Breaking News. Our Public Relations team has been busy, and we appreciate their hard work. In addition to over ninety and counting podcast/radio/video interviews, A Cup of Tea on the Commode. My Multi-Tasking Adventures of Caring for Mom. And How I survived to Tell the Tale is making waves around the world.
To keep up to date on all A Cup of Tea Breaking News, sign up below.
Breaking News
“We are pleased to announce that our judges of the 2025 PenCraft Book Awards for literary excellence voted your book “A Cup of Tea on the Commode,” as our Nonfiction- Memoir’s 1st Place Winner.
We want our PenCraft Book Awards to represent true book winners, and your book was indeed one that met that criteria. Books that win our competition are examples of literary excellence and have demonstrated notable popularity with readers.
This year’s competition was daunting, with around 1350 book entries to compete against, showcasing an impressive array of talent and creativity across numerous genres. Each entry brought something unique to the table, making the judging process both challenging and exhilarating. Being a winner in the 2025 competition is certainly something to crow about – you’ve not only beaten out many contenders but also distinguished yourself among a pool of exceptional writers and storytellers. This achievement speaks volumes about your hard work, and dedication, as an author.”
Just when we thought awards season was over, we received this announcement. Not only are we golden, we’re global.
“Congratulations! Your book A Cup of Tea on the Commode has been awarded the GOLD medal in the category Parenting & Relationships – Aging at the Global Book Awards.”
The Global Book Awards recognizes author with global appeal in the publishing industry. In this modern age of publishing, books need to be appraised not only by their content and writing style, but also by the way they present and market themselves to the prospective buyer. Whether that is in its creative book cover design, its captivating book description, its strong ratings on important bookstores like Amazon, or even the number of reviews it has collected from its readers – they all count on how a book should be judged.
We were happy with sixteen literary awards, but seventeen, a gold medal, and with “global appeal.” Well, well.
Look what we found in our Easter basket. Pencraft Awards in Literary Excellence honored A Cup of Tea on the Commode with another WIN, our sixteenth to date. Not bad for a first book.
A Cup of Tea on the Commode Debutes on Broadway
Though Mother Nature rained on my parade, she did not dampen the excitement for our Broadway debut. My niece, Shea Smith, braved the weather and captured the billboard live in Times Square.
“I never imagined I’d make it to Broadway by writing a book.” As a winner of the Independent Press Award and the NYC Big Book Award, A Cup of Tea on the Commode will be featured on a Times Square billboard throughout Saturday, February 15, 2025. We will add actual footage after it goes live.
Breaking News
Mark returned to his hometown on February 11, virtually, to read and share stories with the locals via Zoom. Family, friends, old and not so old neighbors joined in. “Thank you Ridgewood Public Library for hosting this event and for canceling any outstanding library fines.”
Breaking News
We received this lovely news today. “The 2025 Feathered Quill Book Awards winners have been announced. Your book, A Cup of Tea on the Commode: My Multi-Tasking Adventures of Caring for Mom. And How I Survived to Tell the Tale, has been designated as a Finalist and will be listed on the official award book page as such. Congratulations!” We’re thrilled that our Cup of Tea continues to be many’s cup of tea.
Breaking News
Our 2025 started off being named a Finalist in the Chanticleer International Book Awards (CIBAs), and then another honor arrived in our mailbox. A Cup of Tea on the Commode is now a 2025 Independent Press Award Winner. How’s your 2025 going so far?
Breaking News
A Cup of Tea on the Commode continues to resonate. And we couldn’t be happier. Our 2025 began with making it to the semi-finals. Then we received this announcement, “Congratulations on reaching the prestigious FINALIST Stage of the Chanticleer Int’l Book Awards (CIBAs)! This is one of the highest honors offered by Chanticleer, and it’s worth celebrating!” And so we shall.
Breaking News
The Hearten Book Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of Inspiring and Uplifting Non-Fiction and Memoirs. Mark Steven Porro author of A Cup of Tea on the Commode. My Multi-Tasking Adventures of Caring for Mom. And How I survived to Tell the Tale made the first cut, the second cut, and now is a semifinalist ! On to the finals.
