Bomb Shelter

Written by Mary Laura Philpott

Narrated by Mary Laura Philpott

A New York Times Editors’ Choice
One of NPR’s Best Books of the Year

“A beautifully wrought ode to life…a precious gift to the world.” —The Washington Post

From the bestselling author of I Miss You When I Blink comes a poignant and powerful new memoir that tackles the big questions of life, death, and existential fear with humor and hope.

As a daughter, mother, and friend, Mary Laura Philpott considered herself an “anxious optimist”—a natural worrier with a stubborn sense of good cheer. And while she didn’t really think she had any sort of magical protective powers, she believed in her heart that as long as she loved her people enough, she could keep them safe.

Then, in the early hours of one dark morning at home, her belief was upended. In the months that followed, she turned to poignant memories, priceless stories, and a medley of coping mechanisms (with comically mixed success) to regain her equilibrium and find meaning in everyday wonders.

Hailed by The Washington Post as “Nora Ephron, Erma Bombeck, Jean Kerr, and Laurie Colwin all rolled into one,” Philpott tackles the big questions of life, death, and existential fear—not to mention the lessons of an inscrutable backyard turtle—with hope, humor, and joy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Apr 12, 2022
• ISBN: 9781797136172

Mary Laura Philpott

Mary Laura Philpott, nationally bestselling author of I Miss You When I Blink and Bomb Shelter, writes essays and memoirs that examine the overlap of the absurd and the profound in everyday life. Her writing has been featured by The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Atlantic, among many other publications. A former bookseller, she also hosted an interview program on Nashville Public Television for several years. Mary Laura lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her family.

Reviews for Bomb Shelter

[Bianca Chimelli · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Poetic and beautiful and so relatable. Mary Laura Philpott do you wanna be my friend? - From a fellow cheerful anxious woman.

[Mickayla Wheeler · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wonderful writing. Yes the kind that makes me say, I’ve thought that, but not in those words. I would love to be her neighbor, she is good for the soul.

[Evelyn Spaghetti · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I always wondered if there was such a thing as a 'normal family '.

Turns out there is. The Author of this book was raised in one.
Raised with Love, and joy and then Created her own her own life and family from that foundation.

And honestly, good for her.

The reality of the Authors upbringing and life are so very far removed from my own, it's actually painful to listen to.

So if you're well adjusted, you'll love this beautifully written narration and window into a deeply personal journey of a family struggle with epilepsy and a nostalgic reflection on how all the peices fit together.

However, if you, until now, thought such people and lives were a some kind of fictional reality... I'll see you over in the the Stephen King section.

Really lovely book. 5 stars for what it is, it's just not for me... unfortunately.

[StefanieRogers · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Honest, engaging memoir of motherhood , I really enjoyed it.