Moms Don't Have Time To Read Books | Podcast with Guests Rachel Dodes and Lauren Mechling

Rachel Dodes and Lauren Mechling author of The Memo
In this episode of "Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books," hosted by Zibby Owens, guest Jessica Fein discusses her book, its themes, and the creative process behind it. Fein’s book centers on a woman approaching her 36th birthday who feels she missed crucial life guidance, or "the memo." The narrative explores her journey through comedy and time-travel fantasy, allowing her to revisit and rectify past mistakes.
Key Takeaways:
Life’s Missed Opportunities: The story emphasizes reflecting on life’s small decisions and their significant impacts.
Ambition and Fulfillment: It delves into the struggles of balancing ambition with the pursuit of a meaningful life.
Time-Travel Fantasy: The unique plot device of receiving a “memo” allows the protagonist to travel back in time and alter her past.
The Role of Friendship: The book highlights how friendships evolve and influence one’s journey through life.
Notable Quotes:
On the book’s premise: “Our book is on the surface a comedy about a woman approaching her 36th birthday who feels she didn't get the memo on life.”
On writing during the pandemic: “We wrote this during the height of the pandemic, stuck at home, underemployed freelancers with really good degrees, wondering how we didn’t get the memo.”
On the time-travel element: “By page 30 or so, she is given the memo and she's able to go back in time and relive her past mistakes.”
On societal expectations: “It's also about what society dictates as success and how that can be an enemy to progress.”
Fein and Owens discuss the collaborative writing process and the deep personal connections forged through their work. They reflect on their own lives and the moments they wish they could revisit. The episode ends with a conversation about the broader implications of the book’s themes, encouraging listeners to think about their life choices and the societal pressures they face.