Baby Steps

by Mara Altman

Mara Altman, author of the number-one Kindle Singles bestseller “Bearded Lady,” turns to the topic of motherhood with touching and uproarious results. At 32 years old, the recently married author found herself suddenly surrounded by babies, and the expectation of family and friends that she would soon have one herself. Altman’s ambivalence prompted a search for the meaning of motherhood –– one that led her to wear a fake pregnancy belly, attend pre-natal yoga classes, debate experts, and even tend to her very own crying plastic baby. Her reporting led to a surprising and uplifting lesson about life, love and the choices we make. “Baby Steps” is what to expect when you’re not expecting –– a heartfelt and hilarious guide to making the most important decision of your life.After graduating from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, Mara Altman worked as a staff writer for The Village Voice. In 2009, HarperCollins published Altman's first book, Thanks For A Young Woman's Quest for an Orgasm, which was optioned as a comedy series by HBO. She has published three best-selling Kindle Singles, and has also written for New York Magazine and The New York Times.Cover design by Adil Dara Kim. Cover photograph by Christopher Lane. Illustrations by Mara Altman.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Chick Lit

60 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 10, 2014

Reviews

[OjoAusana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lol

Cute, funny, honest and relatable! This may be short but its a great humorous read and i would recommend it for sure!

[Megan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got this free on my Kindle and it was clear within 1 page that it was pretty bad but I tried to stick it out. However, I was forced to stop reading after this: "The dirt was red and dry - it clung to our shoes like baby powder does to infant glutei." Ain't nobody got time for that.

[Haley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I would have enjoyed this a lot more if I had simply read it instead of listening. Normally I enjoy when the author narrates, but Mara's delivery felt a bit wooden and one-note. There were some truly funny moments, but a delivery that might have been an attempt at dry humor just fell flat. In addition, I found myself getting annoyed by her wavering back and forth over the baby issue. I recognize this is ridiculous. Deciding whether to have a baby or not, whether you actually desire a family or if you're just being pressured by society, is a major decision. Researching it to the extent that Mara did is, obviously, a bit unusual. But she is a writer, so it makes sense that she would A- research this decision and B- document that process. I think there are plenty of women out there who will appreciate hearing about all the experts she spoke with and the various ridiculous positions she put herself into trying to feel out if this was truly something she wanted. Perhaps I wasn't able to appreciate it fully as this is not a decision I personally struggle with. And again, I think my frustration with the narration very strongly affected my overall impression. So while I wasn't terribly impressed, take my reaction with a grain of salt, and definitely try reading this rather than listening. It's short enough that there's really no reason not to, except that listening-if it's an option- has become my default way to digest books as of lately.

[The Idle Woman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mara Altman has been married to her husband Dave for two years, and it’s beginning to get unbearable. Friends, relatives and complete strangers are all paying an inordinate amount of attention to her body shape, and speculating whether it might change any time soon; in short, when will she get pregnant? Because that’s what you do, isn’t it? You find the love of your life, get married and make mini humans. Or is it? In a state of increasing panic, Altman wonders what it actually means to have a child. Is she ready to give up the dreams of travel and freedom that always felt so important to her? What does it feel like to be pregnant? What’s the truth about being a parent? How can she reconcile her friends’ assurances that parenthood is ‘the best thing ever’ with their red-rimmed, puffy eyes and sleep deprivation? How can she decide if this is the right thing for her or not? And how long does she have before the choice gets made for her?

For the full review, and comments on other books by Altman, please see my blog:
https://theidlewoman.net/2020/05/16/t...

[Amanda Harman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, easy read about the dance that happens when contemplating when and if to have kids.

[Joanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not bad. Would be interested to read more of her stuff

[lauren mcdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner from Mara Altman

This is the third kindle single I have read by Mara Altman and now my favorite. She is hilariously honest and I can relate to her more and more with each book. Being 29 and single I too can hear ticking time bombs that are my eggs. She is obviously very intelligent but not pretentious. She always does her research but ultimately she goes with her gut. She's so human and real, I admire that. I highly recommend this book to anyone with or without a uterus. It's informative, funny, and honest. I am looking forward to the book she writes if she has a baby and anything she writes in the future.

[Misty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed Mara's personal research on why people have babies and why should she have a baby - which did make for some funny writing. But I feel like I would find more interesting ideas in the books she suggested than the general "procreate so you don't regret it" bit. What about more ideas about adoption or focusing on yourself, or you and your partner... I think there could have been a little more.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a nice, funny story about a woman trying to decide whether or not to have a baby. As someone her age with extremely similar feelings to hers, I found it fascinating and through her tales of her research I actually learned a few things (some that I wanted to know, some that I didn't!) Great little read for women who are uncertain about the whole process, and made me feel a lot less weird/alone for not being like all of my baby-loving friends :)

[Asher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decidedly meh but still funny. probably better if you're still having the baby debate or already trying.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I pretty much always like whatever Mara Altman writes, and this was no exception. I love her writing style and her sense of humor.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mara Altman is my writer idol. I would also be best friends with her. This book is so hilarious, I had to turn off my kindle from time to time so I could marvel at how awesome Mara Altman is.

[Hanako · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was funny enough to read, though I don't know that it would help anyone make their own decision - but maybe it would.

[melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too predictable. Spelling errors.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some good laughs... Felt rushed. Ending stuffed into a few pages

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great comedic read from Mara Altman. I laughed the entire time she described her care of the fake baby. I appreciate her honesty and willingness to show her crazy side.

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

While it contained funny observations and analogies, I found the ending flat and unrewarding.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's like she's in my brain. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one thinking all these thoughts.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!! Mara plucked the thoughts right out of my mind.