How Not to Be a Perfect Mother [Paperback]

Libby Purves (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 5, 2004

A fresh new look brings this parenting classic up-to-date for a new generation of mothers and mothers-to-be. Taking an irreverent and humorous look at the trials and tribulations of motherhood, Radio 4's Libby Purves has created an invaluable survival guide so that even the most unpromising madonna can cope with the baby years. This is a parenting book with a difference- rather than a serious tome laying down the law, Libby Purves' lighthearted book shamelessly describes how to cut the corners and bend the rules that never mattered much anyway. Forget the other parenting books that hide the real truth- this is the true battle manual for mothers on the front line! This timeless guide to coping with motherhood has been revised, bringing it up-to-date for a whole new generation of mothers and mothers-to-be. Based on Libby Purves' own experience of domestic havoc with two babies and on the wit and wisdom of fifty like-minded mothers, this motherhood companion guide is full of down-to-earth tips and hilarious anecdotes. Topics covered include pregnancy, preschoolers, sibling fights, fraught outings, nannies and careers. This is an invaluable guide to being an imperfect mother- and, more importantly, enjoying it.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'This book is a great antidote to the prevailing tendency to make a science of everything, even the most natural things, like raising children. Libby Purves has faith in people. As you read her book, your faith in yourself comes flooding back.' Amazon reader, 2002

About the Author

Libby Purves is a well-known author of books on childcare and family life, as well as eight bestselling novels, which have been translated into many different languages worldwide. With a background in journalism, she joined Radio 4's Today programme in 1974 and went on to present Today from 1977-81. She now presents Midweek and The Learning Curve, both also on Radio 4, as well as being a major columnist for the Times and writing for several other publications. In 1999 she was awarded the OBE for services to journalism and was Columnist of the Year. She is married with two children.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Thorsons (April 5, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0007163843
• ISBN-13: 978-0007163847
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 4.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #921,660 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for counterbalancing "What to Expect when You're Expecting"-obsessiveness, October 28, 2009

By 

Nicoline Smits (Near Baltimore Maryland) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How Not to Be a Perfect Mother (Paperback)

I read this book 18 years ago, just after my oldest child was born and have since given copies to countless friends and acquaintances who were expecting or who had just become parents. Its tone is so refreshingly an irreverently down-to-earth that I think of it as a must-have to counterbalance the obsessiveness you see in other books about pregnancy and birth. Of course there are certain precautions to take and items to get, but there is no need to obsess over your pre-pregnancy diet, or morning sickness, or what color you should paint the nursery, or whether or not you should use cloth diapers. Relax! Enjoy! And learn some "low mother cunning," as Libby Purves calls it. You may also want to spring for "How not to raise a perfect child" and "How not to be a perfect family," which are the sequels to "How not to be a perfect mother." As you see, Libby Purves doesn't believe in perfection, except in her writing.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Funny and real, March 24, 2007

By 

Anya M. Waite "working mum" (Fremantle, WA, Australia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How Not to Be a Perfect Mother (Paperback)

This book was a great read - funny and real. Highly recommend it for anyone who is watching the illusions of perfect parenting evaporate as life gets more and more challenging.