Editorial Review

Beginning with the "10 Greatest Lies About Pregnancy" (number 10: Lamaze works), and ending with postpartum dementia, Vicki Iovine's Read more

Reviews (881)

LOVED this book.Kept me laughing all the way!
I have recommended this book to several of my expecting friends, and each of them have equally loved it.I needed the laughter during my lonely pregnancy, and this book provided 100%.
Fun and Frustrating
"The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy" is a difficult book to rate. Vicki Iovine's honesty and sense of humor about pregnancy deserves 5 stars.If you find pregnancy difficult for even a moment, this book will be a great comfort to you.It is a delightful antidote to the dry, frightening pregnancy books that flood the market.
This Book Is Great!!!
I loved it!I thought it was honest and fun.Vicki does a great job of letting you know how it is, while giving you suggestions on getting through it.I look forward to reading her other books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. General    4. Pregnancy    5. Pregnancy & Childbirth    6. Topic - Family    7. Family & Relationships / General    8. Humour    9. Pregnancy, birth & baby care   

Reviews (228)

Tons of Fun
I really enjoyed this book.Jenny McCarthy is very up-front and detailed about her pregnancy experience.Which is a good thing - she has an excellent, irreverent sense of humor.Reading this book feels like a conversation with a close friend.McCarthy has been through all the good and bad sides of pregnancy.When you read this book, you know that she understands what it's all like, and that makes you feel a little less scared about the whole thing.
LOVED IT!
I absolutely adore this book.I picked it up when I was about 6 months pregnant and read through it right away.As I was reading it I noticed that I didn't experiance any of the things that Jenny had experiance (most of the things in her book aren't in normal baby books so I thought that i was normal).Wouldn't ya know it.. I couple weeks later I got ALL of those experiance.At least I wasn't to suprised!!! She tells you what doctors and your mother wont warn you about!I recommend Baby Laughs as well

Fell In Love With Jenny...
She is JUST like my best friend!!! My best friend and I are both going to start trying in January to have a baby... Not together... haha.. but I am sending her the two books Belly and Baby Laughs.. I love how honest Jenny is.. and I think that they will make my friend laugh, cry and scream.. I also feel honored and blessed that there is a book out there that talks like my best friend and I do.. Our excuse is we are both marrie to the blunt Navy boys.. hehehe.. Jenny just is!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Childbirth    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. Health & Fitness    4. Health/Fitness    5. Humor    6. Pregnancy    7. Pregnancy & Childbirth    8. Topic - Family    9. Pregnancy, birth & baby care   

Reviews (33)

I haven't laughed this hard in a long time!!
Women, it's very raw but you have to read this. You will be laughing so hard you cry! Need a stress reliever read this book!!!I can't wait to get her first 2.

Wonderful and heartelt
She did it again.. she made me sit up and take notice.. I loved it and I thought it was brave of her to open up. I am sending Belly Laughs and Baby Laughs to my best friend.. she can get her own Life Laughs!! I always feel that I am reading my own stories when I read her books.. I have a 4 year old and have been through a divorce.. God Bless You Jenny!

not as good as her 1st 2 books
this book was very disappointing. i LOVED her 1st two books. so when this book came out i was very excited. after reading it, i found it was rather dull and not very funny. there were very few parts that actually made me laugh, unlike her 1st two books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Actors    2. Biography    3. Humor    4. Love / Sex / Marriage    5. Marriage    6. Parenting - Child Rearing    7. Parenting - Motherhood    8. Television personalities    9. Topic - Family    10. Topic - Relationships    11. United States    12. Family & Relationships / Marriage   

Reviews (54)

Can't stop reading this!
I read this through when I was pregnant with my 4 months old twins.And I thought it was cute and interesting.But once they got here I have become desperate for any advice on how to handle twins.I have re-read this book dozens of times!! Trying to figure out sleeping habits, what to do for schedules, and reassureance from other twin moms that at the 3 month old mark it will get better.The things that I giggled at the most have held the most truth for me.Like, 'you should never microwave formula'.....'But you will, we all do and its o.k.' If you are haveing twins you need a sense of humor and THIS BOOK!

