Alice Bradley - Blog - Read this: Half-Baked

Thursday

Sep022010

Read this: Half-Baked

September 2, 2010

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.

References (2)

References allow you to track sources for this article, as well as articles that were written in response to this article.

Response: qQqtCuy

by qQqtCuy at qQqtCuy on October 8, 2011

GxWUMiMY
Response: aspeesv

by aspeesv at aspeesv on March 6, 2012

iWVzvAtF

Reader Comments (45)

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.

September 2, 2010 |

Nothing But Bonfires

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.

September 2, 2010 |

Wendy

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.

September 2, 2010 |

Lawyerish

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!

September 2, 2010 |

kim

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!

September 2, 2010 |

Hairy Farmer Family

And it's available for Kindle, YAY!

September 2, 2010 |

Kristin

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

September 2, 2010 |

Jen

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

September 2, 2010 |

HereWeGoAJen

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

September 2, 2010 |

HereWeGoAJen

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

September 2, 2010 |

Jess

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.

September 3, 2010 |

Kristine

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). :)

September 3, 2010 |

Tabitha (From Single to Marrie

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

September 3, 2010 |

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).

September 3, 2010 |

Allison

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.)

September 3, 2010 |

Alexa

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

September 3, 2010 |

Marinka

Lovely book. Really enjoyed it.

September 7, 2010 |

Another Kate

Although to some it may feel oh-so-far-off, spring is on it's way, and here are the louis vuitton to prove it!
New Christian Louboutin spring shoes are hitting the shelves and they are colorful, whimsical and playful,perfect for a spring or summer wedding looking for a little jolt of fun! and now discount for Gucci,Which are your faves?

louis vuitton
lv
louis vuitton wallets
louis vuitton purses
louis vuitton sunglasses
louis vuitton bags
louis vuitton handbags
lv
louis vuitton bags
louis vuitton outlet

louis vuitton
lv
louis vuitton wallets
louis vuitton purses
louis vuitton sunglasses
louis vuitton bags
louis vuitton handbags
lv
louis vuitton bags

louis vuitton
lv
louis vuitton wallets
louis vuitton purses
louis vuitton sunglasses
louis vuitton shoes
louis vuitton bags
louis vuitton handbags
lv
louis vuitton bags

November 8, 2010 |

louis vuitton

ugg boots
cheap ugg boots
discount ugg boots
wholesale ugg boots
ugg classic boots
ugg bailey button
ugg cardy boots
kids ugg boots
ugg slipper
ugg 1886
ugg 5163
ultra short ugg boots
ultra tall ugg boots
ugg 5273
ugg 5359
classic tall ugg boots
classic short ugg boots
paisley short ugg boots
mini ugg boots
ugg 5899
ugg 5803
ugg 5819
argyle knit ugg boots
kids bailey button ugg
ugg 5304
ugg 5616
ugg 5822
Adirondacks II UGG Boots
Highkoo UGG Boots
Tan Payton UGG Boots
Knightsbridge UGG Boots
cheap uggs
uggs outlet
cheap ugg boots
discount uggs
kids ugg boots
ugg boots on sale
ugg store
uggs boots cheap
buy uggs boots
ugg classic short
ugg mini
ugg ultra short
ugg classic tall
ugg ultra tall
ugg ultimate
ugg nightfall
ugg sundance
ugg delaine
ugg broome
ugg elsey
ugg highkoo
ugg classic cardy
ugg stripe cable
ugg classic argyle
ugg bailey button
ugg bailey boots
ugg bailey button triplet
ugg bailey button fancy
ugg kids short
kids bailey button
ugg slippers
ugg outlet
discount ugg boots
ugg short boots
ugg tall boots
ugg cardy boots

