Cheerfully Childless: The Humor Book for Those Who Hesitate to Procreate [Paperback]

Loretta Gomez (Author), Ellen Metter (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2001

This cartoon-filled humor book brings cheer to those who are leaning against parenthood but don't get much support from a society that teaches the four R's: Reading, 'Riting, 'Rithmetic, and Reproduction! Serious books on the subject of choosing to be childless abound, but nothing light-hearted -- until now. Emotions run high on this topic, and that's precisely the sort of issue where humor thrives. Erma Bombeck looked at family life, Scott Adams took on work life, and Ellen Metter and illustrator Loretta Gomez tackle the question with a life-altering answer: Is it my fate to procreate?

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Is It Your Fate Not to Procreate? There's quite a range of reasons attached to the decision to remain childless. Some women are afraid of the excruciating pain of childbearing. Some are afraid of the excruciating pain of child *rearing.*

Are you still unsure? You just don't know if bellows of 'Mom!' or 'Dad!' will ever be used to get your attention? It's not an easy call. Let Cheerfully Childless help. Inside you'll find some of the reasons "Parenting May Not Be For You If..."

You consider a Happy Meal to be any meal that includes a dry martini.

You think 'PTA' stands for Pizza Take-Out Association.

Refrigerator art leaves you cold.

The thought of a loaded diaper makes you want to get loaded.

Cheerfully Childless is a light-hearted look at the (hopefully) considered decision to become a parent -- or not. There are plenty of serious books on the issues. Now it's time to have a giggle about it.

About the Author

Ellen Metter has dabbled in many professions including stand-up comedy, mystery shopping, tape editing, dishwashing, and a fiveyear stint as a radio announcer. Her latest, most permanent, endeavor is working as a research librarian in Denver, Colorado. She writes freelance articles and has had two non-fiction books published by Writer's Digest Books, the latest being Facts in a Flash: A Research Guide for Writers. Metter is cheerfully childless and will likely remain that way. Though if cats count as kids she is mother to two and stepmother to one.

About the Illustrator:
Loretta Gomez is a graduate of New York's School of Visual Arts where she earned her BFA with honors. After graduation she was selected for a student apprenticeship at Disney World, followed by 18 years as an art director and graphic designer in New York and New Jersey. Her wonderful cartoon style brought her recognition as the winner of the Absolut Vodka Cartoon Contest. The winning illustration appeared in The New Yorker magazine. Gomez now lives with her partner in Atlanta where they own a successful design firm and happily exist in a non-child-centric universe.

Product Details

• Paperback: 76 pages
• Publisher: Browser Pr (November 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0971162700
• ISBN-13: 978-0971162709
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,151,278 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A lighthearted and insightful read..., July 13, 2003

By 

pele5474 - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cheerfully Childless: The Humor Book for Those Who Hesitate to Procreate (Paperback)

Hubby and I have chosen not to have children and you'd think we'd pledged an alliance with Satan or something! Both of our families have had no problem chastizing us for our very personal decision. Many arguments have ensued over the years for us being the butt of jokes or snide comments on our "selfishness" for not wanting kids. (Hmm, somehow I think actually weighing something as life changing as having children over just jumping into reproduction because it's expected of us makes me think we're NOT being selfish) Cheerfully Childless makes you realize you're not alone and that there are plenty of people out there like us who love children but just don't want our own. There are many funny cartoons and some AWESOME one liners that I've since used and instantly shut up nosey and insensitive people with their remarks. If you have chosen to stay a family of two and want a good reassurance that you're not as self centered as everyone with children says you are, this is the book for you! ;-)

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars truth in humor makes one think, August 27, 2003

By 

Grace "bluesmusicfan" (Saint Louis, MO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cheerfully Childless: The Humor Book for Those Who Hesitate to Procreate (Paperback)

This is a humor book, after all, so it may not be the earth-shattering book that helps you make that crucial decision. That said, I found kernels of truth in the humor that rang true with my feelings on the subject. And there are some parts of the small book that are serious. For instance, on the topic of not having grandchildren someday, I appreciated the following: "Listen - if you even hint that you'd like to babysit a small child - someone young enough to be your grandchild - the parents will have them ensconced in your back bedroom quicker than a fully loaded diaper falls off a toddler. Children are out there by the hundred waiting to bond with someone who will buy them gifts. In later years they'll think fondly of you and visit you almost as often as their real relatives. Maybe more." Right now, I thoroughly enjoy my nieces and nephews and my friends' children. And I enjoy giving them back. This made me realize that the same will be true when I am older. There will always be an abundance of children in the world that need love and attention and encouragement. Notes on the author in back include that she has dabbled in stand-up comedy. This book reads as a stand-up routine, which I enjoyed.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Sorta funny, somewhat insightful, but not worth it, October 16, 2005

By 

Sam "Crocheting Commuter" (Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cheerfully Childless: The Humor Book for Those Who Hesitate to Procreate (Paperback)

I won't go into all the reasons why I bought this book (I think the title says it all). The sample pages were cute and funny and I thought this would be a light-hearted read. What I got was a light - very light - read.

The font size is HUGE! Had the font been in a normal sized book font, it would be about 25 pages instead of 76 pages. The cartoons and jokes were not very thought-provoking; some were just really bad puns. Though I am sure the illustrator is as accomplished as her bio suggests, I can't say that I enjoyed them in this book. The final poem the author writes at the end - no wonder she doesn't need children since it sounded like a fourth grader wrote it.

I know, I'm being harsh but I'm honest. Is it an awful book? No, it does have some funny parts to it. Was it worth the price? Absolutely NOT. Considering I read this in under an hour and there are not many memorable passages I'd want to read later, I would have been better off buying a latte and enjoying this read in the bookstore. If you want to buy this book as a gift for another non-parent, then I can see justifying the price. Besides that, check out "Baby Not On Board" - a much more intelligent read.