Book Review | Totlandia

Title: Totlandia The Onesies (Book 1, Fall)

Author: Josie Brown

My Review:

The Pacific Heights Mom and Tots Club is the most prestigious playgroup in the entire San Francisco area. Only ten tots are allowed per age group and with the onesies group already losing six spots to legacy children the race is on to fill the remaining four spots. Lorna, Brady, Ally, Jillian, Kelly and Chakra will do anything to have their precious children chosen for the coveted spots, including keeping their membership ruining secrets safe.

I must say, right from the first page Totlandia made me laugh at some of the predicaments that mother’s are placed in when they are dealing with a one year old. As a mother of three, I could empathize with Lorna as she chased a diaper through the park and was forced to haggle with a spoiled four year old.

And on the other hand, I shed a few tears as Jillian’s world falls apart around her and she can barely hold the pieces together for her daughters.

The author did an amazing job at giving each character a distinct voice and their own trial that they are trying to overcome throughout the book. I don’t think I would ever want to join a playgroup so badly that I would force myself to give in to the demands that membership in the PHM&T club requires, but the author makes each characters reasoning completely understandable and believable. I found myself cheering them on and hoping they make the cut even though part of my mind was thinking how ridiculous it all was. But really, friendship and support for mother’s is a key part of keeping sane when you have little ones to take care of. I know from experience.

There was a bit more intimate moments then I had expected, but nothing that made me cringe and the language was kept pretty minimal which I appreciated. There’s nothing worse than having your book world shattered with an unpleasant word or scene.

My biggest complaint was that it was over too quickly. It’s only 107 pages, which goes rather quickly when you’re enjoying the world that you’re in. I would have loved to have been able to experience a few more gatherings before the initial cut, but as I understand it there will be three more ‘episodes’ to the Onesies year. I look forward to being able to continue with the drama that is the PHM&T club.

*I received a copy of this book to review but was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this novel.*