Childfree is a valid Choice with Fabulous Consequences
926779
I love children but the older the get the more I realize that one has to be very selfless if they are to become a parent. The child is your responsibility till you are gone .... because that is why you are a parent. Childfree is about being honest enough to see that you are too into yourself to be there and sacrifice for an offspring. That is very selfless and consider all the messed up people who are a direct result of selfish and narcisstic irresponsible incompetant parents. If you can't take a backseat to a child then don't have one at all. Childfree is not so much carefree but careful instead of careless breeding without proper judgment. Childful is an equally valid choice as childless .... and babies are wonderful humans .. not trophies that indicate your value because your DNA has reproduced itself. I have met women who treated their children as accessories and wonder why their kids are acting out. I have met mothers and fathers who put other people before their own children and can't understand why the kids don't like them. I have met single parents who place sex with potential relationship partners as a top priority before loving their own youngster unconditionally. And these people have the audacity to call childless yuppies selfish? They are the ones who had children for selfish reasons! A child needs all the emotionally care it can get until adulthood NOT reckless parenting from overgrown children themselves! Childfree is one of the most wisest choices anyone can make ... and the benefits are fabulous!

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2933049
This book is a must read for anybody who is thinking about starting a family or has children.  It provides amazing insight into how to create a healthy environment from gestation thereafter for your children  and it may not be in the conventional way we have been taught over the last several years.  It also helps significantly to dispel lots of myths and miconceptions about  things like vaccines which is very reassuring as a new parent. The book is for sure to shock the vast majority of people.  It is a fast and easy read backed by real science and microbiology. It is time we made sense out of why our  population is being plagued by diseases which never used to affect us so severely or in such high quantities.
2462371
This is a very truthful book about abortion. No lies. It lines right up with the ethics course I took. One of the topics was abortion. I was glad I stayed for it truely changed my views from an emotional one to a scientific,rational logical one. When we plant human seed we don't get corn or puppies. This is an unborn child, human being,and is not a fetus. It is not an IT, this is a person who will possibly hold the key to solving a great mistery or just one who will be a blessing to his or her mom in the end. I know my own daughter,and I comtemplated my "free choice", but she is worth all and kept me going. If you know anyone who is contemplating such a final act that does bring emotional and physical scars give them this book. Have grace for the one who made such a terrible error in life. What is popular is not always right. Choose Life. Hugs blessings smiles.
4291879
WOW!  I think this author is my twin. I couldn't put the book down. Some of the chapters in this book are about being tired all the time,  the impact children have on a relationship,  throwing your career down the drain, the money drain, and the most important (at least to me) is the overpopulation this world is suffering from.  I have long believed that a lot of mothers out there are not happy campers being mothers.  But, they can't or won't say it because of how they will look in the public eye. I, in no way mean they don't love their kids. The pressure put on women to procreate is overwhelming. Pressure from society to continue the human race to pressure from family members wanting grandchildren or nieces/nephews.  The one I like the best (NOT) is pressure from religion. "be fruitful and multiply" so says your god.  Why some took that as have as many children as you can instead of just go out and have 1 child, is beyond me. Or, could it be selfishness?  Women must start thinking and not give in to this pressure.  If you don't want kids, for what ever reason, then stand strong and don't do it.  If you are giving into pressure you may end up like one of those very angry mothers out there.  Especially, when you see how much work it is without the father helping much (as it is in most cases).  I don't have kids.  I knew I would not have the patients for children. I'm in my 50's and I have no regrets for not having children. I own my own house (wouldn't have be able to with children), all my bills are payed every month, I'm not in debt and I like my alone time. Although, I do have a dog that I see as my child. :-)  I am a very happy childfree woman.  I'm also happy that I'm not leaving anyone behind (children) with what's coming in our overpopulated world.  This belief in having children is a right, is going to backfire on us soon.  The future is not a nice picture.  Earth is very much overpopulated with humans. We're slowly killing our planet.
2985084
This book really explains the journey that abortion has taken over the past years. It includes stories of real women from all ages, walks of life, and eras who have had abortions. It sites cases, life experiences, and the true meaning of freedom that the ability to decide for ourselves to terminate a pregnancy affords. Whether you are pro-life or pro-choice, it is an interesting read. I talked about it so much, my husband read it too. He was brought up to believe abortion was a terrible thing, but now his mind is opened up to what it really is, how it works, and why women seek this option. I highly recommend this book.
2729651
The cultural pressure to have more than one child, apparently hard-wired into our collective DNA, is so enormous that not having any children at all is seen as preferable to having only one. Lauren Sandler addresses this emotionally-charged subject in the best way she can even though she's up against generations of opinion that says otherwise.

