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A review by ginger_cricket
Catastrophic Happiness: Finding Joy in Childhood's Messy Years by Catherine Newman
While I think all new parents should be given a copy of the spot-on introduction, my experience with the essays was varied.
Likely in part because having gone through the experience (x3) myself, I wasn’t so interested in reading about it. Likely also because I would have done better to read it a chapter a day rather than all at once on the day it was due back to the library. In part, also, because the essays often link a chain of thoughts and relationships which I didn’t always follow.
Regardless, there was a lot to enjoy. There were parts that made me laugh, feel nostalgic, or nod in agreement. I, too, want my original vagina back but enjoy the seemingly random dinner conversations that happen with kids. I, too, am happy to be done with arguments over teeth brushing order but miss lopsided smiles with baby, missing, and adult teeth. I, too, have zoned out during endless narratives by little kids who grew into big kids who only occasionally open the door to their thoughts.
There are parts that don’t resonate with me, but that’s to be expected. The experience of parenting and building a family is simultaneously universal and individual.
Likely in part because having gone through the experience (x3) myself, I wasn’t so interested in reading about it. Likely also because I would have done better to read it a chapter a day rather than all at once on the day it was due back to the library. In part, also, because the essays often link a chain of thoughts and relationships which I didn’t always follow.
Regardless, there was a lot to enjoy. There were parts that made me laugh, feel nostalgic, or nod in agreement. I, too, want my original vagina back but enjoy the seemingly random dinner conversations that happen with kids. I, too, am happy to be done with arguments over teeth brushing order but miss lopsided smiles with baby, missing, and adult teeth. I, too, have zoned out during endless narratives by little kids who grew into big kids who only occasionally open the door to their thoughts.
There are parts that don’t resonate with me, but that’s to be expected. The experience of parenting and building a family is simultaneously universal and individual.