December 19, 2010 |

cheap ugg boots

cheap ed hardy
ed hardy clothes
ed hardy clothing
ed hardy shoes
wholesale ed hardy
ed hardy shop
buy ed hardy
ed hardy boots
ed hardy sneakers
ed hardy low rise
ed hardy high rise
ed hardy sandals
ed hardy heels
wholesale ed hardy clothing
ed hardy t shirts
ed hardy hoodies
ed hardy jackets
ed hardy sweaters
ed hardy kids
ed hardy dresses
ed hardy bags
ed hardy sunglasses
ed hardy watches
ed hardy wallets
ed hardy belts
ed hardy jewelry
ed hardy scarves
ed hardy hats
ed hardy jeans
Christian Audigier clothing
affliction clothing
Affliction Shoes
cheap ed hardy shoes
ed hardy swimsuit
ed hardy handbags
ed hardy mouse pads
ed hardy beanie hats
ed hardy pants
ed hardy board shorts

jordan 6 rings
armani shoes
Ato Matsumoto
gucci jacket
michael jackson shoes
tous
supra tk society
lv scarf
coach bracelet
just cavalli jeans
true religion hoodie
chanel belt
cheap dunks
coogi hoodies
d&g boots
ed hardy scarf
affliction hoodies
cheap lv
armani scarf
cheap dunk shoes
cheap nike jacket
cheap lacoste jacket
moncler down jacket
Nike Air Yeezy
Nike Air Rift
Men Long Sleeve
boss men suits
dior suits
D&G Suits
versace suits
polo hoodies
coach women shoes
prada women shoes
Hogan Shoes
cheap Timberland boots
boss jackets
G-Star Jackets
ugg 5815
UGG Ultra Short Boots
UGG Ultra Tall Boots

cheap burberry
burberry scarve
burberry coats
burberry boots
burberry outlet
Burberry Bags
burberry watches
burberry scarve
cheap burberry scarve

discount burberry scarve
burberry silk scarves
burberry wool scarf
Burberry Clothes
baby Burberry Clothes
kids Burberry Clothes
burberry t shirts
burberry t shirts
burberry coats
burberry coats on sale
Burberry Dress Shirts
burberry jeans

burberry bikini
burberry jackets
burberry shoes
burberry shoes for man
burberry sneakers
burberry sandal
burberry pumps
burberry men shoes
burberry boots
burberry boots on sale
Burberry Bag
Burberry Bags on sale
burberry tote bag
Burberry Handbags
burberry tote
cheap Burberry Handbags
sale Burberry Handbags
sale Burberry Handbags
burberry kids
burberry kids shirts
burberry kids coats
burberry kids pants
burberry kids dresses
burberry kids sweaters
burberry kids set
burberry accessories
burberry glasses
burberry watches
burberry sunglasses
burberry wallets
burberry tie
burberry belt

January 19, 2011 |

cheap ed hardy

Your internet site is without a doubt amongst the greatest . Altogether outcome of the webpage is just wonderful .
Pompano Beach FL locksmith
Locksmith Wellington FL
Locksmith San Mateo CA
San Jose locksmith
fort worth locksmiths
aventura locksmith
Locksmith Atlanta GA
Locksmith Washington
Washington Locksmith
Atlanta Locksmiths
Memphis Locksmiths
Atlanta Locksmith
Atlanta Ga Locksmith
Washington DC Locksmith
Locksmith Atlanta
Locksmith Hampton
Corona Locksmith
Hampton Locksmith
Locksmith Corona
Corona Locksmiths
Plumbing Palm Beach
Hallandale Plumbing
Locksmith Alhambra
Locksmith Rancho Cucamonga
Locksmith Chicago
Locksmith Washington
Atlanta Ga Locksmith
Locksmith Wellington
Locksmith Cranford NJ
Locksmith Hollywood FL
Locksmith Dallas
Locksmiths Elizabeth
Locksmiths Fort Worth
Locksmiths Reading
Alhambra Locksmiths
Locksmiths Rialto
Garfield Locksmiths
Locksmith in Corona
Locksmith in Mt Vernon
Locksmith Lodi
Locksmith in Jupiter
Locksmith Bellflower
Locksmith in Newport News
Detroit Locksmith
Locksmith Dallas TX
Indianapolis Locksmith
Houston Locksmiths
Long Beach Locksmiths
Locksmith Woodlawn
Hawthorne Locksmith
Locksmith Cicero
Locksmith Lynn

