Complete Single Mother

The authors are single mothers whose state was unexpectedly thrust upon them by departing partners. Engber, founder of the National Organization of Single Mothers, is a contributing editor to Working Mother; Klungness, a psychologist, specializes in issues of single mothers. Together they have produced a frank and unabashedly feminist guide, the tone of which reflects the popular What to Expect series. No topic is off limits: there are tips on how not to fall to pieces when the baby starts saying ``da-da'' and even what to do when teenagers start worrying that mom will be old maid. Finances are approached in the chapter ``Money Matters''; custody sharing, dealing with former in-laws and dating are considered in the section ``Relating Joyfully to Others,'' which also includes the chapter ``The Ex from Hell.'' There is an entire and encouraging chapter on raising sons. Breezy but always down-to-earth, this guide provides intelligent and frequently entertaining reading and offers much to mothers without-and with-partners. (Dec.)