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Keeping It Under Wraps: Parenthood, Uncensored
To procreate or not to procreate: that is the question.
The choice, in itself, is a big conversation in society, and often something that is highly judged. Even the relationships we have with our own parents are expected to fit a norm that doesn't actually exist.
The Keeping It Under Wraps anthology series provides a safe space to change the narrative, to speak openly about individual experiences, and in the end to understand that while each experience is different, we are not so different from each other.
The choice, in itself, is a big conversation in society, and often something that is highly judged. Even the relationships we have with our own parents are expected to fit a norm that doesn't actually exist.
The Keeping It Under Wraps anthology series provides a safe space to change the narrative, to speak openly about individual experiences, and in the end to understand that while each experience is different, we are not so different from each other.
264 pages, Paperback
Published February 15, 2022
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 13, 2022
I loved this collection of stories on parenthood.
It starts with a bang with Tracy Hopes thoughts on childbirth. Her story reminded me of Ali Wong's standup if it were a little more serious.
I loved every story in here, especially for how different they all were. From being childless to being a child, teen pregnancy, wanting one child or multiple, fatherhood, fostering, parenting with disabilities, I felt like this anthology did a great job at showing a collection of stories with as many perspectives as the reality of parenting.
International authors from Taiwan to Canada, and subject matter ranging from offspring-eating mice to getting high with fellow parents on a camping trip, I loved every story in this wonderful collection. I'd definitely recommend picking it up.
Some of my favorite passages:
But this is also a fear you eventually learn to live with, that or encase your child in a substance so impenetrable they might never move again but will, at least, come to no harm. It’s simply a part of parenthood, of life and love, part of the package deal. We need the light and the dark, the hard and the soft, the rain and the rainbows. It’s all a balancing act, a tightrope upon which we teeter, with baby/child/teenager under one arm and the other stretched out for balance, flailing.--Kate Paine
‘See, honey, you were never supposed to be born. You are a miracle.’ Parents say the dumbest things to their children. I wonder what I will say, to mine.-Carey cook
It starts with a bang with Tracy Hopes thoughts on childbirth. Her story reminded me of Ali Wong's standup if it were a little more serious.
I loved every story in here, especially for how different they all were. From being childless to being a child, teen pregnancy, wanting one child or multiple, fatherhood, fostering, parenting with disabilities, I felt like this anthology did a great job at showing a collection of stories with as many perspectives as the reality of parenting.
International authors from Taiwan to Canada, and subject matter ranging from offspring-eating mice to getting high with fellow parents on a camping trip, I loved every story in this wonderful collection. I'd definitely recommend picking it up.
Some of my favorite passages:
But this is also a fear you eventually learn to live with, that or encase your child in a substance so impenetrable they might never move again but will, at least, come to no harm. It’s simply a part of parenthood, of life and love, part of the package deal. We need the light and the dark, the hard and the soft, the rain and the rainbows. It’s all a balancing act, a tightrope upon which we teeter, with baby/child/teenager under one arm and the other stretched out for balance, flailing.--Kate Paine
‘See, honey, you were never supposed to be born. You are a miracle.’ Parents say the dumbest things to their children. I wonder what I will say, to mine.-Carey cook
February 8, 2022
Expecting or thinking of having a baby? Coming to terms with the realization that you’re gradually making the decision not to? Regretting your decision after becoming a parent, or not becoming a parent? Whichever topic or area of self-analysis is on your mind regarding parenthood, then this book is very much aimed at you. Or perhaps it should absolutely be avoided at all costs! It all depends on how you look at it, your attitude toward childbirth, parenthood and even your own experience of childhood, but most of all your sensitivity to reality. First off, let me say that, all the former banter aside, this book is an absolute triumph. An outstanding collection of the highest merit and quality, and a composition worthy of the utmost respect for every single contributor.
