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mbenzz's review against another edition
5.0
I read (and loved) both of Ms. Giffin's previous novels, 'Something Borrowed' and 'Something Blue'. And when I saw that she had a new book out I couldn't wait to get a hold of it. I was hoping it would continue with the same characters from her first two books, and when I saw that it didn't, I was afraid I wouldn't like it as much. Well...how wrong was I!
This is an incredibly real, intelligent, yet also amusing look at what happens when two people start out wanting the same things in life, but then one of them changes their mind...and the other is left feeling betrayed, and not sure of what to do next. Well, this is exactly what happens to Ben and Claudia, who at the start of their marriage are both crystal clear on the idea of children...they DON"T want them. But after a few years, Ben decides he wants to be a father, but Claudia still stands firm in their original agreement. Neither, it seems, is willing to compromise...so where does that leave them?
What follows is at times very funny, yet also heartbreaking, because I'm willing to bet most of us at one time or another have experienced some of what Claudia is going through...maybe not the same problem, but the same emotions. Also, Ms. Giffin has this amazing talent (and not just in this book, but also in her first two) of absolutely pegging the readers own thoughts. I don't know how many times I would read something and think 'That's JUST what I was thinking!', or 'I would have done the SAME thing!'.
Overall I just can't recommend her books enough! They are all very well written, with just the right mix of excitement, drama, and humor. And definitely DON"T make the mistake of writing her stuff off as 'chick-lit' because her books are far from it! And even though she just came out with this book, I'm already looking forward to her next novel...you're almost guaranteed a great read when you pick up a book from this entertaining author!
This is an incredibly real, intelligent, yet also amusing look at what happens when two people start out wanting the same things in life, but then one of them changes their mind...and the other is left feeling betrayed, and not sure of what to do next. Well, this is exactly what happens to Ben and Claudia, who at the start of their marriage are both crystal clear on the idea of children...they DON"T want them. But after a few years, Ben decides he wants to be a father, but Claudia still stands firm in their original agreement. Neither, it seems, is willing to compromise...so where does that leave them?
What follows is at times very funny, yet also heartbreaking, because I'm willing to bet most of us at one time or another have experienced some of what Claudia is going through...maybe not the same problem, but the same emotions. Also, Ms. Giffin has this amazing talent (and not just in this book, but also in her first two) of absolutely pegging the readers own thoughts. I don't know how many times I would read something and think 'That's JUST what I was thinking!', or 'I would have done the SAME thing!'.
Overall I just can't recommend her books enough! They are all very well written, with just the right mix of excitement, drama, and humor. And definitely DON"T make the mistake of writing her stuff off as 'chick-lit' because her books are far from it! And even though she just came out with this book, I'm already looking forward to her next novel...you're almost guaranteed a great read when you pick up a book from this entertaining author!
bagejew's review against another edition
4.0
Claudia and Ben seem perfectly matched for each other. They share many common interests and goals, including not wanting babies. However, after a couple of years of marriage, things begin to change. Are they truly soulmates? Baby Proof is an entertaining. It grabs your attention and makes you want to keep turning the pages. It's one of those books where you say, "One more page and I'll go to sleep" and then you realize it's well after midnight!
tarin's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
alyssalowyo's review against another edition
4.0
the only book of emily giffin's that doesn't involve a cheating scandal in the main character's arc
allisondenae's review against another edition
5.0
First Giffin book I read and after I did, I had to read more of her work. She is fantastic. Loved this book!
alidottie's review against another edition
3.0
The people in Giffin's books are seldom people I can relate to. This book continued that trend. I hadn't read her for years, so I'd forgotten. Still, the fact that I don't actually hate visiting their lives says something for how they are written. Not my favorites, but I don't hate them.
anna3101's review against another edition
1.0
Now, the book had a very promising beginning. The main character, Claudia, happily married to Ben, is no fan of children, has never been and isn't planning on changing that. Ben seemed to agree until one not so beautiful day he decides he wants children after all. So, what to do when a couple cannot agree on a such major, life-changing issue?
An ept author could build a fascinating story from here. A story of struggling, suffering, thinking, talking.. Unfortunately, Emily Giffin doesn't even try. The events that follow Ben's revelation are so implausible that they make you want to grub the author and shout into her ears: "Hello? Is this real life we are talking about here?" And so, the "happily married, madly in love" Claudia and Ben don't even try couples counselling or talking or even thinking a bit. No, they immediately divorce - just like this, on the spot (sort of makes you wonder what kind of "true love" they had if getting a divorce is their first and immediate decision upon first serious disagreement). But hey, that's where things only become more "interesting"! Because after some time - guess what? - Claudia suddently decides that Ben is her soulmate after all and she's ok with having a baby "just to keep him". Now, how do you like that? One lucky baby it's going to be, its reason for birth being "you know honey, I just really wanted to keep your daddy, I hope you don't mind that I don't care about you that much".
I really hate it when the author is trying to sell me cheap stupid morals of this kind. Like "love is worth sacrificing everything for it". Really? Would you jump out of the window if your lover told you to? Or "every woman wants to be married and having children". What kind of naive and stereotypical generalizing is that?
As soon as I could see where this book was heading, I knew it would be the last one by Giffin that I ever read. Don't take me wrong. I love romance, and tear-jerking scenes, and I don't mind reading about marriages and having children and stuff. I just hate it when the author is trying to persuade us that this is the only way for every woman.
An ept author could build a fascinating story from here. A story of struggling, suffering, thinking, talking.. Unfortunately, Emily Giffin doesn't even try. The events that follow Ben's revelation are so implausible that they make you want to grub the author and shout into her ears: "Hello? Is this real life we are talking about here?" And so, the "happily married, madly in love" Claudia and Ben don't even try couples counselling or talking or even thinking a bit. No, they immediately divorce - just like this, on the spot (sort of makes you wonder what kind of "true love" they had if getting a divorce is their first and immediate decision upon first serious disagreement). But hey, that's where things only become more "interesting"! Because after some time - guess what? - Claudia suddently decides that Ben is her soulmate after all and she's ok with having a baby "just to keep him". Now, how do you like that? One lucky baby it's going to be, its reason for birth being "you know honey, I just really wanted to keep your daddy, I hope you don't mind that I don't care about you that much".
I really hate it when the author is trying to sell me cheap stupid morals of this kind. Like "love is worth sacrificing everything for it". Really? Would you jump out of the window if your lover told you to? Or "every woman wants to be married and having children". What kind of naive and stereotypical generalizing is that?
As soon as I could see where this book was heading, I knew it would be the last one by Giffin that I ever read. Don't take me wrong. I love romance, and tear-jerking scenes, and I don't mind reading about marriages and having children and stuff. I just hate it when the author is trying to persuade us that this is the only way for every woman.
juliabodson's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book despite my best efforts not to. The characters felt very real and their feelings were deep and genuine and the plot was so engaging I could hardly put the book down. Pleasantly surprised!
christiana's review against another edition
3.0
I like that Giffin has characters from other books show up as minor characters in another book. It's like seeing someone you haven't seen for awhile!
emerygirl's review against another edition
2.0
Being a women who gets teary eyed on mother's day because I don't have a baby I couldn't relate at all to Claudia. In fact I was mostly irritated that whole time at Claudia. The only reason this book got 2 stars is it was written in the first person...and I love books written in the first person. However, I wouldn't recommend any women who is a mother, or wants to be a mother, or even has a mother read this book.