I Don't Know How She Does It

I just read a very interesting book called I Don't Know How She Does It- by Alison Pearson- it's a novel (heavy on the satire, lots of black humor) about how working moms juggle society's expections of having a career and children at the same time. Some of the writing is just hilarious but there are some sharply sad parts as well. Know I've read some people struggling with these issues about "having it all" so thought I would pass it on!

[houseelf]

I just bought this book upon recommendation of a friend. I look forward to reading it over the holidays.

Kelly

[houseelf]

This book spoke about a secret place inside of me that few people really understand. The main character, Kate Reddy, a hedge fund manager and working mom, represents a refreshing new voice in feminism. She is an intelligent, attractive, witty, ambitious....and deeply maternal figure in a society that can not begin to fathom such a powerful combination.

I couldn't help but think of myself, my friends, and colleagues, who like Pearson's character, struggle daily to fulfill their roles as wife, mother, and professional without ever voicing the realities that we face. Pearson voices all of the unwritten rules like ambition and drive shall not be admitted to ourselves or other mothers because this somehow undermines our love for our children. Conversely, children should remain completely outside of the consciousness of the corporate world, especially for female executives. Two messy and all-consuming professions must maintain a separate realm while a single individual tiptoes between them in order to find her rightful place at the table and experience the greatest love of all.

But beyond the underlying theme, this book is just an enjoyable read with a likeable character. Pearson gives a rollicking good time to her readers.

Five Stars.

Kelly

I read this book when my daughter was about three months old. It really helped me sort out my parenting and work-related priorities - after reading the book, I decided that I would never take another job that would put me in the position of choosing it over my daughter. I realize that this means the loss of many job opportunities, but my husband is still very busy (post-residency) and at least for now, my employer has to be (and is) flexible enough to allow me to be the first-line, "on call" parent. - JC

[SueC]

I thought this was a very good book. Although I never returned to the corporate world after having kids, I could really identify with the main character for feeling so torn between her two worlds. Sometimes after reading a chapter, I would feel stressed out about all of the obligations this poor woman was trying to juggle. It made me thankful for my own situation (working at home--which at times I hate or at least take for granted) and really left me feeling a lot of respect and admiration for women who are struggling with these issues every day.