Every possible aspect of conceiving, carrying, birthing and raising a child is addressed in the most candid, merciless, unyielding fashion, from the viewpoint of the would-be parent, the child and even complete strangers. In this respect, there is no single, universally acceptable viewpoint of parenthood regurgitated here; it is brutal and honest, vividly graphic, grim, depressing, and as utterly realistic as it gets. From my own personal point of view (that of one who has no children by choice), it was fantastic to see that I and others like me are unusually represented, too. As you may have guessed, this collection of deep-reaching, gut-wrenching narratives is not your usual run-of-the-mill, cotton-wool-lined approach; in contrast, its entire premise is that it focuses on those “shameful” unspoken considerations of parenthood: the concerns; the stigmas; the elephants in the room; and the so downright taboo that to see them published in print is a rare thing. To see them all together in one anthology is a movement. And a rare treat it is, too. The narratives are not fictional; they are prose from the heart and soul, from people who have lived the very best experiences of childbirth/parenthood/childhood, to those who have lived the very worst. Every one of them opens their heart with the conflicts and the truths that most are too blinkered to consider – and too afraid to ever do so publicly.
It is notable that this book is a British production; I think it would have proven controversial for God-fearing American publication – although there are plenty of Stateside contributors – in much the same way as We Need To Talk About Kevin. It may prove uncomfortable for a rose-tinted society and its belief in the ultimate blessing of parenting. This premise is similar to Shriver’s observation: do all people really want children? And, perhaps far more importantly, should all people really have children? Of course, we all know the answer to that inside; this book simply answers it, openly and ruthlessly. The question is answered by a diverse collection of female, male and non-binary writers from different corners of the world, and from the context of their own experiences of bad parenting; biological incompatibility; mental health issues; sexuality stigmatism; religious expectations; guilt; regret; fear; sadness… there are those who desperately want children; those who definitely do not want children; those terrified of their ability to raise children; those who would rather foster others’ children, whom can be given back; and even those who are terrified of their own potential danger to a child. Setting the premise firmly, the narratives open with an horrifically honest depiction of childbirth, right through its most physically agonizing and biologically humiliating moments. They then pass through various different lenses, some more controversial than others; the more notable of these include an author who “knows” she will be an abuser, because she comes from a family of abusers, and even a mother who fantasizes about killing her crying baby and herself. None of this is intended to shock, but perhaps to provide catharsis for the author. In some ways these narratives actually offer and provide a means of support for the vastly different attitudes people nowadays have toward parenthood.
Be warned though, it is severe, and the subject matter is raw, as well as the writing. Moreover, it strikes me as a thousand times more honest than the sickly-sweet standard fare about parenthood; all of the writers are incredibly brave. And as if to somehow emphasize their credibility, all of the twenty-odd narrators are amongst the cream of observational writing talent. This collection provides an open mic for them to share their thoughts, fears, feelings and experiences on neutral ground. You won’t read this book to judge the diverse writers for their choices, but rather to support them. But, if you are already pregnant, my advice would be to steer clear, because it could terrify you. From a literary point of view, it is tremendous. From a social commentary point of view, it is essential. My sincere congratulations, admirations and indeed some thanks go to all who worked on it. I wish each of them enormous success, and indeed peace, with their choices.
Every possible aspect of conceiving, carrying, birthing and raising a child is addressed in the most candid, merciless, unyielding fashion, from the viewpoint of the would-be parent, the child and even complete strangers. In this respect, there is no single, universally acceptable viewpoint of parenthood regurgitated here; it is brutal and honest, vividly graphic, grim, depressing, and as utterly realistic as it gets. From my own personal point of view (that of one who has no children by choice), it was fantastic to see that I and others like me are unusually represented, too. As you may have guessed, this collection of deep-reaching, gut-wrenching narratives is not your usual run-of-the-mill, cotton-wool-lined approach; in contrast, its entire premise is that it focuses on those “shameful” unspoken considerations of parenthood: the concerns; the stigmas; the elephants in the room; and the so downright taboo that to see them published in print is a rare thing. To see them all together in one anthology is a movement. And a rare treat it is, too. The narratives are not fictional; they are prose from the heart and soul, from people who have lived the very best experiences of childbirth/parenthood/childhood, to those who have lived the very worst. Every one of them opens their heart with the conflicts and the truths that most are too blinkered to consider – and too afraid to ever do so publicly.
