MashReads Podcast: 'The Mothers' is an intimate coming-of-age novel

Author Brit Bennett has a rule for writing:

"Whenever I am writing something that makes me uncomfortable, I want to go into the direction of that discomfort,' she said. "The discomfort is not a reason not to write it. It’s a reason to write it.”

It's this rule that has allowed Bennett to write her book The Mothers, a moving and beautiful novel that tackles the complex and painful themes of suicide, abortion, religion, family and loss.

The novel begins with Nadia, a girl who, after the death of her mother when she is 17, has a fling with the son of a pastor, gets pregnant and decides to terminate the pregnancy. The story then follows Nadia throughout her life, exploring how the repercussions of that decision effect not only her but also her community and her future relationships.

This week on the MashReads Podcast, Bennett joins us to discuss the book.

Join us as we talk to Bennett about The Mothers, finding success at a young age, writing about uncomfortable themes and finding wisdom in literature.

As always, we close the show with recommendations.

• Brit recommends Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson. "I think it's so poetic and meditative and beautiful." She also recommends The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (which was a MashReads book club selection in October). "I thought it was the best book of the year."

• MJ recommends Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed. "It's the first book that I've tried to read slowly and savor it. I've read her essay 'How You Get Unstuck' so many times, especially this week."

Also, if you are looking for something new to read, check out our official MashReads November book club selection: The Sun Is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon. Yoon will be chatting with MashReads IRL on Nov. 29, at 7:00 p.m. ET, at McNally Jackson in New York City. We hope you can join the discussion. And if you're looking for more book news, don't forget to follow MashReads on Facebook and Twitter.