The introduction is the book's home run. It highlights the problem and touches upon all the counter-arguments in one elegant section. The rest of the book expands on the introduction, and is worth reading, but lacks the same punch as the intro. The last chapter, the one about growing a sustainable population, I felt weakened her argument a little.
306897
I have 12 children myself, and in a nutshell, I loved the book, just like I knew I would. For one thing, the cover is awfully cute. Which has nothing to do with anything, but I thought I'd mention it.

More importantly, the book is solid. Solid advice. Solid balance. Solid practicality. Solid reassurance.

Mary totally made me believe I could truly raise a large family!!

Which is a relief, when you get right down to it.

Although I'm not 100% sure about the "sane" part. I think you (and I mean this in the most complimentary way possible) truly have to have a little bit of the insane in you to consider raising a family larger than the norm these days. That is, if "insane" can be defined as the audacity to go against the flow, live contrary to popular culture, challenge suppositions, and embrace your inner rebel.

But you know, it's all semantics in the end.

Mary's book addresses the very real issues of space and money and time in the context of hoards of children, but also delves into deeper issues of being emotionally available for both children and spouse, as well as the Myth of the Supermom (oh how I hate that one) and how to encourage sibling friendships.

I found so much sensible and soothing about this book; it was like settling down with a cup of tea and some really good chocolate (referenced multiple times as one of Mary's secret weapons for coping, by the way) and having a lengthy chat with a close, level-headed friend after a particularly tiring day. It refreshed my spirit and strengthed my resolve to do the very best job humanly possible with this parenting gig.

Which subsequently made me wish quite longingly that I lived next door to Mary, not surprisingly.

Even if you are done growing your family and it isn't considered large by the world's definition, this book has so many practical hints on how to save money, make time for your children, foster family fun, and remember that guy you said your vows to, that I would bet just about any woman with any number of children would glean something worthwhile from the reading
483427
The Baby Lottery is a wonderful read, heart-felt and moving. When it comes to contemporary family issues, Ms. Trueblood has a clear and unflinching eye. I've heard it said that a judge knows a decision is a right one when neither side is satisfied. This book does that an so much more, blowing apart the insane media-driven notion that there are only two sides to a story. Moreover, this multi-threaded story line includes some of  the best mother/teenage daughter interaction I've ever read.
4969702
Bonnie Rough's book hooked me for the most unusual reason - she mentions my hometown in the first few pages.  Her family lived just down the street from a home I once owned, just in different decades.

Though my introduction to the book was unique, the work moved me.  While the author made one choice, I made the opposite choice for my unborn son.  I appreciated the balance that we both share on different sides of the fulcrum that is choice.  I recommend this book to professors teaching public health and students interested in newborn and infant screening. In fact my copy is loaned out to one right now.

