THE REBEL MAMA'S HANDBOOK FOR (COOL) MOMS

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THE REBEL MAMA'S HANDBOOK FOR (COOL) MOMS

Name: THE REBEL MAMA'S HANDBOOK FOR (COOL) MOMS
Author: Aleksandra Jassem
ISBN: 978-1-5255-2496-7

by Aleksandra Jassem Nikita Stanley ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 24, 2018

A strong dose of Joan Rivers-esque humor in a helpful manual talking about babies (and cocktails).

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Two bloggers mix a concoction of ideas for surviving pregnancy and early motherhood.

Inspired by their blog The Rebel Mama, Jassem and Stanley compiled this irreverent debut guide of tips, rants, and pats on the back for mothers-to-be and young moms. Divided into seven parts, the fun begins with a tongue-in-cheek “Glossary of Rebel Mama Terms.” According to the authors, “AF” means “As Fuck,” and before labor, they thought they were “prepared AF.” Offering bulleted tidbits of “Unsolicited Rapid-Fire Advice,” easy-to-scan chapters include topics like chapped nipples (lanolin cream is a must), maternity clothes (they’re not needed; just go up a size or two), and postnatal pancake boobs (don’t worry; the authors say pancakes are in vogue now). A couple of simple charts are also provided, such as one that lists the pros and cons of child care options when considering whether to work at home. Emphasizing alcohol—lots and lots of alcohol—the authors include a list of drinks (for example, Scotch on the rocks “because your child has recently learned how to talk back”). One laugh-out-loud section compares a toddler to a drunk college roommate. Often, the writing feels cathartic (“How to Not Lose Your Shit On The Daily”). But the inelegant language—a baby is “the tiny ball and chain” and a man is “the dude that knocked you up”—may seem immature to some readers. In addition, moms on a tight budget may find it difficult to relate to the more privileged ideas, such as paying for a professional maternity photo shoot (or a trip to Paris). And harried mamas who barely have time to put on stained T-shirts most mornings may roll their eyes at the model-perfect photos of the authors throughout the book. Nevertheless, there is thoughtful advice here, like the wise words from Stanley’s grandma about having patience with newborns. Urging compassion for mothers-in-law (yes, really), the authors write that “she’s doing her best, just like us.”

A strong dose of Joan Rivers-esque humor in a helpful manual talking about babies (and cocktails).

Pub Date: April 24, 2018

ISBN: 978-1-5255-2496-7

Page Count: 216

Publisher: FriesenPress

Review Posted Online: July 5, 2018

Review Program: Kirkus Indie

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

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NUTCRACKER

by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996

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This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)

Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996

ISBN: 0-15-100227-4

Page Count: 136

Publisher: Harcourt

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ; adapted by Natalie Andrewson ; illustrated by Natalie Andrewson

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER
by E.T.A. Hoffmann & illustrated by Julie Paschkis

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TO THE ONE I LOVE THE BEST

EPISODES FROM THE LIFE OF LADY MENDL (ELSIE DE WOLFE)

by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955

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An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.