“MUMENTOUS is a tale rooted in a particularly Texan love of maximalism but one that also tells a larger story of the human need for ritual and pageantry... The many eye-catching black-and-white photographs are as instrumental as the text in communicating the soul of mum culture. Both seasoned Texas alumni and readers completely unfamiliar with the tradition will be equally charmed by this beguiling quirk of Americana. An entertaining, brilliantly shot look at a Texas high school tradition."

Kirkus Reviews

Independent Reviews and Awards

  • “Through polished and skillful writing, the author immerses in the mum world for a moment, like attending a homecoming game. There’s a sense of excitement here as the reader anticipates each new story that will come…Schultz raises so many fascinating points regarding not just mums, but the larger societal zeitgeist. The link between post-war patriotism and the cultural shift toward sporting events is particularly enlightening…There is no bell, ribbon, or whistle that Schultz does not uncover about the mum and the immense effort is apparent.”

    Independent Book Review by Jadidsa Perez

  • “Author and award-winning photographer Schultz offers an intriguing guide to the world of homecoming mums, bringing together history and fantastical stories to paint a vivid picture of the tradition in her marvelous book... Schultz explores every aspect of the process in this appealing and compelling narration…”

    BookView Review, Gold Level Recommendation

  • “The black and white photos gave the book a nostalgic feel and complemented the text. The topic of mums makes this book unique, and the stories surrounding the tradition add an authentic and emotional background that many readers will resonate with… Traditions give us a sense of belonging, and their continuity is a testament to our preservation of history… Brilliant work.”

    Readers' Favorite review by Luwi Nyakansaila, Bronze Award winner

  • "MUMENTOUS is a winner! The Literary Titan Silver Award is “bestowed on books that expertly deliver complex characters, intricate worlds, and thought provoking themes. The ease with which the story is told is a reflection of the author’s talent in exercising fluent, powerful, and appropriate language. Our honorees astound and amaze us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, complex characters, and original ideas."

    Literary Titan, Silver Award winner

  • “MUMENTOUS will attract, delight, and surprise those who think it will be yet another coverage of motherhood alone… Libraries and readers interested in women's history, literature, and especially regional probes of women's traditions and experiences will relish MUMENTOUS for its lively celebrations of the Texan woman and the energy she brings to the playing field of women's literature and life...”

    Midwest Book Review and Donovan's Literary Services by D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer

  • "...Schultz sets out to explore—through stories and photographs—the culture of mums: how the tradition originated, how it has changed over the years, and what it means for the schools, students, parents, and communities who participate. It’s a tale rooted in a particularly Texan love of maximalism but one that also tells a larger story of the human need for ritual and pageantry... The many eye-catching black-and-white photographs are as instrumental as the text in communicating the soul of mum culture. Both seasoned Texas alumni and readers completely unfamiliar with the tradition will be equally charmed by this beguiling quirk of Americana. An entertaining, brilliantly shot look at a Texas high school tradition."

    Kirkus Reviews & Kirkus Magazine

What Bloggers are saying about MUMENTOUS

  • “(I felt) like I was reading a well put-together documentary about every angle of mum culture. I give MUMENTOUS a 5 out of 5 stars for it's creativity, narration, and curiosity.”

    A. Borroel, Rainy Days with Amanda

  • “I love the progression of the book, it's organization, and the various anecdotes presented in it. This is truly a wide lens on mums, what they mean, how they're done, and how they're perceived. I would've loved to see the MUMENTOUS exhibit; it sounds delightful.”

    Sam K., The Real World According to Sam

  • “I loved reading the mum stories that people shared with Schultz. Some made me laugh, some made me tear up a little… and her telling of (mum) history is SO. MUCH. FUN!”

    The Plain-Spoken Pen

  • “Add this story to your library, then place it on your coffee table as a conversation starter. It is impossible not to recommend Texas football, homecoming, high school, and mums connected in ongoing customs for more than just Texans.”

    Syd Young, Stories

  • “Aside from my own experiences with mums, this book scratched an itch that is very particular to me (it might be to you too, but I digress) - I absolutely love works that show the passion or obsession we have with places, things, or events. Where there is passion, there is a deep dive into something I didn't even know I wanted to know.”

    Celia, Book Fidelity

  • “Whether or not you like mums, this is still a book well worth having. The history is fascinating. The photographs are wonderful, and it’s always nice to see young people excited about an important part of high-school life.”

    Maryann Miller, Maryann Writes

  • “… MUMENTOUS by Amy J. Schultz makes crystal clear that while the tradition continues to evolve and mutate, Texas homecoming mums in all their colossal glory and maybe a bit of infamy are here to stay. But they can’t possibly get even bigger and fancier, can they? Texas moms: ‘Darlin’, hold my iced tea (or wine) and pass the glue gun.’ ”

    Ruthie Jones, Reading by Moonlight

  • “Amy’s black and white photos compliment the story superbly with their nostalgic flare. Her captions are perfect—simple! The only photo I wish she had included was the final hanging image of Whatamum!”

