Q & A with Prenita Reddi the Author of Transforming Mrs to Ms + Review
Happy launch or publication day to ‘Transforming Mrs to Ms : A Women’s Guide to Divorce’. Prenita reached out to me a few weeks ago and I was so hesitant about accepting the book just because it’s a topic I know nothing about. Nevertheless, she said it was okay she wanted a perspective of someone who’s never been in that situation, so I agreed.
Disclaimer: I’m not married and I’ve never been married before.
So, with that out of the way let’s get to the point. I had a chance of asking Prenita a few questions, thus this post is consist of my review and the Q&A.
Book Description
DIVORCE IS ONE OF THE MOST STRESSFUL JOURNEYS THAT ONE CAN ENDURE
We’re forced to search into the deepest corners of our hearts to rediscover ourselves. At 24, the author was a single mother struggling to survive while she went through her own divorce. Her ordeal left her bruised but it did not break her. Today, at 39, she is happily remarried and has three beautiful children. The intention of the book is straightforward: to be a supportive reference for people experiencing the tribulations of the break-up of their marriage, and to let them know that although it is a lonely experience it is not one they need to take alone. The book creates awareness and offers sensible guidance through the perplexing phases that constitute the divorce process. The result is a simply written and practical book, which is enriched by her knowledge of the terrain. An added bonus is details of her coping mechanisms which she shares in an effort to assist others, particularly women, embroiled in the remnants of failed marriages.
My Thoughts
From the voice or tone of the book you can easily pinpoint that the author went through all these experiences and its not only based on research. I actually loved the fact that she managed to use examples of other people who were in the same situation at some point and dealt with it in a different manner. It diversify the book from solely focusing on one perspective.
The structure and writing style is easy to follow as the author starts off with the chapter of ‘Happily Ever After’. In all, the chapters are named perfectly and you know exactly what you’ll be getting from each one.
The book shares some of the phases you’ll experience during this phase and we get to learn about some me mechanisms/lessons you can think about or do when you are in that phase. I actually enjoyed that aspect of the book and you can see some research also went through the process of writing this book. I loved how simplistic the lessons presented are, making it easier to adapt and implement them. I made a disclaimer about the fact that I am not married or going through divorce. Therefore, whilst reading I felt like most of the phases are almost the same as breaking up with someone you’ve been in a long-term relationship with. Yet, in this situation it is tenfold. I got to relate in that way and I’m glad I read this book.
The story is told from a point of view of someone who initiated the divorce, I think it would be great to hear from the other perspective as well. I’d recommend this book to anyone but especially if you are going through divorce.
“Babies don’t miraculously solve problems. In fact if anything they add to the stress, exacerbate emotional instability and somehow put a damper on every effort to rekindle any form of communication.”
Here are some of the questions I asked Prenita…
Tell us about yourself.
I am a driven, adventurous and passionate individual who is also a certified life coach, entrepreneur, speaker and author of the book ‘Transforming Mrs to Ms; A Woman’s Guide to Divorce.’ At 24 I was a single mother struggling to survive while I went through my own divorce. My divorce left me bruised but did not break me. I am now happily remarried to my amazing husband Vinesh and we share 3 beautiful children, Nekeesha, Ashaan and Kiyaan. Being a wife mum, avid traveller and feeding scheme volunteer; I constantly find myself juggling life and loving it.
Your book consists of different lessons, did you follow all these lessons when you went through your divorce?
The techniques in the book were learnt, tried and tested along my own divorce journey. It helped me cope and assisted me through some very difficult emotions so although they may seem relatively simple, they are highly effective. I used all of the techniques and have very often shared these techniques with family members, friends are colleagues who reported back with great results.
What was the most challenging part you encountered during the writing process?
The most challenging part was replaying the recorded memories. Thankfully I worked through my emotions using the many techniques in the book so I can fortunately replay the memory without having an emotional reaction, BUT a person never truly forgets the experience and reliving experiences still have the ability to leave you with a feeling sad.
What is the main thing you hope readers can learn from Transforming Mrs to Ms?
My wish is for a reader to firstly have ‘hope’ in what can sometimes feel like a very dark and hopeless time in their lives. I want them to realise that although it feels bleak now and they may feel like they are trapped there is hope. Yes, it is dark and lonely where they are and yes the process does take time but when they emerge on the other side they will have the opportunity to transform into a beautiful, purposeful human that can have a positive impact to the rest of the world if they chose. Next, I wish that they realise that they have to power to make choices that can either leave them entrapped or empowered. I want them to know that the choice and power lies solely with them. And lastly, that although this may seem like a lonely journey, thousands and thousands of other women find themselves in similar situations daily, there is comfort in knowing that you are not alone.
Do you have any plans for another book in the near future?
I am thinking of a follow-on but I need some help, so I’ve asked people who are interested in sharing their divorce story to please contact me via my website www.mrs2ms.com or send me an email at prenitareddi@gmail.com and I will send them submission guidelines. Fingers crossed.
Are there any nuggets of wisdom you can impart to women going through divorce?
‘Transforming Mrs to Ms’ encompasses many nuggets of wisdom and for me is filled with those small ‘ah ha’ moments which I truly believe has the ability to really impact women going through a divorce. I also impart many nuggets of wisdom, on my social media accounts. At the moment I’m doing ‘40 life lessons’ on my Instagram account as I’ve just turned 40, and I often share these nuggets freely. For a woman going through a divorce this is the main nugget I wish to impart; The power to regain control of your life lies within ‘you’, if you learn to use the opportunity to rediscover and truly believe in yourself you will emerge victorious in this journey.
Would you be adding this to your tbr? Let me know below. Thank you Prenita for sending me a review copy and happy launch day🎉🎉
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