Peanut Butter and Naan: Stories of an American Mom in the Far East

(Paperback, New edition)

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Fly-by-the-seat-of-her-pants mom Jennifer Magnuson knew her spoiled suburban brood needed a wake-up callshe just couldnt find the time to fit one in. But when her husband was offered a position in India, she saw it for what it was: the perfect opportunity for her family to unplug from their over-scheduled and pampered lives in Nashville and gain some much-needed perspective. What she didnt realize was how much their time in India would transform her as well.

A combination of Eat, Pray, Love and Modern Family, with a dash of Chelsea Handler thrown in for good measure, Peanut Butter and Naan is Magnusons hilarious look at the chaos of parenting against a backdrop of malaria, extreme poverty, and no conveniences of any kindand her story of rediscovering herself and revitalizing her connection with those she loves the most. In India, after years of parenting under a cloud of anxiety, Magnuson found a renewed sense of adventure and fearlessness (a discovery that was totally worth the many months of hiding anti-malarial medication in her kids morning oatmeal), and started to become the mother shed always hoped to be. Hers is a story about motherhood that will not only make you laugh and nod with recognitionit will inspire you to fall in love with your own family all over again.

Reviews

In this thoughtful, often hilarious book, Magnuson crosses parenting cultures with her husband and five children, gaining insight into herself, and ultimately finding her tribe. A powerful debut, Magnuson has the gift of conversational prose laced with a quick wit. Marcelle Soviero, Editor in Chief Brain, Child: The Magazine for Thinking Mothers Jennifer Hillman-Magnuson places readers in India through evocative details and scenes, and introduces us to characters who breathe. We journey with her as she navigates mothering five children in this vastly different culture, and it is an entertaining, illuminating and enjoyable ride. Erin Byrne, award-winning writer of travel, fiction, poetry and film Peanut Butter and Naan is equal parts hilarious, moving and inspiring. Jennifer Hillman Magnuson's journey through India with her brood makes me want to hop on a plane with my kids and live life to the fullest! Deva Dalporto, MyLifeSuckers.com Honest, hilarious, heart-warming. Jennifer Hillman-Magnuson avoids a universal set of motherhood do's and don'ts and tells instead a refreshing tale of how far she was willing to go - literally across the globe - to teach her children, and ultimately herself, what it is to live a meaningful life. Glenys Loewen-Thomas, contributor to Cup of Comfort book series

Author Bio

Jennifer Hillman-Magnuson is a writer and mother of five. She has lived in India and Abu Dhabi, and now resides full-time with her family in Oregon. She has written for Nickelodeon, Brain, Child magazine, and other print and online publications.