What do you think?
Rate this book
Clementine Crane Prefers Not To: A Novel
“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” hits perimenopause in this razor-sharp, wickedly funny novel about one woman’s awakening in a patriarchal world.
For years, Clementine Crane has been the invisible force holding her Byrock, Massachusetts, home together—juggling three demanding kids, a husband who’s more hindrance than help, a soul-crushing boss at the local library, and a mountain of invisible tasks reserved for women.
But when her first hot flash hits, marking the onset of perimenopause, Clementine starts to wonder: When is enough, enough? As the pressures mount and mysterious, almost mythic signs of the extraordinary punctuate her days, she takes a stand—one small refusal at a time. With a defiant “I prefer not to,” she embarks on a journey to reclaim her voice and identity.
Overwhelmed and fed up, Clementine goes on strike, ditching obligations, setting boundaries, and venting her frustrations on social media. When her raw, hilarious, and unexpectedly poignant videos go viral, Clementine finds herself at the center of a movement she never saw coming.
With her irreverent best friend by her side, Clementine isn’t just pushing back—she’s rewriting the rules. This laugh-out-loud, heart-on-sleeve adventure is a battle cry for every woman ready to live life on her own terms.
For years, Clementine Crane has been the invisible force holding her Byrock, Massachusetts, home together—juggling three demanding kids, a husband who’s more hindrance than help, a soul-crushing boss at the local library, and a mountain of invisible tasks reserved for women.
But when her first hot flash hits, marking the onset of perimenopause, Clementine starts to wonder: When is enough, enough? As the pressures mount and mysterious, almost mythic signs of the extraordinary punctuate her days, she takes a stand—one small refusal at a time. With a defiant “I prefer not to,” she embarks on a journey to reclaim her voice and identity.
Overwhelmed and fed up, Clementine goes on strike, ditching obligations, setting boundaries, and venting her frustrations on social media. When her raw, hilarious, and unexpectedly poignant videos go viral, Clementine finds herself at the center of a movement she never saw coming.
With her irreverent best friend by her side, Clementine isn’t just pushing back—she’s rewriting the rules. This laugh-out-loud, heart-on-sleeve adventure is a battle cry for every woman ready to live life on her own terms.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published October 14, 2025
29 people are currently reading
9412 people want to read
About the author
Kristin Bair O'Keeffe
4 books212 followersKristin Bair writes fiercely—and humorously—about women navigating (peri)menopause, marriage, motherhood, the mental load, and identity. Her fourth novel, Clementine Crane Prefers Not To, tells the story of a woman radicalized against the patriarchy by her very first hot flash. It is a blazing anthem for anyone ready to rewrite the rules. (coming October 14, 2025)
Her third novel, Agatha Arch Is Afraid of Everything, was named a Best New Book by People magazine. She is also the author of The Art of Floating and Thirsty, as well as numerous essays about China, bears, adoption, off-the-plot expats, and more. Her work has appeared in The Gettysburg Review, The Baltimore Review, The Manifest-Station, Flying: Journal of Writing and Environment, The Christian Science Monitor, Poets & Writers Magazine, Writer’s Digest, and other publications.
With a BA from Indiana University and an MFA in fiction writing from Columbia College Chicago, Kristin has a proven track record of helping writers find their voices and shape their strongest material. She currently teaches in the MA in Writing Program at Johns Hopkins University and annually at the Yale Writers’ Workshop.
In addition, she is an Associate Fiction Editor for Pangyrus, a literary magazine based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
A native Pittsburgher, Kristin now lives north of Boston with her husband and two kiddos. Follow her on TikTok and Instagram: @kbairokeeffe.
Her third novel, Agatha Arch Is Afraid of Everything, was named a Best New Book by People magazine. She is also the author of The Art of Floating and Thirsty, as well as numerous essays about China, bears, adoption, off-the-plot expats, and more. Her work has appeared in The Gettysburg Review, The Baltimore Review, The Manifest-Station, Flying: Journal of Writing and Environment, The Christian Science Monitor, Poets & Writers Magazine, Writer’s Digest, and other publications.
With a BA from Indiana University and an MFA in fiction writing from Columbia College Chicago, Kristin has a proven track record of helping writers find their voices and shape their strongest material. She currently teaches in the MA in Writing Program at Johns Hopkins University and annually at the Yale Writers’ Workshop.
In addition, she is an Associate Fiction Editor for Pangyrus, a literary magazine based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
A native Pittsburgher, Kristin now lives north of Boston with her husband and two kiddos. Follow her on TikTok and Instagram: @kbairokeeffe.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
September 27, 2025
My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
The Book Review Crew Blog
I liked this book for the most part. It's about a woman of a certain age who decides that she's had enough of doing "women's work" and goes on strike. Clementine has three children—four if you count her husband. She works in a library and has reached her limit with family demands, a stand-still job, and perimenopause. She finally finds her spine and sets some boundaries, posting it all on social media. Then, it goes viral.
The novel works in its portrayal of the harried wife and mother who works full-time. I found it very satisfying when she finally said no. The author writes very well about a woman feeling overlooked, overworked, and often taken for granted. I enjoyed following Clementine's journey from doormat to viral mom and found it witty, with some very insightful moments. However, the plot often falls into predictable territory, and the viral social media storyline seemed a bit unrealistic. The book's pacing was a bit off and didn't always keep its momentum. Some of Clementine’s actions verged on caricature, and the secondary relationships with her family were underdeveloped. Additionally, certain parts of the narrative feel a bit over the top, which can sometimes undercut the emotional stakes.
Some of the side characters could have had more depth, but the book succeeds as a heartfelt and realistic read about discovering oneself. The story is charming and engaging, so it's perfect for any mom, wife, or employee who has thought of saying, "I prefer not to." Overall, this is a fun read—especially for those who’ve ever felt stretched too thin by life’s demands. It isn't perfect, but it has humour, honesty, and heart. And as a woman who has suffered with extremely severe hot flashes for nine years, I could relate. 🥵🥵🥵
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The Book Review Crew Blog
I liked this book for the most part. It's about a woman of a certain age who decides that she's had enough of doing "women's work" and goes on strike. Clementine has three children—four if you count her husband. She works in a library and has reached her limit with family demands, a stand-still job, and perimenopause. She finally finds her spine and sets some boundaries, posting it all on social media. Then, it goes viral.
The novel works in its portrayal of the harried wife and mother who works full-time. I found it very satisfying when she finally said no. The author writes very well about a woman feeling overlooked, overworked, and often taken for granted. I enjoyed following Clementine's journey from doormat to viral mom and found it witty, with some very insightful moments. However, the plot often falls into predictable territory, and the viral social media storyline seemed a bit unrealistic. The book's pacing was a bit off and didn't always keep its momentum. Some of Clementine’s actions verged on caricature, and the secondary relationships with her family were underdeveloped. Additionally, certain parts of the narrative feel a bit over the top, which can sometimes undercut the emotional stakes.
Some of the side characters could have had more depth, but the book succeeds as a heartfelt and realistic read about discovering oneself. The story is charming and engaging, so it's perfect for any mom, wife, or employee who has thought of saying, "I prefer not to." Overall, this is a fun read—especially for those who’ve ever felt stretched too thin by life’s demands. It isn't perfect, but it has humour, honesty, and heart. And as a woman who has suffered with extremely severe hot flashes for nine years, I could relate. 🥵🥵🥵
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
April 12, 2025
“I prefer not to.” A simple phrase… and Clementine’s brilliantly bold rebellion.
Clementine Crane Prefers Not To is a hilariously honest, refreshingly raw exploration of modern womanhood, told through the voice of a main character who feels like all of us. Clementine isn’t just quirky and overwhelmed—she’s the glue, the lynchpin, the calendar-wielding, errand-running, appointment-booking, family-organising everything-doer. And when she hits her limit (and her first hot flash), it all starts to unravel—in the most gloriously relatable way.
This book had me laughing, nodding, and occasionally yelling, “YES!” at the page. Kristin Bair doesn’t shy away from the emotional toll of invisible labour or the identity earthquake that perimenopause can bring. It’s brutally honest, but also deeply compassionate, and packed with laugh-out-loud moments that make the heavier truths hit even harder.
Clementine’s journey felt like both a breakdown and a breakthrough—and it was such a joy to follow her as she set boundaries, let go of the guilt, and slowly reclaimed herself. The pacing is quick, the tone is spot-on, and the story is exactly the kind of cathartic, empowering read that so many women need.
If you’ve ever felt like the world might fall apart if you stop holding it together—this one’s for you. Honest, hilarious, and long overdue.
Clementine Crane Prefers Not To is a hilariously honest, refreshingly raw exploration of modern womanhood, told through the voice of a main character who feels like all of us. Clementine isn’t just quirky and overwhelmed—she’s the glue, the lynchpin, the calendar-wielding, errand-running, appointment-booking, family-organising everything-doer. And when she hits her limit (and her first hot flash), it all starts to unravel—in the most gloriously relatable way.