    Christena Stephens, Forgotten Winds

  • “This book is chockful of stories, old and new, men and women, and their stories of homecoming and mums. You might have your own mum story to share. And you can do so at the back of this book on one of the several blank pages! I might just have to see if I can find any photos from high school during this time.”

    Leslie Storey, Storeybook Reviews

  • “With its mix of evocative and fun photographs of people, places, and things that are part of the mum experience, well-researched history of mum culture, and delightful (and sometimes poignant) stories of mums gone by, MUMENTOUS is an unexpected love letter to its past and a thought-provoking peek into its future.”

    Karen Siddall, Boy’s Mom Reads

  • “This book by Amy J. Schultz is an easy, fun read, with lots of pictures, and plenty of topics to dive into. I found myself wishing it had existed when my daughter was in high school… And I am glad that the book also covered some of the other thinking in regards to this super-large Texas tradition, for what would tradition be without anti-tradition…?”

    Rox Burkey

  • “In putting this book together, the author did her homework, no pun intended. I enjoyed the many stories Ms. Schultz shared from mothers of daughters, mothers of sons, high school students, faculty members, and entrepreneurs who found their niche and a gold mine in making outrageous mums… There are happy and heart-warming stories as well as heartbreaking ones.”

    Jan Sikes, Writing and Music

  • “Schultz has a very artistic style of writing and does an amazing job expressing the excitement of mum season… I am very impressed by the detail to history and self experience by the author. What better way to bring a tradition like this more alive than hearing from Schultz herself? There’s joy and humor to this book… the pictures were a great addition as well. As a reader, you’ll notice quickly that happiness ties them together… This book would be a great addition as a ‘coffee table book’, ‘conversation piece’, and ‘parent facing mum season guide’.”

    Haley Ringer, The Page Unbound

  • "I’m not a parent and I didn’t attend high school in Texas, so I’m very much not in the target audience for Amy J. Schultz’s photo-memoir MUMENTOUS, and yet, reading it I found myself laughing, crying, and finding new appreciation for my own mother, who never had to help me make anything like a homecoming mum, but sewed costumes for plays and Halloween, showed up with cupcakes whenever I had a school function that required them, chaperoned our orchestra tours, and drove me (and my friends) to numerous lessons, rehearsals, and other activities during my adolescence, all while working full-time."

    Melissa, Bibliotica

  • “MUMENTOUS takes us on a spirited journey. To me, these mammoth mums are like stepping into an alternate universe. But Amy J. Schultz captures the essence of this phenomenon with warmth and wit, making even the quirkiest aspects of it feel endearing. Enhancing the story was a collection of beautiful photographs. The way Schultz delves into the intricate details of creating these elaborate mums is nothing short of captivating. From the ribbons that seem to have a life of their own to the bewildering size of these creations, she paints a picture and shows us photos that are equal parts fascinating and bemusing. She also shares so many personal stories and inside looks at the women involved in this tradition. What truly sets MUMENTOUS apart is Schultz’s affection for the tradition she’s uncovering. She embraces the bewilderment with a heart as big as Texas itself, inviting readers into the fold of this peculiar yet lovable custom. I appreciated the way she celebrated the unique spirit of Texas. She was also brave enough to look at some of the alternatives happening in local schools in place of Mums.”

    Jennie Reads

What Authors & Artists are saying about MUMENTOUS

  • "MUMENTOUS shows just how deep Texas roots go and what love of community is. Schultz's superb writing dives deep, then goes deeper to uncover the meaning of a heartfelt tradition dating back decades. The tradition may be place-specific, but the themes are universal."

    Kendall B. Quirk, Director of Exhibitions, Arlington Museum of Art

  • “I loved Mumentous! It's so fun, and deep in an unexpected way.”

    Judith Bice, Literary Titan “must read” author

  • “MUMENTOUS is a rich and complex narrative that is more than a look into a homecoming tradition. It’s a tribute to legacies that connect generations, and an ode to mothers and daughters. Written with compassion and curiosity with rich photography, Schultz gets past the glitter and ribbon to what matters most. Community.”

    Kimberly Packard, award-winning author

  • “I may be the last person in America Mumentous was written for. I am a man who was born & raised in New York City and currently resides on the Oregon Pacific coast. Yet after taking my sweet time to pour through each delectable page, gawk at each spectacular picture, and actually being moved and a little teary-eyed by each deeply revealing story, I find myself enthusiastically recommending you read this book. To be clear, read is not quite right…experience Mumentous is far more accurate. On the surface, Mumentous is about the Texas high school homecoming tradition of exchanging a chrysanthemum-centered corsage (or garter for the boys). But truth be told, Mumentous is a story about family, community, and how traditions develop over time.”

    Kevin Howard, author

  • “Schultz focuses on the role that mothers play in creating and elevating the production and meaning of mums in the culture, and she graciously offers both history information as well as interviews with the people who create these bounteous displays. What I appreciated was the depth of writing that allowed me, a non-Texan and non-mom, to understand the history and economics that creating these decorations has become. As a ‘Yankee,’ I thought I wouldn’t connect with the culture behind the imagery in Schultz’s book, but her images and writing allowed me a deep look into the lives of the (mostly) women who create and keep the tradition growing.”

    Amrita Rose, author