It is notable that this book is a British production; I think it would have proven controversial for God-fearing American publication – although there are plenty of Stateside contributors – in much the same way as We Need To Talk About Kevin. It may prove uncomfortable for a rose-tinted society and its belief in the ultimate blessing of parenting. This premise is similar to Shriver’s observation: do all people really want children? And, perhaps far more importantly, should all people really have children? Of course, we all know the answer to that inside; this book simply answers it, openly and ruthlessly. The question is answered by a diverse collection of female, male and non-binary writers from different corners of the world, and from the context of their own experiences of bad parenting; biological incompatibility; mental health issues; sexuality stigmatism; religious expectations; guilt; regret; fear; sadness… there are those who desperately want children; those who definitely do not want children; those terrified of their ability to raise children; those who would rather foster others’ children, whom can be given back; and even those who are terrified of their own potential danger to a child. Setting the premise firmly, the narratives open with an horrifically honest depiction of childbirth, right through its most physically agonizing and biologically humiliating moments. They then pass through various different lenses, some more controversial than others; the more notable of these include an author who “knows” she will be an abuser, because she comes from a family of abusers, and even a mother who fantasizes about killing her crying baby and herself. None of this is intended to shock, but perhaps to provide catharsis for the author. In some ways these narratives actually offer and provide a means of support for the vastly different attitudes people nowadays have toward parenthood.
Be warned though, it is severe, and the subject matter is raw, as well as the writing. Moreover, it strikes me as a thousand times more honest than the sickly-sweet standard fare about parenthood; all of the writers are incredibly brave. And as if to somehow emphasize their credibility, all of the twenty-odd narrators are amongst the cream of observational writing talent. This collection provides an open mic for them to share their thoughts, fears, feelings and experiences on neutral ground. You won’t read this book to judge the diverse writers for their choices, but rather to support them. But, if you are already pregnant, my advice would be to steer clear, because it could terrify you. From a literary point of view, it is tremendous. From a social commentary point of view, it is essential. My sincere congratulations, admirations and indeed some thanks go to all who worked on it. I wish each of them enormous success, and indeed peace, with their choices.
February 28, 2022
After reading the first Keeping it under wraps I was excited to read this next anthology, the quality of writing was so good in the first book I knew this would be a phenomenal read. I was not disappointed! As a parent myself I found the discussions frank and thought provoking.
This anthology was a collection of raw, uplifting, terrifying, heart-felt, gut wrenching, beautiful and above all honest discussions around so many topics linked with parenthood.
To read more head over to my blog www.bexbooksandstuff.com and read the full post.
This anthology was a collection of raw, uplifting, terrifying, heart-felt, gut wrenching, beautiful and above all honest discussions around so many topics linked with parenthood.
To read more head over to my blog www.bexbooksandstuff.com and read the full post.
January 27, 2022
Take a book about parenthood, spin it on its head, make it inclusive of all aspects (adoption, IVF, childlessness, mental health, generational trauma, the good, the bad, the ugly and sometimes hilarious) then you’ve got Keeping It Under Wraps, Parenthood Uncensored.
There’s a story for everyone in here. Pure, raw, open and honest personal essays from international authors from all backgrounds, and all walks of life.
There’s a story for everyone in here. Pure, raw, open and honest personal essays from international authors from all backgrounds, and all walks of life.
May 20, 2022
The range of essays shows every aspect of parenthood: from being a child, to wanting children, to not wanting children, to the actual (hellish sounding) process of raising them. As someone who is childless by choice, I felt seen by a lot of the essays, and reaffirmed my position by reading others (no shade to those authors - their struggles they say are worth it are a hard pass for me). Many of the authors are vulnerable and talk about dark moments (mental illness, hitting a child they were babysitting, toxic parents, etc.) in a way that feels comforting. You realize you may be alone in the dark with a screeching toddler or struggling with infertility or being the child of inadequate parents and you will have a hand in the dark squeezing yours and you'll know you're not the only one who's felt that way. This is not the Hallmark Channel celebration of parenthood in all its glossy glory, but the honesty and relatability is worth more than denim commercial facades and picture perfect ideals.
I would highly recommend this to anyone who's considering having kids - or who doesn't want to have kids (and you'll realize you're not alone). Some essays are stronger than others, but the strength of all essay collections are its diversity of range and scope and Keeping It Under Wraps has that in spades.
Thank you to the editors for an ARC!
I would highly recommend this to anyone who's considering having kids - or who doesn't want to have kids (and you'll realize you're not alone). Some essays are stronger than others, but the strength of all essay collections are its diversity of range and scope and Keeping It Under Wraps has that in spades.
Thank you to the editors for an ARC!
June 6, 2022
A commendable collection which brought together different experiences and perspectives.
June 11, 2022
This book explores different points of view when it comes to parenthood, and it's absolutely refreshing. A must read.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews