Synopses & Reviews
In this instant
New York Times bestseller that’s “boldly funny without being anti-mom” (
In Touch), comedian and
Chelsea Lately regular Jen Kirkman champions every woman’s right to follow her own path—even if that means being “childfree by choice.”
Parenthood can be very rewarding, but let’s face it, so are margaritas at the adults-only pool. So goes Jen Kirkman’s life philosophy when it comes to childrearing: It’s hard enough to be an adult without the added burden of caring for a tiny human being with no language skills or bladder control. So why worry about having children if it’s not for you?
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 friends’ kids—Jen is completely happy and fulfilled by her decision not to procreate.
Uproariously funny yet down-to-earth, I Can Barely Take Care of Myself is a beacon of hope for anyone whose major life decisions have been questioned by friends, family, or strangers in a comedy club bathroom. Says fellow Chelsea Lately comedian and New York Times bestseller Sarah Colonna, “Jen has a unique, fresh, and funny way of reminding people that sometimes, you really do know what’s best for you.”
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“Boldly funny without being anti-mom.”
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“Jen Kirkman has written an excellent—and very funny—guide to promote not having children. Thanks girl, for saving me the time.”
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“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.”
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“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.”
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“Full of humor, wisdom, and laugh out loud moments.”
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“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.”
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“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.”
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“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.”
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“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.”
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“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!”
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"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."
Synopsis
In this instant New York Times bestseller that's "boldly funny without being anti-mom" (In Touch), comedian and Chelsea Lately regular Jen Kirkman champions every woman's right to follow her own path--even if that means being "childfree by choice."
In her debut memoir, actress and comedian Jen Kirkman delves into her off-camera life with the same snarky sensitivity and oddball humor she brings to her sold-out standup shows and the Chelsea Lately roundtable, where she is a writer and regular performer. As a woman of a certain age who has no desire to start a family, Jen often finds herself confronted (by friends, family, and total strangers) about her decision to be "childfree by choice." I Can Barely Take Care of Myself offers honest and hilarious responses to questions like "Who will take care of you when you get old?" (Servants ) and a peek into the psyche--and weird and wonderful life--of a woman who has always marched to the beat of a different drummer and is pretty sure she's not gonna change her mind, but thanks for your concern.
Synopsis
In this instant
New York Times bestseller that’s “boldly funny without being anti-mom” (
In Touch), comedian and
Chelsea Lately regular Jen Kirkman champions every woman’s right to follow her own path—even if that means being “childfree by choice.”
In her debut memoir, actress and comedian Jen Kirkman delves into her off-camera life with the same snarky sensitivity and oddball humor she brings to her sold-out standup shows and the Chelsea Lately roundtable, where she is a writer and regular performer. As a woman of a certain age who has no desire to start a family, Jen often finds herself confronted (by friends, family, and total strangers) about her decision to be “childfree by choice.” I Can Barely Take Care of Myself offers honest and hilarious responses to questions like “Who will take care of you when you get old?” (Servants!) and a peek into the psyche—and weird and wonderful life—of a woman who has always marched to the beat of a different drummer and is pretty sure she’s not gonna change her mind, but thanks for your concern.
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, a Netflix comedy special, I’m Gonna Die Alone (And I Feel Fine), and writes for and appears as a comedian/panelist on E’s Chelsea Lately and After Lately. She is the author of I Can Barely Take Care of Myself and I Know What I’m Doing—and Other Lies I Tell Myself.