INSTANT MOM

It's the seamless voice of an accomplished actress that delivers this charming memoir of how a 40-something woman jumped into motherhood by adopting a preschooler. Nia Vardalos's energetic pacing and palpable desire to share her story add something special to this tenderly written, authentic memoir. Vardalos wrote and starred in MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING, and her memoir is surprisingly intimate, full of candid reflections on her attempts to have a baby and her vigorous engagement with the world of adoption opportunities. The closing chapters, heartwarming and satisfying, deal with the more universal joys and frustrations of learning to be a parent and coming to terms with mommy culture, and having a personal life while doing what it takes to help a child become independent and happy. T.W. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2013]