July 1-18

Best selling author, Elin Hilderbrand, brings more heat to the summer with her latest novel, A Summer Affair. Nantucket mother and artist, Claire Crispin, has a knack for taking on too much and never saying “no.” This tendency comes to haunt her when she gets in over her head trying to plan the Nantucket’s Children Summer Gala which brings her inadvertently into the arms of another man. As the book jacket asks: “Will she be able to reclaim her old life and make everything - anything - all right?”

“Claire’s walk on the dark side is pure voyeuristic fun…A perfect summer cocktail of sex, sun and scandal” (Kirkus Reviews).

Where to find more about A Summer Affair and author Elin Hilderbrand:

	Publisher’s Web site for the book
	Pittsburgh Post-Gazette interview
	Other books by Elin Hilderbrand: Barefoot The Blue Bistro The Beach Club …And many more!

Here’s what MotherTalk reviewers are saying about A Summer Affair:

The Hidden Side of a Leaf says, “What I liked most about this book was when the focus was on Claire’s career. She’s a glassblower, and she does unique, museum-quality pieces, which means that she has only a few very wealthy clients. I’ve never really thought much about glassblowing, though I saw it done once as a child, and the details of Claire’s art were fascinating.”

All Rileyed Up says, “Do you enjoy beach reads? Summer reads? Books that are read for the pure fun of reading? Books that will enable you to escape from your life and immerse yourself in someone else’s, in a totally non-Talented Mr. Ripley kind of way? Also, are you female? If you answered yes to all these questions, then A Summer Affair by Elin Hildebrand might be right up your alley. It is, above all else, a total summer read.”

As Yet Untitled says, “Hilderbrand obviously knows her stuff about glassblowing, but it wasn’t presented in an off-putting way, it was woven seamlessly into the narrative. And it was totally captivating. I actually found myself holding my breath at times, it was so real — the heat, the fire, the delicate, molten glass. Beyond cool.”

Superdumb Supervillian says, “It is a fun read, especially in the year of my 20th high school reunion. It’s way more Lands’ End than Louboutin, and there’s no Fabio in sight.”

Zen Sarcasm Reviews says, “Sometimes I roll my eyes at the gushing, glowing reviews that books get quotes such as these,

A must-read!!!
You’ll devour it in one sitting!!!!!!!
Couldn’t put it down!!!!!!!
ZOMGOMGOMG!!!11111111 (granted, you’ll never find a reputable publication that would honest-to-goodness print that one, but hey– it’s the blogosphere)

And yet, I must be honest and admit that in the case of A Summer Affair that is exactly what happened.”

Here We Go Again says, “I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for a nice summer read. I enjoyed it quite a bit. It was well written and didn’t insult my intelligence.”

Gotcha Baby says, “Idyllic island life, a rock star ex-boyfriend, an illicit affair hidden behind a cause for children–do you need any other elements for a juicy summer beach read? I didn’t think so.”

Mommy Writer Blog says, “You can imagine how messy this gets for Claire right? Very. Messy. So much so I found myself shaking my head and wondering what else might get screwed up in the process. And that is part of the ‘fun’ part of the book. You get to read. Gasp. Make snarky comments. Judge. And hell, you’re in your own home and no one is the wiser. In the end, you might even get to see how the hell this all turns out for Claire.”

Juggling Life says, “I also love it when I can learn something new from a book. The description and information surrounding the art of main character (Claire Crispin Danner) was one of the best things about the book. If you’ve ever watched a glass blower at a fair or amusement park and wondered how they do it, you’ll love the descriptions of her hot shop and the details of how she creates her works of art. I’m definitely in the mood to go shopping for some glass art (there’s a little boutique in Laguna Niguel I’ve been dying to go back to).”

Booking Mama says, “To me, this book represents pure escapism — it will make a great book to take on vacation with you. There are lots of juicy storylines including ones dealing with adultery, addictions, and criminal behavior. The book is filled with enough scandals that it should appeal to the voyeur in all of us!”

Mommy Cracked says, “There’s just nothing like a good summer read that involves a character breaking all the rules and becoming entangled in a torrid affair that keeps you on the edge of your seat, especially when the character is your average middle-aged mom.”

June 19-27

More Than it Hurts You begins with the ominous first line: “Fifteen minutes before happiness left him, Josh Goldin led his summer intern by the elbow to share in the hallelujah of a Friday afternoon” and explodes into a story of intersecting lives, finger-pointing, and shocking turns.

When Josh Goldin’s son is brought into the hospital by his wife, Dori, the mother stands accused of Munchausen by proxy by doctor, Darlene Stokes. The book has been described as a novel “set in a world turned upside down–where doctors try to save babies from their parents, police use the law to tear a family apart, and the people you know the best end up surprising you the most.”

Where to find more about More Than it Hurts You and author, Darin Strauss:

	Author’s website Publisher’s website Darin will be blogging about his book tour for Newsweek.com.
	Look for reviews of More Than it Hurts You in Fresh Fiction.
	Interviews with Darin Strauss on his site, January magazine, and Identity Theory.
	The Real McCoy Chang and Eng Book tour information for More Than it Hurts You

Here is what MotherTalk reviewers are saying about More Than it Hurts You:

Magpie Musings says, “Five stars. Well-written, irresistible and so stimulating that I’m going to keep the review copy that I got from MotherTalk because I think it might be a good book club read.”

Fictionary says, “At first glace, the words on the cover seemed to be suspended on thin strands, like a mobile that hangs over a crib, and anchored by a lovely blue gossamer butterfly. But when I looked closer, the words and the butterfly are actually pinned by needles. Sewing needles. If that didn’t make the book a must-buy, Elizabeth Gilbert sealed the deal with her ‘harrowing, hurtling, and heartbreaking.’ The story is all that Gilbert proclaims it to be, and I’d add ‘haunting’.”

Jason. For the Love of God says, “Wow. Just…wow. I didn’t know what to expect with this book. I knew it was a story about an alleged case of Munchausen by proxy (which has always fascinated me, oddly), but I didn’t know it would be so much more…a story about class and race and the lines that divide people. I found myself totally engrossed in this book and unable to put it down. I finished in two days, an impressive feat, even for someone who devours books like they are oxygen.”

Desperately Seeking Sanity says, “After reading More Than It Hurts You, I’ve been able to step back and look at my own parenting skills. I spent the entire book going back and forth between HATING Dori and wanting to give her a HUGE hug. That emotion could change as quickly as I could turn the page. I could identify with the feelings that she had but I could never condone the thoughts that she carried out. I was angry with her, I was sad for her. And at the same time, I could feel for Josh and Darlene as well with their struggles, although I was never angry with them. But it did make me stop and think if outsiders, looking in to my life, could also say the same thing?”

A Life Less Ordinary says, “But what I discovered is that More Than It Hurts You isn’t really about that. It’s about something that I think we frequently fail to realize as we feed our collective schadendreude: There are two sides to every story. And that we shouldn’t always believe what we read.”

Mommy Writer Blog says, “Completely captivating and compelling read. Even though, there was more then once, I was a bit afraid what might be on the next page–or what dear character might throw me for a loop next. Trust me on this one, completely worth the read. Just get ready for a few surprises.”

Here We Go Again says, “This was the type of book I just couldn’t put down (note the staying awake until two in the morning) because I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next. It was very well written, fascinating, and the information in it was good.”

A Girl and Her Life says, “More Than it Hurts You is a gripping novel that I could not put down. It has me thinking about how I portray myself to the world and how I perceive people. It was very well written and would make a great book club pick (Do you hear me Oprah?).”

