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alibi313's review against another edition
4.0
At times hilarious, but could’ve used another pass by the editor. Amusing anecdotes are less entertaining when read the second or third time...
novellyness's review against another edition
3.0
Act Natural was filled with interesting yet horrifying historical stories about parenting throughout the ages mainly from a US & European lens. The author’s added commentary was consistently hilarious because WTF were people thinking back then.
It was definitely filled with cringeworthy content for shock value but these things happened: apartment baby cages, throw your baby in a basket on this wagon to the wet nurse’s house for 5 years and maybe you’ll get that same kid back, neglect your kids entirely just to see what happens, let them roam outside with little clothing in all seasons. It’s all very, very sad and I am surprised humans are even still alive today. I completely understand why we’re all dealing with some form of intergenerational trauma in the present day.
For me personally, there was a lot of repeated information that I’ve come across elsewhere on the topics of parenting, women’s health throughout history, and misogynistic medical advice. I may have enjoyed this more if I hadn't just finished Unwell Women prior to this one.
It was definitely filled with cringeworthy content for shock value but these things happened: apartment baby cages, throw your baby in a basket on this wagon to the wet nurse’s house for 5 years and maybe you’ll get that same kid back, neglect your kids entirely just to see what happens, let them roam outside with little clothing in all seasons. It’s all very, very sad and I am surprised humans are even still alive today. I completely understand why we’re all dealing with some form of intergenerational trauma in the present day.
For me personally, there was a lot of repeated information that I’ve come across elsewhere on the topics of parenting, women’s health throughout history, and misogynistic medical advice. I may have enjoyed this more if I hadn't just finished Unwell Women prior to this one.
sarahfett's review against another edition
4.0
Informative and interesting, and the author's sarcasm made it funny too. The narrator of the audiobook did a fantastic job.
angela_the_librarian's review against another edition
5.0
I came across this on the new book shelf at my library and decided to give it a try. It was a really pleasant surprise! The book is divided into themes (like guidebooks and children's literature) and provides a quick history of each. There are tidbits about guidebooks that recommended that children be given solid foods and coffee from 1 week old, and about children's books that taught how to read by telling horrific tales. The author also includes humorous anecdotes and asides from her experience as a mother. I think this would be of interest even if you're not a huge history nerd (like me). Highly recommended!
ariel_bloomer's review
4.0
This is a fascinating book but I do not recommend for most pregnant women or new parents, the history of childbirth and childhood being quite horrifying for most of human history.
mperret's review
5.0
This was hilarious! It's so funny and interesting to see how parenting has evolved through the ages
insipidurbanism's review
5.0
My biggest takeaway is, historically speaking, I'm doing an incredible parenting job.
theredkatt's review
3.0
The material was great but the tone a bit uneven and distractingly self-deprecating and wry. I weep for the great editors of the past.
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