Helpful hints
This book was not only very funny but also very helpful.It kept my attention the whole time I was reading it.I couldn't put it down. I did not know what to expect with twins.I already had a little girl (who is now 7) and even then when she was a baby I did not know how to handle her.Elizabeth (the author of this book) gives great tips and hints on how to deal with and cope with having 2 babies at one time!I would recommend this book to anyone who is expecting twins or more.I would even recommend this book for someone who is only expecting one child.The tips and hints she gives do aim more at a mother of twins (being a mother of twins herself), however, the tips she gives would work just as well with a single child.Please take the time to read the excerpt of this book.It will not only make you laugh, but it will make you want to read more.If you are an expecting mother (of any amount of babies) I would strongly recommend reading this book! I myself have already read it more then once!

Could have been better...
Home on bedrest and expecting twins in the fall, I have been doing a lot of reading this summer.I have a 3 year old and purchased this book to help me prepare for our new additions.As others have written, it's just not as good as it could be.There are certainly funny parts and useful suggestions.However, much of the book reads as a diary of the author's experiences rather than a summary of approaches and objective recommendations. Certainly, not as witty and well-written as the "Girlfriend's Guide" series.That said, it is a fast read with some useful information on twins that your generic "what to expect" pregnancy books won't have. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. Family/Marriage    4. Parenting - General    5. Parenting - Motherhood    6. Parenting - Parent & Adult Child    7. Topic - Family    8. Humor   

Editorial Review

It just isn’t fair: most of us would be lucky to be able to express ourselves in writing half as well as David Sedaris does in his new book, Read more

Reviews (274)

Love Sedaris!
I have now read all of Sedaris' books (just finished dress your family in Corduroy and Denim), and I have loved them all.They are great coming of age type of stories for any orientation and very funny.not just gay literature -- just funny literature.Not quite as funny as "Running with Scissors," but probably more poignant and identifiable to more of us.Running with Scissors is hilarious, but seems out of this world. Sedaris as 99% as funny, but much more identifiable to us and seems much more like a family member of ours gone awry in a funny, funny way.Plus, we all know that if our siblings were to rant about us, we'd be characters in a book like Sedaris' too!I highly recommend this.Quick read, and very, very good!

Defines Droll
I have long delighted in David Sedaris's pieces in The New Yorker and on "This American Life."His humor is edgy, but--and granted this will seem contradictory--there is something familiar and down-to-earth to it.Perhaps this is because it's like the aphorism popularized by Homer Simpson: "It's funny 'cause it's true."
David Sedaris
Another collection of essays from a brilliant wit who you know you love to read. It's like I've said in my reviews before. There's no need to review each book when I can just give the author a blanket endorsement and guarantee you'll love whatever you find by the guy. I love it when that happens. I may have annoyed Jan by laughing out loud too often. Sedaris is like that.
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Subjects:  1. American Satire And Humor    2. Form - Essays    3. General    4. Humor    5. Topic - Family    6. Humor / Essays   

Editorial Review

Take your average guide for new mothers, chuck most of the stuff about breast feeding and ditch the deep background research and stats, then generously pepper with illustrations and burley humor and what do you have? Your average guide for new fathers. Read more

Reviews (41)

Good, Fun Book for Beginnner Dads
This book is a great starting place if you are like me and are a first time Dad with absolutely zero experience dealing with babies. It presents really useful information and tidbits in an entertaining format for guys. The illustrations are quite amusing as well. Who knew that Bob Marley's 'Buffalo Solider' has a perfectly soothing rhythym that matches the baby's heartbeat and helps them relax? It is also contains tidbits on how to leverage your bundle of joy psychologically on others - catching relief at work etc. Things that guys need to know that they would never learn from your typical baby books. I particularly like the bit on how to powernap to minimize fatigue.
Hilarious and informative
Read this book 3 times before the baby was born, because it was so funny. Several of the nurses in the hospital saw it and wrote down the name of the book so that they could recommend it to other new fathers. I've bought another copy for my bro in law so that he can enjoy it and learn as much as I have. I haven't found any other source of information more valuable and humorous for a new father then this book.