This book had me laughing, nodding, and occasionally yelling, “YES!” at the page. Kristin Bair doesn’t shy away from the emotional toll of invisible labour or the identity earthquake that perimenopause can bring. It’s brutally honest, but also deeply compassionate, and packed with laugh-out-loud moments that make the heavier truths hit even harder.
Clementine’s journey felt like both a breakdown and a breakthrough—and it was such a joy to follow her as she set boundaries, let go of the guilt, and slowly reclaimed herself. The pacing is quick, the tone is spot-on, and the story is exactly the kind of cathartic, empowering read that so many women need.
If you’ve ever felt like the world might fall apart if you stop holding it together—this one’s for you. Honest, hilarious, and long overdue.
March 20, 2025
Clementine Crane Prefers Not To
⤷ ⭑⭑.𝟳𝟱 (rounded off rating)
⟢ Where do I start? We follow Clementine Crane, a mother of three (four if you count her husband) who is often taken for granted by everyone around her. If her husband can't find his sweater, he asks Clementine. If her daughter forgets her skates at school, she asks Clementine for help. If her son needs money deposited into his account because he’s always hungry, he turns to Clementine. However, after experiencing a series of hot flashes from perimenopause and sleepless nights due to her husband's loud snoring, she is pushed to her limit and finally decides to stand up for herself and prefers not to.
the summary said that Clementine wanted to one small refusal at a time… but i beg to differ because this woman dropped EVERYTHING.
lose a sweater? make them look for it. forget something at home? sucks for you. however, important matters like going to appointments and feeding your children should never be taken lightly or treated as optional decisions.
there is promise in the story, and i can definitely relate as a person outside because my mother suffers from daily hot flashes, which she talks about VERY openly. and that's what i think was the key issue in Clementine's case, the lack of communication. while she does attempt to address her situation to the household, when it gets brushed off, she chooses to let it go.
another significant moment was when Clementine unintentionally started an "I prefer not to" movement that became a viral TikTok sensation as this related to the women who want to be seen, heard, felt underappreciated, and they call themselves “hot-flashers” because that’s what they’re experiencing—hot flashes.
since this is a character-driven story, i struggled to connect with Clementine because of some erratic choices she makes, like stealing the school’s goldfish, to which she seems oddly attached. there’s also a scene where she sneaks into her ob-gyn’s office as part of one of her “I prefer not to” missions and recruits other women experiencing hot flashes because she disagrees with the doctor’s prognosis. when she introduced herself as “Clementine Crane, Connector of People to Magical Things,” I WAS SO EMBARRASSED. while I understand that these women are trying to express their newfound confidence, i don’t think that was the right approach.
moreover, what threw me off around the 20-30% mark was that she repeatedly refers to herself as the Connector of People to Magical Things on numerous occasions.
“I’m the Connector of People to Magical Things,” she says this twenty-four times—I looked it up. No wonder I make this face every time she introduces herself! 🫤
no matter what, everyone should definitely take a chance on this. even if i can't connect directly, there's a spark of possibility that a hot-flasher reading this might relate with excitement :) trying to connect with someone who may not fully understand your experience is like tuning into a radio station with a weak signal. even if the reception isn't crystal clear, there's still the possibility of picking up some valuable insights or making meaningful connections if you persist and adjust your approach.
Thank you to NetGalley, Alcove Press, and the talented, Kristin Bair for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Please remember that this opinion is my own. The book will be published in October 2025 .ᐟ
⊹₊⋆
pre-read : the cover got me and i heard this is for the ‘when will it be my turn?’ ladies 💐
⤷ ⭑⭑.𝟳𝟱 (rounded off rating)
❝ I am talking about the decremental extinction of a woman’s spirit, my dear child. It’s what happens to women over time … women with kids and needy husbands and bosses who don’t listen and periods and hot flashes and lost dreams and sycamore trees. ❞
⟢ Where do I start? We follow Clementine Crane, a mother of three (four if you count her husband) who is often taken for granted by everyone around her. If her husband can't find his sweater, he asks Clementine. If her daughter forgets her skates at school, she asks Clementine for help. If her son needs money deposited into his account because he’s always hungry, he turns to Clementine. However, after experiencing a series of hot flashes from perimenopause and sleepless nights due to her husband's loud snoring, she is pushed to her limit and finally decides to stand up for herself and prefers not to.
the summary said that Clementine wanted to one small refusal at a time… but i beg to differ because this woman dropped EVERYTHING.
lose a sweater? make them look for it. forget something at home? sucks for you. however, important matters like going to appointments and feeding your children should never be taken lightly or treated as optional decisions.
there is promise in the story, and i can definitely relate as a person outside because my mother suffers from daily hot flashes, which she talks about VERY openly. and that's what i think was the key issue in Clementine's case, the lack of communication. while she does attempt to address her situation to the household, when it gets brushed off, she chooses to let it go.
another significant moment was when Clementine unintentionally started an "I prefer not to" movement that became a viral TikTok sensation as this related to the women who want to be seen, heard, felt underappreciated, and they call themselves “hot-flashers” because that’s what they’re experiencing—hot flashes.
since this is a character-driven story, i struggled to connect with Clementine because of some erratic choices she makes, like stealing the school’s goldfish, to which she seems oddly attached. there’s also a scene where she sneaks into her ob-gyn’s office as part of one of her “I prefer not to” missions and recruits other women experiencing hot flashes because she disagrees with the doctor’s prognosis. when she introduced herself as “Clementine Crane, Connector of People to Magical Things,” I WAS SO EMBARRASSED. while I understand that these women are trying to express their newfound confidence, i don’t think that was the right approach.
moreover, what threw me off around the 20-30% mark was that she repeatedly refers to herself as the Connector of People to Magical Things on numerous occasions.
“I’m the Connector of People to Magical Things,” she says this twenty-four times—I looked it up. No wonder I make this face every time she introduces herself! 🫤
no matter what, everyone should definitely take a chance on this. even if i can't connect directly, there's a spark of possibility that a hot-flasher reading this might relate with excitement :) trying to connect with someone who may not fully understand your experience is like tuning into a radio station with a weak signal. even if the reception isn't crystal clear, there's still the possibility of picking up some valuable insights or making meaningful connections if you persist and adjust your approach.
Thank you to NetGalley, Alcove Press, and the talented, Kristin Bair for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Please remember that this opinion is my own. The book will be published in October 2025 .ᐟ
⊹₊⋆
pre-read : the cover got me and i heard this is for the ‘when will it be my turn?’ ladies 💐
October 9, 2025
This book first caught my attention after I saw the author's TikTok about her new book that centres around how a woman's first hot flash propels her to push back against the patriarchy, and her role as her demanding family's fix-all, do-all drudge.
Clem is an overworked, underappreciated mother/wife/librarian who has begun the frenzied journey into perimenopause with hot flashes, brain fog, irritability and more! Readers get a bird's eye view into this stage of life that people with a uterus will experience. As someone deep in the thick of the perimenopause jungle, I could relate to many of her symptoms although thankfully not to the extreme Clem experienced.
'Doormat' characters are one of my least favourite character types so seeing Clem be at the beck and call of everyone in her life - including at work and her inept husband and kids who are demanding, unappreciative and lacking all basic life skills - was hard to read. Her family members are enigmatic because we only really know them because of their demands on Clem. But it was satisfying when Clem finally finds her voice and her motto 'I prefer not to' changed her life in drastic ways.
The story hits on some great issues and themes (medical community's lack of focus on women's health, misconceptions of perimenopause, societal expectations on women ...), but its slow pace and Clem's often silly, erratic and juvenile actions (fish napping, giraffe costume, holing up in her closet ..) got to be too much for me. I still don't understand what the deal was with the creature walking outside at night. (?)
Overall, I'm a bit conflicted with this book. On the one hand, it was too slow-paced and far-fetched with no characters I felt connected to. But I appreciate how it focuses on perimenopause and the relatable experience for women who feel overburdened, taken for granted and invisible and how it ultimately culminated in a quirky, coming-into-herself journey.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Alcove Press for the complimentary digital advanced copy of this book that was given in exchange for my honest review.
Clem is an overworked, underappreciated mother/wife/librarian who has begun the frenzied journey into perimenopause with hot flashes, brain fog, irritability and more! Readers get a bird's eye view into this stage of life that people with a uterus will experience. As someone deep in the thick of the perimenopause jungle, I could relate to many of her symptoms although thankfully not to the extreme Clem experienced.
'Doormat' characters are one of my least favourite character types so seeing Clem be at the beck and call of everyone in her life - including at work and her inept husband and kids who are demanding, unappreciative and lacking all basic life skills - was hard to read. Her family members are enigmatic because we only really know them because of their demands on Clem. But it was satisfying when Clem finally finds her voice and her motto 'I prefer not to' changed her life in drastic ways.
