It's been a while since I've blogged about a book and I feel a little guilty. One, it isn't like I have stopped reading - quite the opposite! - but more because I haven't felt like blogging. Two, it's because I have another blog that keeps me more active (and interested). Thirdly, since I'm no longer working, I've been idling away my time with fluff romance books that I'm a little embarrassed to admit to reading. And sometimes the time and thought processes that go into a book review, I feel, just aren't worth my time if I'm reading something that isn't provoking any actual thoughts.
That being said, I just finished a book that not only made me laugh, a lot, but made me also want to pass on the advice I learned. Recommended by my very good friend, The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy by Vicki Iovine is hilarious. It's a no-nonsense (and entirely nonmedical) approach to pregnancy; more like having a coffee date with your best friends and chatting about their experiences and what they learned while pregnant. It is forthright and non-judgemental while still being informative. And entirely non-PC! She tells you that what you're feeling is normal, while giving you examples from her own pregnancies or that of her friends, and if it isn't, she suggests heading to your nearest OB to get it checked out. Covering everything from infertility and miscarriages to delivery and life after pregnancy, Vicki's commentary is funny, frank, and sometimes gory, in her desire to cover all the bases.
From a Canadian perspective on an American pregnancy book, the only differences would be the medical practices and tests. Otherwise, giving birth is giving birth, with all the terror and confusion included, regardless of which country you call home. One of the things I admired most was her ability to cover the little aspects of pregnancy as well as the embarrassing ones. And the way she tells her stories makes you believe you're sitting right there hearing them!
I highly recommend this book - but only if you're already pregnant or have already had children. Otherwise, the graphic nature of this book may compel you to decide against ever having children of your own. And be warned if you are pregnant: my hormones caused me to laugh hysterically and then promptly bawl my eyes out.