Teaches you a lot.. Even if you think you know it all...
I was a single mom before I met my husband.. I wish I had read this book! Now we are going to start trying in January and I read this book hoping to find something that wouldn't sound condescending, protaganistic, or droll. I found it informative, funny and interesting to read. It really taught ME a lot. I left in the bathroom for my husband to read.. :) He read a couple of pages and found it interesting. Trust me you won't be dissapointed! BTW.. I have bought almost every book out there for fathers.. This is by far one of the best! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. Family/Marriage    4. Father and child    5. Father-child relationship    6. Fatherhood    7. Fathers    8. Marriage    9. Parenting - Fatherhood    10. Parenting - General    11. Sociology Of Men    12. Topic - Family    13. Family & Relationships / General   

Reviews (63)

Great Book
I recommend this book for anyone thinking about having having a baby or who is pregnant.Sometimes the best way to address tough issues is with humor and this book is hysterical.Jenny hits the nail on the head.

Amusing, but not particularly innovative
There are some very funny and truthful parts of this book, but I wouldn't really call it revolutionary.Maybe most moms just don't sit around and talk honestly with their friends like I do.Not everyone will appreciate her humor or agree with some of her parenting choices.I was unimpressed with the chapter on breastfeeding.It came off as ill-informed and defensive rather than comical.But that's okay, to each her own. Overall McCarthy has a funny and self-deprecating way of writing that makes this very readable.If you're looking for light reading and some fun, this could be a good book for you.I'd recommend checking it out from the library or borrowing it from a friend though.

A Must read for Potential Moms
I bought this book for a funny and insightful look at what the first year may bring. I couldn't put it down once I started reading it and laughed myself into tears. It was a insightful and humorus look at what it might be like. It did not convince me to get pregnant but I am thinking about it and now have a better idea of what I'm in for. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American Satire And Humor    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. General    6. Humor    7. Infants    8. Infants & Toddlers - Infants    9. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/Infants    10. Motherhood    11. Mothers    12. Parent And Child    13. Parenting - General    14. Parenting - Motherhood    15. Topic - Family    16. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Editorial Review

From the author of Read more

Reviews (24)

Funny but a little sad too
I absolutely loved James Lileks' two previous books and found them achingly funny, but like several other reviewers, I found "Mommy Knows Worst" to be tinged with sadness at times.Yes, it was very funny, but on the other hand I ended up feeling so sorry for mothers that actually followed this kind of advice (like my mother) and kids who were subjected to it (like me) that it tempered my enjoyment somewhat.
MOMMY KNOWS WORST is filled with hilarious moments and fine vintage illustrations from the times.
Parents with a sense of humor remaining about their profession will appreciate Mommy Knows Worst: Highlights from the Golden Age of Bad Parenting Advice, which gathers past parenting neuroses from the 1940s and 50s. From 'delicious' baby laxatives to boiling baby's milk, MOMMY KNOWS WORST is filled with hilarious moments and fine vintage illustrations from the times.
A Strange Little Book
I thought this latest book by James Llukes would be sidesplittingly funny, but instead it was an insightful book on how far we've come in the last century about parenting. There are some bizarre moments, such as the newspaper filled home birthing room and some rather odd advice on parenting, and in all its a good book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Humor    3. Parent And Child    4. Parenting    5. Parenting - General    6. Satire And Humor    7. Topic - Family    8. Humor / General   

Reviews (70)

a lighthearted read
The book was a lighthearted read, meant to make fun of all of the "overachiever" moms out there. It inspired me to think about what is really important, but more than that, it made me laugh. Wish I had read this one before I spent $80 on my son's infant "gym" toy....

