Book Review of “Unbound” by Jamie Sumner

The journey to motherhood is often not an easy and direct path. Author Jamie Sumner knows this lesson all too well, and she has written a refreshing memoir about her story called: Unbound: Finding Freedom from Unrealistic Expectations of Motherhood. The chapters of this book unfold in a realistic voice, as Sumner chronicles her rush through the newlywed stage of marriage only to fight a long battle with infertility that takes numerous detours and periods of heartache en route to a baby, a NICU experience, and an understanding that many things in life are so far beyond one’s control.

Throughout the book, Sumner explains how her faith was tested and how often it was her own anger and stubbornness that kept her from finding acceptance of her situation. She vents her frustrations and looks for distractions via her job as a teacher in order to cope with hormone shots, multiple visits to the doctors, a miscarriage, in vitro fertilization treatments, and more. It was crushing (and will be relatable for many) to hear the story of how the author and her husband shared the news of pregnancy early to family, only to experience loss the very next day.

Motherhood can be lonely, especially when a person feels she is on the outside of it all and has to endure complications instead of pregnancy joy. Sumner articulates this point so eloquently in Unbound, by pointing out how unrealistic expectations isolate and alienate many. Readers, especially those who are mothers or soon-to-be moms, will nod along often with the author. Women who are feeling depressed or ostracized due to miscarriage or the need for medical assistance in order to get pregnant, will hopefully see throughout the book that they are not alone in their plights.

The best reading in Unbound-Finding Freedom from Unrealistic Expectations of Motherhood comes from the parts of self-reflection. Sumner emphasizes how important living in the present is for all mothers and people in general. Looking ahead and wanting something so much, can make individuals lose sight of what is really important. She points out in beautiful prose how having a plan is no guarantee for happiness, “The best gifts are the ones you don’t pick out yourself. The best memories are the ones you don’t manufacture. The same goes for life and all its turnings.”

The memoir’s self-reflection sections are wonderful, but the writing surrounding Sumner’s NICU experience will call out the most empathy from readers. The infertility struggle for her was difficult, but to then be faced with bed rest and an uncertain future for her newborn…it is a situation that will resonate with anyone who has ever loved a sick child and worried about their health and safekeeping. The complicated network of treatments and NICU care is detailed well, and shows how hard it can be to make long-term decisions for tiny humans.

This book falls under the reading category of Christian Living/Motherhood. There is gospel throughout the story that offers good context and insight without overtaking the book and making it only a study in theology. Many will appreciate the author’s balance between present day situations and historical Bible stories. The majority of religious reflections are about strong, biblical women who endured marital and child-bearing hardships. These lessons and Sumner’s narration prove that motherhood is a great test, but also an amazing reward.

Jaime Sumner has written a book that—at first glance—appears to speak to a very specific group and border the line of being too niche for a general reading audience. However, her story is about more than parenting and gospel. It is a narrative about faith, hope, and the unpredictability of motherhood. It is a story for anyone who has ever questioned their life’s journey.

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