Life with Heathens says, “In this newest work, Strauss touches on a variety of subjects reaching out to a wide and varied audience. In More Than it Hurts You, the main characters are Josh and Dori Goldin, a white Jewish family from Long Island who on the outside look like the typical young family but soon you find out that something is very wrong in the Goldin household.”

Cursingmama says, “A twisting tale told from the viewpoint of each of the major players of the story and those who influence its outcome; you get into the heads of these people and see the accusations from every viewpoint possible except that which we usually have - outsider. In fact we are ‘treated’ to an almost omniscient viewpoint in the case against Dori Goldin.”

Life in the Hundred Acre Woods says, “Strauss’ central characters do not arouse sympathy, nor are they even likable. Rather, they are artfully drawn to peel back the reader’s own preconceived notions and prejudices. And it is this — the book’s riveting yet heartbreaking unraveling– that is the genius of the story.”

Dirty Little Secret says, “The story and the plotting make More Than It Hurts You compelling, but the characters left me flat.”

As Yet Untitled says, “Strauss’ use of multiple point-of view characters allows the reader a glimpse not only into the mind of the mother, but also her husband, and the doctor who eventually intervenes. Each character brings a rich background to the story, and the circumstances that end up tying them together make for a rich and complex novel.”

Karma Calling says, “I just finished reading this book. Let me say this before anything else. The book reads like a script. Every detail carefully visualized. The characters all given 3-d lives, beyond the current storyline. I think it will make a great movie.”

Booking Mama says, “Probably the major reason that I enjoyed this book so much was that I found the author’s writing style to be superb. I wasn’t familiar with Mr. Strauss as an author; but after reading MORE THAN IT HURTS YOU, I now look forward to reading his other two books. Not only does he have to ability to tell a great story, but he also has tremendous insight into the attitudes and actions of today’s society.”

Weslani says, “About 1/4 of the way through something clicked. I couldn’t put the book down and finished it in two of my staying up way too late marathon book readings.”

All Rileyed Up says, “Strauss has turned out a beautiful novel about a family and a doctor’s pains, and their attempts to live through them, only to have fingers pointed and the looming words of race and religion, the general slap in the face that America has unfortunately delivered in the past. Interesting read. Thanks, Darin, for the food for thought.”

Compost Happens says, “Strauss tells the story through the character’s emotions more than through their actions. Their inner traits, the manner in which they approach emergencies, their skills (or lack thereof) with personal interactions, all contribute to bringing the reader deeply into the sticky web of a complex story.”

Creating Motherhood says, “Darin Strauss’s latest book, More Than it Hurts You, is an outstanding novel that reads like what I imagine looking at a photo-mosaic feels like: characters that seem out of place up-close, but when you turn the page you step back and are blown away by the big picture.”

Lastly, I Won’t Fear Love says, “Overall, this is not a bad summer read. It may, paradoxically, be an even better book club selection. Not because the evening can be spent discussing brilliance of the work, but because it can be spent discussing the many issues raised in the book (albeit via those heavy-handed stereotypes)– race relations, media influence, authority vs. family, various corporate cultures. There is a certainly a lot there, so don’t forget your mixed drinks.”

June 16–27

Over 1 million copies of the Pregnancy Journal have been sold and this newly-revised version of the successful journal is the perfect guide to navigating your pregnancy.

Each trimester is broken down on a week-by-week basis and those sections are broken down further into a daily diary of fetal growth and pregnancy symptoms. On any given day, you can discover what is happening to your baby while simultaneously knowing what you should be doing to take care of yourself.

An easy-to-use index in the back can also bring you directly to the information you desire. This journal will serve as a wonderful keepsake of the journey as well as an organizer for the pregnancy.

Where to find more about The Pregnancy Journal and author, A. Christine Harris:

	Publisher’s Website.
	Look for reviews of The Pregnancy Journal in Storknet and The New York Times.

Here’s what MotherTalk reviewers are saying about The Pregnancy Journal:

Laura Williams’ Musings says, “Looking back on my pregnancies I wish now I had actually kept a journal from beginning to end. I started a journal when I was pregnant with my oldest and I never kept up with it. I started a journal when I was pregnant with my oldest son and again, I just never kept up with it. I think it was due to the journals I tried to use. You probably know the ones. Those oh so generic, clinical, and boring ones that you receive at your first prenatal checkup and are tucked into the bags along with a gazillion ads, some samples, and a few magazines. Let me just say that THIS Journal is NOT boring like those are!”

Life as Lou says, “For most books the construction is not something I even think about- make it book-like and I’m going to read it, but if you expect me to write in it, how I love a sturdy spiral binding so it lays flat! That is why I make my personal journals with spiral binding and why I’m enamored with my Bind-it-all tool. Spirals, they make me happy- so score one for the Pregnancy Journal! Score two when you flip it over and find that it is made from post consumer waste, and therefor, more eco-friendly. For a book with over a million copies sold, that’s helpful!”

Here We Go Again says, “My absolute favorite parts of this journal were the little Childbirth in Other Cultures sections. I found these to be really interesting and I kept skipping ahead to read more of them. They weren’t found in each day’s entry but more like once or twice a week. There were also Childbirth Then and Now sections quite frequently. I thought these were fascinating because it was fun to see how far we’ve come (and in some cases, regressed, in my opinion).”

Sew Inspired says, “With both of my previous pregnancies I found day-to-day pregnancy websites that I visited almost every day to get a little bit of information about my pregnancy. This book is sort of like those websites, only with much more information as well as all the places to personalize it with my own thoughts. I think it will be really cool to have it as a keepsake after this pregnancy is done.”

Writing from Kiddom says, “Thinking back, it might have been nice to be able to look back and sort of get into my mind back then. I do know that if my husband and I decide to have more children (and we’re leaning heavily in that direction), I have found the perfect pregnancy journal!”

Mama Writing So I Don’t Go Crazy says, “There is a really cool section at the back for those poor moms who go past their due date. It gives information about not freaking out if the little one hasn’t appeared before or on the expected due date, and what’s happening in there while you’re impatiently waiting on the outside.”

Dana Reviews says, “The Pregnancy Journal is easily one of the best books available for a woman or couple expecting a baby. It’s wealth of practical information, medical data and emotional nourishment make it easier for the expectant mother to enjoy her pregnancy. It certainly helped me to let go of some of my ‘New Mama’ anxiety, too. If there was only one pregnancy book I could have purchased, The Pregnancy Journal would be my choice.”

Having Enough says, “The book walks a nice line between the typical Western medical, OB-attended model of birth and the more natural, alternative midwife/homebirth model, as well as the line between the typical American diet and the vegetarian-type ones.”

Life in the Petri Dish says, “The short entries are informative, interesting, and often amusing. And they are just the right bite-size amount for when you are suffering from pregnancy brain. And each page includes a relevant quote at the bottom.”

Reverendmother says, “I received this book in the mail a couple of weeks ago and set it aside: This won’t take long to review… a few thought-provoking paragraphs about pregnancy amid lots of empty space. Yesterday I opened it. Oops. There’s tons of great info in this book.”

Sassyfrazz says, “I love being pregnant! I have never written down what I was thinking, feeling, experiencing with the pregnancy, though! I love this concept! What a great way to journal everything with the pregnancy!”

Mommy Cracked says, “This journal is a day-by-day pregnancy companion. And the information! If you’re thinking this book is only chocked full of pregnancy related facts everyone already knows, think again! It also has little known fact excerpts on each page about how women celebrate pregnancy and childbirth around the world. I loved how each page gave just enough information for the day, things such as how your baby is developing, how you might be feeling, etc., It also had ample room to record your thoughts and pregnancy related stats. I definitely would have appreciated this journal more than the 5 inch thick nameless pregnancy book that I was reading at the time that droned on and on . And if you’re a busy woman you will definitely appreciate the succinct information that requires so little time to read.”

