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makennakjacobs's review against another edition
3.5
This was pretty standard, but I liked being able to see the survey results at the end. I would've liked more examples from other women, especially in different stages of life; it was very focused on the author's experience.
kari_b's review against another edition
inspiring
slow-paced
1.5
This book could have been condensed to 10 pages. Very basic and obvious advice. Nothing new or particularly moving.
lurdesabruscato's review against another edition
3.0
Helpful guidelines to getting more out of your day, although most of the suggestions are fairly basic.
slahlum's review against another edition
It doesn't fit me and I don't think it ever will. I make good use of my 'fringe' hours and am organized with my time. It may have applied five years ago, but it got interesting to me at all, now.
sarahhyatt's review against another edition
2.0
With the back cover description of busyness, I almost bought this book sight unseen... and I never buy books I haven't read, so that's saying something. It seemed to be perfectly applicable to my current life situation.
I am very, very thankful I didn't. The overwhelming majority of this book is geared towards married women working 9 to 5 hours. Emphasis on the married. One example mentioned a single mother, yet by the time her blurb reached object lesson status she had gotten married. So... not too helpful. Maybe that's the solution to my scheduling problems: just get married! HA.
For this demographic, the book has wonderful suggestions - however, when the majority of the suggestions include "go get a massage" or other varieties of "take some time away", it ceases to be helpful for single parents who may already be stretched to their childcare limit. Asking a spouse to be fully present and supportive only works when there is a spouse in the picture. I understand that Jessica is married, and this is what works for her. But in all of the suggestions for ideas like "ask your spouse to wake up with the kids" if they wake early and interrupt your alone time, not once did it cross her, or rather her editor's mind, to offer an alternate suggestion for single women? Single parenthood is increasingly common, and for numerous reasons.
Overall, this book left me, as a single parent working weird hours and without many childcare resources as a result, more discouraged. The ideas were nothing I hadn't already thought of or implemented. I do not struggle with saying no to things I don't want to do, and if I did, I would pick up a book on boundary setting. I was hoping for some concrete ideas but found very few that were realistic for me.
I am very, very thankful I didn't. The overwhelming majority of this book is geared towards married women working 9 to 5 hours. Emphasis on the married. One example mentioned a single mother, yet by the time her blurb reached object lesson status she had gotten married. So... not too helpful. Maybe that's the solution to my scheduling problems: just get married! HA.
For this demographic, the book has wonderful suggestions - however, when the majority of the suggestions include "go get a massage" or other varieties of "take some time away", it ceases to be helpful for single parents who may already be stretched to their childcare limit. Asking a spouse to be fully present and supportive only works when there is a spouse in the picture. I understand that Jessica is married, and this is what works for her. But in all of the suggestions for ideas like "ask your spouse to wake up with the kids" if they wake early and interrupt your alone time, not once did it cross her, or rather her editor's mind, to offer an alternate suggestion for single women? Single parenthood is increasingly common, and for numerous reasons.
Overall, this book left me, as a single parent working weird hours and without many childcare resources as a result, more discouraged. The ideas were nothing I hadn't already thought of or implemented. I do not struggle with saying no to things I don't want to do, and if I did, I would pick up a book on boundary setting. I was hoping for some concrete ideas but found very few that were realistic for me.
erlenzi's review against another edition
3.0
A light, enjoyable and encouraging read. A good reminder to take advantage of the small pockets of time in our lives. In fact, I read most of this book on the train to/from work in 15-20 minute intervals! I suspect I would have found it more engaging had I not already read and been wowed 'The Best Yes' by Lysa TerKeurst last year.
jnmph76's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed reading this book, but I think there should be a disclaimer that if you are a single parent...beware. So much of finding "fringe hours" relates to having a supportive partner to help with things. Also too, she mentions outsourcing cleaning and meal prep through food delivery services. Not practical if you are surviving on 1 income.
For a woman with a lot of disposable income and a helpful and supportive spouse/partner...this book is great.
For a woman with a lot of disposable income and a helpful and supportive spouse/partner...this book is great.
michellel123's review against another edition
3.0
Practical advice on why we need to make time for ourselves, and how to achieve it. Most of this I already know, believe and do, but good to be affirmed.
bethanymplanton's review against another edition
4.0
The Fringe Hours is a book written by a woman for women (and the men who love those women). I picked it up because we all can take better care of ourselves. Jessica gives many strategies and tips for how to use those little pockets of time you already have in your day to take care of yourself and pursue your interests. As Jessica is a mother, the book focuses a lot on the challenges with being a mother. I would have loved a little more for single women and wives juggling their responsibilities.
smderitis's review against another edition
4.0
I often feel, as I'm sure plenty of people do, that there just aren't enough hours in the day and that I don't prioritize the things I want to do enough. This book gave great perspective on how important it is to set aside time for yourself, to spend in whatever way you see fit, while also giving great pointers on how to utilize down time, multitask, and be effective with the amount of time we're given with our busy schedules. The only problem I had with this book was that the majority of personal stories and examples were centered around having children— while many of the situations were relatable, there were times when I felt a little isolated because I personally am not a mother.