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Instant Mom Kindle Edition

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 650 ratings

A New York Times bestseller, Instant Mom is Academy Award-nominated writer/star Nia Vardalos’s true story of becoming a mother through adoption.

“Some families are created in different ways but are still, in every way, a family.”

Writer and star of
My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Nia Vardalos firmly believed she was supposed to be a mom, but Mother Nature and modern medicine had put her in a headlock. So she made a choice that shocked friends, family, and even herself: with only fourteen hours’ notice, she adopted a preschooler.

Instant Mom is Vardalos’s poignant and hilarious true chronicle of trying to become a mother while fielding nosy “frenemies” and Hollywood reporters asking, “Any baby news?” With genuine and frank honesty, she describes how she and husband Ian Gomez eventually found their daughter . . . and what happened next. Vardalos explores innovative ways to conquer the challenges all new moms face, from sleep to personal grooming, and learns that whether via biology, relationship, or adoption—motherhood comes in many forms.

Featuring laugh-out-loud behind the scenes Hollywood anecdotes, Vardalos candidly shares her instant motherhood story that is relatable for all new moms (and dads!)

“If you have ever considered bringing a child who isn’t an infant into your family, it’s the book you’ll want to read. And if you just enjoy a good, honest memoir, it’s the book for you, too.” —New York Times’ Motherlode Blog

“Refreshingly candid for all parents-plus anyone considering adoption. We know Nia is many things: writer, actress, director, musical theater lover! Here, though, you learn she is a mom first. Pure, beautiful honesty.” —Kristin Chenoweth

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

With her love of family fully on display in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, the movie she wrote and starred in, it’s no surprise Vardalos had always wanted to be a mother. After 10 agonizing years undergoing fertility treatment, she and her husband looked into adoption, a process with its own ups and downs. Finally, with only 14 hours’ notice, Vardalos was the mother of a three-year-old girl. The years enduring the well-meaning inquiries of friends, mean-spirited jibes of insensitive women, and probing of Hollywood reporters were over. Now all she had to figure out was how to mother a preschooler with a very well-developed personality and cope with her own early insecurities about the “match.” Vardalos offers candor, humor, and poignancy in her account of adoption and parenthood as she pokes fun at parenting memoirs but delivers on emotional impact. Readers can feel the tension between desire to share her joy and good fortune and wish to maintain her child’s privacy. Vardalos, who has become a spokesperson for adoption, offers helpful information on the process as well as encouragement to prospective adoptive parents. --Vanessa Bush

Review

“Laugh-out-loud and painful-in-the-shins.…The author holds nothing back as she chronicles the years leading up to the adoption.” — Kirkus

“I expected to laugh. I didn’t expect to cry. And I certainly didn’t expect to laugh and cry on the same page. Instant Mom is for anyone whose life plan didn’t follow the path they anticipated, and shows us that unexpected obstacles can lead to beautiful rewards.” — Rachel Dratch, author of Girl Walks Into a Bar

“Funny, smart,and full of grounded wisdom that shines much-needed light on adoption I couldn’t stop reading this hilarious and gripping rollercoaster of a story. Nia is an authentic, rocking female role model in so many ways...and being an instant mom is just one of them.” — Jewel

An instant classic. Refreshingly candid for all parents-plus anyone considering adoption. (I was adopted!) We know Nia is many things: writer, actress, director, musical theater lover! Here, though, you learn she is a mom first. Pure, beautiful honesty.” — Kristin Chenoweth

“Readers can feel the tension between desire to share her joy and good fortune and wish to maintain her child’s privacy. Vardalos offers candor, humor, and poignancy in her account of adoption and parenthood as she pokes fun at parenting memoirs but delivers on emotional impact.” — Booklist

“If you have ever considered bringing a child who isn’t an infant into your family, it’s the book you’ll want to read. And if you just enjoy a good, honest memoir, it’s the book for you, too.” — New York Times’ Motherlode Blog

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0089LOH8S
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperOne; Reprint edition (April 2, 2013)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 2, 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.8 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 293 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 650 ratings

About the author

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Nia Vardalos
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Nia Vardalos is the Academy Award and Golden Globe nominated actress and writer of My Big Fat Greek Wedding. An alumnus of The Second City comedy theater, she also starred in and wrote Connie and Carla and I Hate Valentine's Day, starred in My Life In Ruins, and co-wrote Larry Crowne with Tom Hanks. Born and raised in Canada, Vardalos now resides in Los Angeles with her husband, their daughter, and many pets and is currently working on balancing her acting and writing career with motherhood and adoption advocacy.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
650 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and entertaining. They appreciate the author's witty writing style and insightful information about adoption. The book provides valuable information for families considering adoption. Readers praise the author's honest, straightforward writing style that is moving and full of heart. The book touches on topics such as communication with expectant parents and celebrity life.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

141 customers mention "Readability"141 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's content. They find it informative, funny, and heartbreaking. Many readers say it's an entertaining read for vacations. The author's career and life are interesting to learn about. The book is a must-read for anyone considering adoption.

