Published by Simon & Schuster
Publication date: April 16th 2013
I Can Barely Take Care of Myself is comedienne Jen Kirkman’s humorous look at her decision to have a life without children. A decision that is questioned and tut-tutted over by virtually everyone she knows and many whom she does not. The book’s humor and strength begin even before the first chapter, meaning READ THE DEDICATION.
One of the many reasons I loved this book was because it made me laugh out loud in public and because you don’t see much out there on this subject. There is plenty on women who can’t have children or were denied the choice but not much on someone who wholeheartedly embraces the concept and is proud of it. It takes more courage and self-awareness to know that raising children is not the right thing to do for you than it does to procreate without thought.
Some of you may read this and be offended, which means you should definitely not read the book but if you’re interested in the other side of the fence (or maybe it’s your side and you need fortifications) it is very funny. It’s also worth considering, this question: why don’t men go through this? No one questions a man who doesn’t want kids. Men and their friends don’t sit around and judge each other by whether they’ve had progeny or not and it sure as hell never makes the news or social media. For some reason, it is a subject that can divide women and that’s not funny.
I Can Barely Take Care of Myself may be purchased at:
I love books that take on the idea of parenting–either for OR against. I am on the “other side” of this one, so to speak, but it sounds like I’d find it hilarious anyway. Thanks for putting it on my radar!
I really enjoyed this book, because it actually had some pretty insightful social commentary while being quite funny throughout. Though I plan on having kids, I’m definitely starting to push toward the 30’s, so I’m constantly being asked when. There was plenty for me to relate to here.
I’d really like to read this. We have an only child (by choice) but I actually think I’d be able to relate to a lot of what she has to say. Thanks for reviewing it!
I have three kids, ages 14, 12, and 8 and my husband and I love them and our life very much; however, we had them all by age 25 and are under no delusion as to the way life might have worked out if we’d been a little older and/or more settled/situated in life. I joke with people all the time that if we had a “surprise,” I would give it away 😉 Lol, I can handle hearing the other side, especially if it’s funny! I put this on my wish list on my swap site!