Rockin Mama says, “The Pregnancy Journal contains so many intricacies that make it such a special memoir. From daily inspirational quotes to information about Childbirth Then and Now, you’ll find this journal to be a source of information as well as an outlet for expression. Journal your waist size and weight (if you dare) and your mood, energy and appetite and look back after your baby is born. I plan on journaling our next pregnancy and am looking forward to re-reading my thoughts and experiences during my first pregnancy to see how they compare.”

Dirty Little Secret says, “I LOVE this one. Every single DAY has new information. Right this minute, for example, NewBaby is growing eyebrows. Okay, that may not seem exciting to you, but it thrills me to know that.”

Mama Fasha says, “This book not only gives developmental info, but parenting tips, health tips, notes about childbirth in other countries and places for your own notes. It also offers tips about being past your due date, how to prepare your first baby for your second, and a place to record every little detail about the actual birth and the hours following (example ‘who were the first 5 people you called?’ ‘Who was the first person to call you Mom? How did you react?’).”

Gloria’s Place says, “The book setup allows me to personalize my pregnancy with the dates and the notes. I don’t see this books as a detailed medical pregnancy reference book but more as a quick guide I can use to jot down notes, emotions etc. Doing this reminds me of a scrapbooking. In fact to me The Pregnancy Journal is a little bit journal and a little bit scrapbook combined. Maybe it should be called Pregnancy ScrapJournal.”

The Giesbrechts says, “For me, it’s really reassuring to know that so much is going on inside that I don’t know about. Right now all I know for myself is that I don’t feel great, I’m tired, I’m moody, and my belly is getting bigger. It’s great to know that the baby is developing and something new happens almost every day. It makes it that much more real, and helps me to feel better about all the symptoms, too!”

CaseyCasey says, “I found this particularly useful as a second-time mom-to-be - there are plenty of tips for second/subsequent pregnancies and parenting tips that I am sure I will not remember now but may look back to another day. I’ve jotted down notes a lot more in this edition than I have in the previous one. The neat thing about this journal is that you personalize it to your pregnancy - you start at the back of the book with your EDD and then date the pages backward.”

Deadlines and Diapers says, “The Pregnancy Journal has sold over a million copies, and I can see why. For one, it actually looks like a journal, and the sweet spiral-bound packaging, along with the soothing image of a mother and child on the cover make this a comforting place to get answers and record thoughts.”

Did You See That says, “And I love that the book is spiral bound - seems like that would make it a lot easier to write in. This journal is a must-have for anyone you know who is contemplating pregnancy or just got pregnant (you’ll want to have this from the very beginning!).”

Quaking Aspen says, “Love the fact that it has a spiral binding. That says to me that it’s really meant to be written in. The paper is rather slick, so you’d probably have to experiment with types of pens, to find one that would work best. But it’s also sturdy paper (and cover) and seems like it’ll last.”

Lastly, Mommy of Three says, “It is comforting to have a resource you can go to when new experiences occur, to calm your nerves and provide comfort. Especially if you have had difficulties in the past. Along with excellent information, this journal prompts you to think about and enjoy the experiences you are being blessed with, and allows space for you to record your thoughts. As your children grow older, you will be thankful to have this journal to look back on.”

June 9-13

Where to find more about The Maternal is Political and author Shari MacDonald Strong:

	Shari MacDonald Strong’s Website Publisher’s Website
	Interview with Shari MacDonald Strong
	Shari at MamaZine.com

Here’s what MotherTalk reviewers are saying about The Maternal is Political :

As part of the tour, Dewey from The Hidden Side of a Leaf interviewed author and editor, Shari MacDonald Strong. Strong revealed the story behind the title, collected the essays, and the biggest surprises from the contributors essays: “I think I was most surprised by the fact that they didn’t sound as overwhelmed as I often feel. The book is filled with hope and vision and affirmation of the nitty-gritty work that mothers are doing every day.” To read the interview in its entirety, please click over to The Hidden Side of a Leaf .

Production, Not Reproduction says, “I was watching something about the hurricane’s aftermath on television, feeling a familiar sad frustration, when an image came on of an older man slumped in a lawn chair where he had died, probably waiting for help. The thought flashed through my mind, ‘That man was somebody’s son,’ and for the first time I understood what people meant by that. I sat and sobbed as the human cost of injustice hit me in a way it never had before. That moment was when I began to understand that becoming a parent wasn’t going to just change my daily schedule, but also something fundamental in the way I viewed and moved in the world…It’s been awhile since I’ve felt so renewed after reading a book. Divided into three sections–Believe, Teach, and Act (my favorite)–the forty-plus essays address the anger, empowerment, fear, courage and hope that come with being a conscious mother.”

Half Changed World says, “I also liked the recognition that there are many ways to be political. A few of the writers were elected officials, and some engaged in politics by writing letters to the editor, going on protest marches, or submitting testimony to their state legislators. But many of them were political in everyday ways — raising feminist sons and daughters, choosing to reduce use of hazardous chemicals and natural resources, speaking up about equality in personal encounters, standing up to a man harassing another woman (who is someone else’s daughter), helping out another mother by taking care of her kids when she’s in a crunch. I think those examples may really help people who feel like they don’t have time to be politically active — or that nothing they do will make a difference — to think of ways to incorporate activism into their lives.”

Writing in the Mountains says, “Among the contributors, I was happy to see I recognized all the names, having read their work someplace else or read about them in the newspapers (most likely CNN or elsewhere across the Internet); as well as having worked with a few. Overall, it is a very necessary book- very emotional, very raw- necessary reading for every mother.”

Liza Was Here says, “I thought The Mean Moms was the most vulnerable and honest essay in the book. Although the perspectives couldn’t be more different, the naked truthfulness and bravery of Olen’s voice reminded me of Anne Lamott’s Operating Instructions. I’m not going to quote an excerpt because I can’t bring myself to expose the best and most awful story in the essay, out of context. Go read it yourself. The essay begins on page 243.”

Surrender Dorothy says, “Just as these women may not have set out to write on politics, neither did I. I don’t think I wrote one political essay until the birth of my daughter four years ago. Since then, I’ve spoken out on a lot, most often about affordable childcare. I didn’t think America needed my voice until I was flung into the trenches of motherhood, and I realized there is so much to be done, and not just for me and my family, but for all families.”

I Won’t Fear Love says, “There were many more moments of recognition for me. I was grateful to find that I am not the only one who gets the blood in the ears, can’t stop myself even though I probably should compunction to talk sharply and uncompromisingly about difficult and controversial topics, especially when the topic is raised in an unfair and biased way. Why, if Anne Lamont herself can’t resist, surely I can be forgiven for succumbing once in a while. Although I have never tried M&Ms as a recovery treat afterwards. I should remember that.”

Artificially Sweetened says, “Since P’ito came home, I’ve gotten pickier about my reading material. I have to - it’s a matter of fitting my blog reading in survival in between work, chores, friends and family. The measure of a really good book for me is when I turn to Pili and poke her and say, YOU, YOU HAVE GOT TO READ THIS RIGHT NOW and I do not care what vital activity of yours I am interrupting. Even sleep.”

Food for Thought says, “And with all this writing, The Maternal Is Political gets the big thing right, too. It’s great writing, cover to cover. It’s all here–gender politics, sexual politics, school politics, adoption politics, religious politics, body politics, community politics, family politics, social politics—but with a mix of tone and approach that makes the book a real pleasure to read. Rather than weighing you down with the utter importance of it all, these writers make you want to think critically, get up off the couch, make a phone call, sign a petition. Do good in the world, and teach your children how to do good, also.”

