life. Beyond her acting career, Watson has made significant contributions to literature by promoting gender equality and women's rights through her work with the United Nations, including the HeForShe campaign. She has also curated and shared book recommendations that highlight feminist literature and diverse voices. Watson graduated from Brown University with a degree in English literature, further emphasizing her dedication to the literary world. Her advocacy and influence have made her a prominent figure in both the entertainment and literary communities.
View Collection
Arianna Huffington's Book Recommendations
Arianna Huffington is the founder of The Huffington Post and Thrive Global, a company focused on wellness and productivity. She is a bestselling author and prominent speaker on the importance of sleep and managing stress. Arianna’s work emphasizes the importance of balance between professional success and personal well-being. Her book The Sleep Revolution has inspired a global movement to prioritize rest. She is considered one of the most influential women in media and business.
View Collection
Michael Pollan's Book Recommendations
Michael Pollan is a renowned American author and journalist, celebrated for his insightful explorations of food, agriculture, and human culture. His groundbreaking book, "The Omnivore's Dilemma," published in 2006, critically examines the complexities of the modern food industry and has become a seminal work in food studies. Pollan's engaging narrative style and thorough research have earned him a place on The New York Times Best Seller list multiple times. In addition to his literary contributions, he is also a professor of journalism at the University of California, Berkeley. Pollan's work continues to influence public discourse on sustainable eating and the ethical implications of food choices.
View Collection
Audrey Gelman's Book Recommendations
Audrey Gelman is an American entrepreneur and writer, best known as the co-founder and former CEO of The Wing, a network of co-working spaces and social clubs designed for women. She has been recognized for her innovative approach to creating supportive environments for professional women, significantly impacting feminist discourse and workplace equality. Gelman has also contributed thought-provoking essays to prominent publications such as The New York Times and The New Yorker, where she discusses gender, politics, and culture. Her leadership at The Wing has been celebrated for fostering community and collaboration among women. Additionally, Gelman's influence extends to the political sphere, having previously worked as a press aide on several high-profile campaigns.
View Collection
Janet Mock's Book Recommendations
Janet Mock is an acclaimed writer, director, and transgender rights activist known for her groundbreaking memoir, "Redefining Realness," which became a New York Times bestseller. She followed this with "Surpassing Certainty," further cementing her voice in contemporary literature. Mock's work has not only highlighted her own journey but also brought vital visibility to the transgender community. In addition to her literary achievements, she has made significant contributions to television, notably as a writer, director, and producer for the series "Pose." Through her multifaceted career, Mock has become a powerful advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and an influential figure in modern storytelling.
View Collection
Shonda Rhimes's Book Recommendations
Shonda Rhimes is an American television producer, screenwriter, and author, best known for creating hit shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and How to Get Away with Murder. As one of the most powerful women in Hollywood, Rhimes has redefined the television landscape with her diverse storytelling and strong female characters. She has built an empire under her production company, Shondaland, and signed a groundbreaking deal with Netflix to produce exclusive content. Rhimes is also an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry, using her platform to push for greater representation on screen and behind the scenes.
View Collection
Gabby Reece's Book Recommendations
Gabby Reece is a renowned American professional volleyball player, sports announcer, and fitness icon, best known for her athletic prowess and contributions to promoting a healthy lifestyle. Beyond her sports career, Reece co-authored the book "Big Girl in the Middle" with Karen Karbo, which offers an insightful look into her life and career, blending autobiography with motivational advice. She has also contributed to the literature on fitness and wellness through her work in fitness magazines and her co-authored book "My Foot Is Too Big for the Glass Slipper," where she shares candid reflections on marriage, motherhood, and maintaining a balanced life. As a public figure, Reece has become a prominent advocate for health, fitness, and women's empowerment, inspiring millions through her writing and public appearances. Her influence extends beyond the volleyball court, making her a significant voice in contemporary discussions about fitness and personal growth.
View Collection
Sheryl Sandberg's Book Recommendations
Sheryl Sandberg is the COO of Meta (formerly Facebook) and the author of the bestselling book Lean In, which encourages women to pursue leadership roles and create gender equality in the workplace. She is a prominent advocate for women’s rights, particularly in corporate environments, and has launched initiatives to support women’s empowerment globally. Sheryl’s leadership at Facebook helped the company grow into one of the world’s largest social media platforms. She is also the founder of LeanIn.Org, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women.
View Collection
Bozoma Saint John's Book Recommendations
Bozoma Saint John is a renowned business executive and marketing guru, celebrated for her transformative impact on major companies such as Uber, Apple Music, and Netflix. Though primarily known for her corporate achievements, Saint John captured her experiences and insights in her memoir, "The Urgent Life," which offers an intimate look into overcoming personal and professional challenges. Her dynamic storytelling and candid approach have inspired many, making her a significant voice in contemporary literature. Beyond her memoir, she has been a prominent advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Her work continues to influence both the business and literary worlds, blending leadership lessons with deeply personal narratives.
View Collection“"I want to teach you how to stand up without needing to be held, how to find the light that lives in the shadows of your own skin."”
Teaching My Mother how to Give Birth
By Warsan Shire
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Our Catalogue
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.