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Lucy Klein #1
Tales from the Crib
After agreeing to her husband's suggestion to remain married in name only to create a stable environment for their child, Lucy Klein, while dealing with her strange situation, children's parties, her cousin's wedding to herself, and dating, discovers how to be a great mom without losing her self-identity. Original.
323 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
575 people are currently reading
2212 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Coburn
15 books793 followersJennifer Coburn is the author of CRADLES OF THE REICH, a historical novel about three very different German women who meet at a Nazi Lebensborn breeding home.
She is the author of a travel memoir, six contemporary novel, and contributor to five literary anthologies. Jennifer has written for U-T San Diego, Washington Post, Miami Herald, Mothering magazine, The Huffington Post, Salon.com, and numerous other newspapers and magazines. She lives in San Diego with her husband William and their daughter Katie.
She is the author of a travel memoir, six contemporary novel, and contributor to five literary anthologies. Jennifer has written for U-T San Diego, Washington Post, Miami Herald, Mothering magazine, The Huffington Post, Salon.com, and numerous other newspapers and magazines. She lives in San Diego with her husband William and their daughter Katie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 271 reviews
April 5, 2014
Please, what an unbelievable pile of crap. The whole family is selfish and incredibly self centered. There were a few places that were very funny, and new mothers especially would identify with the difficulties of child birth, breast feeding and the sleep deprivation of new motherhood. However, most of the main characters in this book could be poster children for "Bad-Choices-Are-Us." Lucy knows her marriage is going through a rough spot, but is unprepared when her husband asks for a divorce, on the same day she tells him she is pregnant. Fortunately, Jack has a solution. They will live together as "friends" and "co-parents" in the same house without getting a divorce, and they will have the freedom to live their own lives, that is, Jack can go get himself a girlfriend, which he promptly does. So why is he still alive? His wife is pregnant and he is out tomcatting around. After the baby is born, he actually brings his girlfriend TO THEIR HOUSE! Lucy is not really happy about it but pretends to be a sport about it. She even lets her douch bag husband and his "girlfriend" take her newborn baby on an outing for the day!
Lucy is not exempt from the bad choices club either. After the baby is born and her husband is flaunting his young girl friend in front of her, she decides she is feeling so deprived of sex that she goes out and picks up a virtual stranger and has sex with him in the car while it is going through the car wash. Seriously? You are breast feeding a two month old baby and you pick up someone who could very likely have diseases and have unprotected sex with him? What are you thinking? Amazingly enough, the sordid interlude leaves her feeling dirty and used. Duh.
Add to all this, as if this isn't enough, a mother who dabbles in every new age, metaphysical, self-help, idiocy she can find, AND a cousin who dumps her fiancé and then decides to MARRY HERSELF (literally) in a great, big, fat, family wedding!
Jane Austin is spinning in her grave.
Lucy is not exempt from the bad choices club either. After the baby is born and her husband is flaunting his young girl friend in front of her, she decides she is feeling so deprived of sex that she goes out and picks up a virtual stranger and has sex with him in the car while it is going through the car wash. Seriously? You are breast feeding a two month old baby and you pick up someone who could very likely have diseases and have unprotected sex with him? What are you thinking? Amazingly enough, the sordid interlude leaves her feeling dirty and used. Duh.
Add to all this, as if this isn't enough, a mother who dabbles in every new age, metaphysical, self-help, idiocy she can find, AND a cousin who dumps her fiancé and then decides to MARRY HERSELF (literally) in a great, big, fat, family wedding!
Jane Austin is spinning in her grave.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2018
In what can only be described as the worst timing in the world, Lucy goes from over-the-moon happiness with a positive pregnancy stick, to unbelievable shock when her husband asks her for a divorce.
Having tried unsuccessfully to carry a baby to term for years, Lucy is sure this will be the baby they have hoped for. Althought things have been rough, she never expected Jack to ask her for a divorce - and now, of all the times! Worse yet, he comes up with a cockamamie plan for them to live together while leading separate lives, free to date, while they wait for the baby to arrive.
Adding to Lucy's mental strain is her mother, Anjoli, around whom the entire world revolves. Clad in extremely expensive designer clothing, she has no clue most of the time about what is happening around her in the lives of her loved ones.
The book is a humerous look at a life going in all directions at once, and a mother bent on driving everyone crazy with her needs.
I really enjoyed this book. I saw a few negative reviews, but if you go into this book looking for a few laughs, a few moments you can relate to, and aren't looking for deep spiritual answers, you will enjoy it too.
