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A review by bak8382
Women's Work: A Reckoning with Work and Home by Megan K. Stack
4.0
Author [a:Megan K. Stack|5263270|Megan K. Stack|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] was a journalist living abroad when she had her children. While attempting to finish writing a novel, shortly after the birth of her first son, she realized she was spending all of her time caring for her son and the house, with nothing left over for her book. She ended up hiring both nannies and housekeepers to help so she could work. Stack then began to think about the sacrifices that the women she hired made in order to care for Stack's children so Stack could pursue her career. The women left children behind, usually in the care of grandparents in other cities, so they could make enough money to give their children a better future.
Stack's gift for writing lifts this up above other books of this type. Her turn of phrase gives it a novel like quality at times. The majority of the book is given over to her memories, and she really highlights the aspects of motherhood, especially in the beginning, that are so hard. Most mothers should be able to identify with at least one of her experiences. In the last part of the book she goes out to see the homes and families that her staff left behind to get their permission to tell their stories. Stack really highlights the trade-offs women make, especially low income women, who do the majority of nannying for well off women who are working. It was definitely eye-opening to think about the sacrifices child-care workers are making to come to work each day, as hiring help is usually seen as a way for women to have it all, but at what cost?
Stack's gift for writing lifts this up above other books of this type. Her turn of phrase gives it a novel like quality at times. The majority of the book is given over to her memories, and she really highlights the aspects of motherhood, especially in the beginning, that are so hard. Most mothers should be able to identify with at least one of her experiences. In the last part of the book she goes out to see the homes and families that her staff left behind to get their permission to tell their stories. Stack really highlights the trade-offs women make, especially low income women, who do the majority of nannying for well off women who are working. It was definitely eye-opening to think about the sacrifices child-care workers are making to come to work each day, as hiring help is usually seen as a way for women to have it all, but at what cost?