Synopses & Reviews
"You'll Change Your Mind."
That's what everyone says to Jen Kirkman — and countless women like her — when she confesses she doesn't plan to have children. But you know what? It's hard enough 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 added burden of caring for a tiny human being with no language skills or bladder control. Parenthood can be very rewarding, but lets face it, so are margaritas at the adults-only pool.
Jen's stand-up routine includes lots of jokes about not having kids (and some about masturbation and Johnny Depp), after which complete strangers constantly approach her and ask, “But who will take care of you when you're old?” (Servants!) Some insist, “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 Myself is 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 it should satisfy everyone who wonders if Jen will ever know true love without looking into the eyes of her child.
Review
“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
Review
“This book takes you through the journey of Jen Kirkman’s misunderstood child-free life. I’m now convinced of two things: Jen is freaking hilarious and she should definitely not have a baby — she should have a Valium.” ThirdBeatMagazine.com
Review
“Jen Kirkman’s wickedly original yet totally universal debut about the expectations of others kicks so much ass you'll agree with her even when you don’t. Not for the stupidly over-sensitive. For lovers of great!” Whitney Cummings, creator of Two Broke Girls and Whitney
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
Review
“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.” TheHairpin.com
Review
“Boldly funny without being anti-mom.” comedian and New York Times bestselling author of Life As I Blow It
Review
“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.” InTouch magazine
Review
“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.” Publisher's Weekly
Synopsis
Chelsea Lately regular 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.
"You'll Change Your Mind."
That's what everyone says to Jen Kirkman-- and countless women like her--when she confesses she doesn't plan to have children. But you know what? It's hard enough 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 added burden of caring for a tiny human being with no language skills or bladder control. Parenthood can be very rewarding, but let's face it, so are margaritas at the adults-only pool.
Jen's stand-up routine includes lots of jokes about not having kids (and some about masturbation and Johnny Depp), after which complete strangers constantly approach her and ask, "But who will take care of you when you're old?" (Servants ) Some insist, "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 Myself is 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 it should satisfy everyone who wonders if Jen will ever know true love without looking into the eyes of her child.
About the Author
Jen Kirkman is a stand-up comedian, writer, and actress well known for the award-winning short series, Drunk History. She has two comedy albums, Self-Help and Hail to the Freaks, and writes for and appears as a comedian/panelist on E’s Chelsea Lately and After Lately.