Having tried unsuccessfully to carry a baby to term for years, Lucy is sure this will be the baby they have hoped for. Althought things have been rough, she never expected Jack to ask her for a divorce - and now, of all the times! Worse yet, he comes up with a cockamamie plan for them to live together while leading separate lives, free to date, while they wait for the baby to arrive.
Adding to Lucy's mental strain is her mother, Anjoli, around whom the entire world revolves. Clad in extremely expensive designer clothing, she has no clue most of the time about what is happening around her in the lives of her loved ones.
The book is a humerous look at a life going in all directions at once, and a mother bent on driving everyone crazy with her needs.
I really enjoyed this book. I saw a few negative reviews, but if you go into this book looking for a few laughs, a few moments you can relate to, and aren't looking for deep spiritual answers, you will enjoy it too.
February 18, 2009
I wanted to like this book more than I did. The characters were interesting, the plot was decent, but the execution left something to be desired. I felt like there was a great story in this book somewhere, but the author just hadn't gotten it all the way out yet. When the premise is that a woman finds out that she's pregnant on the same day that her husband asks her for a divorce, it should be a pretty meaty story. But it felt like the author just lightly skimmed the surface of the life of the main character. I would have liked to delve a little deeper to find out more about her situation and how she was dealing with living with her husband and taking care of her baby while he dated other women.
I was never bored while reading this book, and I read it without taking any breaks to refresh myself with a different book, but I still can't shake the feeling that it could have been better.
I was never bored while reading this book, and I read it without taking any breaks to refresh myself with a different book, but I still can't shake the feeling that it could have been better.
July 17, 2021
This review is of “Tales from the Crib”, book #1 in the “Lucy Klein” series by Jennifer Coburn.
The book is centered around the title character, Lucy Klein, a 39 year-old former advertising writer. Lucy and her husband of 14 years, Jack, an art gallery owner, have had a strained marriage, in part because Lucy has been unable to bear children (Lucy has endured three miscarriages and a fourth pregnancy was terminated early due to doctors discovering the baby would not live long had she brought the child to term). Lucy has just discovered she is pregnant again, and her life is about to change, not in a good way.
After telling Jack she’s pregnant, Jack tells Lucy he wants a divorce. He also tells her that he wants to “co-parent” their child, leading to an arrangement where they will inhabit the same home in Caldwell, New Jersey, they will share expenses and responsibilities, and raise their child together. However, they will both see other people.
Soon after their arrangement begins, Lucy gives birth to a healthy son, Adam. We also meet the other members of Lucy’s family: her New Age mother, Anjoli; her elderly, eccentric aunts, Rita and Bernice, and her cousin, Kimmy, who breaks up with her fiance on the day of their planned wedding. Kimmy later decides to marry...herself. (Yes, it’s a thing).
When Jack parades one of his paramours in front of Lucy, she decides to have an affair with a restaurant worker (they have sex in her car at a car wash). The affair doesn’t last, as Lucy feels guilty. After Jack gets seriously injured in a car accident, he and Lucy decide to reconcile. They decide to sell their home in New Jersey and buy a parcel of land in the Berkshires, New York, to house an artists commune, where Jack-who sold his art gallery-will focus on his own artistic endeavors while Lucy becomes a nationally-recognized magazine contributor. Their story will continue in the second book in the series, “The Queen Gene”.
Upside: Although “Tales from the Crib” is classified as “chick-lit”, some of the themes raised in the book cross all gender identities. These include: the ending of and shape changing of relationships. Family that drives us crazy. Trying to decide what we want out of our lives. Self-esteem issues. There are some funny moments in the book.
Downside: Ms. Coburn wrote “Tales from the Crib” in a first-person style entirely from Lucy’s P.O.V. This is a fail for me in regard to Lucy’s relationship with Jack. We never hear from him his view of why the marriage had troubles. I didn’t entirely connect with Lucy nor did I find her a truly likeable character. I’m not sure I agree with Lucy’s decision to stay with Jack after he cheated on her and flaunted his girlfriends in her face; she’s far more forgiving than would be.
Sex: The only sex scene in the book involves Lucy and her one-off. The scene is not graphic, nor is it sexy.
Violence: No violence, although one scene comes close. That scene involves a drunk Barney the Dinosaur at a child's birthday party.
Bottom Line: The purpose of any first book in a series, in my view, is to entice the reader to read the follow-up (ups). I’m not sure Ms. Coburn did that for me with “Tales from the Crib. (I do have “The Queen Gene” but I can’t say I’m enthusiastic about visiting with these people again). 2.46 stars.
The book is centered around the title character, Lucy Klein, a 39 year-old former advertising writer. Lucy and her husband of 14 years, Jack, an art gallery owner, have had a strained marriage, in part because Lucy has been unable to bear children (Lucy has endured three miscarriages and a fourth pregnancy was terminated early due to doctors discovering the baby would not live long had she brought the child to term). Lucy has just discovered she is pregnant again, and her life is about to change, not in a good way.