The story hits on some great issues and themes (medical community's lack of focus on women's health, misconceptions of perimenopause, societal expectations on women ...), but its slow pace and Clem's often silly, erratic and juvenile actions (fish napping, giraffe costume, holing up in her closet ..) got to be too much for me. I still don't understand what the deal was with the creature walking outside at night. (?)
Overall, I'm a bit conflicted with this book. On the one hand, it was too slow-paced and far-fetched with no characters I felt connected to. But I appreciate how it focuses on perimenopause and the relatable experience for women who feel overburdened, taken for granted and invisible and how it ultimately culminated in a quirky, coming-into-herself journey.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Alcove Press for the complimentary digital advanced copy of this book that was given in exchange for my honest review.
October 11, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for an advanced reader copy of Clementine Crane Prefers Not To by Kristin Bair O’Keefe in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Clementine Crane is an over-worked and under-appreciated 44-year old wife, mother of 3, and library employee. Soon after she starts to experience perimenopause symptoms, including hot flashes, she decides that she has had enough. In an effort to rail against the patriarchy and the disproportionate responsibilities placed on mothers in our society, she starts to declare “I’d prefer not to” to her obligations and requests from family and co-workers.
I’m definitely in the target audience for this novel that addresses the stress and challenges of being a woman in perimenopause. The novel is poignant at times, but does not take itself too seriously. Clementine’s antics are frequently over the top, especially stealing the library’s pet fish, wearing a giraffe head disguise, and stripping down to her bra on an ice rink. But as she gradually creates a movement for women to have a voice in their own lives, I was able to appreciate her more. And I was totally on board with her ultimate goal for herself (and all women) to be an equal partner in marriage and to bend female stereotypes in families.
“…when the hot flashes started, I began to flail. I realized I could no longer do it all, and I shouldn’t have been expected to all along.”
Exhausted middle age moms who are ready to fight the patriarchy should check this book out! 4/5⭐️
Clementine Crane is an over-worked and under-appreciated 44-year old wife, mother of 3, and library employee. Soon after she starts to experience perimenopause symptoms, including hot flashes, she decides that she has had enough. In an effort to rail against the patriarchy and the disproportionate responsibilities placed on mothers in our society, she starts to declare “I’d prefer not to” to her obligations and requests from family and co-workers.
I’m definitely in the target audience for this novel that addresses the stress and challenges of being a woman in perimenopause. The novel is poignant at times, but does not take itself too seriously. Clementine’s antics are frequently over the top, especially stealing the library’s pet fish, wearing a giraffe head disguise, and stripping down to her bra on an ice rink. But as she gradually creates a movement for women to have a voice in their own lives, I was able to appreciate her more. And I was totally on board with her ultimate goal for herself (and all women) to be an equal partner in marriage and to bend female stereotypes in families.
“…when the hot flashes started, I began to flail. I realized I could no longer do it all, and I shouldn’t have been expected to all along.”
Exhausted middle age moms who are ready to fight the patriarchy should check this book out! 4/5⭐️
June 3, 2025
This book fell far short of the description in the promotional synopsis that suggested “sharp wit and keen insight.” I tried several times to engage with the writing and finally decided that this is a DNF for me. Far from being witty, I felt the author was trying too hard to approach a serious topic with contrived humor. The prose is fraught with overly exaggerated descriptions of the protagonist’s dilemma and the characterization of her relationships with her husband and children render them obnoxious and portray her as a victim of her own codependence. The scene at the library with her colleagues over organizational titles was plain silly and unrealistic. This novel may be appealing to some readers, but it was not a match for me.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
May 12, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for this eARC. All opinions are my own.
Publication date: October 14, 2025
Clementine is an overworked, stressed out mom who has entered perimenopause. Bring on the hot flashes and this hilarious story! While I felt like the middle was a little slow, the ending picked up and I was excited to finish it. I loved the strong woman that she became as she built her following of hot flashers.
I would have loved to learn more about her kids. They were named but I didn’t feel like I knew them throughout the story. I also didn’t understand the animal she was hearing outside at night.
Overall a cute book that’s light and funny.
Publication date: October 14, 2025
Clementine is an overworked, stressed out mom who has entered perimenopause. Bring on the hot flashes and this hilarious story! While I felt like the middle was a little slow, the ending picked up and I was excited to finish it. I loved the strong woman that she became as she built her following of hot flashers.
I would have loved to learn more about her kids. They were named but I didn’t feel like I knew them throughout the story. I also didn’t understand the animal she was hearing outside at night.
Overall a cute book that’s light and funny.
October 18, 2025
This book started on a high note but quickly went downhill like a novice skier. Perhaps I received a different ARC than all the others who loved this book. If so, then my disgruntled self must apologize to all who loved it!
If I didn't know any better, I would have said that a man wrote this novel. I've been through perimenopause and menopause, and I'm still having night sweats, but I never went through anything like this, and none of my contemporaries did either. I must say that what might have been humorous at the beginning turned into a parody about a quarter of the way through.
The author followed the parody script with the secondary characters - a clueless, spoiled husband, spoiled rotten, belligerent, hostile and just plain nasty kids. A kidnapped goldfish (why for Pete's sake???) and an unknown animal walking around in the snow, which Clementine thinks is a mammoth. *rolls eyes*. Oh, and let us not forget just how much Clementine HATED snow and her family loved it. You couldn't forget even if you wanted to, since it was brought up so often. I won't even start to talk about snow like that in New England, and yes, I am from there, so I'll just roll my eyes again...
I gave up before finding out what the crashing animal was, though I suspect it was a moose, and I never did find out whether Clem did return the kidnapped goldfish. More's the pity. Even when Clem finally did take matters into her own hands and started to say no to everything, she did it in such a mealy-mouthed way that I can understand why nobody listened to her.
*ARC supplied by the publisher Alcove Press/Crooked Lane Books, the author, and NetGalley.
If I didn't know any better, I would have said that a man wrote this novel. I've been through perimenopause and menopause, and I'm still having night sweats, but I never went through anything like this, and none of my contemporaries did either. I must say that what might have been humorous at the beginning turned into a parody about a quarter of the way through.
The author followed the parody script with the secondary characters - a clueless, spoiled husband, spoiled rotten, belligerent, hostile and just plain nasty kids. A kidnapped goldfish (why for Pete's sake???) and an unknown animal walking around in the snow, which Clementine thinks is a mammoth. *rolls eyes*. Oh, and let us not forget just how much Clementine HATED snow and her family loved it. You couldn't forget even if you wanted to, since it was brought up so often. I won't even start to talk about snow like that in New England, and yes, I am from there, so I'll just roll my eyes again...
I gave up before finding out what the crashing animal was, though I suspect it was a moose, and I never did find out whether Clem did return the kidnapped goldfish. More's the pity. Even when Clem finally did take matters into her own hands and started to say no to everything, she did it in such a mealy-mouthed way that I can understand why nobody listened to her.
*ARC supplied by the publisher Alcove Press/Crooked Lane Books, the author, and NetGalley.
October 21, 2025
3.5⭐️
She is Clementine; hear her roar. Author Kristin Bair takes a sometimes lighthearted and sometimes heavy handed look at the plight of many perimenopausal women. We’ve been told for decades that we can have it all, but there’s been little discussion of the cost.
Clementine is a married mother of three teenagers who works a full time job outside the home. Like many women, a disproportionate percentage of family and household responsibilities fall on Clementine. She’s expected to be everything to everyone all the time with no relief. When she begins experiencing symptoms of perimenopause she is woefully unprepared. And, that, my friends, is the final straw. Clementine has had enough.
On the one hand, I can easily relate to Clementine. Keeper of the house, the spouse, the children, the pets, the schoolwork, the activities, the appointments, the EVERYTHING is simply too much for one human. Her family is insufferable—demanding, selfish, incompetent—truly a caricature of helplessness and dependency. Clementine has enabled this behavior and plays a role in creating her own mess. Somewhere along the way, I simply wanted her to ask for help instead of going to the extreme of staging a one-woman work stoppage.
The part of the book that rang truest is when Clementine seeks answers from her long time OBGYN. Not only does he fail to provide answers, but his response is dismissive, insulting, and dangerous. Women’s healthcare in many cases is not serving women’s interests and we’ve been conditioned to accept that. Reform is needed and long overdue.
Some elements of the book are a tad bit far fetched, but once you get past that, the message of sisterhood and empowerment is a strong central theme.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.
She is Clementine; hear her roar. Author Kristin Bair takes a sometimes lighthearted and sometimes heavy handed look at the plight of many perimenopausal women. We’ve been told for decades that we can have it all, but there’s been little discussion of the cost.
