Rating: 
Summary: Superwoman meets Bridget Jones
Review: Kate Reddy is a successful fund manager, married with two kids. But between her hectic work schedule, her children's needs at school and at home, and her husband, can she maintain her pre-motherhood life style? Such is the premise of this novel written in a voice similar to that of Bridget Jones's Diary. Allison Pearson gives us a peek into the life of this frantic woman, trying to do everything, and be everything to everybody. Contrary to Diary, however, this book does present certain issues, albeit in a rather humorous manner, relating to parenthood and careerism. For example, while the main character wants to stay on her career path, her coworkers don't seem to understand when she has to leave early to pick up the kids. In contrast, when one of her male coworkers leaves early to attend a school function, they all seem to ooh and ahh in admiration of his dedication to his family. What I found very funny in this book is the competition between the stay-at-home mothers and the working mothers. As the working mothers try to be as "perfect" as the stay-at-home ones (described as being disciples of Martha Stewart), trying to outdo them at all school functions, they just seem to get more and more frazzled as they realise they just don't have as much time on their hands to prepare home baked goodies and such.
Readers will enjoy reading about this poor woman trying her best to do it all. I was a little surprised with the choices she makes in the end. I might have preferred a slightly different outcome, however. This is a fun book, a quick, light read, perfect for a summer afternoon.
Rating: 
Summary: Best book I've read this year
Review: This book made me laugh and cry. I'd recommend it for anyone who enjoyed Bridget Jones's Diary (movie or book). Very clever dialogue (especially the emails). There was a lot for working moms and women in general to relate to. Kind of like a chick flick in book form. I couldn't put it down!
Rating: 
Summary: No No No! A terrible meta-message!
Review: Pearson is a talented writer who does weave very funny tidbits into her work, but at its core this is a terrible book that sends all the wrong messages about working mothers. Our protagonist is a woman who is miserable to her husband, contemplates an affair, barely spends time with her children and when she does, is short with them. And the end leaves the reader with the message that the only way to salvage your marriage and get to know your children is to quit your job - how awful! I'm a working mom with young twin daughters, and I did NOT see myself in this book. I was so disappointed - from everything I'd heard it was supposed to be this breakthrough novel that wittily and heartbreakingly depicted the life of your typical working mom. Not so. A step backwards into one-dimensional stereotypes, I think.
Rating:
Summary: Far-fethched, But Fun to Read
Review: Kate Reddy (the protagonist) was a little hard for me, a working mom, to identify with because with a full-time nanny, a housekeeper and a chronically helpful husband, her whining was a little far-fetched. Having said that, despite this minor annoyance I really couldn't put this book down and was sorry when I finished it. I was fun to read, and I can only hope that my newly purchased "Babyville" will be as captivating.
Rating: 
Summary: I wanna be mrs. anthony lane!
Review: Because of my unconsummated love for Allison Pearson's husband, the brilliant New Yorker film critic Anthony Lane, I had to read this book, hoping for insights into her marriage and husband. As I'd expect, she is whip-smart and funny, just as he is.
But my boy Anthony is concise, while wife is a bit verbose. The edge of her humor dulled a bit as she stretched what should be a thin novel to over 300 pages. Case in point: did she have to include two scenes in which Kate "distresses" store-bought baked goods in attempt to pass them off as her own? And, like most readers, I found it hard not to respond by saying it's not hard to do it when you've got a full-time nanny, a cleaning lady, and wads o' cash!
Rating:
Summary: Impossible to put down!
Review: I started reading the first page of this book at my bookstore and laughed out loud! I bought it immediately and read it in one day. It is deliciously funny, with insights into the life of an overachiever who wants it all perfect career and perfect family. However, our heroine finds that perfection comes at a cost. You find yourself sympathizing with the heroine and wishing you could do something to help her. Her life runs at a manic pace and soon it all comes crashing down. A must read.
Rating:
Summary: Bridget Jones for working moms
Review: I can't remember the last time I read a book that made me laugh out loud AND cry! (and I did both while reading on a plane!)
I could so relate to Kate's world--loved the descriptions of the "mother superiors." One reviewer said that there was no middle option for Kate--it was either high-powered job with tons of travel or no job at all--but I think in the end she was discovering that middle option. The more frustrating thing to me was that she DID have the option not to work all along, even if she was the main bread-winner. Her husband may not have made as much money as she did, but he was, after all, an architect, not an unemployed bum, or even a low-paid menial worker. In any case, it's a wonderful read, painfully and hilariously on-target. And you have to love Winston. If you're a mother and you work and you have a sense of humor, you MUST read this book. And if you know anyone who's a working mother and you'd like to understand her better, read this book.
Rating:
Summary: A Modern Woman's Dilemma
Review: Another gem from an NPR interview! I laughed and wept my way through this book! It reminded me of my young years as working mum, and showed the esential absurdity of modern life. Kate's besetting sin is that she is an intelligent, highly competent and attractive woman and she is a better provider, financially, emotionally and practically than her husband. Will this marriage survive? Especially given the temptations put in Kate's way. The tensions between the working mum and the stay-at-home mums are well drawn, and that mother-in-law! What a character! Originally I bought this for my daughter-in-law, but now I am not so sure I want her to read it-- yet!
Rating:
Summary: Well, Now I Do Now How She Does It
Review: I thought this book was great. Kate was a really likeable character, so it was really easy to root for her as she tried to find balance in her life. I thought the ending was a bit of a letdown, but the rest of the story makes up for it.
Rating:
Summary: She Just Does
Review: I've just finished reading Don't Know How She Does It and thought it was terrific. Kate is funny, familiar and real. She got an education, climbed the corporate ladder in high heels, laden with child and discovered she was the man she always planned to marry. Realizing her goals, she must face the debacle of her missing life. I laughed, I cried, I'll be first in line when the movie comes out. If you are a career woman, join the Kate fan club.
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