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titusfortner's review against another edition
4.0
So, the thought of having a kid is scary. Especially when you really like your life the way it is. Especially when you don't understand why your friends seem to go a little nuts once they have kids.
Birbiglia shares his reluctance and provides reassurances along with many literal laugh-out-loud moments.
Birbiglia shares his reluctance and provides reassurances along with many literal laugh-out-loud moments.
magwelch's review against another edition
3.0
***This needs 3 1/2 stars instead of 3!
This was very much an culmination of some of Mike’s standup material, but I think it works. Not only because the additions of his wife’s poems, but because this work still feels as raw and honest and true to Mike’s creative character as any other work he has done. I think without the addition of his wife’s poems, this would’ve felt a lot less complete; her perspective adds so much and really makes this a story about a family instead of just a story about a dad. It was beautiful.
This was very much an culmination of some of Mike’s standup material, but I think it works. Not only because the additions of his wife’s poems, but because this work still feels as raw and honest and true to Mike’s creative character as any other work he has done. I think without the addition of his wife’s poems, this would’ve felt a lot less complete; her perspective adds so much and really makes this a story about a family instead of just a story about a dad. It was beautiful.
jonathonjones's review against another edition
5.0
I listened to this as an audiobook, and I strongly recommend that. Listening to the poetry read by Jen was lovely, and the emotion from both of them was very clear. I listened to this when my own baby was 11 months old, and a lot of it resonated with me - the frustrations and love, joy and worries were often familiar. And I loved the way they captured that, and revealed so much of themselves in the process.
hneilsen's review against another edition
4.0
So, I had saved this book to read while I was pregnant. I had seen a few of Mike Birbiglia’s skits and thought the guy was a crack up. He seemed… awkward. And honestly, I’m as awkward as hell, so I get it. As a result, he’s one of my favorite comedians.
Needless to say, I laughed my ass off while reading this book and it also brought tears to my eyes. It is one of those hilarious and heartfelt books that is so honest you just find yourself muttering, “Exactly.” At the time of writing this review, my son is about 9 months old and I just turned 35. So I related to so many things in this book. I sympathized not only to the author and the struggles he was going through, but also to his wife. Some of her poetry is included in the book. I’m not really a poetry person (despite my BA in Literature), but I did relate to quite a few of her writings. I think many new mothers would. And the love the author has for his wife is incredible.
Honestly, I think this is a great read for any new parent, reluctant or otherwise. Being a new parent can be a struggle. But it is also pretty rewarding. You learn as you go and you get better over time.
Needless to say, I laughed my ass off while reading this book and it also brought tears to my eyes. It is one of those hilarious and heartfelt books that is so honest you just find yourself muttering, “Exactly.” At the time of writing this review, my son is about 9 months old and I just turned 35. So I related to so many things in this book. I sympathized not only to the author and the struggles he was going through, but also to his wife. Some of her poetry is included in the book. I’m not really a poetry person (despite my BA in Literature), but I did relate to quite a few of her writings. I think many new mothers would. And the love the author has for his wife is incredible.
Honestly, I think this is a great read for any new parent, reluctant or otherwise. Being a new parent can be a struggle. But it is also pretty rewarding. You learn as you go and you get better over time.
turtlelullaby's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
4.0