Clementine is a married mother of three teenagers who works a full time job outside the home. Like many women, a disproportionate percentage of family and household responsibilities fall on Clementine. She’s expected to be everything to everyone all the time with no relief. When she begins experiencing symptoms of perimenopause she is woefully unprepared. And, that, my friends, is the final straw. Clementine has had enough.
On the one hand, I can easily relate to Clementine. Keeper of the house, the spouse, the children, the pets, the schoolwork, the activities, the appointments, the EVERYTHING is simply too much for one human. Her family is insufferable—demanding, selfish, incompetent—truly a caricature of helplessness and dependency. Clementine has enabled this behavior and plays a role in creating her own mess. Somewhere along the way, I simply wanted her to ask for help instead of going to the extreme of staging a one-woman work stoppage.
The part of the book that rang truest is when Clementine seeks answers from her long time OBGYN. Not only does he fail to provide answers, but his response is dismissive, insulting, and dangerous. Women’s healthcare in many cases is not serving women’s interests and we’ve been conditioned to accept that. Reform is needed and long overdue.
Some elements of the book are a tad bit far fetched, but once you get past that, the message of sisterhood and empowerment is a strong central theme.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.
November 12, 2025
Quirky yet heartfelt
Clementine Crane is the woman that keeps her family together. From making sure her husband has what he needs to bake sales, hockey matches and driving lessons for her 3 kids, Clem manages it all. She keeps the peace. Including her job as a librarian.
But things are about to change for Clem. And it all happens when her first hot flash strikes. All of a sudden she’s experiencing intense hot flashes, sleepless nights, and brain fog. In other words.. perimenopause. After getting confirmation from her doctor and of course him telling her that there’s no “cure”, Clem’s carefully put-together house of cards starts to crumble.
Clem begins to figure out that because of everything she is going through, she can no longer be everything to everyone. She just … prefers not to. I mean when is enough.. enough? Now Clem is taking it to TikTok to figure out if there are other women out there who are going through the same thing and before she knows it..she goes viral. Women all over the world are embracing these changes, focusing themselves, and shouting “I prefer not to”. Now Clem face who she wants to be now that she’s no longer defined by her role as care-taker and fixer upper.
This was definitely a first for me. I listened to the audiobook and at first I thought it wasn’t my type of read. But as I kept listening I caught myself smiling and laughing out loud. Kristen Blair delivered a story about a topic ALL women go through and will eventually go through… menopause. Not many books that aren’t labeled as “self-help” or “wellness” give accurate and descriptive detail on what it’s like when a woman hits a certain age and I think the author did a great job. This book was smart, funny, and brutally honest. While I felt at times the pacing was a little uneven and her kids with just absolutely atrocious.. I enjoyed the overall story. 3.5 stars
Clementine Crane is the woman that keeps her family together. From making sure her husband has what he needs to bake sales, hockey matches and driving lessons for her 3 kids, Clem manages it all. She keeps the peace. Including her job as a librarian.
But things are about to change for Clem. And it all happens when her first hot flash strikes. All of a sudden she’s experiencing intense hot flashes, sleepless nights, and brain fog. In other words.. perimenopause. After getting confirmation from her doctor and of course him telling her that there’s no “cure”, Clem’s carefully put-together house of cards starts to crumble.
Clem begins to figure out that because of everything she is going through, she can no longer be everything to everyone. She just … prefers not to. I mean when is enough.. enough? Now Clem is taking it to TikTok to figure out if there are other women out there who are going through the same thing and before she knows it..she goes viral. Women all over the world are embracing these changes, focusing themselves, and shouting “I prefer not to”. Now Clem face who she wants to be now that she’s no longer defined by her role as care-taker and fixer upper.
This was definitely a first for me. I listened to the audiobook and at first I thought it wasn’t my type of read. But as I kept listening I caught myself smiling and laughing out loud. Kristen Blair delivered a story about a topic ALL women go through and will eventually go through… menopause. Not many books that aren’t labeled as “self-help” or “wellness” give accurate and descriptive detail on what it’s like when a woman hits a certain age and I think the author did a great job. This book was smart, funny, and brutally honest. While I felt at times the pacing was a little uneven and her kids with just absolutely atrocious.. I enjoyed the overall story. 3.5 stars
November 9, 2025
A big Thank You to Netgalley and Alcove Press for the complimentary digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Clementine Crane is one busy lady. In addition to taking care of her 3 children, who see her as their "fixer," and a husband who was about as useless as a wet napkin, she also works at her local library as Director of Media.
But when she has her first hot flash, she unexpectedly starts a viral movement that spreads not only throughout the town, but also the world. She finds the courage, long lost, to say no
This was a light-hearted look at a hot-button topic that every woman eventually experiences: perimenopause.
Sometimes the storyline, though, dragged a little, most of it kept my interest. I liked how she was empowered in taking charge of herself instead of everyone being dependent on her.
This sly, warmhearted social comedy is for readers who crave whip-smart wit, midlife candor, and a quietly radical cheer for every woman who’s ever wondered when her invisible labor will finally count.
Clementine Crane is one busy lady. In addition to taking care of her 3 children, who see her as their "fixer," and a husband who was about as useless as a wet napkin, she also works at her local library as Director of Media.
But when she has her first hot flash, she unexpectedly starts a viral movement that spreads not only throughout the town, but also the world. She finds the courage, long lost, to say no
This was a light-hearted look at a hot-button topic that every woman eventually experiences: perimenopause.
Sometimes the storyline, though, dragged a little, most of it kept my interest. I liked how she was empowered in taking charge of herself instead of everyone being dependent on her.
This sly, warmhearted social comedy is for readers who crave whip-smart wit, midlife candor, and a quietly radical cheer for every woman who’s ever wondered when her invisible labor will finally count.
September 6, 2025
I am so conflicted on this book! Clementine Crane is a perimenopausal woman who has honestly had enough - enough of her incapable husband, her demanding and unappreciative kids, her boss, and mostly her hot flashes which have turned her world upside down. With her best friend cheering her on, Clem decides that she has had it and inspired by a Herman Melville story, proclaims as often as possible that she would prefer not to. Prefer not to carry the mental load of her family, prefer not to listen to her boss, prefer not to jump at her kids every whim. While I was laughing and nodding to much of this book, I was seriously SEETHING at Clem's family. The way I wanted to slap her husband and all of her kids for their disrespectful treatment of their mom (maybe it's the mother in me but I couldn't stand them!). Clem herself also frustrated me throughout the book by taking her mantra just a little too far for me. I know it was the point of her story but I found myself shaking my head at some of her choices. All in all, I thought it was a cute read that makes women feel seen. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!
April 9, 2025
Clemetine Crane has a demanding husband, demanding kids, and a difficult boss. She finds herself constantly juggling to keep all of the balls in the air- until one day she cannot any longer. As she enters peri-menopause and finds out that there is little in the way of knowledge and support out there, she finds herself championing the cause, picking up friends and supporters along the way, even though her family thinks that she has officially lost it.
My only complaint about this book? It isn't out until October 2025. This was- by far- the most relatable book that I have read in a very long time. As a 43-year-old with a uterus and demanding kids and a demanding job, I found myself nodding along with Clementine's declarations throughout the book. As the mother of kids who frequently need things- RIGHT NOW- I found the text scenes particularly relatable and also hilarious!
I really realized how much of an impact this book had on me when I found myself thinking and saying "I would prefer not to". Kristin Blair has written a hit here. This is easily my favourite book of 2025 to date and I can't wait until every mother, woman, wife, and uterus- haver can read this too.
My only complaint about this book? It isn't out until October 2025. This was- by far- the most relatable book that I have read in a very long time. As a 43-year-old with a uterus and demanding kids and a demanding job, I found myself nodding along with Clementine's declarations throughout the book. As the mother of kids who frequently need things- RIGHT NOW- I found the text scenes particularly relatable and also hilarious!
I really realized how much of an impact this book had on me when I found myself thinking and saying "I would prefer not to". Kristin Blair has written a hit here. This is easily my favourite book of 2025 to date and I can't wait until every mother, woman, wife, and uterus- haver can read this too.
April 24, 2025
I could not put this book down. It had everything I want in a book: joy, humor, heartbreak, frustration, friendship, and female rage. Also, librarians. It’s a quick, concise read, but not in a way that sacrifices plot or character development.
My only small complaint when I finished was that I wished the book had explored Clementine’s marriage and relationship to her husband further. But then I realized: it’s SPECIAL that this is a book about Clementine and only Clementine. Why should it put her husband at the centerpoint of her life? I could not recommend this book more highly for any woman who has ever been fed up with a man, perhaps eldest daughters (in addition to moms, of course) and anyone who has had a bad gynecological experience most of all.
Endless gratitude to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the ARC!
My only small complaint when I finished was that I wished the book had explored Clementine’s marriage and relationship to her husband further. But then I realized: it’s SPECIAL that this is a book about Clementine and only Clementine. Why should it put her husband at the centerpoint of her life? I could not recommend this book more highly for any woman who has ever been fed up with a man, perhaps eldest daughters (in addition to moms, of course) and anyone who has had a bad gynecological experience most of all.
