Kathy Buckworth

The Good Stuff

As the description mentions this is a tongue in cheek look at parenting - yet there is some wise information, thoughts and truths contained within
I was constantly laughing out loud and nodding my head - which proved to be quite embarrassing as I often read the book while on the bus
Not sure where to put this comment but quite frankly Kathy, my kids and husband hate you now. Since I started reading I have taken charge at home and became the Boss and they are struggling with this
Kathy and I have a similar sense of humour so it is no surprise I enjoyed this
It got the JR (that is my name at work as there are 3 other Jennifer's working at Chapters Shawnessy) Staff Pick sticker - only give it to the very best (Still pissed that Fault in Our Stars got a Heather's Pick - now I cannot put my name on that brilliant story)
Thanks Kathy for making me feel good about my messy home
I completely agree with her commentary on "Entitlement" and Helicopter Parents - I saw the effects of this constantly when I worked at the Humber College Library (also it does so much damage as these kids have no idea how to do anything for themselves)
Fabulous idea about shopping for groceries at the same time as the sanctimonious health freak mom - this way you are forced to buy healthy food and not junk as not to be embarrassed - love it
Did I mention this book will make you laugh your ass off
Also agreed with her whole heartily with her ideas about allowances
Kathy comes across as real and not full of crap - which is what I admire in a person

The Not So Good Stuff

Have had that damn Bieber song stuck in my head for the last two days
Some uncomfortable truths I have to deal with since reading - I promise Kathy I will be more aware of what I post online
Do you have any idea how hard it was to pick only 3 favorite quotes/passages - not to mention how many pages I folded over (going to have to buy another copy)

Favorite Quotes/Passages



" On a certain level, I admire teenagers. They speak their mind, try new things, sleep away stress, and call bullshit when it's bullshit. And even when it's not. But being the parent of a teenager is not easy."



"Mostly, I think the sweatpants moms feel a tad inferior and/or lazy when they haven't made an effort and maybe could have. Do we really need to tear other women down for feeling good about how they look?"

"Resist the urge to have your child turn in perfect homework that's only perfect because you did most of it. If the teacher doesn't know where/how they are struggling, they can't help them in the classroom. Also don't be a homework nag. You're not the one who has to explain to the teacher why its not done, and you're not the one who misses recess because of it. Let this happen once and see how quickly they get the message."

Who Should/Shouldn't Read

For moms everywhere - well, unless they don't have a sense of humour
Those moms needing the push to stop being walked over by their "employees" and giving them the motivation to "women it up" (Yeah man it up my ass - women are stronger - trust me think of when a man gets a cold)

4.95 Dewey's (You lost .5 because I now of have Baby Baby by Bieber stuck in my head)

I received this from Random House in exchange for an honest review… (altro)

Today I bring you my review of Kathy Buckworth's latest parenting book. If you haven't read anything by her before, I suggest you get off this blog RIGHT NOW and go find something she has written, you will not regret it. I first found out about her while watching Breakfast TV while on maternity leave and after her segment (Ok - I finished watching my adorable Frankie first) I rushed out and bought her Blackberry Diaries book that day. I consider her, to coin my sisters phrase, a "Real Mom" and will read ANYTHING she writes. You can also find her on Twitter and trust me if she doesn't make you laugh at least once a day, you need help! Oh yeah and also get a copy of her "Blackberry Diaries" -- it is also hilarious and made me seriously want a Blackberry.
The Good Stuff

* The whole frickin book - do you really need any more reasons than it was written by Kathy Buckworth -- so "Shut Up and Buy the Book"
* Extremely funny and wise at the same time
* She talks about the overuse of snacks -- which is something I totally agree with her on
* The chapter on Fun with grown ups. It reminded me of this one friend of mine whom I will NEVER EVER go to a restaurant with EVER again. Lovely women, but horribly rude and picky at restaurants.
* The chapter on when she took her kids to the cottage of a picky eater - trust me!
* The Sunday Dinner discussion
* Discussion on Men and BBQ's
* Tips for cocktail parties
* Kathy has given me the perfect response to give to Jacob at bedtime - see the last quote in my favorite quotes section.
* Some great recipes for time-strapped mom's - in other words - recipes for moms
* The State Fair Secrets
* Her Dieting tips
* Ok you got the point the whole book is wise and hilarious - now go buy the book -- you can do it online you know, you don't even half to leave the house and while you are waiting for book to arrive go follow her on Twitter - Trust me, I'm a Librarian

The Not so Good Stuff

* Not long enough
* Must remember not to read her stuff at the reference desk, seems it freaks our students out when a Librarian snorts out-loud every 60 seconds. Little buggers don't realize we have a sense of humour
* I keep getting busted by Jake for saying Shut Up (which we had always told him was a bad thing to say -- I know the one time he actually listens I get busted)

Favorite Quotes/Passages (I am only putting a few otherwise this post would be massive)

"I know all the hiding places for the peas and lima beans. Stop it"

"When did we start adhering to some unwritten law that states our children may never be hungry or uncomfortable in any way? Oh yes. Since we all decided to be obese, that's when. Never mind."

"Do not - I repeat, do not-be afraid to use dessert as a bribe. It's a bribe. We know it's a bribe, and the kids know it's a bribe."

"Go away. Mommy has a glass of wine and if she doesn't get to drink it she will run away from home."

What I Learned

* That I want to hang out with the author
* Some nice easy recipes for the nights that I am rushed - in other words every fricken night
* That I really am a damn good parent -- and my kids are just like everybody else's

Who should/shouldn't read

* Those with no sense of humour -- hmm textbook parents -- should stay far far away
* This should be required reading for all parents
* Kids should also read this so they can understand mom a little better and appreciate the goddess' that they are
* Anyone who loved reading Erma Bombeck - she's like a much hipper Canadian version of her

5 Dewey's (Go now and buy the book -- trust me I'm a Librarian)

I won from Yummy Mummy Club Bookalicious and just did this review so that you would go out and buy her book, cause she makes me LMAO and I want her to keep writing more. Why are you still reading -- I told you to go buy the book dammit!… (altro)

"The BlackBerry Diaries; Adventures In Modern Motherhood", by Kathy Buckworth, is a delightful book about the joys and challenges of juggling modern motherhood and operating a piece of sophisticated technology (a BlackBerry Smartphone).

Kathy Buckworth is one of the Mommy Blogger queens. She shares a year-long account of her experiences and adventures with Seamus (her BlackBerry Smartphone) and her four children. This Canadian mom really tells it like it is in a hilarious manner. She learns that toddlers and technology are not really so different. Kathy's brand new BlackBerry Smartphone is just like having another child!

The first chapter/blog post in this book is dated December 25. Kathy receives her new phone on Christmas day and this is what she says about it;

"Today I'm holding a brand spanking new piece of heaven - my very own BlackBerry smartphone! Oh, how I have longed for one. This is the piece of technology that will transform my life".

Kathy's life is indeed transformed by her beloved Seamus. She tells us how she learns to depend on her BlackBerry phone to keep her informed, entertained and on schedule. As a mother and grandmother, I can tell you that Kathy's parenting advice is blunt, hilarious and right on the mark.

There is just one problem. After reading this book, I am also longing for my very own BlackBerry Smartphone. Kathy, you convinced me that this is just what I need. I am putting a BlackBerry Smartphone on the top of my Christmas list!… (altro)