Breaking News
We received this news today. “Congratulations! Your book A Cup of Tea on the Commode has won a 2024 Best Indie Book Award®.” This makes an even dozen honors so far, and this honor comes with a trophy. How cool is that?
Breaking News
Just Announced! You have been honored in the 2024 Best Book Awards!
A Cup of Tea on the Commode: My Multi-Tasking Adventures of Caring for Mom.
And How I Survived to Tell the Tale by Mark Steven Porro is a Finalist.
This makes eleven honors so far. I guess our “Cup of Tea” is also their cup of tea.
Breaking News
If you can make it in New York… A Cup of Tea on the Commode won two more literary awards. That makes ten so far. The latest wins are the 2024 NYC Big Book Award and the 2024 Paris Book Festival. We are honored and thrilled.
Breaking News
Is Eight Enough? We Say No.
The A Cup of Tea on the Commode team wins their eighth literary award. We thank you for the honor and recognition.
We Can Relate
“Queen for a Day,” a chapter from A Cup of Tea on the Commode appears in the September issue of The Relatable Voice magazine. If you haven’t read the book,
or if you have but would like to revisit, check it out here.
Breaking News
And then there were Seven
We all seek healthier, more fulfilling, and productive lives, and books are an important tool for gaining knowledge about how to achieve these goals for ourselves and our loved ones. Each year, “Books for Better Living” are chosen for their unique ability to enrich readers’ lives and promote global sustainability. The Living Now Awards medalists are an exceptionally impressive list of inspiring books, a testament to the dedication of authors and publishers today.
The A Cup of Tea on the Commode team wins their seventh literary award. We thank you for the honor and recognition.
Breaking News
Six Awards and Counting
Just Announced! You have been honored in the 2024 International Book Awards!
Jeffrey Keen, President and CEO of American Book Fest, said this year’s contest yielded thousands of entries from authors and publishers around the world, which were then narrowed down to the final results.
Winners and finalists of this year’s contest join a prestigious group of past laureates, including Pope Francis, Amy Tan, Anne Lamott, George Sanders, Julie Andrews, Clive Barker, Vanessa Williams, Shark Tank’s Daymon John, Brad Thor, Kitty Kelley, and many others.
More Love from My Hometown
We thank the (201) Magazine for featuring a story about “A Cup of Tea on the Commode. My multi-tasking adventures of caring for Mom. And how I survived to tell the tale” in the June issue. This follows our story appearing in The Record and The Ridgewood News in May. The love and support from the locals is much appreciated.
Breaking News
2024 National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist
We now have won our fifth literary award to date. We are truly honored and humbled. Below is from the email we received on June 13, 2024.
“CONGRATULATIONS!
It is our sincere pleasure to inform you that you are a Finalist in the 18th Annual National Indie Excellence® Awards. Your book embodies the standards of excellence that this award was created to celebrate. We salute your talents and our jurors truly respect each of the final works that are honored this year.”
My Hometown Shares the Love
We appreciate all your continued support for A Cup of Tea on the Commode. And when it comes from the villagers who may or may not have known my family but definitely know Ridgewood and have enjoyed the trip down memory lane or around the cul-de-sac of Emmett Place, we say a special thank you. Your reviews and personal notes have warmed my heart. And now the local newspapers have taken note and have honored our mother by doing so. “On the ball The Ridgewood News and The Record, on the ball.”
Award-Winning Author Offers Advice
Click here to read the article.
Breaking News
2024 IndieReader Discovery Award Winner
We have won our fourth literary award. Yay! This is why IRDA honored our book.
“There are few topics more universally uncomfortable than death. While today’s headlines offer no shortage of untimely tragedy, there’s little attention paid to caregivers, something that more and more adults become when their aging parents approach the end. It’s a role that author Mark Steven Porro knows all too well. With A CUP OF TEA ON THE COMMODE, Porro offers readers a beautifully written, poignant, and often humorous memoir chronicling his journey of caring for his 90-year-old mother in the final years of her life…” (click here to read the full review)
— James Weiskittel for IndieReader (IR Approved 5-Star Review)
Breaking News
We received this news on May 9, 2024. “Congratulations. Your book A Cup of Tea on the Commode was a category finalist in the Eric Hoffer Book Awards. Approximately 10% of registrants reach this position.” Not too bad for my first book.
