testimonials
Lynne Feldman: Author and Editor; Sense of Place: Birmingham’s Black Middle Class Community 1890-1930, Editor)
"Jodi doesn’t sit still for a minute. She recounts her amazing journey with wit and sarcasm. As she pursued a career as an entertainer, her heart was set on becoming a mother of a large clan. The unthinkable of not fulfilling the dream of motherhood as the clock ticked moved Jodi through a labyrinth of life events that threatened to sideline her dream. Jodi is unstoppable. One From Each Column is an inspiring memoir."
Bradley Graham: Author and Co-Owner Politics and Prose, DC’s Premier Indie Bookstore and Cultural Hub
"Not only has Jodi lived enough adventures to fill a book; she has shaped her experiences into an engaging, entertaining, and instructive narrative—an especially impressive feat for a first-time author. Her story would resonate even if it just stopped at her breaking free from a troubled childhood home, making her own way, finding the right husband after a couple of false starts, and becoming a mother. But there’s more. She became a mother three different ways, and that unusual twist—in fulfillment of her wish to have many kids despite a late start—is what makes Jodi’s memoir all the more illuminating and inspiring."
Donald Heymann: Writer, Editor, Communications Advisor; Adjunct Professor NYU "Jodi Tolman's life has been filled with abundance – an abundance of heartache, pain, and frustration, and an abundance of determination, resilience, and humor – to overcome a troubling past, find happiness, and build the family she always dreamed of. No one's story is quite like Jodi's. So, read this book and be inspired, renewed, entertained and, frankly, amazed."
reader reviews
Ava Rosenblum
What a joy to read this memoir that describes the whirlwind in a woman’s life with both poignancy and often side-splitting humor. It includes dating, marriage, and families between the 1960s and the 2020s. Brilliant writing. Couldn’t read it fast enough!
Janice Chapin
My husband read this book cover to cover in two days, could not put it down. He said it was beautifully written and an important memoir especially for him as a father. He gained enormous perspective on how one woman yearned for motherhood and worked to build a beautiful family. A must read for all who are planning parenthood or want to reflect back on the evolution of their own family.
Outstanding!
Adrien Maida Richlin
An amazing life story shared with pathos, humor and intelligence. I could not put it down! Finished it in two days and want more from this insightful writer. Thank you for writing a memoir worth reading!
Ellen Bernstein
I love this book. It is a memoir that is a real page turner. There are laughs and sighs and gasps and laughs and laughs and laughs some more. Thank you for your open and honest telling. You are an inspiration.
Debra G. Berdain
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspirational
Most inspirational and very well written. I couldn’t put it down. It grabbed me from the beginning and I read it in one sitting.
Sharyn
A great read detailing how one woman navigated love and pain to finally get her happy ending.
Jennifer S.
Having been a wild child in the 80s as well, I found Jodi’s stories compelling, humorous and relatable. Each day since it arrived, I couldn’t wait to carve out time for the next adventure. Filled with emotion and humor, this book will take you on a ride. I’ll be following this author and am interested in what’s next.
Craftcast
5.0 out of 5 stars
A special read
Must read book. The author shares it all! Loved it
Kindle Customer
Emotionally moving and disarmingly funny, Jodi Mitchel Tolman’s poignant memoir takes us through heartbreaking challenges and eventual triumphs with great wit and deep insights. Ultimately, this book shows us what it means to be fully human — how to overcome life’s biggest obstacles not only with determination but also with grace, humor and undying love. Lessons for us all.
Whoever encouraged Jodi Mitchel Tolman to write a book, THANK YOU! The stories that make up the story of her life are wonderful. Poignant, funny, troubling, hopeful, inspiring, encouraging, and more. How all of these chapters of her life could be in ONE person’s life is amazing. I rarely laugh out loud reading a book, but her accounts of raising her “gaggle” had me doing it. I love how she and her husband, Jay, have shared what they have learned about having and raising "one from each column" with others.
I just finished reading this book. I feel like I’ve been sitting with the author in my living room, talking with her, listening to her, hearing her story. I so appreciate the openness she demonstrated, the willingness to let everyone into her life (and what a life it has been!), and, especially for those for whom infertility is an issue, the incredible courage that she has had on this journey.