Too often, it is those of us whose children were brought to term now stuck defending our choices to people who think we "should" have terminated. Those who terminated are often disenfranchised from discussion, but when they do contribute they are attacked by those who judge their choice.  It's a damned if you do and damned if you don't world where a tragedy is compounded by the judgement of strangers.  I appreciate that Bonnie makes the effort and artfully gives voice to one choice while building a bridge of understanding. I thank Bonnie Rough for giving perspective and voice to those facing complex and agonizing situations with dignity and grace.  Well done.
1824434
this book thrills one reader who is very well versed in these areas of effective living, lives them, and STILL finds open windows to new ways to live even "mo bettah"
.it is common to think we believe something and that gives birth to our choices, but what we DONT realize is that those choices are not only the result of our beliefs, but the root of them.....what we choose reinforces our beliefs about who we are, which means
that our poor choices make us happy because they let us know we  were correct in our beliefs in the first place....in other words, it is like the cycle in the chipmunks cage... example......I think I am fat... I eat lemon pie, I remain fat  I know I am correct in thinking I am fat....
knowing Juliana as I do, I see this book as a journal of her personal development....she came into this world as a traditional Korean woman, and is now living in this world as a modern American one......I have seen her life change 180degrees....she is smart, she is compassionate, and she is brave enough see that what she learned as a child was a large part of why she is was not living w joy....she decided to change her belief system. almost..completely,by changing her choices......brava!  bravissima!  by  francinelee hand aka david's siegel's wife
3322391
A great piece of dystopian lit! This book paints a picture of a world in which parents may choose to retroactively abort their children between the ages of 13 and 17. It is a little dark, but not unduly so. The protagonists are strong, believable, wholesome characters who stand up for what they believe is right in the face of great opposition, and the story as a whole has a hopeful ending. This book would provide a good basis for talking with young adults about controversial issues.
3854403
This book was such a joy compared to all the clingy books that track the monthly progress of your pregnancy. Of course, those books fill their need, but I believe that all expectant mothers should read this. I was attracted to the book because I am environmentally-minded. I couldn't stop reading it because it was well-written, intelligent, and touching. There are only a few sections where the science is a little obtuse, but actually, most of the writing is so down-to-earth, that it is easy to forgive some of the "heavier" science. I had a few clues about some of the environmental dangers she writes about, but the book is so well-researched and so good at explaining the problems, that it was quite an education. A good book for ALL people to read, I believe.
1201900
With too many people in the world judging others and forcing children into gender roles, this book is a breath of fresh air. It is a delightful book that celebrates being true to yourself, accepting each other, and the power of a loving family.
84395
Having been a male feminist of long standing, I found this book refreshing. It make a case for getting rid
of our straitjacket of societally enforced motherhood because it isn't - and never was - a universal impulse.
These women each make a convincing case for following the dreams of one's youth even if it means the biological
clock runs out. Here's a book that every girl and boy read before they depart high school. If they choose parenthood,
it is often much better later in life. Recommended.
2637886
This book was really captivating, somewhat repetitive and grim but as a 24 year old female with no children, it made me proud and grateful for the work she did during her lifetime. The stories in this book were eyeopening and made me appreciate the fact that I have access to birth control and the ability to choose when my husband and I decide to have a family. Less than 50 years ago woman legally gained the right to birth control in 1965 Griswold v. Connecticut. Without this ruling I'd probably have 5 kids by know and be shackled to a stove instead of attending college. I think teen girls and young women should read this book it is empowering and personally made me realize how lucky women in America are today.

50% of pregnancies today are unplanned. I take this personally as I am a product of this statistic. I am an advocate to those around me for the use of birth control, no child should be brought into this world accidentally, as women we have the responsibility to be better than that. I thank Sanger for helping give me the right and ability to plan a family when I am ready.
219992
The Crone Club was a delightful read.  It echoed the sentiment that women can re-invent themselves at any age.  Actually, the overriding theme is so similar to my own book that I felt I was reading my own words.  It says to women that you don't have to take crap just because you feel you have no choice.  Women are strong and resilient, and this book will inspire any woman who feels denigrated by family, friends or co-workers.  Good job.
1094745
My Three Sons -The Birth of a New Family is in many ways a portrait of a modern family unit. Two gay men choose to adopt -and raise as their own -three brothers that may otherwise have been separated or destined to tumultuous foster care.  The recounting of the early days of this `instant family' is both heart-achingly poignant as well laugh-out-loud funny. I think this book will offer great moral support to other adoptive parents, gay and straight - and to those considering adoption. There is a great need for people willing to adopt locally rather than overseas-and to accept older kids. With almost startling honestly the author shares the fears and insecurities one faces when deciding to take on this responsibility. And with equal candor we get to share the powerful, moving moments of love and joy that come with all parenting--with echoes of lessons and fears passed on from generation to generation. So My Three Sons, as it turns out, is not simply an endorsement of a `non-traditional' family structure. It is a testament to the universal nature of life's lessons, of being a member of any family and of loving and raising a child. It's a beautiful reminder of how much alike we all are.