Category Archives: Books

Go the F**k to Sleep: A review

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Never before has a book grabbed my attention as Go the F**K to Sleep by Adam Mansbach.  A carefully crafted “unintended” viral marketing plan was elegantly executed. PDF copies of the book were “leaked” catapulting Mansbach’s children’s book to the top spot on Amazon before it was even published. Impressive. Add the word f**k to a children’s book and you are on to a winner it seems. The fact is, this is NOT a children’s book. It just looks like one – it was marketed, until it’s release, as a children’s book – very clever! Now they have they have released a free audio version of the book narrated by none other than Samuel L Jackson guaranteed to be a cult classic eh?

Go the F to sleep review

 

So what is it about?
It’s a book for parents about the trials and tribulations of trying to get kids to sleep. It’s written and illustrated in the style of a children’s bedtime book.

What did I think about it?
For me, it’s the story that  surrounds the book that is incredible. The hype, and the instant cult classic for me, is amazing.  I love the F-word – I really do. I use it frequently as verb, a noun and an adjective BUT I rarely write it. I am not even sure why. I love the descriptions and the rhythm of the verses in Go the F**k to Sleep – they flow, they are rich and then you are hit with the F-word which after the first 2 pages get’s old and actually very irritating. At some points in the book I find myself getting annoyed, and perhaps even slightly offended, which for someone who LOVES colourful language is saying something!  Even in the moments of high desperation and extreme tiredness I don’t think would articulate my sentiments in the way that was published, well, at least not with my own child:

“The tiger reclines in the shimmering jungle.

The sparrow has silenced her cheep.

Fuck your stuffed bear, I’m not getting you shit.

Close your eyes. Cut the crap. Sleep”

The illustrations by Ricardo Cortés are rich and very cute – they are so attractive that BiP enjoys looking at them making it hard to remember that it is a book for adults, NOT children.  It definitely throws you out of your comfort zone, it is uncomfortable, it is funny in parts, but it is over the top.

Parting words …The title was probably all it needed to be an instant success … maybe a couple f**ks in the book would have made it punchy and funny – instead it comes across as forced and overly deliberate. The humour is lost with the excessive use of expletives. Honestly, if you find the F-word that hilarious then maybe you need to grow up a bit.

I do not regret buying it – I am happy to have been part of this whole hype but I would say I am disappointed slightly!

***   Have you read it? Will you? Does the language add to the book or does it put you off?   ***

 

5 Books to Survive the First Year!

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Don’t panic! You don’t need to read any of them cover to cover in one sitting and submit a report but each one of them contains invaluable information. Together, I found the combination to be a winning one and the closest I could get to an instruction manual! (Disclaimer: I have not been asked/sponsored/paid to recommend any of these books)

1. What to Expect in the First Year by Heidi Murkoff.
This book gives a great overview of what your baby will be doing month to month. It’s useful to start reading it before your baby arrives.

So, what’s good about it? The best bit of the book? Is each month its says by this month your baby should be doing, could be doing, may even be able to etc … when your baby smashes those milestones you feel such an incredible sense of pride and joy which is validated and confirmed by this book! (When your baby can’t do something listed you simply ignore it!)

What’s bad about it? The book is big and bulky for starters. DO NOT attempt to read it whilst breastfeeding! It could seriously harm your baby. If you are interested in breastfeeding past 12m or baby-led weaning you may want to skip the information included on those subjects. Take the book with a pinch of salt but it does have some useful lists if that’s what you are into!

Not got the time? Check out the What to Expect site

2. Best Friends’ Guide to Surviving the First Year of Motherhood by Vicki Iovine
A hilarious, frank account of what to expect when you become a mother. The whole book is focussed on you rather than your baby; your body, your breasts and your bits!

So, what’s good about it? It’s hilarious! It really is funny! It’s a lighthearted read with a few home truths.

What’s bad about it? It’s a witty read nothing more and nothing less – it doesn’t contain any medical advice or stats – its just a light hearted read for a tired new mummy!

3. Healthy Sleep Habits Happy Child by Marc Weissbluth 
This book has been my instruction manual to date and I feel it will take me a lot further!

So, what’s good about it? It has all you need to know about getting your baby on to a healthy sleep routine with no tears (or very few). It makes sense, it respects your babies rhythms and does truly result in a happy, healthy child. In just a few pages you will be ready to understand your baby’s needs and be able to respond

What’s bad about it? So far I’ve yet to find fault with this book – perhaps it is a bit wordy in some places but it really is worth the read. The book may look daunting but it really isn’t – just a few pages and you are set for the next few weeks or months depending on the age of your child.

4. Baby-Led Weaning by Gill Rapley and Tracey Murkett
This is every parent’s must have book for introducing solids.

So, what’s good about it? It explains simply how BLW is a natural and positive way to introduce solids. It calms even the most nervous of parents into realising that it really is the way to go!

What’s bad about it? I’ve yet to find fault with the book. Maybe the name puts people off – many people have preconceived ideas about what BLW entails. Give this book a read and it will make you a true BLW convert!

Not got the time? Check out the amazing BLW blog for real life experiences!

5. Diaper Free Baby by Christine Gross-Loh
The Elimination Communication (EC) Bible) A must read for anyone who is interested in understanding the natural rhythms of their babies elimination needs … i.e pee and poop!

So, what’s good about it? Filled with real life experiences of other ECing parents, this book tells you how and WHY you should be ECing. Dispelling the myth that babies should be in diapers for years, this book helps you understand how you can EC your baby full-time, part time or occasionally.

What’s bad about it? Maybe the name? Many feel that ECing involves a lifetime of staring at your baby waiting for them to pee which is not the case. The book is a non-starter for many parents who have a preconceived idea of what it entails.

Not got the time? Check out my posts on easy how to’s on ECing

So that’s my top 5 … what are yours?