Did You See That? says, “Much like many of the writers in this book, I was never particularly “political” until I had children. Then I came into my own as a woman and as a mother. Now the world around me - security, health care (and lack there of), guns, education - became more important to me. Why? To make a better world for my children.”

Lastly, Mombian says, “War is on many of the writers’ minds, not only Pelosi, but also Strong, who worries about raising boys in the shadow of the draft, Gayle Brandeis, who tells of her path to involvement with women’s peach group CODEPINK, and Cindy Sheehan, who writes of being the most visible face of the movement against the Iraq war, and why she stepped away. Also a standout is Mona Gable’s essay on children in Albania in 1999, driven from Kosovo by then-president Slobodan Milosevic.”

June 9-13

All jobs benefit from training and Melissa Stanton’s book, The Stay-at-Home Survival Guide, is there to ensure that newly-minted stay-at-home mothers excel at their new job. Approaching motherhood as a career, Stanton gives concrete ideas on time management, transitioning to home after a full-time job, and even deciding if/when to enter the workforce again.

As Erika Lutz says about the book: “Becoming a Stay-at-Home mother shifts your entire world, and Melissa Stanton gets it. This intelligent, sensible, hands-on guide will help at-home moms navigate the rocky waters of time, self-image, self-esteem, sex, friendship, and everything else.”

Where to find more about The Stay-at-Home Survival Guide and author Melissa Stanton:

Publisher’s website Author’s website

Here’s what MotherTalk reviewers are saying about The Stay-at-Home Survival Guide :

Big Blueberry Eyes says, “And I wonder why I can’t get it together; at times I’ve felt so inadequate as a mom. Then I started reading this book…and those were my feelings she was writing about! I could identify with so much in the chapters I’ve read so far. This sentence really stood out to me, ‘If there’s one thing I hope women will learn from this book, it’s that it is okay to sometimes not love being a Stay-at-Home mom. ‘ Just reading that one sentence was like a weight lifted off my shoulders!”

Superdumb Supervillian says, “But seriously, it’s nice to have a non-preachy, non-patronizing resource to consult when you feel like you’re being stretched too thin. (Which is a bit too often sometimes. ) Funny is great, but real life is more pragmatic. The Stay-at-Home Survival Guide is kind of like a What to Expect for Stay-at-Home Moms, a book I expect to reach for whenever I feel like locking myself in a bathroom to get away from a sassy four year old…”

Rockin’ Mama says, “I LOVED and seriously needed the chapter entitled Motherhood: Who’s the Expert. We all aim to be the best mom we can be. But I wanted to do everything by the book and my husband and I have had many arguments over this. I am a perfectionist but not a perfect parent and have felt a ton of guilt over issues like allowing my son to watch television so I can get in a shower. This chapter was both reassuring and freeing.”

Book Haven says, “I love my daughter. I wouldn’t change my decision to stay home with her for any reason. But every time I get the urge to punch someone for saying ‘You don’t know how lucky you are to be able to stay home’, I think I’ll pick up this book instead. (Off to play peek-a-boo, go on a walk, put Maya down for a nap).”

Mommy Writer Blog says, “I seriously cannot gush enough about this book. It’s not a tell-all guide for leaving work and becoming a stay at home mom. Really. We all live different lives, who knows what you need to do to take the leap. But it does share what other moms did. What Melissa, the author herself, did. What you could do. And by all means, what you might do. But what the book does best is just share with you that–guess what–staying home as a mom is a full time gig. One that isn’t always pretty. Sometimes sucks. But in the end, can be survivable and fun.”

Wesnlani says, “Let me start of by saying that I LOVED this book. The Stay-At-Home Survival Guide by Melissa Stanton is definitely a must read for anyone who is a stay at home Mom, work at home Mom, or Mom’s who are even thinking of becoming one. This book talks about the wonderful side of staying at home right along with the challenges that you will face. Not only financially, but mentally and emotionally as well. I never felt like I was being preached at while reading this book but only encouraged. I loved how Melissa Stanton writes the truth of what being at home with your children really is.”

Get In, Hang On says, “I don’t agree with everything she’s said (but what friend do you agree 100% with, or want to), but the main point that I took away from the book is the feeling of reassurance that she is projecting to moms who are just making the transition out of the work place. I think someone just making the transition will get the idea that they aren’t doing something that is strange and that they can find their feet and survive.”

Live, Laugh Blog says, “This book is great on so many different levels. It let’s us all know (stay at home parent or working parent) that we all are doing what is best for our families. We’re all trying our best. And we all just need a happy place to go to in the midst of all the chaos. And that we totally shouldn’t beat ourselves up for having a bad day, or for just not wanting to play tea party for the tenth time that hour. This is also a great book for our working husbands to read. I don’t think they completely get how much energy and life these little children suck out of us!”

So a Blonde Walks Into a Review says, “I highly recommend this book to all stay-at-home moms, dads, or those who just want to understand what it’s like to be in our shoes. You’ll feel an instant camaraderie with Stanton and the moms who share their experiences in the book. And what stay-at-home mom couldn’t use a little camaraderie?”

Magpie Musings says, “Woven throughout the book are anecdotes Stanton garnered from a survey of about 60 mothers. It’s a very warm touch, and the book ends with three pages of ‘Final Words of Wisdom from the Experts’. But again, most of those words of wisdom are equally applicable to stay-at-home parents and all other parents.”

Lastly, Ask Moxie says, “I loved this book. There are a couple books I recommend without reservation, and this is one of them. I don’t think you’ll get much out of it if you’re not a SAH parent and don’t plan to be one, but if you are or have been or want to be or are planning to be a SAH mother, you will get something out of this book.”

May 27–June 6

Kim Hahn, the founder of Conceive Magazine, and Geoffrey Sher, a pioneer in reproductive medicine have teamed up to create The Fertility Journal, a comprehensive guide to getting pregnant.

It covers fertility basics–from understanding the reproductive cycle to health and nutrition while trying to conceive. Tables and charts to fill out aid women in knowing when they are ovulating and optimize their chance at conceiving each cycle. The Fertility Journal even includes sections for those undergoing fertility treatments.

As pretty as it is useful, The Fertility Journal will also serve as a keepsake of the journey.

Where to find more about The Fertility Journal and author, Kim Hahn:

	Publisher’s website.
	Conceive Magazine

Here’s what MotherTalk reviewers are saying about The Fertility Journal:

Sassyfrazz says, “With illustrations throughout and plenty of room to record the thoughts and feelings that go along with this exciting and emotional time, The Fertility Journal is an essential tool for creating a family.”

Everyday Stranger says, “What I can speak to and did explore was the second half of the book, where the diary gets into fertility treatments. There’s a short explanatory intro for the book in which the author describes some basics of fertility treatment. I think it gives a very good layman’s summary of what a basic IVF cycle is and does. You then have 6 weeks of diary entries, in which you can record questions, medication dosages, doctor appointments, thoughts that you are having, and there are even two pages to write out the hopes and frustrations that you may be having. The book even has a section to help a woman in the 2ww try to write out her anxieties. I thought back to my first IVF cycle years ago, and I think I could’ve benefited from a book like this.”

Reproductive Jeans says, “The Fertility Journal is something I definitely would have added to my shopping cart when Mook and I tossed out the pill. Since I love keeping track, organizing and planning, this journal would have been the perfect tool.”

