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tigerxwasp's review against another edition
5.0
I loved Giovanna before this book, and this has not at all changed my opinion of her. In fact, now I love her that bit more.
katykelly's review
4.0
4.5 stars
My second child (a second boy) is due any day. I'm usually not one for parenting books, there is so much information out there that conflicts, you can feel like nothing you do is right. But I did like the idea of enjoying a light read (audio in this case, read by the author) about a woman's journey in motherhood, similar in age to me, with two boys.
Alright, I'm not married to a musician and writer, and I haven't (as yet anyway) written bestselling fiction, but I know Ms. Fletcher by reputation and knew I wasn't about to be preached at.
This made a really refreshing read to listen to just before giving birth. Giovanna has a very friendly and warm voice, full of energy and humour, and tells the anecdotes of her parenting life with vigour and a lot of honesty.
I'm not a reader of her fiction, or a particular fan of McFly/McBusted, so I came to this from the perspective of an interested fellow parent, ready for a giggle, happy to hear of the woes and wonders in the life of another mother.
This is full of both. I was very glad this didn't ever descend into a celebrity name-checking exercise, or memoir of a celebrity. While Ms Fletcher may not have the life or family of most of us, she really doesn't talk about experiences that aren't universal.
I liked the format - from the trials of trying to become pregnant, to the realities of pregnancy and labour (as well as its after-effects on a mum's body), she then takes us through her life as a first-time mum, her insecurities, failures and successes.
The milestones were familiar - what to choose with regards to feeding, how to wean, trips with a small child, toilet training, preparing for a second sibling, worrying about a post-pregnancy body. Giovanna is an entertaining storyteller, and I loved the 'rod for our own back' moments (some of which sounded familiar, some I've so far avoided... we'll see!).
The author manages to talk about her husband, father to both boys a little, though it's really the view of a mother she shares. Sometimes the detail of her sons' feeding and sleeping patterns felt a little too much, as every parent is apt to share at times, but on the whole, she does give a new parent (or one looking to feel comradeship) a full picture of the first few years of parenthood.
I laughed and felt nostalgic for my own 6 year old's early days, and started thinking about the journey I have ahead with my own Number Two.
One thing Giovanna has reminded me - not to worry about my own body over the next few months, and not to worry about other peoples' opinions of my parenting decisions. They are YOUR kids, yours to cuddle and love, cry over and make memories with. The author's love for her family comes through very clearly, and this is a celebration of her own parenting as well as a call for all mums and dads out there to enjoy their children and the good AND bad moments.
An Audible copy was provided by Nudge-Books.com for my honest thoughts of the book.
My second child (a second boy) is due any day. I'm usually not one for parenting books, there is so much information out there that conflicts, you can feel like nothing you do is right. But I did like the idea of enjoying a light read (audio in this case, read by the author) about a woman's journey in motherhood, similar in age to me, with two boys.
Alright, I'm not married to a musician and writer, and I haven't (as yet anyway) written bestselling fiction, but I know Ms. Fletcher by reputation and knew I wasn't about to be preached at.
This made a really refreshing read to listen to just before giving birth. Giovanna has a very friendly and warm voice, full of energy and humour, and tells the anecdotes of her parenting life with vigour and a lot of honesty.
I'm not a reader of her fiction, or a particular fan of McFly/McBusted, so I came to this from the perspective of an interested fellow parent, ready for a giggle, happy to hear of the woes and wonders in the life of another mother.
This is full of both. I was very glad this didn't ever descend into a celebrity name-checking exercise, or memoir of a celebrity. While Ms Fletcher may not have the life or family of most of us, she really doesn't talk about experiences that aren't universal.
I liked the format - from the trials of trying to become pregnant, to the realities of pregnancy and labour (as well as its after-effects on a mum's body), she then takes us through her life as a first-time mum, her insecurities, failures and successes.
The milestones were familiar - what to choose with regards to feeding, how to wean, trips with a small child, toilet training, preparing for a second sibling, worrying about a post-pregnancy body. Giovanna is an entertaining storyteller, and I loved the 'rod for our own back' moments (some of which sounded familiar, some I've so far avoided... we'll see!).
The author manages to talk about her husband, father to both boys a little, though it's really the view of a mother she shares. Sometimes the detail of her sons' feeding and sleeping patterns felt a little too much, as every parent is apt to share at times, but on the whole, she does give a new parent (or one looking to feel comradeship) a full picture of the first few years of parenthood.
I laughed and felt nostalgic for my own 6 year old's early days, and started thinking about the journey I have ahead with my own Number Two.
One thing Giovanna has reminded me - not to worry about my own body over the next few months, and not to worry about other peoples' opinions of my parenting decisions. They are YOUR kids, yours to cuddle and love, cry over and make memories with. The author's love for her family comes through very clearly, and this is a celebration of her own parenting as well as a call for all mums and dads out there to enjoy their children and the good AND bad moments.
An Audible copy was provided by Nudge-Books.com for my honest thoughts of the book.
cherryhayburn's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
ashleighmacro's review against another edition
4.0
I'm not a mum, and I don't expect I will be for a while yet either, but I love Giovanna Fletcher's novels and her blog and YouTube channel, so I didn't hesitate to read this one. It's honest and open, and wonderfully written too. It feels more like a memoir designed to help mothers know that they are not alone, and I think that's pretty awesome.
btpbookclub's review against another edition
5.0
Now, I love Giovanna and follow her over on FB, I also have all her other fiction books which I haven’t got around to reading YET! I found myself in a bit of a reading slump (not being able to read anything). So I picked this up and just devoured it within a day!! It is brilliant. I personally do not read a lot of non-fiction but this was a must have especially as being a mother myself! Throughout I could relate to EVERYTHING, having been there and done that myself. It made me laugh, it made my cry it is such a beautiful book. It made me feel like I wasn’t alone and no matter how much I doubted myself and my parenting skills Giovanna made me feel much better about myself and highlighted that it is normal (THANK YOU!). A well deserved five stars and I will highly recommend this book to you all, especially all those mothers (and fathers) out there. Brilliant. I even sent a little message to Giovanna after to thank her as I am sure many of her other readers would have done. Enjoy!
milly_in_the_library's review against another edition
4.0
A very sweet and heartfelt book about modern motherhood...& a few tips & positive reinforcements collected along the way!
bookwormbecky12's review against another edition
5.0
So glad I have finally read this book. I currently find myself entering the second trimester myself and follow G and Tom on all social media. Their lives are pure goals. The insight into their parenting and children is fantastic.
It is a fantastic book for parents, soon to be parents or even if you want a giggle.
Thank you for being my last book of 2018 😊
It is a fantastic book for parents, soon to be parents or even if you want a giggle.
Thank you for being my last book of 2018 😊