After telling Jack she’s pregnant, Jack tells Lucy he wants a divorce. He also tells her that he wants to “co-parent” their child, leading to an arrangement where they will inhabit the same home in Caldwell, New Jersey, they will share expenses and responsibilities, and raise their child together. However, they will both see other people.
Soon after their arrangement begins, Lucy gives birth to a healthy son, Adam. We also meet the other members of Lucy’s family: her New Age mother, Anjoli; her elderly, eccentric aunts, Rita and Bernice, and her cousin, Kimmy, who breaks up with her fiance on the day of their planned wedding. Kimmy later decides to marry...herself. (Yes, it’s a thing).
When Jack parades one of his paramours in front of Lucy, she decides to have an affair with a restaurant worker (they have sex in her car at a car wash). The affair doesn’t last, as Lucy feels guilty. After Jack gets seriously injured in a car accident, he and Lucy decide to reconcile. They decide to sell their home in New Jersey and buy a parcel of land in the Berkshires, New York, to house an artists commune, where Jack-who sold his art gallery-will focus on his own artistic endeavors while Lucy becomes a nationally-recognized magazine contributor. Their story will continue in the second book in the series, “The Queen Gene”.
Upside: Although “Tales from the Crib” is classified as “chick-lit”, some of the themes raised in the book cross all gender identities. These include: the ending of and shape changing of relationships. Family that drives us crazy. Trying to decide what we want out of our lives. Self-esteem issues. There are some funny moments in the book.
Downside: Ms. Coburn wrote “Tales from the Crib” in a first-person style entirely from Lucy’s P.O.V. This is a fail for me in regard to Lucy’s relationship with Jack. We never hear from him his view of why the marriage had troubles. I didn’t entirely connect with Lucy nor did I find her a truly likeable character. I’m not sure I agree with Lucy’s decision to stay with Jack after he cheated on her and flaunted his girlfriends in her face; she’s far more forgiving than would be.
Sex: The only sex scene in the book involves Lucy and her one-off. The scene is not graphic, nor is it sexy.
Violence: No violence, although one scene comes close. That scene involves a drunk Barney the Dinosaur at a child's birthday party.
Bottom Line: The purpose of any first book in a series, in my view, is to entice the reader to read the follow-up (ups). I’m not sure Ms. Coburn did that for me with “Tales from the Crib. (I do have “The Queen Gene” but I can’t say I’m enthusiastic about visiting with these people again). 2.46 stars.
September 1, 2014
I read out of order - I read Queen Gene first. So I was already familiar with the story and the characters. That said, it didn't take anything away from the story. Coburn had me in stitches again as I read, with more laugh out loud moments than I can count. All the characters are so wonderfully funny and unique. It is impossible not to fall in love with them, or Jennifer Coburn's writing style which is amazing!
April 10, 2009
I only got to Ch. 3 before I decided I didn't want to continue.
January 19, 2012
What would you do if your husband blurts out that he wants a divorce, right before you’re about to tell him that you’re pregnant? When Lucy tells her husband she’s expecting, Jack reconsider his offer – and wants to stay married, but only as friends, so that they can raise their child together. While Lucy isn’t in favor of this arrangement, she still loves her husband, so she decides to take him up on his offer for one year. A lot can happen in a year, especially while still living together. Will they both find someone else to be with, or will they bond over the pregnancy and baby, and come back to one another, and have the family they always wanted to?
When Jennifer Coburn emailed me a couple of days after Christmas asking me to review her book, “Tales From The Crib,” I was so excited because I had heard very good things about it, and I liked the storyline.
Right from the start, I was hooked on this hilarious and heartwarming book. I loved that Jennifer’s book begins right in the middle of the action, and not once did I get bored with it along the way. I think this is why it was such a page-turner. After Lucy agrees to his insane idea, I was surprised at how well they got along, (even with Jack’s new woman in tow). One thing I liked a lot was that while Lucy could have pushed Jack away, not giving her “marriage” one last chance, I thought it was really sweet how it showed that these two really loved one another. In the mix of wonderful characters, Lucy’s vivacious mother and spunky aunts were so funny, that they all had me laughing out loud, (so much that my husband even commented on how much I was laughing).
One might think that from the title and cover, this book is all about the baby, but it’s not. While I am a wife and not yet a mother (but hope to be someday), I was surprised about how much I loved and could relate to Lucy. “Tales From The Crib” is a beautifully written book about family and relationships. Through the ups and downs, each relationship seemed to grow stronger, which I found very refreshing.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who would love to read a fast-paced, fun-loving, delightful Chick Lit! I promise, you will not be disappointed when you read “Tales From The Crib!”