Life in the Hundred Acre Wood says, “In order to increase my chances of conceiving more quickly, I started keeping track of my fertility signs. On my night stand sat a pen, a thermometer, and a paper to chart my basal body temperatures. What was missing at my bedside, though, was The Fertility Journal, by Kim Hahn and the editors of Conceive magazine.”

Dana Reviews says, “When the book arrived in my mailbox I was happy to see a blank calendar, allowing me to fill in my cycle day, basal body temperature (BBT), and my overall thoughts and feelings. Each page has a health tip and suggestions for looking ahead to pregnancy. I loved the organized format of this guide so much that I scheduled an appointment with my doctor to discuss some of the things I’ve learned.”

All Thumbs Reviews says, “Not tough like I didn’t appreciate certain aspects of the book, but tough like I’m pretty far beyond some of this stuff and it’s hard not to look at it with a cynical eye. Taking that cynical eye out of the picture SOMEWHAT though, one of my favorite things about this book is that it’s spiral-bound. While that may seem silly to a lot of people, if I’m going to WRITE in a book, I NEED it to be spiral-bound, cuz those bendy hard-bound regular-type books, well writing in them just doesn’t work.”

Our Family Beginnings says, “Overall, I love that the book isn’t all about a woman’s issues with conception, and makes it more about the couple. I’d like the ART section, however to be its own separate journal. Nothing depresses you about fertility treatments like the time wasted or the time still to wait, and seeing it pile up along with the first year would drive me nuts. Definitely, however, a great book for the research-oriented TTC’er at who I believe this is aimed!”

They Grow in Your Heart says, “The Fertility Journal, by Kim Hahn (founder and CEO of Conceive Magazine… so she knows her stuff and won’t tell you take a vacation or drink wine to get pregnant:) is one of the best resources I’ve ever seen for learning more about your fertility, charting temps, ovulation, keeping track of taking that pesky prenatal vitamin and SO much more. PLUS…it’s the prettiest book I’ve ever seen.”

Bee in the Bonnet says, “Well, as it turns out, there was a TON of very valuable (and most importantly, accurate) information contained in the side bars and chapter headers. I really appreciated the fact that this book wove in the idea that not all women will have an easy fertility journey, without sounding jaded at all.”

Here We Go Again says, “Each month has a different conception theme. For example, Month 2 is Eat to Conceive and all the tips in this section cover nutrition and how it helps and hinders fertility. I also really liked that Month 7 covered Fertility for Him. It seems like so many conception/pre-pregnancy books focus mainly on the female side of things.”

Jenn’s Journal says, “Then I saw it was by the editors of Conceive Magazine, I was pleasantly surprised. When I saw the forward was by Geoffrey Sher, I was downright hopeful.”

TheNewLifeofNancy says, “I personally would have loved to have this journal during my IVF and FET cycles. I kept my notes on some graph paper, pretty much trying to make my own daily journal records. I much rather would have had a prepopulated place to jot down my notes. The journal didn’t miss anything I would have needed either. I plan on passing this copy of “The Fertility Journal” off to one of my friends who is just starting to ttc. I think it would be a great emotional help to any trying to conceiver because, well, it just seems like you are ~doing something~ in your cycles.”

Creating Motherhood says, “That being said- if you have someone in your circle of friends that is just starting out. As in JUST tossed the birth control or ditched the condoms, then this would be an ideal book to endorse for them. I am envious of them!”

Cheeky Monkey Play says, “This journal is full of great knowledge and is presented in a modern and smart way. I will be giving this as a gift to friends and I know that any woman could benefit from information in this journal. The great thing about this book is it is the real deal and does not sugar coat the facts of life. It announces that getting pregnant is not simple for all woman and it should be looked at as a type of health and knowledge mission. This author is true to science and reality as the book urges you to think and unlike other books on the market, it will arm you with facts and not just the hope.”

Lastly, Life as Lou says, “Over all, I thought it was a useful tool, and nice to have all of that information in one concise place, along with having a place to put your personal information. For a woman trying to conceive or even just trying to better understand her own rhythms, this one is a keeper.”

May 27–30

You’ve brought your child home…and now what? Authors Heather Gibbs Flett and Whitney Moss answer that question in their book, The Rookie Mom’s Handbook, an extension of their popular website Rookie Moms.

The book contains 250 activities you can do with (or without) your child in their first year with each suggestion aimed at not only making your day better but also giving you the confidence that you can get through these first 365 days (and all the ones that come after that too!).

Where to find more about The Rookie Mom’s Handbook and authors, Heather Gibbs Flett and Whitney Moss:

	Rookie Moms’ website. RookieMoms blog. Publisher’s website.
	Look for reviews of The Rookie Mom’s Handbook in Cool Mom Picks and iVillage.
	Listen to an interview at Jumping Monkeys. Whitney Moss in SFGate. Rookie Moms on Blog Talk Radio.

Here is what MotherTalk reviewers are saying about The Rookie Mom’s Handbook:

Mother May I says, “The Rookie Mom’s Handbook is the perfect book for any new mom (hello baby shower gift). It’s a quick read with fantastic and funny activities to make the early years of motherhood meaningful and that much more enjoyable. And it’s written by two cool moms who have been there before and are doing it all over again.”

Rockin’ Mama says, “From crafty to sexy, you’ll find an activity that suits your personality and mood (and that of your baby too). If you document the activities you share with your baby (highly recommended since pregnancy brain doesn’t necessarily disappear in the delivery room), you’ll have a beautiful memoir of the first year.”

A Frog in My Soup says, “I am a very practical mama, so I enjoyed reading the activities that offered practical solutions to everyday needs! Activity #157 offers suggestions on putting together a clothing swap party, activity #147 tells you how to blend your own baby food and many of the activities offer stage appropriate answers to problems like breastfeeding, getting to know your gear, cooking, etc. There are even great suggestions of photos to take of your baby at each stage as well as stage related ‘reality checks’, baby development and mom’s new skills and fears.”

The Well-Read Child says, “I’m also strong believer in mothers taking time out to do things just for themselves, so I appreciate the fact that the book offers a number of ‘mom-only’ activities.”

Zen Sarcasm Reviews says, “I could not think of a better book to give to a new mother, who is still confused and maybe a little depressed and forlorn and at times might feel saddled with the responsibility of carrying around a little defenseless and completely dependent little body, instead of realizing she’s given a whole new perspective on life.”

Lastly, Seven Dogs and a Baby says, “I guarantee even seasoned parents will find a few tips for each month that are helpful.”

May 19–30

The first of twenty selfish pleasures listed in the Yummy Mummy Manifesto by Anna Johnson: one set of matching bra and panties (of course with requisite lace, ribbons, and embroidery). This book is about how mommy not only gets her groove back, but ensues that she never loses it in the first place.

Better than a parenting book that preaches a single theory, the Yummy Mummy Manifesto is about forging your own path complete with ideas on how to get there.

Where to find more about The Yummy Mummy Manifesto and author, Anna Johnson:

	Publisher’s website.
	USAToday article with the first spark of the Yummy Mummy Manifesto! Daily News article.
	Other books by Anna Johnson: Three Black Skirts Handbags

Here’s what MotherTalk reviewers are saying about The Yummy Mummy Manifesto:

Dirty Little Secret says, “Johnson talks about sex, style, friendship, journaling, breastfeeding basics, cool names for your baby, healthy food ideas, nursery design, balancing working and mommying, staying at home without going crazy, crafts for women who hate them, mantras for bad days. . . .basically it’s like having a whole bunch of fantastic mommy blogs in one book.”

Lookit! I Spy… says, “I really, really enjoyed the outlook that this book had to offer. And I really wish I could have read this book before (or during) my pregnancies as the author Anna Johnson reveals how pregnant women can hold onto their spirit, creativity, wit and sensuality, instead of falling into a pregnant woman slumber being miserable for the duration of nine whole months.”

