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My One and Only: The Special Experience of the Only Child
Book by McGrath, Ellie
- GenresNonfiction
250 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 1989
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 20, 2020
This book has been on my shelf for a long time. Glad I picked it up and read it.
I like how the format varied from psychological points to short accounts of individual reflections on the topic related to the particular chapter. I also thought that the chapters covered just about every aspect one can think of related to only children.
I found myself in many parts of the book which was satisfying either because it was a slightly more nuanced understanding I already had, or just good to read the many things I have thought about being an only child.
I liked reading about the topics that I, an only child and my only child have often discussed.
My criticism is that the author allows the idea that most points she makes about only children can be attributed to being an only, whereas there are plenty of times as I read about the traits she mentions that could equally be attributed to temperament and the myriad of influences on the growing child.
I like how the format varied from psychological points to short accounts of individual reflections on the topic related to the particular chapter. I also thought that the chapters covered just about every aspect one can think of related to only children.
I found myself in many parts of the book which was satisfying either because it was a slightly more nuanced understanding I already had, or just good to read the many things I have thought about being an only child.
I liked reading about the topics that I, an only child and my only child have often discussed.
My criticism is that the author allows the idea that most points she makes about only children can be attributed to being an only, whereas there are plenty of times as I read about the traits she mentions that could equally be attributed to temperament and the myriad of influences on the growing child.
June 30, 2017
Good case studies, but maybe a bit too many redundant ones. After a while, it just started to sound like a book full of anecdotes.
June 23, 2009
This book was slightly redundant and very opinionated though the author kept trying to pass everything off as factual. I did not learn anything from the book really, as with everything else, there cannot be broad generalizations about being an only child.
January 2, 2009
Probably not so enjoyable for anyone who IS NOT an only, but I liked it... very insighful
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January 31, 2009I realized by reading part of this book, that Sully will be just fine if he is an only child. I also realized that I do want another child!!! So now, we'll just have to wait and see.
August 27, 2013
As an only child, I enjoyed this book. I was able to reflect on my life while reading this book and glad I wasn't alone in how I felt.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews