Emma Gannon

I was unsure from how it started, but it soon his its stride. I appreciate that the author's research and insight is conveyed in a clear concise manner that should be easy for most people to follow. We get some personal examples of each form of sabotage, which weren't particularly helpful for *me*, but not everyone will already be familiar with them, (and the book doesn't blather on and on about it), so it's perfectly fine. The pattern seemed to follow- name a sort of sabotage, give one or two examples, go a bit deeper into the motivations for it and what research says, and then give some concrete examples of how you can alter the impulse/behavior. I think it works well for this topic.

Probably for me it was mostly just good reminders, rather than relevational, but that's helpful too, and I'm coming away with a few new bits. I think I probably just have the run-of-the-mill sort of unconscious self-sabotage impulses here and there though, so it would probably help someone that really struggles with this much more. Personally, for my own level of use and enjoyment, I would probably give it a 3.5 rounded down to a 3, but overall, I think it's well done and could really help others, so all together I'm giving it 4 stars.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by the author, and she did a nice job of speaking as if she were discussing something in person, rather than trying to impress industry insiders, or giving a lecture.

I received an advance copy from NetGalley for reviewing purposes. All opinions are honestly given, and my own.… (altro)

Olive is a thoughtful woman in her early 30s going through some major life changes. She has shared everything with her three best friends since they were tiny but they are becoming distant since she is walking a different path. In the 30s women must make their decision of whether to have children or not.

One of her. friends has three children, one is pregnant, and one is undergoing expensive and painful procedures to try to conceive. Olive has never wanted children and society gives her the impression that something is wrong with her. Women without children are to be pitied or not trusted. If you don’t want them now you will later. There’s constant pressure to have a real family. To make matters worse, Olive's boyfriend of 10 years wants to have children and he’s shocked to find out she seriously is committed to being parentless.

The book explores societal pressures on women to bear children, even pressuring each other. The book explores how life changes affect relationships as we watch the young women struggle with demands of their families, society, and their own needs. It is a thought-provoking book and will elicit a lot of great discussion for book clubs.

I thought it odd though that twice in the book, out of nowhere, she takes shots at vegans. It seemed really out of place. It was a minor diversion though.

She has a casual first person contemporary young voice. Easy to read, like listening to someone telling their own story.

I recommend it for anyone who is pondering the idea of whether to be a parent or not, or wants to understand the dilemma of 30-year-olds trying to decide.… (altro)