Arrival Stories: Women Share Their Experiences of Becoming Mothers

Comedian Schumer and supermodel-turned-humanitarian Turlington Burns compile a diverse collection of stories that reveal the many paths toward motherhood. Celebrities’ stories feature heavily, though much care is taken in selecting voices from a variety of racial backgrounds, economic classes, sexualities, professions, family, and birthing experiences. The collection centers on the fact that in America, maternal healthcare for Black and Brown women is statistically more dangerous and deadly, regardless of wealth, education, and fame. Most writers narrate their own stories, which brings additional intimacy and emotional weight to the listening experience. Standouts include Abby G. Lopez’s emotive reading of her first doula shift in the “Advocate,” which offers a glimpse into the stark reality of many non-English-speaking mothers’ birthing experiences. Another powerful addition is Amber Tamblyn’s wrenching poem for her miscarriage, abortion, and daughter. Veteran narrator Adenrele Ojo does not miss a beat when voicing A-listers Serena Williams and Jill Scott. Each story offers a singular yet revealing narrative.