Zen Sarcasm says “One of the more fun parts of the book, and which everyone can certainly enjoy, is the tips for dressing during the different stages of pregnancy and postpartum, and all the other great ideas for becoming the yummy mummy you want to be: anything from small treats to stealing bits of time or sexual intimacy from the beast of motherhood lack-of-time-itis.”

Life with Frenchie says, “The book did help put me on the path to becoming a Yummy Mummy. It’s especially important as my daughter is getting to the stage where what I wear can (read: will) cause her embarrassment.”

Wavybrains says, “When I saw our St. Louis photos, I wanted to cry, because I was so far from a Yummy Mummy that if I saw me in a supermarket, I’d walk right by, eyes adverted less my tackiness be contagious. So, I was hoping Yummy Mummy would give me an excuse to reclaim whatever style I once had. I hoped it would have all sorts of magic tips to make me look a little bit less like my high school self had herself a baby and then celebrated at the Dairy Mart, and little bit more like the Professor Mama I’d like to be. On that front, Mission Accomplished.”

DesignHER Momma says, “I know, I know, there are many ‘expecting’ books on the market, but this one is different. Go ahead, read the other to find out the baby basics. But, if you really want the dirt that nobody will ever tell you, (like the seven deadly sins of maternal style), you gotta read this book.”

Making Things Up says, “And you know what? It’s a fun book. The Yummy Mummy Manifesto isn’t about being the mommy with the most stuff — in fact, there’s a whole chapter on how to ‘underspend’ on your under-two-year-old — it’s about being a mommy with style.”

Seven Dogs and a Baby says, “My favorite aspect of The Yummy Mummy Manifesto is the casual mom to mom tone it sets as well as the beautiful illustrations. It leaves you with a feeling you have just been talking to a trusted friend which is so comforting especially to a nervous mom. During my entire pregnancy with Connor I found myself reading those pregnancy books over and over to the point I would work myself up into a panic over the smallest thing. Reading The Yummy Mummy Manifesto makes you feel as if your not alone and certainly not the first or the last mom to experience the ups and downs of motherhood and pregnancy.”

So a Blonde Walks into a Review says, “While the information you’ll find in typical parenting books is important, this book will be your secret indulgence. The one that says it’s okay to make time and take care of YOU (and how to do it) while taking care of your kids. The book is as fun as it is informative.”

Chicka Nuts says, “I do agree with a lot of the things in the book, such as taking time for yourself, and not feeling guilty about it (easier said than done!), but in all honesty, I’m just not a yummy mummy. There were parts of the book that I liked. I liked the way it was written, and it did have some good ideas and advice.”

MOMformation says, “Johnson makes explaining first time motherhood simple in layman terms. From tips like what items you should have for your home or hospital birth to advice on how to dress a toddler, it’s an easy and pleasant read. The one section that caught my attention and made me sit up is The Sex Question: Love is a Perennial, But Desire Has Its Own Season. It’s very honest about being sexy while pregnant. I won’t ruin it here, you’ll just have to read it yourself!”

Liberating Omoni says, “Picture the following: A toy-strewn living room, a kitchen where the dishes haven’t magically loaded themselves into the dishwasher, a wild toddler sans underpants, but covered in stickers, and me - clad in a pair of black yoga pants and t-shirt. My life as I knew it and the white carpet in the house really haven’t been the same since my daughter’s blessed arrival. So, when The Yummy Mummy Manifesto flew into radar, I was intrigued.”

Zen-Mother says, “The book was funny and refreshing and perhaps just what a stressed out, down in the self image dumps, mama needs. You probably aren’t going to have the beauty and confidence of Angelina Jolie but you can be improve what you’ve got and make the most of and feel GOOD about it. And kids need to see a mom who feels good about herself!”

A Vocational Duality says, “More than a guidebook, the manifesto (as all good ones should be) is an intricate call to action: getting away from the ‘Juicy sweats’ and ponytail that often seem easiest and most practical for mothers of young children to wear, and recognizing and fulfilling ourselves. Not to be selfish or to escape from our children, but to be better mothers.”

Life as Lou says, “There is a satisfied contentedness running through this book, and although I did not agree with every philosophy the author holds, I perfectly agree with her call for mothers to be themselves, be happy, and embrace motherhood while still wearing your own shoes, be them kitten heels or birkenstocks. It is an excellent read for the new mother, or the mother in the throes of it all.”

The Snarky Squab says, “This is not a book that will harangue you into exercising and getting that baby weight off (thank god). This is a book that will encourage you to find a way to move your body with joy, and eat things you love, and wear clothes that are both comfortable and beautiful, and damn the torpedoes.”

Domestic Diva says, “Often as Moms we feel as if we have lost our identity. The Yummy Mummy Manifesto helps us to keep the person we know we are and allow her to blossom to her fullest potential all the while holding onto what we love most…being a MOM!”

Cheeky Monkey Play says, “I think this book holds truths for each kind of mummy. I can see Earthy mums and Manolo mums equally enjoying this as the author has balanced the book well for all of us. I was delighted with her style tips, frankness about most subjects, and her down to earth voice.”

Rockin’ Mama says, “Nothing about Anna Johnson’s fashion, nutrition, and decor advice is drab or impractical. Au contraire! From dressing your bump to overcoming that in-between frump, you’ll find Anna Johnson’s chic suggestions celebratory…freeing even. On a serious note, adorning your shell is irrelevant if you’re broken on the inside. The sections I found to be uplifting…inspirational even… addressed issues I faced in my early days of sleep deprivation and colic…isolation…body image…relationships.”

Sugar Mommy says, “This book is brilliant. She discusses candidly and logically(!) key mommy sore-points such as house keeping, fighting with your spouse, dealing with the day-to-day drudgery that is parenting, finances…you name it. Just reading the table of contents will make you giggle:Morning Sick in Manolos: Finding your feet & holding your ground; Breastfeeding: Going with the flow; Crafts: For Women Who Hate Them; How Old is a Young Mother?”

Lastly, Much More Than a Mom says, “It’s not a book that tells you what to eat and how much to work out, but instead encourages you to be yourself and not lose yourself in the abyss of motherhood. It’s about no-guilt parenting, which I love. It’s pretty hard to sink yourself into the sheer joy of being with children if you’re feeling guilty all the time.”

May 8–23

With 60-80% of women holding jobs through pregnancy, Marjorie Greenfield’s new book, The Working Woman’s Pregnancy Book is an invaluable resource.

Not only does Greenfield utilize her background as an obstetrician, but she picks up where other pregnancy books leave off–discussing issues specifically affecting working women such as workplace conditions and maternity leave. The book begins preconception and takes the reader through balancing life with a new baby.

Any woman who plans to work through pregnancy can benefit from reading Greenfield’s book and glean sound advice on keeping healthy during the pregnancy as well as being a self-advocate in negotiating work and home life.

Where to find more about The Working Woman’s Pregnancy Book and author, Marjorie Greenfield:

	Marjorie Greenfield’s website. Publisher’s website.
	Look for reviews of The Working Woman’s Pregnancy Book in Library Journal and Wall Street Journal.
	Dr. Spock’s Pregnancy Guide

Here’s what MotherTalk reviewers are saying about The Working Woman’s Pregnancy Book:

Mommy of Three says, “I share this story with you in association with this tour, because having endured these (and many other things) while working as a pregnant woman, I can relate to many others out there who need(ed) guidance during this life changing event. While there is a plethora of pregnancy related books available, until now I have not found a comprehensive, easy to read, enjoyable book on the subject. This book was phenomenal. There are more questions answered on this subject in the book than I honestly thought possible. So many issues can arise when working during pregnancy that you probably have not considered or taken seriously until you are in the middle of these situations. The book reads as a cross between an intimate conversation with a close friend, and one with the perfect OB who is at your beck and call.”

