No Kidding

Starred review from July 1, 2013

Emmy-winning comedy writer, actress, and director Mantel (In the Middle; Midge and Buck; An Unreasonable Man) presents a collection of 37 essays written by women who wittingly and candidly share their reasons for avoiding motherhood. Many of the essayists are comedians, comedy writers, or both, among them Margaret Cho, Julie Halston, Sue Kolinksy, Laurie Graff, and Carol Siskind. These essays provide frank details behind each writer's choice (e.g., childhood epiphany, health reasons, lack of interest, monetary issues, demanding careers). A common theme throughout is that the decision to remain childfree is a personal one that should not cause the woman to endure unsolicited advice from outsiders. In her essay, comedy writer Bonnie Datt criticizes strangers who seek to counsel her on having children. She aptly notes that in a reverse situation she would not tell her airplane seatmate that "she'd regret having six children." Many of the essayists describe (in a humorous way) the sexist comments and unwanted feedback they receive from complete strangers regarding their decision. VERDICT An entertaining and hilarious collection of essays. These writings are sometimes bittersweet and will appeal to all readers, but especially fans of women's studies and contemporary popular culture.--Erica Swenson Danowitz, Delaware Cty. Community Coll. Lib., Media, PA

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.