Review by KT Sullivan
Annie Schwartz-Jensen
is in labor with her first child and her husband, Zach, is no help. At
thirty-six, she’s a middle school teacher planning to be home with her son,
Sam, for six months. The story follows every day of her maternity leave. Sam
won’t eat and her cat, Doogan, is unimpressed with the newest member of the
family. Annie is frustrated, hungry, and exhausted. “How do people with babies
manage to keep themselves alive?” she asks everyone. Sam is demanding and won’t
nurse or sleep for any length of time. On day 43, Annie writes, “He hates me,”
without further explanation. People give her advice and commiserate. Her
friends and colleagues have been through this drill before, except her sister
Nora, who’s unable to have children. Zach goes back to work and Annie’s mom
goes on vacation, she’s alone with Sam and at her wit’s end. So many decisions
and activities to plan, Annie is overwhelmed. Welcome to what no one tells you
about having a baby, it’s overwhelming. So much so Annie doesn’t notice Doogan
is ill and feels guilty about it. Juggling and multitasking define motherhood
and has a lot to learn and to let go. Six months is barely enough time for
Annie to get a handle on her life.
My favorite part is when they
have to write thank you notes for Sam’s gifts. Annie will do her people’s gifts
and Zach will do the rest for his people. Zach wants a definition of her
distinction of people. “Your people are the ones who sent Sam a BB gun,” she
explains. So much of this story rings true for a new mom. Entertaining read.
Purchase the book at:
About the Author:
A native to the Chicago suburbs, I was a school librarian for more than
ten years (old much?) until I quit to be a stay-at-home-mom-slash-author.
I live with my sweetheart husband, illustrator Matthew Cordell, and our two
kids, Romy and Dean. In my spare time I like to imagine I have spare time.
Connect with the author at:
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Maternity Leave by Julie Halpern
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