I'm so happy for Muffy
It must be fabulous, simply FABULOUS to have perfect children and be practically perfect in every way!!
Don't Fall for This Marketing Gimic!
This book is not for the modern mom:the mom who plays with her children, looks for the best schools for them, tries to prevent them from injuring themselves, and actually takes photos of them.Muffy proudly denounces all of these practices.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Child Development And Rearing    4. Child rearing    5. Family & Relationships    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. Mead-Ferro, Muffy    8. Mothers    9. Parent And Child    10. Parenting    11. Parenting - General    12. Parenting - Motherhood    13. Topic - Family    14. United States    15. Child care & upbringing   

Reviews (7)

Read this book!
I few years ago I went to Maine to give a talk about parenting.A number of moms came up to ask questions afterwards, and I was amazed at how thoughtful and reflective they were about their children, and about themselves.They all had a tremendous respect for their children and some great ideas about how to make things better for their families.I asked them, jokingly, if they had all taken the same class or something.They laughed and said that they had, they had taken Pam Leo's workshop called Meeting the Needs of Children.i decided I had to meet this person, and I did.We ended up presenting several lectures and workshops together.I was thrilled when she wrote her book, so that now those people who aren't able to take her class (and even those who do) can still get her wisdom and warmth.After reading the book, I was even more thrilled--it is well-written, powerful, and compassionate.I strongly recommend it.Larry Cohen, author of Playful Parenting.

From the author of, Raising Our Children, Raising Ourselves
As the author of Raising Our children, Raising Ourselves, I recommend Pam's book with all my heart.It is clear, direct, and leaves no stone unturned. "When children feel better they behave better," says Pam. This amazing little phrase is an example of how the whole book is written. It makes sense. If you want to know how to talk to your child in a way that she will feel better and therefore behave better, read Pam's book.
Top of the List To Read!
Pam Leo has captured the essence of what children need most - connection. She compassionately describes how in western culture, we have gotten disconnected. Stress on the family and children has become the normal. Pam's Connection Parenting Approach and book helps reawaken our inner knowing of how to be with children from a loving place that meets their innate core need of CONNECTION.
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Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Child Development And Rearing    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Parenting - General    6. Personal Growth - Happiness    7. Topic - Family   

Reviews (9)

Lots of fun!
My husband has been reading it, and I've been sneaking peeks at it, and it's lots of fun.I think it's helping him understand a little more what I am going through right now, but then again, it takes some Cavemen a while to get in touch with their noncaveman side.=)He's getting there, and I think the book is definately helping him do that.I especially like the Dr. Brian tidbits.I'm learning a few things I didn't even know.=)=)

A accurate and hysterical account of the experience
This is the mens version of the Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy series.Hysterical but painfully accurate which can bring any hormonally driven pregnant man to tears just to know that he is not alone in his weight gain and morning sickness.

Experienced Caveman Father
I picked up this book for a friend of mine who is expecting his first child.While I am a veteran of the pregnancy and child birth process, I decided to hold onto the book for a bit and check it out.Dave and JR have hit a home run with this realistic and quite humerous guide to being a pregnancy companion.I especially enjoyed the list of "What Not To Do in the Delivery Room" as I definitely violated some of the caveman rules and paid dearly for it.Fellow cavemen, this is a must read.Enjoy! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Development And Rearing    2. Childbirth    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Family/Marriage    6. Fathers    7. Humor    8. Parent And Child    9. Parenting - Child Rearing    10. Parenting - Fatherhood    11. Pregnancy    12. Pregnancy & Childbirth    13. Topic - Family    14. FAMILY & CHILD CARE - FAM&CHILD CARE TRD P    15. Family & Relationships / Pregnancy & Childbirth    16. Sale Books   

Subjects:  1. Comics & Cartoons    2. Family    3. Form - Cartoons & Comics    4. Graphic Satire And Humor    5. Humor    6. Topic - Family    7. Comics & Graphic Novels / Comics & Cartoons   

Reviews (5)

Not as clever as I thought
This little book sounded like just what I could use in running a group of "Primetimers" at church...having socials I mean.
Fluff
I like self-help books; I was tricked into buying this book because of its title.I was angry when I realized the book was simply one-page, drawings (poorly done) with comic one-liners.The book was offensive to me.

