About the Author

Jen Kirkman is a world-touring stand-up comedian and the author of the New York Times bestseller I Can Barely Take Care of Myself: Tales of a Happy Life Without Kids and I Know What I'm Doing-And Other Lies I Tell Myself: Dispatches from a Life Under Construction. Her Netflix original comedy special I'm Gonna Die Alone and I Feel Fine streams worldwide, and she has released two comedy albums, Self Help and Hail to the Freaks (which hit #13 on the Billboard charts). She was a longtime writer and panelist on the E! Network's Chelsea Lately and the narrator of many episodes in the award-winning TV show Drunk History on Comedy Central.

Reviews

In this audiobook, comedian Jen Kirkman bemoans the many people who are shocked that she doesn't want children, and keep badgering her about it despite her best efforts to defend her life choices. Kirkman reads in a friendly, humorous tone, provides voices for the rude and insistent pro-procreation people she encounters, and perfectly delivers sarcastic one-liners about the benefits of remaining child-free. This audio edition is very entertaining: the anecdotes about intrusive busybodies are funny, and Kirkman offers up observations about other topics, including her overprotective parents, her fear of flying, and tales of former boyfriends. However, after a few hours, listeners may grow tired of the book's somewhat limited subject matter (the reasons for not having kids), and the audiobook starts to lose a little steam. Still fans of Kirkman-and anyone whose not ready or willing to raise a little bundle of joy-will find this an entertaining listen. A Simon & Schuster hardcover. (Apr.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

"Jen Kirkman has written an excellent-and very funny-guide to promote not having children. Thanks girl, for saving me the time." -- Chelsea Handler
"If you've ever been told you'd 'change your mind' about anything in life-when you knew that you wouldn't-this book is for you. Jen has a unique, fresh and funny way of reminding people that sometimes, you really do know what's best for you. I'm glad she didn't change her mind about writing this smart, brave, and heartfelt book." -- Sarah Colonna * comedian and New York Times bestselling author of Life As I Blow It *
"Boldly funny without being anti-mom." * InTouch magazine *
"Very funny. . . . the core of the book is about not wanting to have children, and the ways in which society gets up in your face about it . . . I laughed out loud several times." * TheHairpin.com *
"Full of humor, wisdom, and laugh out loud moments." * The Kentucky Democrat *
"A standup comedian's hilarious explanation for why, gee, thanks for asking, but she isn't going to change her mind about not having children." * Tampa Bay Times *
"Kirkman puts her comedic talent to use by snarking to her readers about the ridiculousness of baby culture, overly-enthusiastic parents, and total strangers who feel it necessary to publicly pry. And since it's a good bet that those readers feel the same way, this book may very well strike a funnybone." * Savannah Morning News *
"A seriously humorous stance on deciding not to have kids. . . . With the novelist's penchant for self-flagellation and exploitation, and jokes punctuating at least every page, this book is ideal for the woman who needs a quick comeback for those who criticize her about not wanting kids, or for those just looking to laugh." * Publisher's Weekly *
"Between these charming, cringe-worthy, and badass tales, Kirkman successfully convinces us she isn't meant for motherhood. It's safe to say she's much better suited to birthing books." * ThirdBeatMagazine.com *
"This book takes you through the journey of Jen Kirkman's misunderstood child-free life. I'm now convinced of two things: Jen is freaking hilarious and she should definitely not have a baby-she should have a Valium." -- Whitney Cummings * creator of Two Broke Girls and Whitney *
"Jen Kirkman's wickedly original yet totally universal debut about the expectations of others kicks so much ass you'll agree with her even when you don't. Not for the stupidly over-sensitive. For lovers of great!" -- Greg Behrendt * #1 New York Times bestselling author of He's Just Not That Into You *