strangecandy's review against another edition
5.0
One of the funniest books I've ever read. You don't have to have kids to appreciate the humor here. :)
heydianemccune's review against another edition
Practical parenting for the irreverent, (mostly) middle-class, working Mom trying to get through the day. Pretty funny, even though I don't have kids. Read for a parenting book club for work
brinastewart's review against another edition
4.0
This was a great satire to read for a good laugh and light reading. I really loved the edge of truth behind the satire.
poenaestante's review against another edition
4.0
LMFBAO! Seriously. I was laughing so hard on the train that my seatmates were rolling their eyes as I was literally pulling tender stomach muscles. This book is funny as hell and a great antidote to so many of the parenting advice books, magazines, and books out there. Yes, parents, you will do things that may screw your kids up. It's unavoidable. No, you are not always going to be operating on all four cylinders. Parenting is tough work and somebody's gonna do it..and sometimes they are gonna do it kinda sh*ttily. This book reminds you that you can raise another human being (or multiple human beings) without losing your wisecracking, violent movie watching, wine swilling self.
lynnaeaowens's review against another edition
4.0
Disclaimer: I do not yet have children.
This book needs to be considered an almost satirical/comical antithesis of a true parenting guide. I laughed the whole way through and finished it in one day. Each section is short and pithy with a lot of references to modern culture that I appreciated. I seriously want all of the young adults I know who a) don't want kids b) have young kids to read this. Both should appreciate it for different reasons ;)
Obviously I think to be appreciated you need to read it imagining the situations where you really hate your/all children; if you're reflecting on how marvellous the gift of childrearing is you're going to find it offensive and overly negative. I'd say the downfall of this book is that it lacks some lasting deep insights about parenting. Sometimes though, a shallow read is exactly what I need.
This book needs to be considered an almost satirical/comical antithesis of a true parenting guide. I laughed the whole way through and finished it in one day. Each section is short and pithy with a lot of references to modern culture that I appreciated. I seriously want all of the young adults I know who a) don't want kids b) have young kids to read this. Both should appreciate it for different reasons ;)
Obviously I think to be appreciated you need to read it imagining the situations where you really hate your/all children; if you're reflecting on how marvellous the gift of childrearing is you're going to find it offensive and overly negative. I'd say the downfall of this book is that it lacks some lasting deep insights about parenting. Sometimes though, a shallow read is exactly what I need.