Breaking News
Congratulations on “A Cup of Tea on the Commode” winning the prestigious International Firebird Book Award. This makes two for two. Fingers crossed more awards will come.
Breaking News
We were thrilled to receive this:
“It is with great pleasure to announce that you have been selected as a
Book Excellence Award Winner for the following book and category:
Book Title: A Cup of Tea on the Commode
Category: Caregiving
There were thousands of entries from around the world and your book was selected for its high-quality writing, design and market appeal.”
Do You Love Books?
Shepherd’s mission is “Discover, Explore, Read.” Ben Fox created Shepherd because of his love of books. What was the spark? One day he walked into his local indie bookstore and saw little notes from the staff about which books are their favorites and why. He loved that idea because it exposed the passion behind the picks. Shepherd reveals that same passion by asking authors, experts, and interesting people for their favorite books around topics, themes, and moods.
I was honored to be included. Click here to see my list and why I chose these particular books.
Breaking News
The paperback, eBook, and audiobook versions of A Cup of Tea on the Commode have all achieve this honor, and in several categories. We thank our readers for their continued support.
Breaking News
Five-Star reviews are always nice. But when it comes from the Pros, it’s extra special. Here’s the full review from Readers Favorite:
“A Cup of Tea on the Commode” by Mark Steven Porro is the memoir of Hollywood dream-chaser Mark and his unwavering commitment to caring for his ailing mother, Genevieve. Mark reflects on a childhood shaped by Catholicism and recounts his initiation into caregiving with humor. Discussions include family traditions, unique culinary experiences, conmen, and the family’s heritage. The difficulties seem endless, particularly with contentious hired aides and legal hurdles. Mark ultimately transitions to full-time caregiving, providing insight into daily routines, the evolving dynamics of family, and even the impact of Hurricane Sandy. Mark also battles uphill with his own health and a personal life that humorously details events like his experience with long-distance relationships. When it comes time to say goodbye, Mark looks back on his time with his mother, the unique ways individuals grieve, and the challenges of facing the end of a long journey with loved ones.
“A Cup of Tea on the Commode” by Mark Steven Porro is a funny, loving, and lovely tribute to the passing of a beloved mother and the time the author, her son, was given to spend with her as her caregiver. Mark writes in a comfortable and conversational style that allows a reader to feel like they are chatting with a friend over coffee. The result is a connection to the work and the people in it that is hard to come by in memoirs written by or about people most readers do not know or know of.
I loved Mark’s skillful injection of humor into difficult situations, such as his mother’s relentless search for discarded cheese labels during a family reunion. The comical scene of Mark and his brothers feigning collapse as Genevieve points her accusing finger is hilarious, and the anecdote involving his nephew’s reaction to the chaotic scene adds to its levity. There is an intentional thoughtfulness to Mark’s narrative structure and in making connections, like birthdays, and the gradual progression from joyful celebrations to the somber acknowledgment of his mother’s limited time. Overall, this is a beautifully told story that will likely prove comforting to others on similar journeys. Very highly recommended.
Breaking News
It’s Award Season! A Cup of Tea on the Commode, a humorous memoir of eldercare is making waves. And though it’s an honor just to be nominated, isn’t it better to win? We’ll find out in May.
More Articles in Print
Click here to read our latest interview in Atmosphere Press.
Mark was also recently interviewed by Savio Clemente with Authority Magazine. You can read it here.
Mark’s Pens a Featured Article for iPain Living
Mark wrote an article titled “It’s an Honor for a Son to Take Care of His Mother” that appeared in the December issue of iPain Living magazine. Click here to read it.
From My Lips to Your Ears
The wait is over. The “A Cup of Tea on the Commode” audiobook is here, and it debuted at #1 in three categories. For those who rather listen than read, this is for you. And there are some extras for your listening pleasure. Click here to get yours now.