Endless gratitude to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the ARC!
October 14, 2025
3.5!
hm i truly can’t explain the bittersweet feeling in my gut as i just read the last page of this novel. a story of womanhood, one connected to grief, large life changes and humor. a novel that meets at the intersections of the demanding needs and expectations of women, the burden we carry as humans and the unconditional love from friendships. i will admit that when i started this, i wasn’t sure where it was going but i truly love the elements of general fiction and the feelings it evoked from me. thank you kristin bair for making my heart feel so full and yet aches from the pain that we feel as women to fulfill societal norms.
hm i truly can’t explain the bittersweet feeling in my gut as i just read the last page of this novel. a story of womanhood, one connected to grief, large life changes and humor. a novel that meets at the intersections of the demanding needs and expectations of women, the burden we carry as humans and the unconditional love from friendships. i will admit that when i started this, i wasn’t sure where it was going but i truly love the elements of general fiction and the feelings it evoked from me. thank you kristin bair for making my heart feel so full and yet aches from the pain that we feel as women to fulfill societal norms.
October 29, 2025
Clementine hits the nail on the head in terms of the overwhelm experienced by so many midlife moms carrying to-do lists in our chests as well as (until recently) the lack of widely available information about perimenopause and HRT. Between laughs, the book got me thinking about how often I say yes to obligations when I'd really prefer not to.
October 14, 2025
WOW! Kristin Bair, the Author of “Clementine Crane Prefers Not To” has written a captivating, relatable, witty, and thought-provoking story! The genres for this book are Fiction, Satire, Marriage, and Family. I loved everything about this well written story. The author vividly describes her colorful, dramatic, quirky, complicated and complex characters, during a lifetime rite of passage. This is a unique book describing, peri menopause, menopause, and the effects on the women involved and her family. The protagonist of this story, Clementine Crane, has organized every detail in her family’s life, and said “yes” to everything until……… she found herself having hot flashes. Life changed drastically after that moment. Clementine goes on this new journey saying “I Prefer Not To” and shocks her family, her work family, and her friends. I love the escapades she goes on with her best friend, that lives next door.
I can definitely relate. Many years ago, when I was teaching in East New York, a section in Brooklyn, it was February, and near zero degrees. I was so hot, that I took the huge pole to open the windows, all of them. Do any of you remember that pole? One of the teachers came by my room, and took a picture, and my face was beet red and I was in a profuse sweat, just drenched. The kids were at lunch, but I still have this picture, and laugh about it now. I should have been a preferred card carrying member of “The I Prefer Not To” Club. Kudos to Kristin Bair, for writing about this is such an empathetic way. I chuckled, and enjoyed this entertaining book. I highly recommend this memorable and emotional read.
I can definitely relate. Many years ago, when I was teaching in East New York, a section in Brooklyn, it was February, and near zero degrees. I was so hot, that I took the huge pole to open the windows, all of them. Do any of you remember that pole? One of the teachers came by my room, and took a picture, and my face was beet red and I was in a profuse sweat, just drenched. The kids were at lunch, but I still have this picture, and laugh about it now. I should have been a preferred card carrying member of “The I Prefer Not To” Club. Kudos to Kristin Bair, for writing about this is such an empathetic way. I chuckled, and enjoyed this entertaining book. I highly recommend this memorable and emotional read.
June 16, 2025
The first chapter was hysterically funny, using the word "hysterically" deliberately, here's a heroine who keeps all the balls up in the air, the show on the road, the boat afloat, name it.
But Clementine ...prefers not to.
I'd assume I am target audience for this book, but... Hysterically funny quickly became slapstick and faster turned to "over the top". After that, it was hard to return to enjoying this book. Clementine has children and a husband, all incompetent, all leaning heavily on the unseen labour Clementine does. This, I will tell you, does ring true enough, weren't it from the fact that I cannot imagine there's children who'll text their mums "MOM" 8 or 9 times, just that. And really think the mother will step up and do whatever it is they're demanding. If so, I'd say they're spoilt and entitled.
Can't really elaborate on the plot, because I abandoned the book after some chapters.
I received an eARC from NetGalley in return for my honest opinion.
But Clementine ...prefers not to.
I'd assume I am target audience for this book, but... Hysterically funny quickly became slapstick and faster turned to "over the top". After that, it was hard to return to enjoying this book. Clementine has children and a husband, all incompetent, all leaning heavily on the unseen labour Clementine does. This, I will tell you, does ring true enough, weren't it from the fact that I cannot imagine there's children who'll text their mums "MOM" 8 or 9 times, just that. And really think the mother will step up and do whatever it is they're demanding. If so, I'd say they're spoilt and entitled.
Can't really elaborate on the plot, because I abandoned the book after some chapters.
I received an eARC from NetGalley in return for my honest opinion.
May 26, 2025
Clementine Crane Prefers Not To is a funny story about a perimenopausal woman who decides she's had enough of being the reliable mum, wife,employee and general dogsbody. When she starts getting hot flashes from hell and realises that no one gives a damn she figures it's time to take matters in her own hands and put herself and other hot flashing women first! Hilarious and heart warming! We all need a Clementine Crane in our lives!
June 5, 2025
|:: Clementine Crane prefers not to
By Kristin Bair
Chapter 14 Page 121
The funeral.
5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
[ Clem plopped onto the couch and laughed until she heard Tor walking down the steps.
“What was all that about?” Tor was blizzard ready in his shorts and blue seersucker shirt. He looked handsome and, as always, well groomed.
Clem got up to pour another cup of coffee. “Something about the fact that I'm not wearing pants.”
Tor stopped, looked her up and down, and nodded. “I see that”
“Long story,” she said. “Aren't you late for work, Torvald?”
“I am but I was hoping we could talk?”
They needed to talk. Really, Clem needed to talk, and he needed to listen. But Clem knew they were very far from that. She sipped her coffee, looked at him and said, “I prefer not to,” and then walked away.
Twenty minutes later she heard the front door close.]
“Hello, hot-flashers, overwhelmed moms, mental-load managers, and pissed-off people with periods. Welcome to the new world order!”
As soon as I saw this sentence I knew this was going to be something that was my sort of read. Just like Clementine Crane had said - “I was with my people!” Clementine is a very normal, very busy, very preoccupied mother of three (four if you count her husband- and she usually did) who found a voice in a category in a woman's life where people flounder.
Embarrassment kept women from talking, sharing, and guiding each other and by doing so, everyone felt alone. By talking about her struggles she connected with millions of people all over the globe and in doing so started a movement the world needed but never saw coming.
This new, in the age read is so funny, so outrageously clever and touched upon a subject that a lot of people, today, in the real world, find it hard to talk about. By taking an idea and turning it into a comedic book it shone a light on something that hasn't been fully explored and just as Clementine enquired, not many people know about or know how to deal with it.
It was an ingenious way of connecting with people, laying the symptoms out there and letting women know... they're not alone. I would be so thrilled to receive this book in a book club. It would be so much fun! I had to give this 5 stars. It was amazing from beginning to end.
And I have to say. I loved Georgia. We all need a Georgia in our lives.
A huge thank you to Kristin Bair, Alcove Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and relay my honest feedback. ::|
By Kristin Bair
Chapter 14 Page 121
The funeral.
5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
[ Clem plopped onto the couch and laughed until she heard Tor walking down the steps.
“What was all that about?” Tor was blizzard ready in his shorts and blue seersucker shirt. He looked handsome and, as always, well groomed.
Clem got up to pour another cup of coffee. “Something about the fact that I'm not wearing pants.”
Tor stopped, looked her up and down, and nodded. “I see that”
“Long story,” she said. “Aren't you late for work, Torvald?”
“I am but I was hoping we could talk?”
They needed to talk. Really, Clem needed to talk, and he needed to listen. But Clem knew they were very far from that. She sipped her coffee, looked at him and said, “I prefer not to,” and then walked away.
Twenty minutes later she heard the front door close.]
“Hello, hot-flashers, overwhelmed moms, mental-load managers, and pissed-off people with periods. Welcome to the new world order!”
As soon as I saw this sentence I knew this was going to be something that was my sort of read. Just like Clementine Crane had said - “I was with my people!” Clementine is a very normal, very busy, very preoccupied mother of three (four if you count her husband- and she usually did) who found a voice in a category in a woman's life where people flounder.
Embarrassment kept women from talking, sharing, and guiding each other and by doing so, everyone felt alone. By talking about her struggles she connected with millions of people all over the globe and in doing so started a movement the world needed but never saw coming.
This new, in the age read is so funny, so outrageously clever and touched upon a subject that a lot of people, today, in the real world, find it hard to talk about. By taking an idea and turning it into a comedic book it shone a light on something that hasn't been fully explored and just as Clementine enquired, not many people know about or know how to deal with it.
