Why Have Kids?, Jessica Valenti
Why Have Kids?, Jessica Valenti
2 Rating(s)
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Why Have Kids?
A New Mom Explores the Truth About Parenting and Happiness

Author: Jessica Valenti

Narrator: Emily Beresford

Unabridged: 5 hr 16 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 09/04/2012

Synopsis

A provocative and intimate exploration of modern parenthood from a writer named “a gutsy young third-wave feminist” by the New York Times.If parenting is making Americans unhappy, if it’s impossible to “have it all,” if people don’t have the economic, social, or political structures needed to support parenting, then why do it?In Why Have Kids?, Valenti explores these controversial questions through on-the-ground reporting, startling new research, and her own unique experiences as a mom. She moves beyond the black and white “mommy wars” over natural parenting, discipline, and work-life balance to explore a more nuanced reality: one filled with ambivalence, joy, guilt, and exhaustion. A must-read for parents as well as those considering starting a family, Why Have Kids? is an explosive addition to the conversation about modern parenthood.

About Jessica Valenti

Jessica Valenti was called “a gutsy young third-wave feminist” by the New York Times. She was included in the Guardian’s Top 100 Inspiring Women list and has appeared on Anderson Live, The Colbert Report, The TODAY Show, and in the New York Times Magazine. She is a frequent lecturer at universities. She founded feministing.com and has written three books including Full Frontal Feminism.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Angela

I chose not to have children, and I've read the studies that show those of us without kids are happier in general. However, parenthood as a whole still fascinates me. It is a difficult job with lots of responsibility and I've seen it create both joy and depression. Valenti explores the issue of paren......more

Goodreads review by Kelly

To be honest, this book is mostly useful as an overview of the major points of the "to have kids or not to have kids" debate circa the early 21st century. I imagine it will make a great reference point to a PhD student in 100 years or so, and some enterprising librarian ought to mark it out as a fut......more

Goodreads review by Ellis

Prepare to tear your hair out over this one. In America, women are told that raising children is the most rewarding thing we could ever possibly do, as well as the hardest. “Moms have the toughest jobs in the world if you’re doing it right,” says Oprah. I guess this makes it easier to feel better ab......more

Goodreads review by Jaclyn

There are so many things swirling in my head after finishing this book that I’m not sure where to start! First, the obvious: I liked it. After writing this post last week ([URL not allowed]), I read the book over the weekend and found myself highlighting almost every other par......more

Quotes

“This timely volume, which should generate much controversy, is a call for much-needed change and may unite a new generation of moms.” —Publishers Weekly“Timely…[Valenti] states early on that her book is meant to anger people and incite discussions…She wades deeply into the moral and logistical problems facing mothers, with interviews, research and her own anecdotal experiences.” —Kirkus Reviews“For mothers like Valenti, who felt guilty admitting impatience at the drudgery and boredom that constitutes much of parenting, this book may be a revelation. And a comfort.” —People Magazine

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