Variety is the spice of life, and reading
A Cup of Tea on the Commode. My multitasking adventures of caring for Mom. And how I survived to tell the tale is available in paperback, ebook, large print, and now as an audiobook read by the author. Check them all out here.
If you’re interested in wholesale buying or bulk sales, please contact our distributor, Independent Publishers Group.
Previous Media Appearances
Mark Spreads His Positivity Across the Globe
Mark Steven Porro joins Antonis Oustayiannakis to discuss his book “A Cup of Tea on the Commode.” The purpose of DEG Podcast is to bring on people with fire in their eyes to tell their inspiring story, and spread positivity across the globe. Click here to listen and get inspired.
I Am On Refocused Radio
As you navigate the diverse content and discussions on I Am Refocused Radio, we want to remind you that your personal leadership is key to shaping the tone of your journey. Stay attentive, remain focused, and let ambition be the guiding force propelling you towards even greater heights. Your commitment to self-improvement aligns with our mission, and we’re thrilled to have you on this journey with us.
Being interviewed by Shemaiah Reed is like sitting at the kitchen table, having a meaningful conversation, while sharing a cup of tea. If you like my voice, you’ll love Shemaiah’s. Click here to listen.
Mark Chats with Dr. Loren Michaels Harris
This IS the place to get whatever you are looking for to uplift, motivate, and inspire your day. Loren Michaels Harris is a Motivational Speaker, Author, Musician, and Activist based in Chicago IL. Harris is passionate about helping others live a more authentic life. Here’s the link to the YouTube channel. For more information please visit his website at http://www.lorenmichaelsharris.com
Listen to How Mark Writes a Book
In this episode, Mark Steven Porro, author of “A Cup of Tea on the Commode,” shares insights into his memoir-writing journey. He discusses his process of collecting memories, struggles with structure, and experiences with publishers, emphasizing the challenges of being a foreign author living in France. Mark delves into his extensive marketing efforts, including teaser videos and personal invitations to friends on Facebook. He offers advice for aspiring memoir writers, suggesting resources and encouraging a study of the genre. Mark reflects on writing through emotional parts, acknowledging the importance of letting emotions flow. Click here to give it a listen.
The “D” Word is Nothing to Fear
Pete’s first guest of 2024 is Hollywood actor & director MARK STEVEN PORRO who chats about his book “A Cup of Tea on the Commode : My Multi-Tasking Adventures Caring for Mom and How I Survived to Tell the Tale”
Mark Joins Conversations with Joshua Berglan
Joshua T Berglan sits down with Mark Steven Porro for an engaging and heartfelt conversation. Mark shares his experiences as a caregiver to his mother and discusses his book, “A Cup of Tea on the Commode,” which chronicles his journey of taking care of his mother in her final years. The video offers insights into the challenges and joys of caregiving, the importance of empathy, and the power of unconditional love. Mark’s storytelling and his deep connection with his mother make for a moving and inspiring conversation. Whether you’re a caregiver or simply interested in hearing a heartwarming story, this video is sure to resonate with you.
Mark Explores The Power of Humor in Caregiving
Mark Steven Porro shares his journey as a caregiver for his mother and the lessons he learned along the way. He emphasizes the importance of empathy, patience, and humor in caregiving. Mark also highlights the need for caregivers to take breaks and find joy in their role. He recounts his experiences with his mother, including the challenges and the moments of laughter they shared. Mark’s book, “A Cup of Tea on the Commode,” chronicles his caregiving adventures and offers tips and insights for other caregivers.
Good Advice for Many Who Find Themselves in a Similar Situation
“I Promised I’d Make Her Laugh At Least Once A Day”
with Guest Author Mark Steven Porro
This week on SHLTMM, you’ll hear the endearing story of a son who came home to take care of his mom. Mark Steven Porro packed up his belongs and moved back home to New Jersey to become the full time caregiver for his aging mother, Genevieve. He’s written a wonderful book, “A Cup of Tea on the Commode,” chock full of memorable stories of his childhood and his relationship with his mother and becoming a parent for the first time as the solo aid to his elderly mom. Click here to listen.
