Review of 'What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
I was provided with a free copy of this book through the Goodreads First Reads program.
I admit that when I first saw this book, I was initially turned off by the title. "What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding" sounds insulting, as if "I'm having fun being single while you're having kids!" and sticking your tongue out while you say it. However, the book is not like that at all.
Kristin Newman has a painful breakup with her boyfriend of six years and takes to traveling, both by herself and with her female friends. She does seem to have commitment issues - "Second, that you can have both love AND freedom when you fall in love with an exotic local in an exotic locale, since there is a return ticket next to the bed that you by law will eventually have to use."
There are some serious moments …
I was provided with a free copy of this book through the Goodreads First Reads program.
I admit that when I first saw this book, I was initially turned off by the title. "What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding" sounds insulting, as if "I'm having fun being single while you're having kids!" and sticking your tongue out while you say it. However, the book is not like that at all.
Kristin Newman has a painful breakup with her boyfriend of six years and takes to traveling, both by herself and with her female friends. She does seem to have commitment issues - "Second, that you can have both love AND freedom when you fall in love with an exotic local in an exotic locale, since there is a return ticket next to the bed that you by law will eventually have to use."
There are some serious moments such as her description of her parents' failed marriage, or the flight to Russia with her Russian-born best friend Sasha. However, the seriousness is leavened with humor so things never get depressing or sad. The serious moments are moving and the funny moments are often hilarious. No matter what happens, Kristin manages to enjoy herself and the fun is contagious.
Yes, she has a lot of boyfriends, parties, and does some pretty wild things. However, I can't help but think that if a guy had written this, no one would have had a second thought about any of it.
On a humorous note, I had this book on my desk when an acquaintance walked by, glanced at the cover, and scowled. I handed her the book. She read the back, leafed through a few pages, and then started to laugh. "When you get finished, can I read it?" Why do I have a feeling that I won't get this book back?