It was an ingenious way of connecting with people, laying the symptoms out there and letting women know... they're not alone. I would be so thrilled to receive this book in a book club. It would be so much fun! I had to give this 5 stars. It was amazing from beginning to end.
And I have to say. I loved Georgia. We all need a Georgia in our lives.
A huge thank you to Kristin Bair, Alcove Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and relay my honest feedback. ::|
May 11, 2025
“I prefer not to.” A phrase taken from Herman Melville's “Bartleby the scrivener”, that would be pivotal to a woman's campaign.
But let's take this from the beginning.
It all started when Clementine Crane began feeling hot. And by hot, I mean, really hot. Perimenopausal, hot-flashing hot. Hot enough to want to strip down and fall face-first into the snow.
No one had warned her about the ways her orderly life would change when perimenopause hit. Also, no one seemed to care enough. Her doctor pretended that it wasn't a serious issue, her husband continued being incompetent to all things that weren't work related, her children continued pressing her and relying on her for everything.
And Clementine's temper ran hot like her body, so she began a revolution. Using the motto “I prefer not to”, Clementine managed to draw lines in her personal life and inspire lots of exhausted, fed up women all over the world to do the same.
This book hit too close. I’m not even close to that stage of life, but I can resonate with Clementine's exhaustion and frustration. And how many women from different walks of life can say the same? Clementine is the kind of woman that's everywhere around us; underappreciated, overwhelmed, gaslighted by spouses and doctors, called insolent or dramatic when protesting about the situation. So this book was bittersweet and wonderful and I ate it up so fast. It's one of my absolute favourite reads of the year so far. It hit the essence of being a woman and a mother just perfectly, and the narrative was whimsical and fun and also very thought-provoking as Clementine attempted to navigate this new state of setting boundaries. It’s inspiring and it might finally inspire me to begin saying “I prefer not to” as well.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you to Netgalley, Alcove Press and the talented Kristin Bair for this gem of a book.
But let's take this from the beginning.
It all started when Clementine Crane began feeling hot. And by hot, I mean, really hot. Perimenopausal, hot-flashing hot. Hot enough to want to strip down and fall face-first into the snow.
No one had warned her about the ways her orderly life would change when perimenopause hit. Also, no one seemed to care enough. Her doctor pretended that it wasn't a serious issue, her husband continued being incompetent to all things that weren't work related, her children continued pressing her and relying on her for everything.
And Clementine's temper ran hot like her body, so she began a revolution. Using the motto “I prefer not to”, Clementine managed to draw lines in her personal life and inspire lots of exhausted, fed up women all over the world to do the same.
This book hit too close. I’m not even close to that stage of life, but I can resonate with Clementine's exhaustion and frustration. And how many women from different walks of life can say the same? Clementine is the kind of woman that's everywhere around us; underappreciated, overwhelmed, gaslighted by spouses and doctors, called insolent or dramatic when protesting about the situation. So this book was bittersweet and wonderful and I ate it up so fast. It's one of my absolute favourite reads of the year so far. It hit the essence of being a woman and a mother just perfectly, and the narrative was whimsical and fun and also very thought-provoking as Clementine attempted to navigate this new state of setting boundaries. It’s inspiring and it might finally inspire me to begin saying “I prefer not to” as well.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you to Netgalley, Alcove Press and the talented Kristin Bair for this gem of a book.
August 31, 2025
Menopause mamas, unite! This new tragi-comedy novel from Kristin Bair is a feminist anthem for women who have sacrificed and organized and put up with TOO MUCH in their lives, only to be saddled at a certain age with the sometimes debilitating symptoms of menopause.
When library media director Clementine Crane starts having hot flashes, she is mortified, outraged, flabbergasted that no one told her she had those to look forward to one day. She makes sure her co-workers, friends, family, and doctor knows it too. It should be talked about more! There should be research! Something should be done!
She has a little bit of a breakdown/awakening, and starts a social media outlet to share the steam literally rising from her head, and the sweat dripping from uncomfortable places when they hit. And when her child has a homework assignment for a story that includes the words I prefer not to, she finds her new anthem. Suddenly Clementine prefers not to several times a day. She stops women in the grocery store, in the clinic, in the library, and tells them they can prefer not to too. It's that easy. Women are asked far too much sometimes, and it never occurs to any of us to just...pass. No thanks, I PREFER NOT TO.
Honestly, this novel is a riot. It's wonderful. Quirky, heartfelt, sympathetic, and hilarious. I think many people will relate to and love Clementine, who prefers her job title to read Connector of People to Magical Things instead of Director of Media at the library. She's smart, funky, and maybe a little too daring.
Grab your copy today and get it girl!
Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
For more of my book reviews, visit my blog thelitertarian.com.
When library media director Clementine Crane starts having hot flashes, she is mortified, outraged, flabbergasted that no one told her she had those to look forward to one day. She makes sure her co-workers, friends, family, and doctor knows it too. It should be talked about more! There should be research! Something should be done!
She has a little bit of a breakdown/awakening, and starts a social media outlet to share the steam literally rising from her head, and the sweat dripping from uncomfortable places when they hit. And when her child has a homework assignment for a story that includes the words I prefer not to, she finds her new anthem. Suddenly Clementine prefers not to several times a day. She stops women in the grocery store, in the clinic, in the library, and tells them they can prefer not to too. It's that easy. Women are asked far too much sometimes, and it never occurs to any of us to just...pass. No thanks, I PREFER NOT TO.
Honestly, this novel is a riot. It's wonderful. Quirky, heartfelt, sympathetic, and hilarious. I think many people will relate to and love Clementine, who prefers her job title to read Connector of People to Magical Things instead of Director of Media at the library. She's smart, funky, and maybe a little too daring.
Grab your copy today and get it girl!
Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
For more of my book reviews, visit my blog thelitertarian.com.
March 27, 2025
Fans of Laurie Gelman's Class Mom series, buckle up for a hilarious depiction of life in what I hate to call middle age. This book takes the reader on a wild ride as we follow Clementine through her shocking first experience with hot flashes and the extremely problematic way her gynecologist brushes off her concerns and even blames her for the severity of her symptoms.
While I don’t agree with anyone casually choosing to “opt out” of their responsibilities, no matter how unfairly weighted the responsibilities have been throughout her marriage, I did love seeing Clementine learn to stand up for herself and what she wanted. Does she take things a bit far at times? Absolutely! (That’s part of the fun of fiction; let’s be honest!)
I appreciated the references to Ibsen’s play “A Doll’s House” and I absolutely must go read the story “Bartleby the Scrivener” now that I have this novel to frame it in a new way. There are some other fun moments such as the little text game Clementine’s fellow library staffers play in which they must name the author and title of a book that fits a given category like “books with food in the title.”
Clementine is a relatable heroine standing up for “people with uteruses,” as she says in her TikToks. This book brings to light some crucial issues, in a fun and madcap way. The mental (and physical) load so many women carry for their families, in this often unspoken arrangement, can be incredibly daunting, and the lack of information for women experiencing perimenopause is pretty shocking, too. This book can be entertaining while empowering women to think about their lives and make the best choices for themselves.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the chance to read an ARC of this novel!
While I don’t agree with anyone casually choosing to “opt out” of their responsibilities, no matter how unfairly weighted the responsibilities have been throughout her marriage, I did love seeing Clementine learn to stand up for herself and what she wanted. Does she take things a bit far at times? Absolutely! (That’s part of the fun of fiction; let’s be honest!)
I appreciated the references to Ibsen’s play “A Doll’s House” and I absolutely must go read the story “Bartleby the Scrivener” now that I have this novel to frame it in a new way. There are some other fun moments such as the little text game Clementine’s fellow library staffers play in which they must name the author and title of a book that fits a given category like “books with food in the title.”
Clementine is a relatable heroine standing up for “people with uteruses,” as she says in her TikToks. This book brings to light some crucial issues, in a fun and madcap way. The mental (and physical) load so many women carry for their families, in this often unspoken arrangement, can be incredibly daunting, and the lack of information for women experiencing perimenopause is pretty shocking, too. This book can be entertaining while empowering women to think about their lives and make the best choices for themselves.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the chance to read an ARC of this novel!
August 24, 2025
This is MUAH…🤌 the ultimate chef’s kiss and so much more than a FIVE STAR read!
Clementine Crane Prefers Not To deserves ALL the stars. Truly. This is the kind of book I want to buy in bulk and hand out to everyone I know—friends, family, coworkers, even random strangers on the street. It doesn’t matter if they’re male or female, 16, 26, 36, or 46 like me. Everyone should understand what women go through during peri- or full-blown menopause.
Once I turned 40, then 41, then 42, I started calling myself “a woman of a certain age.” When a hot flash hits, I’ll mutter, “oh, the delights of being a woman of a certain age.” When I wake up drenched in sweat, it’s, “ugh, being a woman of a certain age sucks.” That’s why I connected so deeply with Clementine—her struggles felt both real and relatable.
Women’s experiences are as varied as the women themselves. While I haven’t yet hit the exact point Clementine is facing, I’m grateful for social media where women ahead of me have shared what to expect. Knowing I’m not the only one who nearly tossed trash bags in the fridge or left leftovers in the pantry has been life-changing. (I have ADHD, so I’m no stranger to being “here and there,” but this brand of forgetfulness? A whole different level!) That’s why seeing Clementine’s journey on the page—and more importantly, seeing women speaking up honestly about it—felt inspiring, validating, and honestly, a relief. I loved this story a million times over.
This was my first book by Kristina Bair O’Keeffe, but it absolutely won’t be my last. I cannot wait to dive into more of her work!
✨ Huge thanks to NetGalley, Kristin Bair O’Keeffe, and Alcove Press for the opportunity to read this ARC, expected October 14, 2025. My thoughts and words are entirely my own.
Clementine Crane Prefers Not To deserves ALL the stars. Truly. This is the kind of book I want to buy in bulk and hand out to everyone I know—friends, family, coworkers, even random strangers on the street. It doesn’t matter if they’re male or female, 16, 26, 36, or 46 like me. Everyone should understand what women go through during peri- or full-blown menopause.
Once I turned 40, then 41, then 42, I started calling myself “a woman of a certain age.” When a hot flash hits, I’ll mutter, “oh, the delights of being a woman of a certain age.” When I wake up drenched in sweat, it’s, “ugh, being a woman of a certain age sucks.” That’s why I connected so deeply with Clementine—her struggles felt both real and relatable.
Women’s experiences are as varied as the women themselves. While I haven’t yet hit the exact point Clementine is facing, I’m grateful for social media where women ahead of me have shared what to expect. Knowing I’m not the only one who nearly tossed trash bags in the fridge or left leftovers in the pantry has been life-changing. (I have ADHD, so I’m no stranger to being “here and there,” but this brand of forgetfulness? A whole different level!) That’s why seeing Clementine’s journey on the page—and more importantly, seeing women speaking up honestly about it—felt inspiring, validating, and honestly, a relief. I loved this story a million times over.
This was my first book by Kristina Bair O’Keeffe, but it absolutely won’t be my last. I cannot wait to dive into more of her work!
✨ Huge thanks to NetGalley, Kristin Bair O’Keeffe, and Alcove Press for the opportunity to read this ARC, expected October 14, 2025. My thoughts and words are entirely my own.
October 11, 2025
If The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel hit perimenopause and decided she’d had enough of everyone’s nonsense, you’d get Clementine Crane. 😂
Clementine has spent years doing it all—raising kids, managing a clueless husband, working for a boss who doesn’t appreciate her, and carrying the endless list of “invisible” tasks so many women know too well. But when her first hot flash hits, something inside her snaps (or maybe awakens). She starts saying the words we’ve all wanted to: “I prefer not to.”
What follows is funny, fierce, and surprisingly moving. As Clementine starts setting boundaries and venting online, her raw honesty goes viral—and suddenly she’s the face of a revolution she never meant to start. 💪🔥
Kristin Bair O’Keeffe nails the humor, frustration, and bittersweet beauty of womanhood in midlife. This book is equal parts laugh-out-loud and hit-you-in-the-gut. It’s a love letter to every woman who’s ever felt unseen, and a reminder that it’s never too late to take your power back.
📚 Read if you love:
✨ Sharp feminist humor
✨ Midlife awakenings
✨ Found sisterhood & viral empowerment
✨ Stories that make you laugh and cheer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Clementine Crane is the feminist hero we didn’t know we needed. #BookReview #Bookstagram #Bookish #ReadersOfInstagram #BookLovers #BookAddict #Bookstagrammer #CurrentlyReading #FictionReads #WomenInFiction #FeministReads #SmartFiction #MidlifeReads #BookCommunity #ModernFiction #ReadingIsTherapy #BooksAndCoffee #BibliophileLife #Shelfie #BookFeature #ClementineCranePrefersNotTo #KristinBairOKeeffe #FeministFiction #StrongWomen #PerimenopauseAwareness #WomensVoices #EmpoweredWomen #HotFlashHumor #FunnyAndFeminist #WomenSupportingWomen #RelatableReads #FindingYourVoice #MainCharacterEnergy
Clementine has spent years doing it all—raising kids, managing a clueless husband, working for a boss who doesn’t appreciate her, and carrying the endless list of “invisible” tasks so many women know too well. But when her first hot flash hits, something inside her snaps (or maybe awakens). She starts saying the words we’ve all wanted to: “I prefer not to.”
What follows is funny, fierce, and surprisingly moving. As Clementine starts setting boundaries and venting online, her raw honesty goes viral—and suddenly she’s the face of a revolution she never meant to start. 💪🔥
Kristin Bair O’Keeffe nails the humor, frustration, and bittersweet beauty of womanhood in midlife. This book is equal parts laugh-out-loud and hit-you-in-the-gut. It’s a love letter to every woman who’s ever felt unseen, and a reminder that it’s never too late to take your power back.
📚 Read if you love:
✨ Sharp feminist humor
✨ Midlife awakenings
✨ Found sisterhood & viral empowerment
✨ Stories that make you laugh and cheer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Clementine Crane is the feminist hero we didn’t know we needed. #BookReview #Bookstagram #Bookish #ReadersOfInstagram #BookLovers #BookAddict #Bookstagrammer #CurrentlyReading #FictionReads #WomenInFiction #FeministReads #SmartFiction #MidlifeReads #BookCommunity #ModernFiction #ReadingIsTherapy #BooksAndCoffee #BibliophileLife #Shelfie #BookFeature #ClementineCranePrefersNotTo #KristinBairOKeeffe #FeministFiction #StrongWomen #PerimenopauseAwareness #WomensVoices #EmpoweredWomen #HotFlashHumor #FunnyAndFeminist #WomenSupportingWomen #RelatableReads #FindingYourVoice #MainCharacterEnergy
October 17, 2025
This is MUAH…🤌 the ultimate chef’s kiss and so much more than a FIVE STAR read!
Clementine Crane Prefers Not To deserves ALL the stars. Truly. This is the kind of book I want to buy in bulk and hand out to everyone I know—friends, family, coworkers, even random strangers on the street. It doesn’t matter if they’re male or female, 16, 26, 36, or 46 like me. Everyone should understand what women go through during peri- or full-blown menopause.
Once I turned 40, then 41, then 42, I started calling myself “a woman of a certain age.” When a hot flash hits, I’ll mutter, “oh, the delights of being a woman of a certain age.” When I wake up drenched in sweat, it’s, “ugh, being a woman of a certain age sucks.” That’s why I connected so deeply with Clementine—her struggles felt both real and relatable.
Women’s experiences are as varied as the women themselves. While I haven’t yet hit the exact point Clementine is facing, I’m grateful for social media where women ahead of me have shared what to expect. Knowing I’m not the only one who nearly tossed trash bags in the fridge or left leftovers in the pantry has been life-changing. (I have ADHD, so I’m no stranger to being “here and there,” but this brand of forgetfulness? A whole different level!) That’s why seeing Clementine’s journey on the page—and more importantly, seeing women speaking up honestly about it—felt inspiring, validating, and honestly, a relief. I loved this story a million times over.
This was my first book by Kristina Bair O’Keeffe, but it absolutely won’t be my last. I cannot wait to dive into more of her work!
✨ Huge thanks to NetGalley, Kristin Bair O’Keeffe, and Alcove Press for the opportunity to read this ARC, expected October 14, 2025. My thoughts and words are entirely my own.
Clementine Crane Prefers Not To deserves ALL the stars. Truly. This is the kind of book I want to buy in bulk and hand out to everyone I know—friends, family, coworkers, even random strangers on the street. It doesn’t matter if they’re male or female, 16, 26, 36, or 46 like me. Everyone should understand what women go through during peri- or full-blown menopause.
Once I turned 40, then 41, then 42, I started calling myself “a woman of a certain age.” When a hot flash hits, I’ll mutter, “oh, the delights of being a woman of a certain age.” When I wake up drenched in sweat, it’s, “ugh, being a woman of a certain age sucks.” That’s why I connected so deeply with Clementine—her struggles felt both real and relatable.
Women’s experiences are as varied as the women themselves. While I haven’t yet hit the exact point Clementine is facing, I’m grateful for social media where women ahead of me have shared what to expect. Knowing I’m not the only one who nearly tossed trash bags in the fridge or left leftovers in the pantry has been life-changing. (I have ADHD, so I’m no stranger to being “here and there,” but this brand of forgetfulness? A whole different level!) That’s why seeing Clementine’s journey on the page—and more importantly, seeing women speaking up honestly about it—felt inspiring, validating, and honestly, a relief. I loved this story a million times over.
