Book review: Winging It!

By Alex Jones

Synopsis: Joining the parenting club in our thirties and beyond means that we are spinning an extraordinary amount of plates, often including a career at its peak. Most of us co-parent or fly solo in the true sense of the word, relying solely on our partners and/or friends when more often than not, extended family are too far away to help on a regular basis. Our parents could look to their parents for the usual guidance and extra support, but our situation is new, modern and unique. We are winging it!

This book isn't a guide or a parenting manual - it's more of a support group for parents who are having their children in their thirties and forties to get together, to celebrate, share experiences, laugh and find joy in what is still the biggest life changing experience any of us will ever go through. It's the book I looked for when I was pregnant, that spoke to me as a working parent and that I couldn't find so I've had a go at writing one myself.

How did this book end up in my hands? I found this title while I was browsing the BorrowBox app in search of books on pregnancy and motherhood and listened to the audiobook version.

Was it a page-turner? There was a lot to take in and I found myself going back to listen again to a few chapters once I’d finished the whole book. It’s not a page-turner as a novel might be but it was extremely interesting.

Having read the synopsis, did the book meet my expectations? I’d say the book was better than any expectations I had before I started it. Because it’s quite autobiographical, I wondered if I would find it useful. I definitely did.

Did I like the ending? [no spoilers] The last chapter is extremely funny but there is no ending per se. I hear that motherhood is a forever kind of job!

Three words to describe it. Useful. Honest. Funny.

Do I like the cover? Yes, it’s very personable.

Will I be recommending this book? Yes, and I have already! I’ve learnt a lot about pregnancy and the first steps into motherhood from this book, like my four pages of notes would attest to, so I think it’s an excellent read for first time parents! And if you already have a child, you will definitely have a laugh or two reminiscing along with the author.