Rating: 
Summary: Warning don't read if you are pregnant!
Review: I really enjoyed her Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnanacy, so I bought this one used from Amazon. I am 18 weeks pregnant and after reading the first chapter I was so upset I had to put the book away. All the emphasis is on the horrors of labor and recovery and none of the joys. Might be more amusing to read after I've been through it all.
Rating: 
Summary: Funny but also scary
Review: I picked this book when I was 7 mos pregnant with my first child. I immediately loved the book. But as I read it I began to grow frightened about the impending birth and also the tribulations she describes in the first year. She's honest, that's true. But there's an edge to her advice and comments that made me feel overwhelmed and freaked out. After a while I had to just put the book away.
Rating:
Summary: Funny, but not real useful
Review: This author is really funny, I found myself laughing with tears many times while reading parts of this book. She reminds me of Erma Bombeck.
The problem I had with this book is I started reading it at the end of my pregnancy thinking I would get some useful information for what to do when the baby comes. This book had me upset and crying about the possibility of having a baby with colic. I had to put it away after reading 2-3 chapters. I've gone back to read and re-read some of it now that I have my baby, and have found most of the information to be untrue. Some of the information still upsets me.
My recommendation is read this book if you are looking for some fun entertainment-it really is funny, but do not take it seriously.
Rating: 
Summary: don't be shy...buy and read this book just for kicks
Review: Don't be shy - buy and read this book if for no other reason than to laugh and get a kick out of pregnancy. Learn about your body and what is going on but this too funny book will lift yur spirits. Her tone has changed a lot in all the books that follow this one, but enjoy knowing that as the kids grow, we do too. I enjoy all of her books and am so glad this one is still making moms laugh. I have several best authors who seem to hit the nail on the head. Also suggested: Mommy-CEO, by family expert, Jodie Lynn. She is very similar to girlfriend Vicki and touts that all moms are working moms. Right on girlfriends. Take it from a mom of twins -- read them before the children come. You know - before you are so tired you can't even find the time for a bath much less shave those legs or exercise. I love Vicki's work and all of my girlfriends, even the more conservative ones, get a lift from her column and Jodie Lynn's Parent to Parent column (in newspapers and parenttoparent.com site) too. We need these down to earth moms on our side and it looks like the circle of mom friends are here to stay. Don't take everything you read so seriously and don't be so darn quick to criticize- have a little fun with your pregnancy and with your family. I also enjoy Kathy Peel - who may be a little older - but will so help you get organized through her books.
Rating:
Summary: Iovine seems angry about being a mother
Review: In her pregnancy book, she seemed angry and bitter about being pregnant. In this book, she seems angry and bitter about the sacrifices of mothering.Giving birth and being a mother are the most difficult things I've ever done, but they're also the most rewarding. I wouldn't trade them for anything. I'm sure that Iovine loves her children, but what a way to vent! Not only was this book depressing, but it didn't make me laugh. I felt sorry for her. Being a mother certainly has its "moments," but I go to my "girlfriends" for support and encouragment, not commiseration about how awful it is to be a mother. If you want a good laugh with your girlfriends, go to your real friends, not this book. You can have a laugh about the unexpected twists and turns your life is taking and still rejoice in the miracle of your young family.
Rating:
Summary: Should be read in your ninth month of pregnancy
Review: I read the girlfriends guide to pregnancy and LOVED it. I was excited to read this book during my down time as a new mommy. I didn't find anything helpful or related to my current state of having a newborn until I was more than half way into the book. While the book was written in a light-hearted and fun way, I found that it would have been helpful to read the first half of the book before the baby was born. A lot of what I read pertained to the first few weeks when the last thing I had time for was picking up a book. By the time I got to reading the book, I was past the point of which she was talking.
Rating: 
Summary: Good gift for before or right after birth
Review: I like Vicki's no nonsense and straight to the point writing style. I have also read the '...Guide to Pregnancy' so I knew exactly what to expect from this book. However, I got it a bit too late. I got this book when my son was 3 months old and it would have been better to get it right before he was born or something to read while I was in the hospital. So far it is very funny and I find myself checking my head in agreement or smiling as I recall thinking the same thoughts.
Rating:
Summary: Not my girlfriend either
Review: I'm sorry I read this book. It made me depressed. I read it before giving birth and my experience was nothing like this book describes. My delivery was easy, my husband is a terrific partner and father, and my girlfriends had the same experiences I had.
Rating:
Summary: Girfriends Guide to Surviving the First Year of Mother hood
Review: This book is great for those of us who understand the lighter side of motherhood. It's not to be taken too serious,and it's obviously not for people like Kaye Barre. Jeez, lighten up and relax, you just might genuienly enjoy yourself and your child, instead of being so negative and preachy. Put down all the books and baby products and try Yoga it's good for the body and soul. Peace.
Rating:
Summary: If you're looking for entertainment
Review: Not a book to take too seriously. Good if you're looking for a light read on being a mom - one that pokes fun at yourself and makes you chuckle. Certainly it's written from the perspective of a career woman/upper class household, which is the author's life. If you want an encyclopdia of information on baby topics a good choice is Gentle Baby Care by Elizabeth Pantley.
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