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars!
When Jennifer Coburn emailed me a couple of days after Christmas asking me to review her book, “Tales From The Crib,” I was so excited because I had heard very good things about it, and I liked the storyline.
Right from the start, I was hooked on this hilarious and heartwarming book. I loved that Jennifer’s book begins right in the middle of the action, and not once did I get bored with it along the way. I think this is why it was such a page-turner. After Lucy agrees to his insane idea, I was surprised at how well they got along, (even with Jack’s new woman in tow). One thing I liked a lot was that while Lucy could have pushed Jack away, not giving her “marriage” one last chance, I thought it was really sweet how it showed that these two really loved one another. In the mix of wonderful characters, Lucy’s vivacious mother and spunky aunts were so funny, that they all had me laughing out loud, (so much that my husband even commented on how much I was laughing).
One might think that from the title and cover, this book is all about the baby, but it’s not. While I am a wife and not yet a mother (but hope to be someday), I was surprised about how much I loved and could relate to Lucy. “Tales From The Crib” is a beautifully written book about family and relationships. Through the ups and downs, each relationship seemed to grow stronger, which I found very refreshing.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who would love to read a fast-paced, fun-loving, delightful Chick Lit! I promise, you will not be disappointed when you read “Tales From The Crib!”
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars!
May 23, 2011
Lucy Klein is a suburban wife, leaving in the, well, suburbs, with her lovely husband Jack. She is getting ready to make a big announcement at the dinner table- she is pregnant. Jack is getting ready to make his own big announcement- he wants a divorce. Jack goes first. Lucy is stunned. Though she knew her marriage wasn’t exactly rock solid, she still is surprised at the D-word, and the timing couldn’t be worse. But Jack devises a plan, a co-parenting plan. They would live under the same roof and raise the baby as friends. Yes, friends. Friends who would also bring their girlfriends home while Lucy lay alone in bed at night. Friends who let their girlfriends take her adorable little son to the park. Lucy is still determined to be a great mom, and give her son everything he should have- including time with his father. But can she balance the stress of motherhood and the delicate situation with Jack? Or will it prove too tough to handle?
I absolutely adored Tales From the Crib by Jennifer Coburn. And I will say that knowing I was about to read a book that covered mostly talk about babies, birth, and breast-feeding, I really wasn’t looking forward to it. I am not a mom myself, so I wasn’t sure I would be able to relate to Lucy’s character, but I was proved very wrong. Even though we didn’t have much in common, Lucy’s slightly off-kilter personality kept my attention and more importantly- kept me laughing. This book is super funny! I was reading it in my break room at work one day and burst into laughter at one particular point, causing everyone to look at me like I was crazy. The supporting characters, especially Lucy’s mom, bring their own comedy to the story. Overall, I thought this was a funny book, but also very eye-opening on motherhood and the trials new moms go through. I know I will remember some of the lessons Lucy learns along the way if my time should ever come to start a family. I will definitely be looking forward to reading more from the very funny Jennifer Coburn.
I absolutely adored Tales From the Crib by Jennifer Coburn. And I will say that knowing I was about to read a book that covered mostly talk about babies, birth, and breast-feeding, I really wasn’t looking forward to it. I am not a mom myself, so I wasn’t sure I would be able to relate to Lucy’s character, but I was proved very wrong. Even though we didn’t have much in common, Lucy’s slightly off-kilter personality kept my attention and more importantly- kept me laughing. This book is super funny! I was reading it in my break room at work one day and burst into laughter at one particular point, causing everyone to look at me like I was crazy. The supporting characters, especially Lucy’s mom, bring their own comedy to the story. Overall, I thought this was a funny book, but also very eye-opening on motherhood and the trials new moms go through. I know I will remember some of the lessons Lucy learns along the way if my time should ever come to start a family. I will definitely be looking forward to reading more from the very funny Jennifer Coburn.
October 11, 2012
Honestly, I wasn't expecting much from this book. I saw it was on the freebie list and I nabbed it since the description perplexed me and it wasn't erotica. Half the stuff I get from Amazon that's free I never read so at the worst, I have another free book in the cloud that I'll never read, at best I'd be entertained. It ended up leaning towards the best! While I wouldn't QUITE 4 stars (more like 3.5) but I'm giving it a 4 here since there's not a .5 option.
While it was a fluffy chick lit novel, it had a bit of dark humor and lots of wit and I was very entertained, despite not being a mother. I really liked Lucy for the most part and her family kept me well entertained. I almost felt like the end drug on a bit much and I wanted to slap Jack numerous times but I really enjoyed this read and happily downloaded the sequel as soon as I finished this book.
