The Role of Mom Will Be Played By: The Year I Had a Baby and Became Myself

Perfect for new mothers and mothers-to-be, this deeply personal and funny memoir from a beloved actress and storyteller reveals why motherhood isn’t just a new chapter in your life—it’s a metamorphosis.

As the creator of the witty humor account @ShawnatheMom that delights more than 4 million followers with her comedy skits, Shawna Lander knows what it’s like to play a lot of different roles. But before she ever took to the online “stage,” her role as a mom changed everything, not only about her life, but about her identity. Like many first-time mothers, she imagined her baby as a beautiful addition to her life—and instead found that every aspect of her world changed completely so that her new life could begin.

Through motherhood, Shawna was reborn. And in The Role of Mom Will Be Played By, she’s sharing her empowering, transformative journey for the first time.

Through candid anecdotes and humorous reflections, Shawna reveals how motherhood reshaped her identity, worldview, relationships, and understanding of human worth. She debunks the prettily romanticized version of motherhood, presenting it instead as a raw, challenging, and profoundly rewarding experience.

Central to this heartfelt book is the belief that every mother's journey is linked and, while there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting, the magnitude of the experience is universal. She captures the essence of motherhood as weird, gross, profound, mundane, and incredibly personal—all at once.

The Role of Mom Will Be Played By is a celebration of the resilience, love, and humor that defines motherhood. Shawna’s authentic voice and relatable experiences provide comfort and inspiration to anyone on the extraordinary journey of becoming a mom, offering wisdom, support, and a deep appreciation for the beautiful chaos.