My fabulous sister is a real fan of Emily writes so I've asked her to guest contribute a review for this book for me.
Review
– Is it Bedtime Yet? Emily Writes and Friends
Ahhh… “Is it bedtime yet?” How many parents have wondered, prayed and
wished this question and it is a fitting title for Emily Writes’ latest book.
Those who laughed, cried and “amen-ed” their
way through her first book, Rants in the
Dark, will not be disappointed with Emily Writes’ latest work. Of the 50 stories in the book, nearly half
are penned by Emily, with the rest written by a range of parents, many also Wellington-based.
The unifying theme of the book is
honesty. Diverse parents share their
honest truth about what parenting looks like for them. And there is something for everyone here. Parents will relate to topics such as the
inner conflict about the kind of birthday party you want to host vs. what
“everyone else” seems to be doing, the disproportionate negative impact of
daylight saving on young families, fertility challenges and raising children
who believe in themselves. Some of the
stories are raw and painful, others are challenging and humorous. All are vulnerable and infused with love -
“Oh, the capacity of our hearts for our children!”
Emily Writes has a particular talent for
retelling stories with humour and dialogue that makes you feel like you are in
the room with her. I also love her
tendency towards hyperbole such as (on making a homemade birthday cake): “It
took only 160 days, a two-month course on fondant, and a small piece of my soul
but it was worth it.” Some of the other
contributors have a more poetic narrative.
I particularly enjoyed the imagery used by Thomasin Sleigh, Holly Walker,
and Nichole Brown. Thalia Kehoe Rowden’s
imagery in the science of motherhood also appealed to me. Regardless of the
authors’ writing styles the message hits home loud and clear: parenting is complex
and hard. We’re all doing our best. Being honest about the journey - the highs and
the lows - helps everyone. Amid the
laughter and tears is woven a steady thread of encouragement for struggling
parents everywhere: “We do our
best. Sometimes our best doesn’t feel
like it’s good enough. But it is. And we keep doing our best. Every day.
For the best things that have happened to us, we do our best.” And “You will survive this, and you will
learn that you are stronger than you know.”
This book will resonate with any parent
with under-fives in their care, and perhaps also with parents of older children
if they haven’t already blocked the early years from their memory. You will see your own life, conversations and
thoughts reflected here.
For readers who are undecided about
starting a family, it might pay to save this book until it’s too late to change
your mind! (Perhaps not a suitable gift
for your childless daughter-in-law if you’re hoping for grandchildren any time
soon).
Health
warning: this book contains traumatic birth,
swearing, sleep deprivation, sexual references, bodily functions, alcohol and
substance use. Prepare to laugh.
[Advice for Dads] “Unfortunately, the world
isn’t ready to see you spray-foamed into yoga pants, downward dogging. Until times change, wear good trainers and
bend at the knees when lifting”.
“If you go to sleep now, I promise you I
will buy you a car when you turn sixteen, we can work this out.”
“’Any day now’ the midwife says. Any day.
But not today, or today, or today.”
“Our
roots are something to be proud of. Our
stories are begging to be told.”
“Attempt,
if you can, to halt the Earth’s gravitational pull. It can impact the sleep patterns of your baby.”
Guest
review by (my sister) Abi Vink of Wellington.
Abi is a Strengths-based Career Coach, avid reader and mother to 3 small
children.
Details - Penguin Random House, July 2018 RRP $35.00
love you more than sharing the love xxx