While it was a fluffy chick lit novel, it had a bit of dark humor and lots of wit and I was very entertained, despite not being a mother. I really liked Lucy for the most part and her family kept me well entertained. I almost felt like the end drug on a bit much and I wanted to slap Jack numerous times but I really enjoyed this read and happily downloaded the sequel as soon as I finished this book.
December 21, 2017
This was a great palate cleanser from all the dystopias I've been into lately! It's well written and tackles a variety of issues moms face, with a lovely ending. I still have my own thoughts about Jack, but I'll keep those in my pocket.
August 28, 2018
Really loved reading this book.. This year i read two more books where challenges of new mothers are talked. This mom straight away takes the cake. The books does not dwell too much on sleepless nights and the rapid pace, sense of humor keeps the story going.
January 27, 2020
3.5
חמוד זוג בתהליך גירושין מביא ילד
נקודת ראות אחת נשית
מעניין איך לתקן ולשמוע צד נוסף היה בזה משהו נחמד
חמוד זוג בתהליך גירושין מביא ילד
נקודת ראות אחת נשית
מעניין איך לתקן ולשמוע צד נוסף היה בזה משהו נחמד
October 18, 2018
On the day Lucy Klein is going to tell Jack, her husband of fifteen years, that she is finally pregnant after years of miscarriages and heartache, Jack springs the news that he wants a divorce. The couple has tried everything from marriage counseling to romantic getaways, but nothing seems to improve their marriage. But Jack really wants to be a full-time parent to this child, so he proposes a deal to Lucy. They will stay married and live in the same house, but they will be married in name only and free to see other people. For lack of another option, Lucy agrees.
Yes, it’s a bizarre arrangement, but Lucy is used to strange. Her mother, Anjolie, is a drama-queen diva involved in many odd prospects. Lucy endures the pregnancy and gives birth to a beautiful son. Between La Leche League meetings and trying to get her writing career going, she is learning how to be a great mother. But will her son be permanently scarred by his parents’ peculiar marriage arrangement? Or is there hope to resurrect the romance?
Tales from the Crib is a funny yet poignant mom-lit novel. Lucy is an endearing character who finds herself in a strange situation. Since the story is told from Lucy’s first-person point of view, we’re never given any insight into what Jack thinks about everything. But overall, that doesn’t really matter and actually makes for a cleaner story. Their arrangement is definitely unconventional; however, the end results are uplifting and make the entire novel a worthwhile read.
Women who have experienced pregnancy, childbirth, and the joys of breastfeeding will identify completely with Lucy and her struggles. Those who haven’t may find the subject matter tedious and won’t be able to relate. Although I personally loved the insightful breastfeeding discussions, it’s good to be warned that there’s a lot of it.
The humor is delightful - the scenes involving Lucy’s extended family are laugh-out-loud funny. Some of the instances that should have been hilarious—such as Lucy’s cousin Kimmy marrying herself—seem a bit over the top and not terribly original (reminiscent of an episode of Sex and the City). However, the overall plot and most of the characters make up for Tales from the Crib’s shortcomings. It’s a fun mom-lit novel sure to please fans of a happily-ever-after story with a twist.
Yes, it’s a bizarre arrangement, but Lucy is used to strange. Her mother, Anjolie, is a drama-queen diva involved in many odd prospects. Lucy endures the pregnancy and gives birth to a beautiful son. Between La Leche League meetings and trying to get her writing career going, she is learning how to be a great mother. But will her son be permanently scarred by his parents’ peculiar marriage arrangement? Or is there hope to resurrect the romance?
Tales from the Crib is a funny yet poignant mom-lit novel. Lucy is an endearing character who finds herself in a strange situation. Since the story is told from Lucy’s first-person point of view, we’re never given any insight into what Jack thinks about everything. But overall, that doesn’t really matter and actually makes for a cleaner story. Their arrangement is definitely unconventional; however, the end results are uplifting and make the entire novel a worthwhile read.
Women who have experienced pregnancy, childbirth, and the joys of breastfeeding will identify completely with Lucy and her struggles. Those who haven’t may find the subject matter tedious and won’t be able to relate. Although I personally loved the insightful breastfeeding discussions, it’s good to be warned that there’s a lot of it.
The humor is delightful - the scenes involving Lucy’s extended family are laugh-out-loud funny. Some of the instances that should have been hilarious—such as Lucy’s cousin Kimmy marrying herself—seem a bit over the top and not terribly original (reminiscent of an episode of Sex and the City). However, the overall plot and most of the characters make up for Tales from the Crib’s shortcomings. It’s a fun mom-lit novel sure to please fans of a happily-ever-after story with a twist.
August 12, 2019
אחרי 14 שנות נישואים, ורגע לפני שלוסי קליין מודיעה לבעלה, ג'ק, שהנה-הנה היא בהריון ששרד, מודיע לה ג'ק שהוא רוצה להתגרש.
כמובן, כשהיא מספרת לו את החדשות, הוא משנה את דעתו לגבי הגירושין ומציע לחיות בנפרדות (על משקל נבצרות) באותו הבית ולגדל את העולל באופן שיתופי תוך ניהול חיים נפרדים. והיא נגררת אחריו ואחר שיקולים כלכליים ומסכימה להסדר.
ומכאן אני ממליצה לכם לא לקרוא את הכריכה האחורית, אם אתם לא מעוניינים בספויילרים פראיים שיהרסו לכם את הספר ואת חדוות הגילוי.
החיים של ג'ק ולוסי שאינם סוגים בשושנים, הופכים להיות מורכבים וביזאריים אף יותר לנוכח ההסדר.
אבל אל תדאגו, בלי לספר את פרטי העלילה, רק שתדעו שכמו בכל סיפור אגדה יהודית, הסוף טוב הכל טוב וכולם מסתדרים על הצד הטוב ביותר, כי ג'ניפר קוברן לא היתה מספיק אמיצה ליצור דמות נשית עכשווית שיכולה גם לעמוד על רגליה.
מלכתחילה לוסי היא דמות שמובלת לסיטואציות של חייה. היא לא יוזמת, היא לא אקטיבית. אין לה בדיוק דעה משל עצמה שהיא יכולה לעמוד עליה. במשך הספר, לוסי מקבלת איזה גוון של אקטיביות אבל הוא לא מספיק לטעמי.
ישנם בספר קטעים קורעים ושופכים מצחוק!! גם בגלל שיש לדמות הראשית, לוסי, נטיה להפוך מצבים לסטנדאפ אבל במיוחד עם הדודות היהודיות הזקנות שהרסו אותי מצחוק. אחת מהן מבקרת תדיר בהלוויות של זרים.
אבל זה לא זה. קוברן לא לוקחת את הספר לקצה ובונה דמות שיכולה להוות דוגמא נשית שעושה לקורא "וואוו"!!
בשורה התחתונה, ספר נחמד להעביר כמה שעות.
כמובן, כשהיא מספרת לו את החדשות, הוא משנה את דעתו לגבי הגירושין ומציע לחיות בנפרדות (על משקל נבצרות) באותו הבית ולגדל את העולל באופן שיתופי תוך ניהול חיים נפרדים. והיא נגררת אחריו ואחר שיקולים כלכליים ומסכימה להסדר.
ומכאן אני ממליצה לכם לא לקרוא את הכריכה האחורית, אם אתם לא מעוניינים בספויילרים פראיים שיהרסו לכם את הספר ואת חדוות הגילוי.
החיים של ג'ק ולוסי שאינם סוגים בשושנים, הופכים להיות מורכבים וביזאריים אף יותר לנוכח ההסדר.
אבל אל תדאגו, בלי לספר את פרטי העלילה, רק שתדעו שכמו בכל סיפור אגדה יהודית, הסוף טוב הכל טוב וכולם מסתדרים על הצד הטוב ביותר, כי ג'ניפר קוברן לא היתה מספיק אמיצה ליצור דמות נשית עכשווית שיכולה גם לעמוד על רגליה.
מלכתחילה לוסי היא דמות שמובלת לסיטואציות של חייה. היא לא יוזמת, היא לא אקטיבית. אין לה בדיוק דעה משל עצמה שהיא יכולה לעמוד עליה. במשך הספר, לוסי מקבלת איזה גוון של אקטיביות אבל הוא לא מספיק לטעמי.
ישנם בספר קטעים קורעים ושופכים מצחוק!! גם בגלל שיש לדמות הראשית, לוסי, נטיה להפוך מצבים לסטנדאפ אבל במיוחד עם הדודות היהודיות הזקנות שהרסו אותי מצחוק. אחת מהן מבקרת תדיר בהלוויות של זרים.
אבל זה לא זה. קוברן לא לוקחת את הספר לקצה ובונה דמות שיכולה להוות דוגמא נשית שעושה לקורא "וואוו"!!
בשורה התחתונה, ספר נחמד להעביר כמה שעות.
