Rating: 
Summary: truth in humor makes one think
Review: This is a humor book, after all, so it may not be the earth-shattering book that helps you make that crucial decision. That said, I found kernels of truth in the humor that rang true with my feelings on the subject. And there are some parts of the small book that are serious. For instance, on the topic of not having grandchildren someday, I appreciated the following: "Listen - if you even hint that you'd like to babysit a small child - someone young enough to be your grandchild - the parents will have them ensconced in your back bedroom quicker than a fully loaded diaper falls off a toddler. Children are out there by the hundred waiting to bond with someone who will buy them gifts. In later years they'll think fondly of you and visit you almost as often as their real relatives. Maybe more." Right now, I thoroughly enjoy my nieces and nephews and my friends' children. And I enjoy giving them back. This made me realize that the same will be true when I am older. There will always be an abundance of children in the world that need love and attention and encouragement. Notes on the author in back include that she has dabbled in stand-up comedy. This book reads as a stand-up routine, which I enjoyed.
Rating: 
Summary: Choosing Cheerfully...& Carefully!
Review: With illustrations by Loretta Gomez, this is a lighthearted reminder of both the benefits & valid reasons for deciding to refrain from reproduction.There is a "child-free movement" afoot, in case you haven't noticed, & so far, CHEERFULLY CHILDLESS is the least whiny & most funny book to cross my desk. In the chapter on Are You the Parenting Type?, there are cartoons illustrating Ellen Metter's succinct questions that start with: "Parenting may not be for you if..." Salted through this lively monologue are charmingly annotated pictures depicting the stiff competition to having children that pets, toys & lifestyles give. Because this is a book of humor, I don't want to give away any more punch lines than I absolutely must in order to give a brava review, so I'll ask you only a few questions whose answers you'll find within its pages: What do dinosaurs & mothers have in common?
What's a pregnant pause?
What's the skinny in baby talk?
Who is a gifted child?
Who do you take your biological clock to when it's broken? For the answers & many truths written in wry jest, do pick up a copy of CHEERFULLY CHILDLESS! It will make amusing politically correct gifts, & we surely need some humor in these PC times, even for those who chose children!
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