"...Thanks for the good read, and the laughs along the way." Read more

"...someone who can afford 13 rounds of IVF, but other than that, a very good book that allows any family struggling to conceive a child or considering..." Read more

"...'s go ahead and see what she has to say." Well, the book is great!..." Read more

"...That they did it with such joy, enthusiasm, patience, and HILARITY made it all the more fun to read...." Read more

139 customers mention "Humor"139 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor and witty way of describing emotions. They find it poignant, touching, and interesting. The story is described as bittersweet, endearing, and moving.

"...It was heartfelt, sad, joyous and all the emotions inbetween watching or reading about Nia and Ian, accepting and loving their new daughter..." Read more

"Hilarious!!! Honest and open about the struggles of infertility and the evolution to adoption that many parents face...." Read more

"...I was amazed at how open she is in this book: the emotions, the anger, the embarrassing moments, the sense of "Everywoman" finding her way..." Read more

"...That they did it with such joy, enthusiasm, patience, and HILARITY made it all the more fun to read...." Read more

93 customers mention "Insight"93 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and helpful. They appreciate the references and resources provided at the end. The author shares her experiences with facts relevant to other situations.

"...It was heartfelt, sad, joyous and all the emotions inbetween watching or reading about Nia and Ian, accepting and loving their new daughter..." Read more

"...excellent spokeswoman for the adoptive process, and the end of the book is full of resources as well as questions people considering adoption might..." Read more

"...just because it is a well-written joy to read but because it supports an amazing cause - foster care adoption...." Read more

"I truly enjoyed this book.....it was written with wry humor, yet shone with the love and awe the author and her husband have for their daughter...." Read more

64 customers mention "Adoption information"64 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides good information for families considering adoption. It shares the author's experiences and insights into life as new parents. Readers appreciate the perspective on fertility issues and adoption. The book gives them an appreciation for mothers who have the courage to take any child.

"...or reading about Nia and Ian, accepting and loving their new daughter unconditionally, no matter what she threw at them or how hard she bit..." Read more

"Hilarious!!! Honest and open about the struggles of infertility and the evolution to adoption that many parents face...." Read more

"...What a truly amazing story about a truly amazing family. I wish she were my mom!" Read more

"...Vardalos is an excellent spokeswoman for the adoptive process, and the end of the book is full of resources as well as questions people considering..." Read more

62 customers mention "Writing style"59 positive3 negative

Customers find the book engaging and heartwarming. They appreciate the author's honest and realistic portrayal of her experience, making it easy for them to relate. The writing style is described as down-to-earth, well-written, and engaging.

"...I found this book to be a real honest portrayal not only of the journey through infertility, but also the beginning days of bringing a little one..." Read more

"...like that could have written such a funny, honest book that is so full of heart. You simply can't fake what she wrote...." Read more

"...Very informative, heartfelt and humorous, Vardalos describes a painful journey towards motherhood, and the joys and challenges adoptive families..." Read more

"...Overall a very good book and a great short read for those interested in adoption, having had adopted or are in the process of adoption." Read more

33 customers mention "Honesty"33 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's honesty and straightforward discussion in the book. They find the book heartwarming and funny, with honest moments that will stay with them. The author's candor about how to talk to expectant parents and those who hope to expect is information everyone can appreciate.

"...My suspicions were true, and she was very open and honest in this book...." Read more

"Hilarious!!! Honest and open about the struggles of infertility and the evolution to adoption that many parents face...." Read more

"...'s no way that a diva like that could have written such a funny, honest book that is so full of heart. You simply can't fake what she wrote...." Read more

"I love this book. It's brimming over with courage, truth and hilarity, all at the same time!..." Read more

20 customers mention "Touch"20 positive0 negative

Customers find the book touching and honest. They say it feels true and is a lighthearted, feel-good read packed with life lessons.

"Being a long time fan of Nia's light-hearted, feel good, packed-with-life-lessons-but-sugar-coated movies, I felt gob smacked to learn she had..." Read more

"Nia Vardalos' memoir is funny and touching and interesting! I think anyone who has tried (successfully or not) to conceive will relate to her story...." Read more

"...Nia and her husband had their dream come true - they seem to be very loving and committed parents...." Read more

"...adopting 3 amazing children, this book was incredibly meaningful and touching!..." Read more

14 customers mention "Charm"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book charming and funny. They describe the author as charming, humble, vulnerable, and tenacious. The book provides an informative look at what to expect when going from foster to adopt.

"...on what you "should" do; it's simply a funny, hearfelt, and honest look at how she and husband Ian Gomez came to build their family and meet..." Read more

"...I think this is a true look at what to expect when it comes to foster to adopt placements...." Read more

"...It's nice, but it's not exactly compelling reading. Thank goodness for a few Hollywood stories at the end that were too weird to not be true...." Read more

"...NIa's book is funny, bittersweet, endearing and very moving...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2014
    I read this book because Nia Vardalos always comes across as being honest. :)
    My suspicions were true, and she was very open and honest in this book.
    She walked the tightrope that adoptive parents walk of what to tell or not to tell regarding our children's histories with dignity and respect.
    Ok, suggesting they might name her "Cujo" was borderline, but then, you have to understand the humor behind that one.

