The Many Lives of Mama Love (Oprah's Book Club)

A Memoir of Lying, Stealing, Writing, and Healing

By: Lara Love Hardin

Narrated by: Lara Love Hardin

“Once you start reading, be prepared, because you won’t want to stop.” —Oprah Winfrey

OPRAH’S BOOK CLUB PICK • New York Times bestselling author Lara Love Hardin recounts her slide from soccer mom to opioid addict to jailhouse shot caller and her unlikely comeback as a highly successful ghostwriter in this harrowing, hilarious, no-holds-barred memoir.

No one expects the police to knock on the door of the million-dollar two-story home of the perfect cul-de-sac housewife. But soccer mom Lara Love Hardin has been hiding a shady secret: she is funding her heroin addiction by stealing her neighbors’ credit cards.

Lara is convicted of thirty-two felonies and becomes inmate S32179. She finds that jail is a class system with a power structure that is somewhere between an adolescent sleepover party and Lord of the Flies. Furniture is made from tampon boxes, and Snickers bars are currency. But Lara quickly learns the rules and brings love and healing to her fellow inmates as she climbs the social ladder and acquires the nickname “Mama Love,” showing that jailhouse politics aren’t that different from the PTA meetings she used to attend.

When she’s released, she reinvents herself as a ghostwriter. Now, she’s legally co-opting other people’s identities and getting to meet Oprah, meditate with the Dalai Lama, and have dinner with Archbishop Desmond Tutu. But the shadow of her past follows her. Shame is a poison worse than heroin—there is no way to detox. Lara must learn how to forgive herself and others, navigate life as a felon on probation, and prove to herself that she is more good than bad, among other essential lessons.

The Many Lives of Mama Love is a heartbreaking and tender journey from shame to redemption, despite a system that makes it almost impossible for us to move beyond the worst thing we have ever done.

Great Book

I thought this was a great book, well written and read. It made me consider the almost impossible odds people face upon being released from jail/prison. How can a system assist and guide ex inmates while ensuring they’re accountable in a more achievable manner? How many successes versus failures? This books really shines a light on the battle.

Wow!! Outstanding!!

Wonderful real life story that would easily inspire anyone to not give up. Each day is a day to make the life you want it didn’t know you wanted. Mama Love has inspired me through this book and she will inspire you too.

Unbelievable and wow!

What a story!! Letting all of us in to have a snapshot of your life. You have guts and I am so glad I got to feel like I was part of your journey and many lives. I would want to be your friend! The people you met along the way seem wonderful and supportive. I only wish good things for you and your family. It is so deserved!! Thank you also for helping so many others. I think your story will change lives and outlooks. Xoxo

Amazingly Inspirational

Thank you for your courageous honesty. I was immediately captured by your voice and captured by your story.

A beautiful story of resilience and strength

I loved every part of this book! Mama Love truly learned from her mistakes and turned her suffering into a beautiful lesson. One of my top 5 books of 2023!