Read this: Half-Baked

I love Alexa, and I’ve been a fan of her blog, Flotsam, since I found it. Back then, five long years ago, she was not yet married, not yet undergoing IVF, not yet mourning the loss of her son Ames, not yet dealing with the premature birth of her daughter Simone.

A lot’s happened to Alexa in the past five years.

Having followed her life in real time, I was looking forward to reading her book, but honestly, I kind of thought I’d be reading a lot of stuff I already knew about. Alexa is a singularly charming writer, and I knew I’d enjoy it, mind you. But part of me hesitated, because it was about pregnancy and babies and I’m done with all that. Then the more intelligent part of me purchased the book, because after all, this was Alexa. Duh.

I expected a diverting read, but I was blown away. Half-Baked is really, really good. I knew how it ended, I knew all the high points and low points along the way, and I was still mesmerized. I started reading on Sunday and I was finished by Tuesday. I read it every chance I could get. I lost sleep so I could read more. Sleep is my favorite thing to do, and I gave it up, for Alexa.

In a lot of ways, Half-Baked is a much more intimate look at what Alexa and her husband Scott went through than her blog was. Which makes sense: I can imagine that writing in the moment, especially when your child is in such a precarious state, you might not give voice to your darkest fears; you’re conscious of your audience and their expectations; you have to soldier on, and you’re distracted and exhausted and overwhelmed. It’s only afterward that you can look back and fully describe what you went through. And I’m so glad she did.

In short, this book is in no way a retread of her blog: it’s funny, it’s sad, and it’s gripping. I was so annoyed to find this in the “Pregnancy and Childcare” section of Barnes and Noble that I refused to buy it there. This is a memoir, and a first-rate one at that.

Comments

[Nothing But Bonfires]

I agree wholeheartedly with everything you just said. I read it standing on line for things, THAT is how impossible it was for me to put down. And then I made my mother read it and several hours later I said "Mum, we're going to Target, want to come?" and my mother TURNED DOWN A TRIP TO TARGET TO CONTINUE READING ALEXA'S BOOK. I think that says more than I ever could.

[Wendy]

I'm halfway through with it right now and couldn't agree more. This is a fantastic book. I've never heard of Alexa before I started seeing mentions of this book pop up on Twitter and I am so glad I picked it up.

[Lawyerish]

I was going to write basically this exact entry -- including my deep chagrin at Barnes & Noble for putting it in the Pregnancy section, the hell? -- and I'm only on Chapter THREE.

It is that good. She is a truly amazing writer.

[kim]

Yes yes yes! I just finished the book last night after reading during every breastpumping break, lunch, and ride home from work for the past week. You've given a perfect description, and I hope more people will pick it up.

By the way, I've been reading your blog for years too, and this is my de-lurking comment! Love your writing!

[Hairy Farmer Family]

European deliveries have just been put back ANOTHER fortnight. Delivery delay from publishers, apparently. Sigh. It's you lot over there! You're buying up all the copies!

[Kristin]

And it's available for Kindle, YAY!

[Jen]

I completely agree with you. It is a beautiful book, and so very well-written. I really hope that it reaches a wider audience.

[HereWeGoAJen]

Alexa is totally awesome. Do you think we have her get started on her next book?

[HereWeGoAJen]

(Please insert the word "should" in my above comment in the correct location.)

[Jess]

I just bought this on Kindle to read, based on your post. Can't wait to start it!

[Kristine]

You're kiddng me, the Pregnancy and Childcare section? Maybe that's why I couldn't find it at my local bookstore. Amazon it is.

[Tabitha (From Single to Married)]

I haven't heard of her before so I'll definitely check it out (especially since I am in the middle of all that what with raising our seven month old). :)

[MJ]

Ditto everything you said about her book. I am long past childrearing and I loved reading it.

[Allison]

Funny you should post this today. Amazon just told me that my copy is *finally* shipping today, though I still have to wait until 9/7 to get it in my meathooks.

It took me a long time to decide to buy; now I'm glad I finally did. Maybe it will be as good as Catherine Newman's book (which, yes, I know is totally different, but she is my standard for online-folk-who-turn-their-work-into-a-great-book).

[Alexa]

Alice Bradley, I am going to WALK ALL THE WAY TO BROOKLYN and kiss you on your pretty mouth. Yes I am.

(And I KNOW, about the pregnancy/childcare section. Look, if there is someone who should maybe definitely probably NOT read my book, it is a pregnant someone. But...I'm a Lady! And the book is even about Lady topics, like baby-having, and probably it's better to keep Lady-related publications in their own area, so that they're easier for women to find when they're wild and disoriented from their monthlies.)

[Marinka]

Alright, I'll read it. Will it be on the test?

[Another Kate]

Lovely book. Really enjoyed it.