Baby Proof by Emily Giffin (2007, Paperback, Reprint)

Baby Proof

The Entertainment Critic Book Review By James Myers
BABY PROOF
By Emily Giffin
Published by St Martin’s Press
352 Pages
ISBN # 0-312-34865-7
NY TIMES BESTSELLER
(Four Star Rating)****

“I never wanted to be a mother. Even when I was a little girl, playing dolls with my two sisters, I assumed the role of Aunt Claudia. I would bathe and diaper and cradle their plastic babies and then be on my way, on to more exciting pursuits in the backyard or basement. Grown-ups called my position on motherhood “cute”-flashing me that same knowing smile they give little boys who insist all girls have cooties.”



Claudia and Ben Parr are a happy, married, childless couple. When they first met, they agreed that they would not have children. Ben thinks their relationship is perfect and he could live in a childless marriage forever and ever. Focused on having fun and freedom, there just does not seem to be any room for parenthood and all of his life-altering changes. Ben loves the lack of responsibility. All seems well with the couple until Ben changes his mind. He decides he wants to have children after all. Claudia does not want to have children, but she does not want to loose the love of her life over it.

The decision to have children is one of the biggest decisions that couples face. Claudia feels that parenthood would cause her to loose the freedom and flexibility that she has grown accustomed to. When they cannot resolve their differences on this issue, they go their separate ways. Ben keeps their place and Claudia movies in with her girlfriend, Jess. Jess is a mess, and that’s an understatement. Claudia, despite her best efforts, finds herself surrounded by children. All of these babies, her nieces, and nephews all remind her of Ben.

She enters into a romance with a co-worker, but see questions whether or not the relationship is sustainable with this freedom-loving guy. Will she always be in love with Ben? Has Ben moved on?

This witty, heartfelt story explores this baby issue with a gentle charm. Exploring the boundaries of true love, there is a balance between what is funny and the sharp social commentary of the last taboo for women: choosing to be childless in a society that holds motherhood in high esteem. This book does contain some sharp social commentary, and the subject matter is serious. But Giffin make it tasty and interesting. The prose is light and has a familiar feel to it. Her observations are both insightful and entertaining. It is Chick Lit with a decided twist. I think this book will strike a nerve with the many women who have decided to forego having children. It’s a book smart, independent women can relate to. Great summer reading!

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Deciding early in life not to be a mother, invited a myriad of confrontations…

Even as a little girl, Claudia’s decision was very clear. When she played dolls with her sisters, she only wanted to be an aunt, so she could move on to more exciting pursuits. In later years, discovering boys didn’t change her mind. When her high school prom night rolled around, the number of children she wished for was a firm zero.

Claudia, now in her thirties, is a well known book editor in New York City. Her personal convictions are still unaltered. Life is filled with work, friends, and enjoyable pursuits, minus children.

Love, that’s a different story. Everyone needs emotional attachments of the enduring kind. But for Claudia, her relationships quickly dissolved when the “no kid’s factor” came up. That was true, until she met Ben. It just seemed they were soul mates, everything just clicked.

Claudia was thrilled when Ben was a firm believer in the “no kid’s factor” and they have been married for three years. The impulsiveness they enjoy, while being unencumbered with children, is a vital part of their relationship. They share many common interests and dreams, life just couldn’t be better.

However, when their idyllic relationship is hit by a tornado, everything changes. Their best friends, ardent supporters of the “no kid’s factor”, have decide to have a child! Ben becomes absorbed in the entire process and when the baby arrives, he is hooked!

Claudia is confident this is just a passing phase and eventually Ben will move out of it. He makes numerous attempts to convince her that a baby would be a wonderful experience to share. Claudia, on the other hand, emphasizes how a baby will burden and alter the life they now enjoy.

What will be the outcome of this dilemma? Family influences, stubbornness and pride, will definitely have an impact.

Baby Proof is an insightful look into personal choices and how they deeply affect those you love. However, it felt like the first person viewpoint occasionally droned on and on, with surplus information.

I love Emily Giffin books! They are the type of book that makes you want to keep reading. I bought this book because I love the author and because the price was reasonable. Excellent books! A must for summer readings or if your looking for a good book to read on a lazy day!

She is a great writter. I like the book very much, however, the first one "Something borrow" I just love it, I could not stop reading it.!!

Giffin's characters are always fully developed and keep you wrapped in the story. You will fall in love with "Claudia" and her journey through what she needs and what she "thought" she wanted. A great read!