January 18, 2012
I really wanted to enjoy this book especially after reading the prologue and the opening chapter. I laughed at the envisioned dinner Lucy was going to share with her husband and tell him the exciting new of her pregnancy. Then the bubble burst and her reality dinner was much worse than she hoped. The first chapter even had me laughing out loud at her therapist who decides to go into hiding and not return the couples calls because he just doesn't want to deal with their problems. Seriously? Any time a therapist fires the patient, you know there is good reason and usually a good story behind it.
After the first few chapters though, the fun kind of wore off for me. The book started to decline and hit bottom with no ladder of hope in returning to the top. I really wanted it to, but it just didn't have the steam to keep going. This book is definitely a chick lit book with witty dialogue, funny characters and no paranormal in sight, but it did lack something even if I can't put my finger on it. It just seemed to stall for me. It does have a good ending and it leaves the reader with the feeling of everything being wrapped up nicely.
If you are just looking for a quick chick lit read with lots of laughter and eccentric characters, then give this book a chance. This might just be what the therapist ordered to get your funny bone laughing again.
After the first few chapters though, the fun kind of wore off for me. The book started to decline and hit bottom with no ladder of hope in returning to the top. I really wanted it to, but it just didn't have the steam to keep going. This book is definitely a chick lit book with witty dialogue, funny characters and no paranormal in sight, but it did lack something even if I can't put my finger on it. It just seemed to stall for me. It does have a good ending and it leaves the reader with the feeling of everything being wrapped up nicely.
If you are just looking for a quick chick lit read with lots of laughter and eccentric characters, then give this book a chance. This might just be what the therapist ordered to get your funny bone laughing again.
May 24, 2023
Lost me almost half way through. When I first started this book I didn't pay attention & for some reason thought it was based on a true story. Once I realized it wasn't, I let up a little on the character but lost interest in a fake person being so stupid. When I thought it was true, it was like a train wreck I just couldn't quite look away from. Then when that was gone I just couldn't keep going with the book or the whole idea of it. I looked away & have no interest in looking back.
February 28, 2014
Very disappointed. I was looking for a fun, light read...which was this, but it got very nasty at times. So much so that I should have and wish I would have just put it down. I will not be reading any more of Jennifer Coburn.
September 5, 2014
Maybe my sense of humor dried up, then again maybe not. The reviews promised a laugh out loud book, but I didn't chuckle more then two times. And although the premise sounded promising, this book seemed to drag on forever leaving me in a struggle to even want to finish it
June 29, 2015
I really wanted to like this book, so many unbelievable things happened I really couldn't see all of it happening. Also the title makes it sound like it'll be about raising a child, when really it's a story about a marriage more than raising a kid. Not a good book at all.
October 3, 2015
This book started off strong, but then, I lost interest in the middle. Afterwards, I fastforwarded to the end.
Overall, this was a fairly decent book, but it just didn't work for me.
Giving this one: 2 stars
Overall, this was a fairly decent book, but it just didn't work for me.
Giving this one: 2 stars
January 26, 2009
I loved this easy read book! I don't know how many times I laughed out loud.
May 16, 2011
This was hilarious!! So glad I found you, Jennifer Coburn!
December 16, 2017
I thought Tales From The Crib would actually be 'tales from the crib', tales about a baby and raising a baby, whereas this story was more about a marriage relationship gone wrong and about a very strange, weird, unique and mixed up family, along with their wide circle of strange friends. I enjoyed the parts of the story which were actually about pregnancy, motherhood and the life of the parents of Baby Adam, but I found that I became bored with all the other characters and especially Anjoli, Kimmy and all the characters that 'travel' in their crowd. I think if the author had used other families with children and their various relationships and interactions with Jack, Lucy and Adam, it would have made the story much better.
I must admit this book certainly did give me a few good laughs, and brought back a lot of memories of my pregnancy, motherhood and nursing days. I think the author did a great job of describing and documenting the various stages of Jack and Lucy's marriage and counselling sessions and I found that very interesting. I wish there had been more about Adam. The plot of this story was great; however in my opinion the author added too many unrelated characters and frivolous detail into the story. That, and the unnecessary foul language ruined it for me, and I really wanted to love it. This was the first book that I have read by this author.
I must admit this book certainly did give me a few good laughs, and brought back a lot of memories of my pregnancy, motherhood and nursing days. I think the author did a great job of describing and documenting the various stages of Jack and Lucy's marriage and counselling sessions and I found that very interesting. I wish there had been more about Adam. The plot of this story was great; however in my opinion the author added too many unrelated characters and frivolous detail into the story. That, and the unnecessary foul language ruined it for me, and I really wanted to love it. This was the first book that I have read by this author.
January 10, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed it!