The greatest book ever written
I have never read a better, and funnier book. I read it over and over again. I gave it to all of my friends and they loved it as well. It gave me hours of entertainment. The Illustrations by Adrienne Hartman were exquisite. I laughed at every single one until my eyes teared. BUY THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Comics & Cartoons    2. Comics & Graphic Novels    3. Form - Essays    4. Humor    5. Miscellanea    6. Older women    7. Topic - Family    8. Comics & Graphic Novels / Comics & Cartoons   

Editorial Review

Now that Bill Watterson has retired from drawing syndicated cartoons, the only way to get our Calvin and Hobbes fixes is through his book collections. Read more

Reviews (89)

LUV'D IT!!!!!
Calvin And Hobbes...What A CLASSIC! It's hillarious, its clever, it's got everytihin! I bought this book as my first Calvin and Hobbes book years ago and I loved it immediatly! If im sad or upset, I just read this book and i'm happy again! IT's incredible! Watterson's commentary is an extra for this book and it's informative too. Also, this book has more strips than some of the other ones so buy this one! I hope this helped!

Fantastic
Having already owned every conceivable collection and reprint of Calvin and Hobbes material, I hardly needed a recap of the previous decade up to the point when this book was published.The attraction, then, had less to do with the smattering of strips that filled these pages and more to do with the bonus essays and commentaries that Watterson provides, shining some significant amount of insight onto the world of Calvin and Hobbes.
One of the best comic strip collection books ever!
My ex-girlfriend bought this book for me for Christmas and I was very pleased.Bill Watterson is one of the most intelligent comedy writers of all time.This collection gives descriptions of all the characters and explains their basic origins, as well as giving you hundreds of comics to read.Black and white as well as sunday comic strips.5 stars! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Comics & Cartoons    2. Comics & Graphic Novels    3. General    4. Humor    5. Topic - Family    6. Humor / General   

Subjects:  1. Calendar    2. Calendars & Diaries    3. Non-Classifiable    4. Topic - Family    5. Humor / General   

Reviews (138)

my review
I did not like Cheaper by the Dozen because it did not grab my attention at all. I do not like reading about the life of a large family where the father ties to teach the kids everything, or showing off in front of a bunch of people. I also do not believe anything of this story is realistic. Do you think someone now of days can handle 12 kids? I do not think so. Now of days things are more expensive, so think how wealthy someone has to be to maintain a house, work, and still have time to spend with each child and buy things you need in the household. And do you think the dad has time, with work to teach each child all the different things. I think you would like this book if you are interested in stories about everyday life with a big family and the parents tutoring 12 kids and go on vacations. Or if you want to know what life was like back then and have 12 kids. Still how can they fit 14 people in a car, 9 kids in the back, 1 in the front, the mother in the passenger side with 2 babies in her lap, and the father driving the car? I was thinking how 2 adults keep 12 screaming kids under control. If you like the movie Cheaper by the Dozen with Steve Martin you might like this book even though they are really different, even the last names are different. I really did not like this book but if you want to read it go right a head.

Excellent read for anyone
Non-fiction is a category with very few books I would recommend that everyone read. Usually, the topics are tied too closely to interests. I think that this is one of the few books that is actually of general interest.
Very entertaining book!
I enjoyed this book alot!!! It is definintly a must read! This book is nothing like the Steve Martin & Bonnie Hunt Cheaper by the dozen movie. You sympathize with the children in this book if you come from a large family. I would highly recomend reading this book!
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Subjects:  1. 1868-1924    2. 1878-1972    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. General    8. Gilbreth, Frank Bunker,    9. Gilbreth, Lillian Moller,    10. Industrial engineers    11. Personal Memoirs    12. Topic - Family    13. United States    14. United States - 20th Century    15. Biography & Autobiography / General    16. Gilbreth, Frank Bunker    17. Gilbreth, Lillian Moller   

