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Rating: 
Summary: From a writer who's obviously been there...
Review: As some other reviewers have pointed out, it's strange that this book is marketed as a novel, when it's clearly a memoir. I think the fact that it's so obviously a true account of a pregnancy is one of the main things that makes it so appealing, at least to pregnant chicks like me. We don't want to read some made-up fictional version of a pregnancy; we want the real thing, told by someone else who's been there. And in this sense (to borrow a bad pun) the Zygote Chronicles delivers.
Finnamore's account not feels authentic, it's also very funny. She is an excellent writer, and although many of her concerns may strike you as either overwrought (eg. her extreme guilt over wishing for a girl baby) or frivolous (she's bummed about having to sell her convertible), this author's voice is so witty and engaging that you're sure to like her anyway.
I am not sure if I would have enjoyed this book so much if I weren't pregnant, but since I am, I loved it. If you're like me, and sick to death of reading boring, impersonal pregnancy guides (half of them written by male doctors and seemingly designed to make you as paranoid as possible) then you will doubtless treasure this book and want to share it with all your pregnant friends.
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Summary: Even better than "Otherwise Engaged"
Review: I agree with Phillip Levine's endorsement--Suzanne Finnamore's first book was great, but "Zygote" is even better. I really loved every minute of this! I've never been pregnant--or engaged, for that matter--but I relate to her characters and their experiences on virtually every level anyway. It's a cliche, but this book made me laugh AND cry throughout--I've already read it twice! I have never written an author a fan letter in my life, but I was tempted to over this book. Suzanne, if you read this, please keep writing!
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Summary: Yes, it does rank right up there with Operating Instructions
Review: I don't have any children of my own, but reading this book, I felt as if I had gone through pregnancy and birth. What a beautiful idea -- a long 'letter' to her unborn son -- a description of the time leading up to his arrival into the world and the people who brought him into being. But this is no ordinary 'diary'. Because Suzanne Finnamore is not capable of writing an ordinary book. This is a deep, tender and unswervingly honest look at pregnancy, life and love. Warts and all. And, of course, because Ms. Finnamore is writing it, it is uproarously funny and extraordinarily written. She never swerves from the truth of her experience and inevitably captures that with wit, grace and humor. Sometimes dark and ascerbic, often touching and astute -- but always a delight to read.
Rating:
Summary: From a writer who's obviously been there...
Review: I have reread the Zygote Chronicles many times and recommended it to all the new moms in my circle of friends. The book ends with the word "life", referring to her baby boy. I oft en wondered what happened to that baby and was hoping for a sequel. My February issue of CHILD just came to me and I was so delighted to see that Suzanne Finnamore has a regular column in this charming magazine. The saga of her boy continues - he is now five years old, a funny, loving, joyful, treasure to his family. Little Pablo is indeed full of "life". Not quite a sequel to Zygote the column is ,however, a happy progress report on a little boy whose birth was a difficult and dangerous journey toward a life that culminated in a happy ending.
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Summary: All too true!
Review: I loved Otherwise Engaged (the audiotape with Linda Hamilton reading is worth hearing, even if you've read the book). The Zygote Chronicles is equally funny but the biting wit is tempered by the growing sense of falling totally absolutely in love with this little person she's yet to meet. Ties with my long-term favorite on mothering by Anne Lamott, Operating Instructions. If you're a mom (particularly a 35+ mom) with a sense of humor about the ridiculous expectations of the classic (and useful) "What to Expect" series, you'll appreciate these books. If you're not a mother yet, you may get a kick out of the humor (I'm an advertising agency owner so the career sections were hysterical for me). If you're enaged, married, thinking you might someday marry, read her first book, Otherwise Engaged.
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Summary: Wow -what a surprise!
Review: The Zygote Chronicles is the perfect remedy for any woman who has been pregnant, is pregnant, or even entertained the idea of becoming pregnant. In her short memoir, Suzanne Finnnamore packs the perfect blend of humor, insight and truth into 123 fun pages. Through each month and turn of events, Finnamore chronicles what she felt like as each stage of her pregnancy progressed. Reading The Zygote Chronicles will be good reassurance for any new mom to be that you are not crazy, and your feelings and fears are in fact completely normal. Written with charismatic wit, and extreme sensitivity, Finnamore's writing is right on the mark.
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Summary: This non-Mom loved "The Zygote Chronicles"!
Review: Well, "Otherwise Engaged" wasn't a fluke! Suzanne Finnamore really can write, and "The Zygote Chronicles" proves it. Her memoir-masquerading-as-a-novel is the loveliest 124 pages I've ever read. I was crying on one page, and laughing on the next. I can't wait for her next book- I'm a fan for life!
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Summary: As Good As "Operating Instructions" - the critics are right!
Review: What a witty, smart, funny and utterly charming book. Suzanne Finnamore can turn a phrase like nobody else. I really love her style. This book is a love letter to her unborn baby, and it's full of wisdom and advice that have every new mother (or not so new mother) smiling in recognition. The pages turn themselves in this truly original book. I'm a new mom myself and while I did have to white-knuckle my way through the harrowing end, the ending could not be happier.
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