OTHERHOOD by Melanie Notkin - Excerpt
Melanie Notkin is Founder of Savvy Auntie, Author and Lifestyle Expert
I'm thrilled to share the Introduction to my second book, OTHERHOOD: Modern Women Finding a New Kind of Happiness. Click on the cover image below to read it.
About Otherhood
The
rising percentage of childless women is one of the most overlooked and
underappreciated social issues of our time. Never before have more women
lived longer before having their first child or remained childless
toward the end of their fertility. Nearly half of North American women
of childbearing age are childless—a dramatic rise from 35 percent in
1976—yet childless women are still perceived as the exception, not the
norm.
In Otherhood, Melanie Notkin explores this modern
phenomenon to understand the reasons for this shift, the social and
emotional impact of childlessness, and how the “new normal” will impact
social structures in the decades to come. By turns anecdotal
storytelling, inspiration, reportage, and manifesto, Otherhood gets at
the heart of our social consciousness around childlessness to trigger
thought-provoking conversation. Notkin’s intimate take on the trend
affecting so many modern women is a groundbreaking exploration of this
essential social issue.
Reviews
"Life
doesn’t always unfold the way we expect. In this thought-provoking,
honest, and often hilarious exploration of “otherhood,” Melanie Notkin
describes the pleasures and pain of coming to grips with the life she
actually has—a childfull life, without children of her own. An essential
read for anyone interested in what it’s like to be a woman today."
—Gretchen Rubin, bestselling author of Happier at Home and The Happiness Project
“In
Otherhood, Melanie Notkin gives a fresh voice to a largely unseen,
misunderstood part of the population: the unmarried, childless female.
After you read this book, you’ll discover she isn’t who you thought she
was.”
—Stacy London, Style Expert
“In a poignant
reported memoir, Otherhood gives voice to a growing, but often hidden
segment of society: women who are still waiting for love, marriage and
children. With honest humor, Notkin gives the beautiful, bright,
talented, single women something no one else does: hope.”
—Amy Klein, New York Times Motherlode “Fertility Diary” columnist
“Families
aren’t what they used to be, but here Melanie Notkin shows that they’ve
recombined, not fallen apart. Otherhood is powerful, not only because
it charts an important role for modern women in an age of singles and
solos, but also because it’s sharp, witty, and insightful. A terrific
read.”
—Eric Klinenberg, author of Going Solo: The Extraordinary Rise and Surprising Appeal of Living Alone
“Melanie
Notkin has tapped into the deep need we all have for a new language of
love. Otherhood is the perfect book for these times—honest, romping,
vulnerable, uplifting. Read it now, because everyone will be talking
about it soon.”
—Bruce Feiler, New York Times columnist and bestselling author of The Secrets of Happy Families
“Heartbreaking,
insightful and ultimately affirming, Otherhood is Notkin’s anguished
but undefeated post-feminist battle cry on behalf of childless women of a
certain age who refuse to settle for a lesser love.”
—Jonathan Tropper, bestselling author of This Is Where I Leave You
“In
Otherhood, Melanie Notkin brilliantly reveals feminism’s dirty little
secret: the most fabulous women today are not finding love, marriage, or
the baby carriage. They are creating—in a way The Feminine Mystique did
not predict—a new, equally extraordinary kind of happiness.”
—Karen Lehrman Bloch, author of The Lipstick Proviso: Women, Sex & Power in the Real World
“In
Otherhood, Melanie Notkin, takes the reader on an intimate and
insightful journey of what it’s like to be single, never married and
childless when apparently no one thinks you should be. She courageously
invites us into her intimate world, experiences, and feelings, in a way
most close friends wouldn’t even do. And in doing so, she beautifully
highlights the importance of being authentic and true to yourself, even
if your dreams and wishes don’t come on cue.”
—Dr. Robi Ludwig, psychotherapist and TV commentator
“Melanie
Notkin’s Otherhood is empowering and enlightening for a generation of
modern women who don’t want to settle in order to settle down. This book
will resonate not only with single women but also with those who love
them.”
—Andrea Syrtash, author of He’s Just Not Your Type (And That’s a Good Thing) and Cheat On Your Husband (With Your Husband)
"Otherhood
is a timely book offering up valuable guidance on how to feel
appreciated and supported while being self-reliant. Melanie Notkin’s
genuine love for her reader shines through each page. Notkin is a
powerful leader for all women as they enter into 'otherhood.'"
—Gabrielle Bernstein, New York Times bestselling author of May Cause Miracles
"Any
woman who has ever felt bad about not being 'on track' will find hope
and inspiration in Notkin’s readable, compelling book. The experience is
like chatting with an old college friend who hands you a mug of tea and
kindly reminds you to stop bitching already and get busy creating and
celebrating an authentic awesome life."
—Sarah Elizabeth Richards, author of Motherhood, Rescheduled: The New Frontier of Egg Freezing and the Women Who Tried It