This was my first book by Kristina Bair O’Keeffe, but it absolutely won’t be my last. I cannot wait to dive into more of her work!
✨ Huge thanks to NetGalley, Kristin Bair O’Keeffe, and Alcove Press for the opportunity to read this ARC, expected October 14, 2025. My thoughts and words are entirely my own.
September 9, 2025
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.
“Clementine Crane Prefers Not To” is by Kristin Hair O’Keeffe. I had a bit of difficultly with this book. In part, it’s because Clementine (the main character) allowed herself to become (as she calls it) the person who holds the family together. Look, I get being a parent - sometimes the interruptions from kids about not being able to find a book, needing money for lunch, or whatever are easier to deal with yourself - but at a certain age, dang it, kids can do their own hunting for a book and their own laundry. I know parents who have their kids doing their own laundry by the age of 8 and helping prepare meals for the family by the age of 6. It’s not that difficult - and kids want to learn this stuff. So, for Clementine to decide one day that she’s had it - I get it, but at the same time, why did you let it become that way? Also, being a person of a certain age, I get perimenopause and I get having medical concerns dismissed by doctors (note: if my previous doctor is reading this - NOT referring to you; enjoy your retirement!) but the medical office scenes just felt weird - from the doctor’s dismissal to the hijacking of the waiting room. Humor is hard to sustain and at times I think this book went for over the top humor in an attempt to be funny and, honestly, after a while it felt like a line had been crossed. For me, this book was okay. I think if one is experiencing perimenopause and all the wonderfulness (sarcasm) that entails, reading this book you’ll know you’re not alone, even if taken a bit over the top.
“Clementine Crane Prefers Not To” is by Kristin Hair O’Keeffe. I had a bit of difficultly with this book. In part, it’s because Clementine (the main character) allowed herself to become (as she calls it) the person who holds the family together. Look, I get being a parent - sometimes the interruptions from kids about not being able to find a book, needing money for lunch, or whatever are easier to deal with yourself - but at a certain age, dang it, kids can do their own hunting for a book and their own laundry. I know parents who have their kids doing their own laundry by the age of 8 and helping prepare meals for the family by the age of 6. It’s not that difficult - and kids want to learn this stuff. So, for Clementine to decide one day that she’s had it - I get it, but at the same time, why did you let it become that way? Also, being a person of a certain age, I get perimenopause and I get having medical concerns dismissed by doctors (note: if my previous doctor is reading this - NOT referring to you; enjoy your retirement!) but the medical office scenes just felt weird - from the doctor’s dismissal to the hijacking of the waiting room. Humor is hard to sustain and at times I think this book went for over the top humor in an attempt to be funny and, honestly, after a while it felt like a line had been crossed. For me, this book was okay. I think if one is experiencing perimenopause and all the wonderfulness (sarcasm) that entails, reading this book you’ll know you’re not alone, even if taken a bit over the top.
October 1, 2025
[ARC] From the moment I clicked “request” for this ARC, I just KNEW it was going to hit all the right notes, and I’m SO glad it delivered and met my expectations!! As someone who’s sporting a lot of “unbothered energy” as I’m navigating my early 30s, the title instantly grabbed me! The writing and tone? LOVE. Its sharp, witty inner monologues and classic dry humour had me laughing out loud!
While I haven’t lived Clem’s exact journey, I find that the way the author dives into the rollercoaster of womanhood across different ages and backgrounds is absolutely stunning. Clem’s story felt like a punch of truth, making me both nod in solidarity and wince at the raw, uncomfortable moments. And let’s be real. Anyone who’s ever felt dismissed by the men around them when dealing with “woman pain” will get all the feels here.
One thing I can’t quite wrap my head around is how Clem is with her husband and daughter, because: 1. I hated them with a fiery passion, and 2. Given Clem’s new-found confidence, and without saying too much, I think it’s a bit contradicting.
But what it comes down to for me is the unapologetic way Clem owns her “I prefer not to.” Saying no in a world that expects a million Yeses, especially as a woman in a patriarchal society, is tough as heck.
This book is a love letter to womanhood, women friendships, and that powerful spark of women empowerment. It’s real, sometimes painful, but always honest. Sure, I wanted to throttle a few characters, but that’s just proof of how deeply this story pulled me in 🤍
***
Many thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for approving this ARC for me! I don’t say this often, but I’m SO glad I read this!
While I haven’t lived Clem’s exact journey, I find that the way the author dives into the rollercoaster of womanhood across different ages and backgrounds is absolutely stunning. Clem’s story felt like a punch of truth, making me both nod in solidarity and wince at the raw, uncomfortable moments. And let’s be real. Anyone who’s ever felt dismissed by the men around them when dealing with “woman pain” will get all the feels here.
One thing I can’t quite wrap my head around is how Clem is with her husband and daughter, because: 1. I hated them with a fiery passion, and 2. Given Clem’s new-found confidence, and without saying too much, I think it’s a bit contradicting.
But what it comes down to for me is the unapologetic way Clem owns her “I prefer not to.” Saying no in a world that expects a million Yeses, especially as a woman in a patriarchal society, is tough as heck.
This book is a love letter to womanhood, women friendships, and that powerful spark of women empowerment. It’s real, sometimes painful, but always honest. Sure, I wanted to throttle a few characters, but that’s just proof of how deeply this story pulled me in 🤍
***
Many thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for approving this ARC for me! I don’t say this often, but I’m SO glad I read this!
October 30, 2025
This book was wild in the most 'suburban mom' kind of way. Clementine Crane could be a cult leader if she really wanted to be, but instead she just prefers not to. The story takes place over several months of winter, and Clementine HATES winter. She also hates doing everything for her husband and three teenagers, making the appointments, picking up the school project supplies, running last minute errands because a 15 year old cannot be bothered to remember about the team bake sale tomorrow. And on top of all of that - she's starting perimenopause and no one warned her about it. I'm not a mom, but I relate to everything else Clementine is going through. I hate cold weather and wish I lived somewhere else, and going into the winter months I will stare daggers at everyone enjoying the blistery weather and freezing rain. And I've also not been told a lot about what aging will bring my way. Clementine reacts to all of these factors in an extreme way perfect for a novel, she simply stops. If the kids need something they should ask their father, if he wants dinner he should order it himself, if her boss wants something she can do it herself. I can't see myself making as 'dramatic' of a turn as Clementine did, but I genuinely enjoyed reading about it. I imagined what it would be like if I stopped buying all of the household goods, or told my boss that I just didn't want to do something, or staged a rebellion at my gynecologist's office because he told me to get into bobsledding to cool down. If you're a woman, or have a woman in your life, this book covers an extremely relevant topic in a very entertaining way
October 12, 2025
Clementine Crane Prefers Not To is a sharp, funny, and surprisingly emotional look at what happens when a woman finally stops being everything for everyone else. Clementine has spent her entire adult life juggling invisible labor, keeping the house, the job, the kids, and her husband from spinning out, and it’s not until her first hot flash hits that she realizes just how much she’s been holding together.
What I loved most is how real Clementine feels. She’s messy, tired, sarcastic, and deeply human. Her “strike” starts as exhaustion but evolves into something bolder: a reminder that self-respect isn’t selfish. The book never slips into preachy territory; it just shows how burnout can make even the strongest person snap and how freeing it can be to finally let some plates drop.
Kristin Bair writes with warmth and wicked humor, especially in the viral video scenes where Clementine vents to the world. Those moments made me laugh out loud, then tear up two pages later. I also appreciated how the novel handled perimenopause with honesty and without stigma. It's rare to see that stage of life explored so openly in fiction.
By the end, Clementine’s journey feels like a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever felt unseen or overextended. It’s not just a midlife crisis story; it’s a story of reclamation. If you’ve ever wanted to put up an “out of service” sign and take back your sanity, this book will make you feel seen.
I was given a copy of this book from NetGalley and Alcove Press. All opinions are my own.
What I loved most is how real Clementine feels. She’s messy, tired, sarcastic, and deeply human. Her “strike” starts as exhaustion but evolves into something bolder: a reminder that self-respect isn’t selfish. The book never slips into preachy territory; it just shows how burnout can make even the strongest person snap and how freeing it can be to finally let some plates drop.
Kristin Bair writes with warmth and wicked humor, especially in the viral video scenes where Clementine vents to the world. Those moments made me laugh out loud, then tear up two pages later. I also appreciated how the novel handled perimenopause with honesty and without stigma. It's rare to see that stage of life explored so openly in fiction.
By the end, Clementine’s journey feels like a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever felt unseen or overextended. It’s not just a midlife crisis story; it’s a story of reclamation. If you’ve ever wanted to put up an “out of service” sign and take back your sanity, this book will make you feel seen.
I was given a copy of this book from NetGalley and Alcove Press. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews