I Can Barely Take Care of Myself: Tales From a Happy Life Without Kids - Hardcover

Kirkman, Jen

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1451667000 ISBN 13: 9781451667004

Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 2013

Synopsis

It's hard to be an adult. You have to dress yourself and pay bills and remember to buy birthday gifts. You have to drive and get annual physicals and tip for good service. Some adults take on the additional burden of caring for a tiny human being with no language skills or bladder control. Parenthood can be a very rewarding and joyful experience, but let's face it, so are margaritas at the adults only pool.

Jen Kirkman's stand-up routine includes lots of jokes about not having kids (and some about masturbation and Johnny Depp), and complete strangers constantly approach her and ask, "Who will take care of you when you're old?" (Servants!) Some insist, "But you'd be such a great mom!" (Really? You know me so well!) Whether living rent-free in her childhood bedroom while trying to break into comedy (the best free birth control around, she says), or taking the stage at major clubs and joining a hit TV show-and along the way getting married, divorced, and attending excruciating afternoon birthday parties for her parent friends-Jen is completely happy and fulfilled by her decision not to procreate.

I Can Barely Take Care of Myselfis a beacon of hilarious hope for anyone whose major life decisions have been questioned by friends, family, and strangers in a comedy club bathroom. And for everyone who wants to know if Jen will ever know true love without looking into the eyes of her child. (A girl can dream.)

About this title

Product Description

I Can Barely Take Care of Myself Jen Kirkman is "childfree by choice." Here's what she'd like to say to everyone who can't stop telling her she'll change her mind. Full description

Review

“Jen Kirkman has written an excellent—and very funny—guide to promote not having children. Thanks girl, for saving me the time.” (Chelsea Handler)

“If you've ever been told you'd ‘change your mind’ about anything in life—when you knew that you wouldn't—this book is for you. Jen has a unique, fresh and funny way of reminding people that sometimes, you really do know what's best for you. I’m glad she didn’t change her mind about writing this smart, brave, and heartfelt book.” (Sarah Colonna comedian and New York Times bestselling author of Life As I Blow It)

“Boldly funny without being anti-mom.” (InTouch magazine)

“Very funny. . . . the core of the book is about not wanting to have children, and the ways in which society gets up in your face about it . . . I laughed out loud several times.” (TheHairpin.com)

“Candid, funny stuff.” (Sacramento Bee)

"A standup comedian's hilarious explanation for why, gee, thanks for asking, but she isn't going to change her mind about not having children." (Tampa Bay Times)

“Full of humor, wisdom, and laugh out loud moments.” (The Kentucky Democrat)

“Kirkman puts her comedic talent to use by snarking to her readers about the ridiculousness of baby culture, overly-enthusiastic parents, and total strangers who feel it necessary to publicly pry. And since it’s a good bet that those readers feel the same way, this book may very well strike a funnybone.” (Savannah Morning News)

“A seriously humorous stance on deciding not to have kids. . . . With the novelist’s penchant for self-flagellation and exploitation, and jokes punctuating at least every page, this book is ideal for the woman who needs a quick comeback for those who criticize her about not wanting kids, or for those just looking to laugh.” (Publisher's Weekly)

“Between these charming, cringe-worthy, and badass tales, Kirkman successfully convinces us she isn’t meant for motherhood. It’s safe to say she’s much better suited to birthing books.” (ThirdBeatMagazine.com)

About this edition

• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 1451667000
• ISBN 13: 9781451667004
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 224