Rating: 
Summary: Tells it like it is
Review: This book is great because it tells you the truth about pregnancy that other books don't hit on....the emotional & physical aspect. It relates to your feelings: excitement, fears, anxieties and helps give sound advice. It makes you laugh as you see yourself in the book. The only downfall was some language used to describe some things. It could have been less vulgar. Otherwise, it is a must have.
Rating: 
Summary: for "cute" little Moms
Review: While I found parts of this book humerous, I didn't really find it informative. It assumes that you are a well off, married, and thin. The comments on maternity clothes implied that any normal women could get by wearing a few fat clothes (size 10, for many of us size 10 is a REALLY good day) and her husbands clothes until she' ready for real maternity outfits. Although I'm not sure that I can handle a completely natural birth, she ridicules anyone who thinks they might like to try it.
In short, her many of her experiences and advice simply do not apply to me or my life.
Rating:
Summary: A little cynical, but I like that
Review: I didn't buy this book because I wanted a warm, fuzzy, and reassuring view of motherhood. Every woman in my family and the doctor's office is going to give me that. I wanted this book so that every time something unpleasant or unanticipated happened, I didn't have to call the doctor. I could look at the mother of four and say, "Okay, this too shall pass and it's normal". I don't want surprises, and Ms. Iovine prepares the reader for every possible unpleasant turn of events. Overall, this book met my expectations and I plan to buy her other two.
Rating:
Summary: GIRLFRIENDS, HERE'S THE REAL SCOOP...
Review: I held my nose and read it. Now I wish I hadn't. There are bits of helpful information sprinkled throughout this book BUT Vicki Iovine is crude, negative and superficial. Are those the qualities you'd look for in a "girlfriend"? There are really good books out there for women who are happy to be pregnant, who want to be educated about the process and know their options--this IS NOT one of them. Happy healthy pregnancy!!
Rating:
Summary: Plain Talk
Review: This book is probably better for pregnant women, since the information can be disconcerting for those who are not pregnant. I found the book refreshingly blunt while pregnant with my first child. (I also had the "What to Expect..." series. They were great books, but left me feeling like I had read a medical text. They also made me very nervous. If you've read them during your first pregnancy, you know what I mean.) Since I didn't have a lot of friends who had had babies in the previous 5 years, I found Iovine's book to be helpful and down-to-earth. She is very vocal about her opinion, but also included differing viewpoints from some of her friends. She didn't claim to be the end-all information source about pregnancy and she does make some disclaimers telling you to always talk to your doctor. Mostly, what she taught me was that almost anything can be normal during a pregnancy, and that everyone's experiences are unique. Honestly, I would read the What to Expect book first. Then this one.
Rating:
Summary: Loved It!
Review: Girlfriends unite! This is the one pregnancy book that I could get through without worrying if my baby is going to come out with two heads or not at all. Iovine's blunt talk about being pregnant and having a baby is quite a relief from other pregnancy books. While I wouldn't take all the information to heart - some of it is dated, even for the mid-90's - it was a fun, relazing read in the cesspool of pregnancy books. Again, I wouldn't follow some of the advise - drinking a glass of wine, borrowing old furniture, etc. read it as a way to smile through all the changes that are happening. Then make your husband read it - he'll wonder what's so funny anyway.
Rating: 
Summary: Funny at times, but this is not the book for everyone
Review: The stories can be interesting and even comical, but Iovine's ability to related is blurred by her lifestyle (not everyone has a music exec husband, or friends who net a paycheck equal or greater than the purchase price of a 6 bedroom, two-story mansion in CA). She's overly obsess w/ weight gain, and how "ugly and fat" pregnant women become; even suggests that anything less than the svelte trophy wife is unappealling to her husband (which Iovine assumes there must be one to be pregnant). Second time or more moms-to-be will probably enjoy, but if thiniking of/trying to conceive, or are a first time mom-to-be, this is best left until your child has been born (has more than the usual amount of things to depress a new mommy). Considering breastfeeding more than a couple of months? Or interested in anything other than a full-blown medicated birthing experience? This is NOT the book for you (will undoubtedly become quite angry and insulted by the author). Good for a laugh, but don't take much of her advice to heart as it is the antithesis of what many women view pregnancy as being about.
Rating: 
Summary: Great for fathers-to-be!!
Review: As with most first-time fathers-to be, I have bought some books on pregnancy and giving birth to use as reference. This book is not a reference book. But it does give you an insight into your wife's mind. After reading this, I really understand my wife's feelings and became more sensitive to hear complains, mood swings, etc etc. (Women who are pregnant should force their partner to read this.) It also helped me in compiling a what-to-bring-to-the-hospital list and what-baby-stuffs-to-buy list. Reading this book is more like talking to one of your female friends about pregnancy. Of course, you still need a real reference book beside this one.
Rating:
Summary: superb
Review: When I announced that I was having a baby, the girls that I work with said that I MUST get this book called The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy. I was a bit reluctant because I already bought a book on pregnancy. I finally got around to getting this book. Oh wow, what was I missing? I could not put this book down. I could not wait until I can pick this book up and sink into it. It has to be the best book I have ever read in my life. I sat and read it to myself and I was literally laughing out loud at some of the things that I would have been too embarrassed to discuss with anyone! I highly recommend this easy reading and I promise that you will be absolutely thrilled that you have read it. I feel so much better about EVERYTHING that has to do with HAVING A BABY!
Rating:
Summary: THIS BOOK IS THE BEST!!!
Review: **WARNING** if you have no sense of humor or are an uptight freak, do NOT read this book! It is not meant for you as you are not a real "Girlfriend"!! OK, to all those women out there who were "offended" at this book - GET A LIFE! LOOSEN UP!! This is NOT intended to be a medical reference book, it is NOT a personal trainers book, it is NOT a nutritionists book. It is meant to offer real life experiences in those stages of pregnancy and birth that noone tells you about. It is an exaggerated, humurous look at a very real stage of life. It is meant to inform and entertain!!! I LOVED this book! I buy it for every girlfriend I have when they get pregnant. It is funny, informative, and a must have.
Finally, to those who were offended because they are single moms-(By choice or not) what did you expect? Vicki is married, which is not difficult information to find. If she's writing about her own experience, what would you expect to find (duh)??? If you only buy 1 book while your pregnant, get What to Expect When You're Expecting. If you buy 2, this one should be the next one!!!!!
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