If you liked Bridget Jones, you'll probably love Lucy! After several years of marriage and multiple miscarriages, Lucy finds herself pregnant again. Before she can share the news with her husband Jack, he asks for a divorce. When he learns about the baby, and during a discussion regarding shared custody, Jack realizes he doesn't want to be a part time parent. He proposes they remain married, continue to share expenses, and raise the baby together in an "open arrangement" where each is free to date other people. Lucy reluctantly agrees, and what follows will keep you glued to the page. Filled with self doubt, self blame, and self deprecation, Lucy nevertheless manages to weather her pregnancy, the baby's delivery, Jack's infidelity, and several family crises, with support from some unexpected sources. Over the next year or so, both Jack and Lucy learn and grow, along with the baby. Despite the book's title and cover, rest assured, this is not a collection of "cutesie" anecdotes about babies or for babies. It is a tour de force of love, laughter, heartaches, absurdity, and dreams. I hope someone makes it into a movie; the sooner the better!
If you liked Bridget Jones, you'll probably love Lucy! After several years of marriage and multiple miscarriages, Lucy finds herself pregnant again. Before she can share the news with her husband Jack, he asks for a divorce. When he learns about the baby, and during a discussion regarding shared custody, Jack realizes he doesn't want to be a part time parent. He proposes they remain married, continue to share expenses, and raise the baby together in an "open arrangement" where each is free to date other people. Lucy reluctantly agrees, and what follows will keep you glued to the page. Filled with self doubt, self blame, and self deprecation, Lucy nevertheless manages to weather her pregnancy, the baby's delivery, Jack's infidelity, and several family crises, with support from some unexpected sources. Over the next year or so, both Jack and Lucy learn and grow, along with the baby. Despite the book's title and cover, rest assured, this is not a collection of "cutesie" anecdotes about babies or for babies. It is a tour de force of love, laughter, heartaches, absurdity, and dreams. I hope someone makes it into a movie; the sooner the better!
December 26, 2017
Tales from the Crib had a great premise and engaging plotline and should have been a better book. Unfortunately, the author got bogged down with irrelevant subplots and single dimensional supporting characters and the heart of the novel- the protagonist and her troubled marriageand nee baby-- gets sidelined way too often, and the writing becomes scattered and lost my interest for full chapters at a time. The beginning is good, the end is decent, but the middle is very convoluted whenever the scenes leave those of the couple at the center of the story. I didn't dislike the story, and actually really became invested in the couple's dynamic, but I got frustrated with the uneven plotlines and pacing too often to give more than 2 stars.
February 19, 2025
I don't care how far-fetched, silly, outrageous it was. I don't care how selfish, self-centered, self-absorbed all the characters are. I loved this book. It made me laugh. The descriptions, the situations, the conversations.
One of the funny quotes, this one about the trials of breast-feeding.
One of the funny quotes, this one about the trials of breast-feeding.
December 31, 2017
I nearly wet my pants laughing at this one!
Normally, that only happens when I read Janet E.! This book was delightful! Set in New Jersey, where I hail from, really made it seem like a friend was telling the story. Our narrator did seem like a friend, and after reading about her going thru some major life events, you’ll get no spoilers from me, I felt like we were kin! I could not put this book down!
Normally, that only happens when I read Janet E.! This book was delightful! Set in New Jersey, where I hail from, really made it seem like a friend was telling the story. Our narrator did seem like a friend, and after reading about her going thru some major life events, you’ll get no spoilers from me, I felt like we were kin! I could not put this book down!
December 11, 2018
From the cover and the title, you know that this is a story with a baby, which, already made me not look forward to it, but I was hoping it would have some of that Baby Boom humor.
The lady that is having marital problems is yammering on and on, which was a bore. Then she gets knocked up by this husband.
Like the other book, character recounts the past, talking incessantly and relentlessly.
It’s all about babies!
The lady that is having marital problems is yammering on and on, which was a bore. Then she gets knocked up by this husband.
Like the other book, character recounts the past, talking incessantly and relentlessly.
It’s all about babies!
March 7, 2018
I thought this would be funnier and I thought it would be more stories about babies. That's what the blurb led me to believe. Not sure I would have "bought it" (it was free) if I had understood that it was really about a marriage falling apart and lots of dysfunction. There were funny things in it but mostly it was not my type of story.
August 24, 2018
Fun book
Adam is the innocent baby born into a certifiably nutty family. His parents are estranged but still living together. His father's new girlfriend hangs out at the shared house. His grandmother is beyond eccentric, and somehow little Adam manages to survive. There was some bad language, but all in all the book was workers reading.
Adam is the innocent baby born into a certifiably nutty family. His parents are estranged but still living together. His father's new girlfriend hangs out at the shared house. His grandmother is beyond eccentric, and somehow little Adam manages to survive. There was some bad language, but all in all the book was workers reading.
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