Kid Gloves: Nine Months of Careful Chaos

A great balance of humor and raw honesty in colorful drawings and her story.

I got this book, yesterday, when it came out. I sat down to read it, during work, and found it hard to put down, even though I knew it would all come out right in the end.What is the point of a story where we know the ending? Because the journey is the reward, not the destination.Do you read stories to find out the ending? If so, then you will be disappointed with this book, because this comes out two years after the birth of Pal, so not only do we know he was born, we also know that Lucy succeeded in getting pregnant.With this book, Lucy has given us the background, how she wanted to be a mother, and how society treats both those who want to be mothers, as well as those that are mothers. Society has done so much less research on the woman's body that many things that we think that the medical field should know, they don't.But this does not tell you why this is such a fantastic book. This is so well done, because this is Lucy's journey to motherhood, with all the humor, and real life slice of life that she has exhibited in all her other work, and does to this day.This is the story of how Lucy <em>does</em> become pregnant, and all the observations about how life is in that state.It is a story that so many mothers, who gave birth, know so well.And yet each story is different.If you enjoyed her books about growing up, this is about growing up. If you have enjoyed Lucy's books about food, food is mentioned. If you enjoyed her book about her marriage, this continues that story.And if you enjoy her current stories about life with Pal, then you will love finding out how he came to be.

I have never experienced pregnancy. But I bought this book because I'm a fan of Lucy Knisley. While I have never experienced motherhood, I'm the eldest of four and watched my mother go through it.Spoilers:Lucy talks about her experience of pre eclampsia. How much she had to put up with despite telling her doctor that she thought she had it before she gave birth. That part of the book really broke down what my mother went through.My own mother laughs it off and tells us that it was nothing, despite the fact that there was a probability she could have died. While my mother wasn't knowledgeable enough to diagnose herself or ask for a diagnosis, her pain was still ignored by her doctors, telling her that what she was experiencing was "normal". It wasn't.She was ignored until, at 7 months pregnant, she woke up in pool of blood. She was rushed to the hospital. The doctors weren't sure if it was coming from her or my little brother. Before she went through an emergency c-section, she was asked to sign papers on who would receive custody of my little brother should she pass. She refused to sign them. Fortunately, my mother and my brother are still alive today, almost 18 years later.Without Lucy's book, I don't think I would ever really understand what my mother went through. I feel closer to her now because I'm able to understand such a terrifying experience. Because to this day my mother doesn't want to worry us and laughs it all off.It really is a beautiful read. Thank you, Lucy, for letting us in on this chapter of your life. I'm sure a lot of us could either relate or just understand what our parents might've gone through.

I’m not a graphic novel person. However, a friend—an artist and health teacher—recommended this book to me and I decided to give it a shot. I have since bought copies for every friend who has asked for advice when trying to conceive. There are SO many things about pregnancy I never knew before actually getting pregnant, and this book introduces them in a way that is both educational and engaging. Truly, I loved it, and have read it multiple times!

I've read through it multiple times since I bought it and have purchased it as a gift for every new mom I know. The content exposes deep personal realities of conception and pregnancy going so far as to tell why she had miscarried, the surgery for that, and all details of the pregnancy. She then details the dreaded c-section. She gives her husband's inpu as well which you dont see alot of. The art quality is 10/10

This book arrived at 10:30am and I devoured it by 12:00pm. And wow. I haven’t been so moved by a graphic novel since Craig Thompson’s Habibi.This is not just your average pregnancy memoir. It is a powerful commentary on contraception, modern sexual education, miscarriages, women’s health, and the societal stigmas surrounding reproductive health. This makes it an important read regardless of gender and desire to be a parent.However! I would not read this if I was pregnant. Because her story in a particular shows the bleaker, darker sides of the pregnancy process. That decision has powerful purpose but is certainly not comforting.I appreciate her vulnerability and wisdom. This is a masterfully woven slice of life treasure that I will be visiting and referencing for the rest of my life.

I have been a fan of Lucy's for years, but find that each book she releases is unfailing LUCY & I devour it immediately. This book was honest & lighthearted, gritty & sad, and overall just wonderful. Lucy Knisley doesn't stray away from difficult topics or emotions. Instead, she delivers her honest account of what it means to be pregnant and for the long and rocky journey many people have in doing so. I loved all the gross and strange details, the weird history of women's bodies and pregnancy myths, and the love that was woven throughout. Absolutely would recommend to anyone who likes books, comics, memoirs, real conversations about experiences, moms/dads/caregivers and the many of us that fall in between.

Adore this book. Sent it to a friend!

I loved every chapter in the book! It is an amazing cartoon with an aspect of education for younger people (especially for women) how the life with a uterus is brutal and amazing.

I originally bought this for myself, but my mom was interested in it so she got my copy. Then I bought another for myself, and it was a great read. Informative, captivating and well written. I could not recommend it more! I even bought another copy for my cousin!

This book is brilliant!

Beautiful and touching book, great for pregnant women to know you’re not alone*disclosure does talk about miscarriage