Reviews (12)

Over-read new parent, Humor NEEDED NOW!
I have read half a million books about the process of pregnancy, birth, and the first year recently.It's all such serious stuff.
A Great Gift Book for Dads, Trust Me
I loved this book because, as a new father learning my trade (so to speak) it gave me a break from all the pressure-packed, heavy advice books. With Keeping the Baby Alive, I could relax and laugh at the many ironies that come with child care. I also liked the book because I felt like it was written for me, an innocent young father who wants to do my best, but who also feels a little intimidated about infant care. The message here is 1) you don't have to be perfect and 2) you can actually have fun taking care of kids if you don't get too crazy and uptight about it. Besides, the book is just plain funny.

just like life, only funnier!
Mr. Roark hits the nail on the head with this very funny, very real book. Any new Dad will be able to relate to "Keeping the Baby Alive...' It took me several years to realize that my husband was REALLY proud of himself whenever he took care of the kids - he thought he had done his job well---he had kept them alive until I got home! Buy this book as a gift for any new father - or any father, for that matter! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family & Relationships / Fatherhood    4. Family & Relationships / Infants & Toddlers    5. Family & Relationships / Parenting    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/General    8. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/Infants    9. Parenting - Fatherhood    10. Parenting - General    11. Topic - Family    12. Child rearing    13. Fatherhood    14. Humor    15. Infants    16. Infants & Toddlers - Infants    17. Parenting    18. Pregnancy, birth & baby care   

Reviews (11)

If you like Stewie...
My whole family loves Family Guy, so I bought this as a gift for my father (who normally doesn't read at all).Come Christmas morning, he couldn't put it down, and the laughs just never ended.Haven't read it yet myself, but I'm sure it must be hilarious...

It gave me a few chuckles
Overall, this book is nothing to write home about. Don't get me wrong now - I'm a huge Family Guy fan, and I love Stewie. Steve Callaghan - a producer and writer for Family Guy from its very first season - did a great job writing this book as though it was written by Stewie, and at times it's quite amusing. Unfortunately, Stewie's sarcastic and misanthropic wit isn't half as funny on paper as it is coming from Seth McFarlane's mouth and with his brilliant delivery, and most of the jokes here are stale and predictable - quite a lot of them were actually recycled from the show. More than that I was disappointed by the artwork - which is all snatched directly from the Family Guy episodes, hardly any new material was made freshly for the book.
Whitty and Humerous
If you are thinking of entering world domination this toddler can get you on the right foot!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American Satire And Humor    2. American wit and humor    3. Humor    4. Movie Tie - In    5. Television Plays And Programs    6. Topic - Family    7. Humor / General   

Reviews (9)

A fun bit of light entertainment
I enjoyed the book for light entertainment.Best read in short segments. A fun little read.

For Every Grandmother
A very quick reading book , but by far one of the funniest I read. It's a book for all grandmothers everywhere and when the grandmothers are finished pass on to your daughters who will also enjoy the read. It hit home in so many ways, with truths that moms and daughters everywhere share as they grow up together. Just an enjoyable hour well spent reading why I love being a grandmother (well really a grandjoy)
Another great gift...
Purchased this for the wife of a business associate who was becoming a grandmother for the first.She loved it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anecdotes    2. Form - Essays    3. General    4. Grandmothers    5. Humor    6. Parenting - Grandparenting    7. Topic - Family    8. United States    9. Humor / General   

Features

• Audiobook

Reviews (1)

I LOVE CAR TALK
On Saturdays when I take a break for listening to CDs, I usually
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Subjects:  1. Audio - Nonfiction    2. Automotive - Repair & Maintenance    3. Essays    4. General    5. Humor    6. Topic - Animals    7. Topic - Family    8. Unabridged Audio - Misc.Nonfiction    9. Humor / General