Tales from My Dusty Ovaries says, “I’m not sure I can come up with 1 thing that isn’t addressed in this book. I expected it to be a bunch of crap about employment law, how you aren’t supposed to lift heavy boxes or handle radioactive chemicals (duh), when/how to tell your boss, and whatnot. While all that was covered (without the pandering attitude), it was also a treasure trove of general pregnancy information. Seriously, there is so much in this book that you don’t even need the other pregnancy books (you know the ones I mean).”

Addition Problems says, “The adage is true - you can’t judge this book by its cover. While it appears to reach out to the corporate career woman - a narrow slice of the working world, indeed - it is broad in its reach and includes voices of women in a wide array of jobs. The frequent quotes were some of my favorite parts of the book, and came from, among others, a FedEx courier, a supermodel, teachers, librarians, secretaries, lawyers, a police officer, doctors, a factory worker, and a governor.”

Mommy Needs a Review says, “In The Working Woman’s Pregnancy Book, Dr. Marjorie Greenfield gives you all the tricks of the working pregnant mom trade. And to think I thought I was the only one sneaking a pillow in before work hours and closing my door at lunch to take a nap under my desk. She provides insight from how to get more sleep when you are pregnant (a pipe dream) and suggestions for deciding on when to tell the boss.”

The Giesbrechts says, “Really, this book should be read by anyone who wants to have children, is already pregnant, or is even on their 6th child. I wish I had it during my first pregnancy… every question I’ve ever had was answered! Yes, even after having done it once already there were still many, many unanswered questions.”

Life in the Petri Dish says, “The real question, though, is did it take the extra step to become a working woman’s pregnancy resource? I would say that yes, it did. I liked very much that the book addressed issues specific to the working woman. Dr. Greenfield covered when to tell your boss and coworkers you are pregnant, how to deal with feeling not so great while at work, FMLA and other maternity leave issues, when (and whether) to return to work, daycare options, and dealing with special circumstances (like sick kids, appointments, etc.).”

Mommy Writes says, “This book is for all of the woman who continue to work after they are pregnant. It takes over for the other books that devote a chapter to the subject of working while you are pregnant or what you need to know after you have the baby.”

Life as Lou says, “I have been educated on this rollercoaster, and I always found books on the topic to be lacking, or overly simplified, or directed so exclusively at one demographic that I felt it didn’t apply. This book manages to have it all, hit every demographic, and it is written from the perspective of an obstetrician. What’s more, it is written from the perspective of a woman.”

Crunchy City Girl Reviews says, “I liked reading the various comments from different women in a variety of lines of work - the most amusing one was Jane S., listed as a state governor. That wasn’t too hard to figure out. I have your standard 9-5 type of a job and it was enlightening to see Fedex drivers and airline pilots chiming in.”

Liza Was Here says, “Personally, my biggest fear/annoyance about pregnancy books is that they will be ALL about the unacknowledged assumption that the reader is in a heterosexual marriage. Not that there’s anything wrong with that! But not every pregnant person is either married or straight, and you would think that authors would remember that. I liked how this book handled that.”

Mommy Writer Blog says, “But that’s it. The book goes into details for EVERYTHING pregnancy. The embryo sizes, planning for pregnancy, breastfeeding or not, and everything. This is all good for first time moms. I would have loved this before my son was born. This last time around? I could have used the cliff notes of my favorite chapters.”

Serenity Now says, “I loved how she dealt with telling work about a pregnancy and all the issues that come along with it, figuring out options for maternity leave, and deciding what to do about your career after the baby comes - a topic which is at the forefront of my own mind right now, given that I’m out on my maternity leave and have to figure out what our lives are going to look like when I go back to work.”

Sandier Pastures says, “I was working full time when I was pregnant with my first child 5 years ago. I worked until three weeks before my due date in the computer industry and every single day, I carried all those questions and doubts as to whether the workplace is safe for my developing baby.”

Dirty Little Secret says, “This being my third time around and all, I didn’t expect to get much new information from the book. Heh. I was wrong. I loved the way she talked practically (but not officiously) about working through fatigue and nausea, about returning to work after maternity leave and how to deal with your boss. All I could think about as I read was how much I wished I’d had this book when I was pregnant with Ironflower.”

Reverendmother says, “Amid all the strong opinions out there on all things maternal (natural or epidural? breast or bottle?), this book is very non-doctrinal, which I found refreshing. It takes its subject matter and its audience seriously, and its only agenda seems to be to provide a one-stop resource for women who will be balancing pregnancy and motherhood with work outside the home.”

Did You See That? says, “Then, half way through my pregnancy, my wonderful boss left the company, and her replacement (who happened to be a 40-something woman with no children and no plans for children, ever) told me to forget my plans. If I didn’t come back to work 6 weeks post-partum, I was fired. It didn’t matter I offered to work at home for those last 6 weeks of my 12 weeks off. I had to be physically in the office after 6 weeks. So I had no choice but to resign. And none of the pregnancy books available to me had helped me prepare for this reality. I would have loved to have had The Working Woman’s Pregnancy Book at my side.”

Writing from Kiddom says, “The Working Woman’s Pregnancy Book was so informative that I can see it becoming a book that women flip through over and over, during each pregnancy. I can also see women who have benefited from this book buying it for their newly-pregnant friends. The book begins before the decision to conceive has been made, and continues through pregnancy, and beyond.”

Dana Reviews says, “The best part? She has written several chapters dedicated to pregnancy and its effects on work, communication at work, how and when to tell your boss you’re pregnant, how to arrange maternity leave, and breastfeeding after returning to work (as well as advice for pumping at work). Oh, how I wish Dr. Greenfield’s book was available four years ago, but I’m so happy I was sent a copy to review.”

Gloria’s Place says, “So The Working Woman’s Pregnancy Book came just at the nick of time for me. It was a lovely coincidence. It was this book that helped me realize that I was pregnant in the first place.”

Sticky Feet says, “Many pregnancy books on the market today seem to be targeted to SAHWs (Stay at Home Wives) and don’t always take into consideration that sometimes taking a nap in the middle of the day or eating every hour aren’t really options for all of us. This is definitely a book I wish I would have had during my pregnancy and I would highly recommend it to any mom-to-be who is working. It has real world advice about how to tell your boss, how to plan for maternity leave, and how to deal with the discomforts of pregnancy while still maintaining your workload.”

Karma Calling says, “But most importantly, Dr.Greenfield writes as an equal. She, is one of the few authors who do regard their target readers as informed and educated. Reading this book is like sitting with a knowledgeable, compassionate friend, a latte in hand, telling you how to plan for and enjoy your pregnancy and the arrival of the baby while being committed to a full time job.”

Rockin’ Mama says, “As a nurse, I am cognizant of the hazards inherent in my job. I found the information provided in this book to be particularly helpful not only in identifying those hazards but communicating with my employer about how to best protect myself from them. Every pregnancy book you pick up to read will cover the same basic information from conception to delivery. What sets Dr. Greenfield’s book above the rest is it’s specific application to the working woman.”

My Life as It Is says, “So now I’m four months along and wondering how the heck am I going to organize and deal with a newborn, a sprite of a two-year-old, a growing career and, oh yeah, did I mention I’m going back for my masters’? But right now I have to handle being pregnant at work and being a pregnant employee - no such easy feat, even in a supportive work environment like I have. Easy or tough as your experience is, Dr. Greenfield provides great tips, advice and facts - like qualifying FMLA requirements and negotiating your maternity leave plan to tips on treating first trimester nausea at work (I’ve been there…it works).”