June 16, 2011 |

iwschb89

[url=http://www.myrsmoney.com/runescape-gold.html]rs gold[/url]
[url=http://www.myrsmoney.com/runescape-money.html]rs money[/url]
[url=http://www.myrsmoney.com/runescape-items.html]rs items[/url]
[url=http://www.myrsmoney.com/runescape-powerleveling.html]rs power leveling[/url]

July 31, 2011 |

rs gold
rs money
rs items
rs power leveling
rs powerleveling

July 31, 2011 |

to visit Christian Louboutin Online, I am sure you will find one that is most appropriate for you. You will be tonight princess. it mates with Christian Louboutin Pumps. The combination is perfect. Come, we await your coming. 
Each pair of these shoes is a real amazing thing of beauty. Christian Louboutin Sandals If you want to buy these shoes.
 you the modern range of Discount Christian Louboutin Boots: excellent design, superior quality and more than reasonable prices. Christian Louboutin silver leather is your eye-catcher, more and more to pay more attention to it. Discount Louboutin Pumps offers the best service and quality.
 Many first-class people wear such shoes to meet their formal evening gowns when present some official parties. The designs of shoes are unique and memorable so that they can make you different, whether you're a star or just a common people.Cheap Louboutin Sandals not only can make you smart.High heels are never out of fashion because it is the fashion brand. Whatever the season, they are still selling hot.Cheap Louboutin Ankle Boots from our shop is the best-seller. 
Fashion is the main theme of the lives of women. They have great interest and fashion trends very carefully on fashionable clothes, shoes, jewelry, etc.. At the mention of shoes, I think a lot of people think the luxury brand shoes, Christian Louboutin High Heels. The most unique Cheap Christian Louboutin Boots plant is painted red. Since the early 1990s until now, this kind of shoes are widely used by many top-class people.

August 4, 2011 |

Christian louboutin pumps

Downtime Due to Maintenance and Small Patch
Two days ago, all Tibia game worlds will be offline from 12:00 until 13:00 CEST approximately due to technical maintenance work at our American service provider. In addition, a client patch will be in.
We sell tibia gold for all 77 servers, fast and safe guaranteed. We will bank transfer tibia money to your bank :) . 8mins - 30min tibia gp,tibia gold delivery,amazing!
寓教于乐的游戏
You can purchase cheap tibia gold,cheap guild wars gold,gw gold,guild wars 2 gold,guild wars 2 money,guild wars 2 platinum,guild wars 2 farming,cheap rs2 gold here.
武汉婚纱摄影
Free runescape gp Trade is back, no password is required, unlike before, instead of having to login your runescape account to transfer runescape gold using our transfer methods, now we can trade any much of runescape gp from our stock account to your target account instantly since the trade limit is removed, after your cheap rs2 gold order is confirmed, please login to our 24/7 online live chat immediately for an instant ingame trade Face To Face, our specialists will tell you when and where to go, normally the whole process takes no more than 10 minutes!
衣服搭配
hqs

August 27, 2011 |

tibiahqs

Post a New Comment

Enter your information below to add a new comment.

My response is on my own website »

Author:

Author Email (optional):

Author URL (optional):

Post:

↓ | ↑

Some HTML allowed: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <blockquote cite=""> <code> <strike>

Let's Panic: The Book!

Order your copy today!

Some Books
I'm In...

Sleep Is
For The Weak

The Best Creative
Non-Fiction, Vol. 2

Kirtsy Takes A Bow:
A Celebration...

Things I Learned
About My Dad

Cringe: Teenage Diaries, Notes...

Let's Panic

Read this: Half-Baked

References (2)

Reader Comments (45)

Post a New Comment

Link an External Response

Let's Panic: The Book!

Order your copy today!

Some Books I'm In...

Sleep IsFor The Weak

The Best CreativeNon-Fiction, Vol. 2

Kirtsy Takes A Bow:A Celebration...

Things I LearnedAbout My Dad

Cringe: Teenage Diaries, Notes...

Let's Panic

Read this: Half-Baked

References (2)

Reader Comments (45)

Post a New Comment

Link an External Response

Some Books
I'm In...

Sleep Is
For The Weak

The Best Creative
Non-Fiction, Vol. 2

Kirtsy Takes A Bow:
A Celebration...

Things I Learned
About My Dad