I mentioned that I was reading, It Sucked and then I Cried by Heather Armstrong earlier. I have long since finished it and even bookmarked sections of the book I wished to discuss. Alas, most of my days do not permit such lengthy dissection of anything, let alone a book I only managed to finish after 2 library renewals. So I will run through a quick impression on what I thought of it.
The Bad
It was a little disjointed at points, and some of the chapters didn't flow well together. I felt that if I hadn't read as much of the blog as I have, I may have been a little frustrated at times. She also often didn't go into as much detail as I wanted. It was more a collection of anecdotes meshed together I think.
The Good
Much of the book was just as funny as I often find the entries on Dooce.com. Hub would cast me odd glances occasionally when I guffawed at particularly good points.
She gave words gloriously to the aching, anxious, painful, soaringly wonderful intensity of my feelings after giving birth to E and to how hard it was for Hub through her descriptions of John. I want to kiss her for expressing the good and the bad so well and giving people like us a voice. In fact, I did write to her to thank her, and I received a short, sweet reply back the very next day. Brownie points there. At one point I know I wanted to mention that she said when she was away from Leta that she felt like an "armless, legless nubbin," and that traffic lights would turn red purposely to keep her away from her baby. I remember explaining it similarly. I often told people it was like I was missing my right arm because that's how they could understand it in a way that wouldn't completely turn them off. In reality, it was like I was missing a vital organ and might die if it went too long.
It's a very entertaining read that also seems by its nature to call for more understanding, care and gentleness with one another and ourselves. I wish I had had it to read earlier. I do remember how she discussed trying to figure out the best thing to do for your baby. When talking about child care literature she mentions something about how every expert thinks that every other expert is out of their minds. I laughed out loud at that one because oh my GOD is it true. I've come to believe that if there are THAT many opinions on a subject in baby raising, and each is so very adamant that it must mean that there really ISN'T any one good way. You simply have to take advice in, figure out what's best for your family, and go with your gut. Too bad I didn't learn that lesson earlier. Also too bad we aren't going for a second, because I think I'd be more laid back this time. I wouldn't underestimate those hormones though.
So there ya go. It isn't a detailed review, but if you were thinking of reading the book, it's a little more to go on. If you are already a fan of Heather's, it's probably worth it. If you have gone through a lot of post partum anxiety or depression, it's probably worth it. If you hate the style in which her blog is written, I'd say it's a big no.
In other book news, I'm not almost finished with Pegasus by Robin McKinley. You know of my love affair with her right? This book is no exception. Next I'm on to the Pioneer Woman's book (much of which I read on her blog) and After Shock by Robert Reich.