I Can Barely Take Care of Myself: Tales from a Happy Life Without Kids

In this audiobook, comedian Jen Kirkman bemoans the many people who are shocked that she doesn’t want children, and keep badgering her about it despite her best efforts to defend her life choices. Kirkman reads in a friendly, humorous tone, provides voices for the rude and insistent pro-procreation people she encounters, and perfectly delivers sarcastic one-liners about the benefits of remaining child-free. This audio edition is very entertaining: the anecdotes about intrusive busybodies are funny, and Kirkman offers up observations about other topics, including her overprotective parents, her fear of flying, and tales of former boyfriends. However, after a few hours, listeners may grow tired of the book’s somewhat limited subject matter (the reasons for not having kids), and the audiobook starts to lose a little steam. Still fans of Kirkman—and anyone whose not ready or willing to raise a little bundle of joy—will find this an entertaining listen. A Simon & Schuster hardcover. (Apr.)