No Kidding: Women Writers on Bypassing Parenthood, edited by Henriette Mantel

A lot of ink is spilled discussing the myriad of experiences of parenthood - but what of non-parenthood? Those who remain childless? Mantel has brought together a huge number of female writers without children to discuss (and often comically riff on) their childless state. You'll recognize many famous names, but lesser-known authors also have valuable contributions.

I thought the book was a bit too long (250 pages), as I found about two-thirds of the way through that I had stopped hearing anything new - that writers were just repeating what another had said previously.

But I found a lot to relate with, also. Some are childless 100% by choice, others simply didn't have kids by chance, bad timing or lack of opportunity. A few have regrets, but there's really a commendably wide variety of experiences and emotions expressed here.

The Boy in the Dress by David Walliams

Twelve-year-old soccer star Dennis is a little lonely - his mom left a couple years ago, his dad isn't dealing with it well. So when he strikes up a friendship with Lisa, a glamorous fashionista a couple years older, it's the best thing to happen in a long time.

When Lisa suggests she try on come of her clothes, Dennis is a bit torn: he want to try on the beautiful dress and he's curious how it looks and feels - but he's a boy! Lisa prevails, and Dennis is elated. Then, she has an idea: Hey - how about you go to school this way! I'll say you're a foreign-exchange student so you don't have to talk! I'll bet no one notices you aren't a girl!

The kids don't consider the implications of their scheme, and it goes as bad as one would expect. But there's more to the story, and it's not as down-pat as you might anticipate.

One of the most interesting things about this book is that Dennis is young enough he isn't really considering his sexuality - for him, this is more about the clothes. He's maybe got a bit of a crush on Lisa, but that's not really the focus, either, and nobody in the book asks him if he fancies boys or if he wishes he was a girl - it's totally about what you're wearing.

The story moves fast, and the lively illustrations (by the incomparable Quentin Blake) add to the story without turning it into a picture book. This book would be an awesome conversation starter with a younger age-group, and fun to read, too.

Meanwhile by Jason Shiga

Remember the old "choose your own adventure" books? This is a whole new spin on that idea. The book is a graphic novel, but organized with a set of tubes to lead you from one frame into the next. Pages may read right to left, bottom to top, over around and up, skip frames, and shoot off onto new pages - all depending on your choices.

You can't put this book down. I swear. It takes a minute or two to adjust to the setup, but once you've got it ... well, you'll be hooked.

I *suppose* this book is written for kids :) but I haven't shown it to a kid yet. The adult librarians in the building are totally hooked, though! I believe anyone able to read independently will enjoy this book. So, age 7 to anywhere?

The cover says 3,856 story possibilities: block out a good slice of time, and enjoy.

You Are a Miserable Excuse for a Hero by Bob Powers

Remember those "choose-your-own-adventure" books from the early 1980's? This is an adult version, intended for thirty-somethings with a dark sense of humor and a broad swath of nostalgia.

At the story's start, you're an unsuccessful actor woken up by the telephone. A voice tells you the girl you went on a first date with last night has been kidnapped, and since you're the only person she knows in town ... it's up to you to save her.

At every turn you are given the chance to do the right thing or to be a loser. It's your choice: Do you roll over and go back to bed? Or do you get up and try to help? Do you ask your parents for money, or visit an old college friend with money? Or do you get sidetracked by your ex, and end up in bed with her?

It's a cheesy, kinda lame book. Exactly like the ones from childhood. I'd forgotten just how unsatisfying the storyline always was with these books once you'd make your choice. There's never a plan C option - damn it! I want another option!

It's a fun book, and perfect for pick-up-and-put-down reading. The storylines are dark and hilarious. Just the kind of grown-up nostalgia trip you need sometimes.