To order your A Cup of Tea on the Commode, click here (save $3.15 on the paperback on amazon). eBook is only $8.99. Also, available in a Large Print version.
#Humor #Memoir #eldercare #acupofteaonthecommode
Mark discusses “A Cup of Tea on the Commode” with FireBreathinRob on his podcast. Check it out here
#Humor #Memoir #eldercare #acupofteaonthecommode
Time with Teepa – What’s special about male caregivers. Meet a son, Mark Steven Porro, author of “A Cup of Tea on the Commode,” who was on this journey and made a difference in his mother’s life. Click the link to listen in.
Mark joined Dr. Allen Lycka to discuss “A Cup of Tea on the Commode.” To have a listen, click here.
Mark shares his story, “A Cup of Tea on the Commode,” with Colton Perry on his “Just Dumb Enough” podcast. A show that acknowledges no one is always an expert, by dispelling misconceptions with real experts. Give it a listen on Apple Podcasts or on Spotify.
Check out my interview with Chuck Tuck goes behind the story of my memoir “A Cup of Tea on the Commode.” Click here to give it a listen.
On September 12, Mark Steven Porro shared “A Cup of Tea” stories, tips, and laughs LIVE with Chris on the ever popular Chris Voss Show. In case you missed it, click to watch now. Enjoy.
To order your A Cup of Tea on the Commode, click here (save $3.15 on amazon).
Praise for A Cup of Tea on the Commode
“A Cup of Tea on the Commode. My Multi-Tasking Adventures of Caring for Mom. And How I Survived to Tell the Tale” by Mark Steven Porro requires laughter, tears, and heartbreak to read. It also will ring a tolling bell for many caregivers out there, especially sons, husbands, and brothers. This could only have been written by a Jersey boy and it echoes my journey of returning to New Jersey to care for my Mom and Dad. Here’s yet another amazing caregiver being honest and raw inspiring us to keep keeping on.
— Susanne White, Caregiver Warrior, author of “Self-Care for Caregivers”
This is a beautiful book from the heart of a beautiful man! Do yourself a favor—it is an inspiring read. — Jocelyn Jones, author of Artist: Awakening the Spirit Within
This book was like sitting down at the kitchen table and sharing troubles with and old friend. Having parents is common, taking care of them with all the intimate details involved is not. Mark Steven Porro shared all the victories and defeats, sorrows, and disappointments along with making you giggle at some of the sillier exchanges between he and his mother. This book helps us to appreciate the tremendous effort that goes into caregiving and why we should all look to help lighten caregiver’s emotional and physical load when we can. Thank you NetGalley for providing this opportunity for me to read this book. It’s a keeper.
— Laurie Mosey, Librarian, a NetGalley Review
“A Cup of Tea on the Commode” is a beautiful tribute to Genevieve Porro. As a reader, I felt like I got to know her as a person—she is funny, endearing, sensitive, and I laughed many times throughout. I love the narrator’s tone of voice is unique, humorous, definitive, and conversational. It speaks to the readers. Mark doesn’t shy away from expressing all emotions he felt as he took care of his mother, and it is very endearing. There are many touching stories in the manuscript, and many that will resonate with readers on an emotional level.
— Allison Itterly, Acquisitions Editor
In his own words, “Dedication is not my problem….” Mark proves that beyond a doubt in this lovingly emotional dedication to (not only) his mother but his whole family and his life. Having a frighteningly similar experience with my own mother (albeit not as “hands on” as Mark) I couldn’t imagine the tale told better than here in this book.
— Larry Thomas, The Soup Nazi from Seinfeld
The author takes an unflinching look at the unglamorous yet rewarding journey as the primary caretaker of his dying mother. Interspersed with the day-to-day saga of this new undertaking, are stories from his childhood growing up in a Catholic family with five siblings in New Jersey. He weaves them together, employing a wickedly humorous skill not unlike that of David Sedaris and Augusten Burroughs. Let the reader be forewarned that this memoir is sometimes painfully graphic in its descriptions of the process of death and dying. It was not without a great deal of love and personal sacrifice that Porro made the process as comfortable and dignified as possible.
