Advanced
Error loading page.
Try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, there may be a network issue, and you can use our self test page to see what's preventing the page from loading.
Learn more about possible network issues or contact support for more help.
Title details for I Can Barely Take Care of Myself by Jen Kirkman - Available

I Can Barely Take Care of Myself

Tales from a Happy Life Without Kids

by Jen Kirkman
Jen Kirkman
Audiobook
1 of 1 copy available
Borrow Listen to a sample Listen to a sample
1 of 1 copy available
"You'll change your mind."

That's what everyone says to Jen Kirkman—and countless women like her—when she confesses she doesn't plan to have children. But you know what? It's hard enough to be an adult. You have to dress yourself and pay bills and remember to buy birthday gifts. You have to drive and get annual physicals and tip for good service. Some adults take on the added burden of caring for a tiny human being with no language skills or bladder control. Parenthood can be very rewarding, but let's face it, so are margaritas at the adults-only pool.

Jen's stand-up routine includes lots of jokes about not having kids (and some about masturbation and Johnny Depp), after which complete strangers constantly approach her and ask, "But who will take care of you when you're old?" (Servants!) Some insist, "You'd be such a great mom!" (Really? You know me so well!)

Whether living rent-free in her childhood bedroom while trying to break into comedy (the best free birth control around, she says), or taking the stage at major clubs and joining a hit TV show—and along the way getting married, divorced, and attending excruciating afternoon birthday parties for her parent friends—Jen is completely happy and fulfilled by her decision not to procreate.

I Can Barely Take Care of Myself is a beacon of hilarious hope for anyone whose major life decisions have been questioned by friends, family, and strangers in a comedy club bathroom. And it should satisfy everyone who wonders if Jen will ever know true love without looking into the eyes of her child.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    April 22, 2013

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9781452692135
      • File size: 182553 KB
      • Duration: 06:20:19

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      The "Chelsea Lately" comedian and staff writer explains how she confronts the judgment she endures because of her decision to be childless. At once frank, touching, and confrontational, her writing is served well by her edgy reading and audible frustration with how rude others can be about her position on children. The edginess softens, though, when she recounts her personal history. In a barely discernible way, she gently pleads with her listeners to understand some of the challenges of being Jen Kirkman and accept her choice not to take on the responsibility of parenting. Though some of her observations and griping are not as funny as intended, by the end of the program most listeners will be glad they heard her out and glad they know her better. T.W. (c) AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine
    • Publisher's Weekly

      January 21, 2013
      In her first memoir, stand-up comedian Kirkman takes a seriously humorous stance on deciding not to have kids. She includes stories on dating, babysitting, and what happens after performing a comedic set, but they all support the main point of her book—that she doesn’t want any children. All the anecdotes and pot shots at celebrities help shape the picture of the childless comic presented on the page. She posits that there is nothing wrong with having no inclination to procreate—and supports her stance with quotes from the Bible, Oprah, George Clooney, Aretha Franklin, and others. Everyone and everything is employed to prove that living a childless life really isn’t all that bad. In fact, it can be quite fulfilling. 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 having kids, or for those just looking to laugh.

    • Publisher's Weekly

      June 24, 2013
      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.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

Loading