    I found this book to be a real honest portrayal not only of the journey through infertility, but also the beginning days of bringing a little one home.
    It was heartfelt, sad, joyous and all the emotions inbetween watching or reading about Nia and Ian, accepting and loving their new daughter unconditionally, no matter what she threw at them or how hard she bit them.
    They RIGHTFULLY saw, it wasn't about them. It was about her, and helping her feel safe.

    I would consider this testimony a must read for potential adoptive parents, or those who are even in the trenches of adjustment.
    It will give you hope and help you know that you are not alone.
    Your child is terrified...Even if it comes off as aggression, it is a response to sheer terror.

    I so appreciate the care given to share how they dealt with these scenarios.

    Thanks for the good read, and the laughs along the way.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2016
    Hilarious!!! Honest and open about the struggles of infertility and the evolution to adoption that many parents face. Can't really relate with someone who can afford 13 rounds of IVF, but other than that, a very good book that allows any family struggling to conceive a child or considering adoption to exhale a bit and remember that we're not the only ones out there.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2013
    I downloaded this book because my husband and I are currently going through fertility treatments and are also considering adoption. I've always enjoyed Vardalos' movies, and I'd seen a few clips of her on TV as spokesperson for National Adoption Day, so I figured "let's go ahead and see what she has to say."
    Well, the book is great! You will snicker, laugh, cry, and nod in agreement as you follow the story of Vardalos' own journey through infertility to foster adoption. I was amazed at how open she is in this book: the emotions, the anger, the embarrassing moments, the sense of "Everywoman" finding her way through the puzzling maze of fertility treatments and adoption options. This isn't a movie star lecturing you on what you "should" do; it's simply a funny, hearfelt, and honest look at how she and husband Ian Gomez came to build their family and meet their daughter. Her humor is contagious, with just enough self-deprecation to show that she hasn't "lost touch" with all the other Everywomen out there.
    And yes, she does open up about her own family...so all you "Big Fat Greek Wedding" fans out there will have a field day with the trivia and fun facts she tosses around!
    Hollywood has always seemed to me to be a place full of out-of-touch egomaniacs. Thanks to Vardalos' book, I've learned that there are good, decent people and families with their own struggles everywhere you look. And if I ever get the chance to meet her, I'll thank her for giving lots of us infertile-yet-hopeful-moms-to-be this wonderful account of humor, heartbreak and joy.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2016
    I love this book so much. I'm only about half way through, but I couldn't wait to write a review. I loved Big Fat Greek Wedding, but had heard that Nia Vardalos was a diva and not well-liked in the industry. But there's no way that a diva like that could have written such a funny, honest book that is so full of heart. You simply can't fake what she wrote. While the rest of Hollywood was going about its shallow ways, Nia and Ian were busy at home welcoming a traumatized three-year-old foster child and transforming her into a happy, secure, confident girl. That they did it with such joy, enthusiasm, patience, and HILARITY made it all the more fun to read. My family has four very funny, irreverent people in it and I could relate to the oddball humor that makes her family so authentic and human.

    What a truly amazing story about a truly amazing family. I wish she were my mom!

Top reviews from other countries

  • Mrs Bradley
    5.0 out of 5 stars perfect pick me up for when parenting is tough
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 29, 2015
    I'm a single mum and found this book when I was having a particularly tough time being the person who has to do everything / be everything to my gorgeous daughter. This is a perfect mix of humorous anecdotes, heartfelt admissions and above all honest about the realities of adoption. Plenty of bits resonated with me, and I laughed and cried in equal measure. As an adoptive parent I found it reassuring and entertaining. It was good to read about someone else who has gone through the adoption process albeit in a different country to me, and for this to be written from a happy and positive perspective. It's clear from Nia's book that adopting her daughter has brought both her and her daughter great joy. I am immensely lucky I can say the same. This book found me at the perfect time, just when I needed a little positive reminder that whilst parenting is hard it's also a privilege and most of the time a real joy.
  • C. Mulholland
    5.0 out of 5 stars Nice to hear something positive about fostering
    Reviewed in Canada on July 29, 2013
    I enjoyed the book as she is from my hometown, but aside from that it is nice to hear something positive about fostering and adoption. I found the book funny and very realistic. Even though it is written about the American system there are a lot of similarities to Canada
  • C. A. Andrews
    4.0 out of 5 stars With her good humour and personal strength
    Reviewed in Canada on July 8, 2014
    With her good humour and personal strength, Nia tells us of her struggles to have a child and the problems and wonders of her decision to adopt. Good story, well told.
  • Elisabeth
    5.0 out of 5 stars Funny, best part is beginning...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 10, 2014
    Loved the book, funny, smart and informative. This is not a how to book, but does have some good tips. Vardalos writes well, entertaining. For a good laugh and a warm heart, I recommend this book. Enjoy.
  • Liz HOS
    5.0 out of 5 stars Informative, funny and honest
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 25, 2021
    We’re considering fostering and found it helpful, especially if you haven’t been a parent before

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