— A Former English Teacher, Verified amazon purchase (5-Stars)
This is a humorous account about Mark Steven Porro and his family’s story from his siblings to his parents, to the suicides in his family. It all makes for a mostly humorous but at times a sad tale and how in a time where people are only looking for what makes them happy, this man gave up everything to move back across the country to tend to his dying mother. It really is touching, heartwarming, and so worth reading. I am so glad I read it. I almost didn’t due to the title but was curious enough to read the summary and OMG, I’m glad I did.
— Janalyn Prude, a NetGalley Review
I always believe that the impact of a book is measured by the lingering thoughts and reflections that remain afterwards. And A Cup of Tea on The Commode scores highly in this respect.
— Paul Jeremaes, Co-author of Enter Your Flow, an Interactive Journey Toward Fulfillment and Happiness in Your Work Life.
This book, A Cup of Tea on The Commode, had me clutching it until done!
— Nancy May, host of Doing It Best with Eldercare Success podcast
Really detailed story about Porro. I appreciated how he crafted this memoir. I enjoyed his story-telling and felt like I was part of his family at times. Five stars! Well-written!
— Kelly Pramberger, Goodreads
I found “A Cup of Tea on the Commode” very moving. I like the writing style – the humour highlights Genevieve’s stoic sense of fun. It is an inspirational story that bravely tells it like it is. I must confess, it brought me to tears, but then it also made me laugh. Good combination.”
— Dr. Sharon Ager Wray, PhD in Sociology
We have our own YouTube channel
Visit our YouTube channel to see our many teasers. Sign up to stay posted on all A Cup of Tea on the Commode news.
If you’re interested in wholesale buying or bulk sales, please contact our distributor, Independent Publishers Group.
The Story Behind the Cover
When I first embarked on this journey, my mother had many visions. Most were light, some dark, and others damn entertaining. But the one she saw most often and described in such detail was of a parade of well-dressed children who marched down Emmett Place and passed by her bedroom window. The girls held flowers, a single stem, or a bouquet, including her favorite, daisies. The boys held colorful balloons that bobbed in the wind. This parade also plays an integral role throughout A Cup of Tea on the Commode.
While editing the manuscript, my sister Caryl, out of the blue, sent me a batch of old black and white photos. One caught my attention. It captured Mom, eight years old, dressed in a frilly white dress, wearing patent leather shoes, sitting on a bench, with a flower in her hand. I don’t recall ever seeing that photo before, but I couldn’t help thinking that serendipity played a role in its timely arrival. This young Genevieve fit in perfectly with Mom’s parade, which left me no choice but to feature it on the cover.
The handwritten title adds a soft touch and hints at the intimacy of the stories within. A pattern of daisies, her favorite flower, fills the background and reinforces the warm invitation to join me on my multitasking adventures of caring for Mom.
The Story Behind the Title
Lots of people have asked why I named my memoir what I did. So, I’ll do my best to explain.
My mother cherished her weekly trips to the beauty parlor for a shampoo & set. Occasionally, she’d spice things up with a perm and frosting that required a reintroduction to her family—even the dog needed a second sniff. However, those salon sojourns were but a distant memory. So, I launched the “Day of Beauty” to recreate at home that pampering she so loved, and I’m sure, so sorely missed.
“Day of Beauty” soon evolved into its own multitasking operation. While Mom did her business on the commode, and depending on how long she took, I performed many of the chores on the DoB menu. These tasks included a full sponge bath, soaking her feet in Epsom salts, shampooing, conditioning, and blow drying her long, now silvery, hair.
One day, hoping to make her adventures on the commode a tad more pleasant, I offered Mom a cup of her favorite beverage: hot tea with skim milk, no sugar. It was a hit. And from that day forward, A Cup of Tea on the Commode became a staple on the menu, and the clear choice for the title of my memoir.