The Bean Blog says, “One of the things I really love about this book is the comments from real moms. Each chapter has some insight from moms who have been there. And chapter 39 is filled with these comments. It’s all about moms who have been there giving advice on everything from emotions to childcare to relationships and your personal needs.”

Lastly, Here We Go Again says, “Another thing I found absolutely wonderful about this book is that it was very fair about expressing both sides of issues. For example, I have been thinking a lot about whether to bank cord blood, so I was very interested in what the author had to say. Marjorie Greenfield was careful to present both sides of the argument very impartially. When I read the pros and cons, I felt like I had all the information but wasn’t being pressured to choose the ‘right’ one.”

April 28-May 10

Tired of hearing about the wheels on the bus? Turn on the That Baby DVD or CD and be transported through your favourite songs coupled with images that your child will enjoy.

That Baby CD creates new arrangements for old favourites by Fleetwood Mac, Bruce Springsteen, and 10,000 Maniacs with vocals provided by Portland, Oregon musician, Stephanie Schneiderman and friends.

Playlist:

1. Happiness Runs/Circle Game

2. Sunday Sun

3. When We Grow Up

4. Pony Boy

5. Brass in Pocket

6. Get Together

7. Garden Song

8. Anything is Possible

9. Songbird

10. These are the Days

11. Three Little Birds

12. I Will

13. St. Judy’s Comet

Where to find more about That Baby DVD or CD:

	That Baby DVD or CD website
	Enter the coupon code “MotherTalk” when purchasing and save 20% on your entire order!From now until May 18th, all orders using the coupon code “MotherTalk” will be entered in a drawing to win a new iPod nano.

Here’s what MotherTalk reviewers are saying about the That Baby DVD and CD:

Sandier Pastures says, “As for me, I am happy to find another way to make long rides with the kiddo more enjoyable. I love the songs so much that I even play the CD even without the toddler on board - on my way to work! I’m amazed at how the songs soothe my senses and almost make me forget about the traffic jam outside.”

So a Blonde Walks into a Review says, “I am going to admit something here that I can’t believe I’m going to admit. I am in love with a DVD for babies. Seriously. I want to sit down and watch it all by myself. Which I did when I first reviewed it. But then I had to keep making sure my youngest was watching it with me on subsequent viewings so I didn’t look silly.”

BBM Review says, “The DVD made my girls get up and dance and unlike many kid videos, this one kept their attention and made them want to move! The video for ‘Brass in Pocket’ was adorable and fun for all of us, although my daughters are convinced they can bust a move just as well as the featured kids. Are there any casting calls for future DVD’s I should know about?”

Did You See That? says, “It starts with pregnancy. Slowly but surely, you start to lose your mind. Sleep deprivation, potty training, and endless rounds of Chutes and Ladders all contribute to the gradual erosion. And the “usual” children’s music doesn’t help matters much. Which is why I absolutely love That Baby CD and That Baby DVD. I promise you, this music is nothing like ‘Fruit Salad’.”

Much More Than a Mom says, “He loved it, I loved it, Bella loved it (well, she smiled while it played…) and even the Big Guy didn’t hate it. From him, that’s good. The tunes are awesome of the stick-in-your-head variety and they’re great for all ages.”

Lisa Reviews says, “Will just stared at the tv in wonderment, and Madison danced while the songs played (Will did a little dancing of his own too). The first thing that Bill and I noticed was that we recognized a lot of the songs on here. These are covers of songs by Fleetwood Mac, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Natalie Merchant, The Beatles, The Pretenders, just to name a few. The second thing we noticed was that songs were sung for the kids and toned down. However, they weren’t completely kidified, so that you feel like pulling your hair out and covering your ears.”

Book Haven says, “The DVD pulls you right in with the beautiful ‘Happiness Runs/Circle Games’ - a tune which is now permanently stuck in my head. The graphics are beautiful, with a colorful butterfly gliding into a forest of trees. But our favorite DVD track is the lip-synching kids that sing along to the song ‘Brass in Pocket’. Maya loves watching the antics of other kids, and I find them a delight to watch as well.”

Mommy Writer Blog says, “The CD however, has been an even bigger splash for our frequent car rides to pre-school and back. The Kiddo hums and sings songs as we gander the few miles to his day care. And I know he likes it because he requests the music. Even more than his Alvin and the Chipmunks CD. Which, in my opinion, scores this music set a huge 5 stars. I can almost hear nails on the chalkboard each time Alvin launches into a solo.”

From Dates to Diapers says, “As I type this my crew of six are watching the tail end of our That Baby DVD… All of them! Julia is dancing with Noah, Ben is singing, Josh is pretending not to watch by torturing his little brother (to no avail), and the twins are trying to appear coy because they are, after all, watching a show for ‘babies’!”

The Adventures of Leelo and his Potty-Mouthed Mom says, “She’s right. That Baby’s music is beautiful, and the accompanying videos are obviously a work of love and considerable care. As a bootstrappy, DIY kinda gal myself, I have to respect the effort that the creators put into this project. I especially appreciate that their videos include kids with disabilities having fun with typical peers.”

Parenting Children says, “The DVD got my children up and dancing. OK, so I was dancing too. My kids love to dance and seeing the kids on the DVD bust a move, inspired my kids to really get down! It really is a very cute DVD.”

Food for Thought says, “Rob and Lisi Wolf aren’t a committee of teachers and child development specialists who have compromised their way to 41 minutes of age-appropriate pablum. They sound kind of like me (parents who think having kids shouldn’t mean turning the stereo off for 10 years), and their musical tastes are right in line with mine. The track list for That Baby CD showcases the groups that created the soundtrack of my high school years: Joni Mitchell, Fleetwood Mac, 10,000 Maniacs, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen and more.”

My Life’s Scraps says, “So I got this, put it in the player and the kids came around. They started dancing and playing around to the music and they LOVED it. And in actuality- it wasn’t annoying either! lol The songs on there are easy to listen to, and I’ve listened to it so many times and still don’t mind it. It’s literally all the kids want to listen to right now- which is fine by me! It’s a mix of different types of music- there’s soft songs and acoustic songs, there’s upbeat and dancing songs. It’s such a nice mixture- I’m very glad I got the chance to have this in my home.”

Suburban Turmoil didn’t enjoy the music, but My Little Patch of Sunshine says, “L (my one year old) enjoyed the music, as she is a budding music lover. You can see her listening to the melodies and bobbing her head when she particularly liked a song.”

Pajama Mom says, “Girl2004 usually puts in what she wants during tv time and she has stopped Strawberry Shortcake and put in That Baby DVD which is saying a LOT for a 3 year old that loves Strawberry berry much.”

Welcome to the Motherhood says, “I like that it helps my 2 year old sleep better at night. I had a hard time getting him to go to sleep at night and this is the perfect for me to get him settled down and go to sleep.”

Musings:Mamahood & More says, “Since bringing the CD into our car, I think I’ve heard – and this is just a guesstimate – ooooh, I’d say Springsteen’s Pony Boy about 1,374 times. Yep. My girl loooooves her a Pony Boy.”

Doobleh-Vay says, “The DVD is amazing and sucks you right in with the beautiful Happiness Runs tune. All the gorgeous acoustic music is such a refreshing break from the usual suspects in children’s music marketing. (Wheels on the freaking bus!!!) The video is truly watchable from an adult standpoint. I really did sink into the couch and relax. I was not mentally preparing