The baby business is booming. Billions of dollars are spent each year on strollers, cribs, and clothing, not to mention assisted reproduction and ...
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Jun 01, 2009
Petra X
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This story of a baby shortage set in the near future had some interesting characterisations. The main character of the story was portrayed as an enigmatic man of style, cool to the nth degree, had been so disturbed by his disfunctional childhood that he kidnapped babies and sold them to the most deserving of the highest bidders and felt he did good in the world. In truth, of course, he was a most despicable felon and killer. The other main character was far too heavy-handed too often to be real
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Aug 18, 2011
Gayla
rated it: 
Wow! I just stumbled on to this book by accident.
I read this book from start to finnish in one sitting. The story line drew me in and held on to me. Having infertility issues myself and running the through all of the emotions that go along with so desparitly wanting to have a baby I can totaly relate to this story line. Wanting something so badly that you can't think of anything else and the despiration and guilt you feel when your body won't do what you are born to do - pro-create.
Totaly pl More...
I read this book from start to finnish in one sitting. The story line drew me in and held on to me. Having infertility issues myself and running the through all of the emotions that go along with so desparitly wanting to have a baby I can totaly relate to this story line. Wanting something so badly that you can't think of anything else and the despiration and guilt you feel when your body won't do what you are born to do - pro-create.
Totaly pl More...
Feb 05, 2009
Kit Reed, author of Thinner Than Thou and other novels, has written an SF satire and psychological thriller that provokes larger questions about money, status, happiness, parenting, and even technology (newborns receive microchips in their heads). Instead of idealizing the parent-child relationship, Reed shows a refreshing array of emotions that asks what it really means to raise and care for another human being. The Robin Hood-esque character of Tom Starbird captivated all critics; when he dis
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Aug 09, 2011
Rachel
rated it:
I found the beginning of this novel hard to read - the mom-to-be is confronted with many uncomfortable situations outside of her control, which was difficult for all involved because she's a control freak. It was prickly reading.
However, the author does delightful things in a mechanical sense. Characters are set up that you root for as well as characters that you can't stand, and then their wants/needs are juxtaposed so that no happy ending seems possible. The villain is wonderfull More...
However, the author does delightful things in a mechanical sense. Characters are set up that you root for as well as characters that you can't stand, and then their wants/needs are juxtaposed so that no happy ending seems possible. The villain is wonderfull More...
Jan 17, 2012
Rachel
rated it: 
I thoroughly enjoyed The Baby Merchant. Whilst both Tom Starbird and Sasha Egan were either unwillingly or unknowingly involved in Jake Zorn's search for a baby, they had starkly contrasting opinions and lives, which made reading from each of their perspectives fascinating. My favourite character was Sasha, because despite being indecisive and inexperienced she remained determined to make sure her child would have the best care... whether that meant him being with her or with another family. I r
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May 15, 2009
Natalie
rated it: 
The idea of a near-future black market in babies who haven't yet been microchipped by the authorities was intriguing -- but the societal questions were quickly set aside in favor of weak thrillerish plot and a heavy-handed moral at the end. Disappointing.
Sep 23, 2009
Shelley
rated it:
This wasn't as good of a book as I thought it was going to be. The synopsis on the back really draws you in, but the book is written weirdly and seems to drag on. It was one of those books I had to force myself to finish, just because I can't just stop reading a book. The topic was interesting, but not a great book.
May 14, 2011
Renee
rated it:
Good book, she is a very interesting writer. I liked Thinner Than Thou a bit better, even though it was a bit more far fetched.
May 15, 2009
Breezy
rated it:
Creepy and interesting, although the main character rang false around the middle of the novel.
Nov 15, 2007
Agathafrye
rated it:
So, this was good! I like the premise behind this book: it's the future, the US has outlawed adoptions from other countries, babies are now a hot commodity. The main character relieves overburdened mothers of their unwanted babies (read: steals), and then rehomes them in rich homes who want a baby desperately and don't care how they get them. It was an interesting story. I found the ending slightly unsatisfactory, but I have a tendency to do that. Anyhow, good. Not great, but highly satisf
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Jul 19, 2007
Oyceter
rated it:
reed starts with an intriguing premise, but i was ultimately unsatisfied by the conclusion. i particularly disliked how the conclusion still skews toward motherhood, despite the originally satirical tone, and i felt reed hadn't thoroughly examined the messages in her story.
Apr 03, 2007
Jamie
rated it:
weird, this guy is stealing babies and selling them to parents who can't conceive....
it was ok. i didn't finish it. i think it was due at the library before i left for vaca or something. but i'm not heartbroken that i didn't finish it, so that says something.
it was ok. i didn't finish it. i think it was due at the library before i left for vaca or something. but i'm not heartbroken that i didn't finish it, so that says something.
Jan 29, 2010
Angela
rated it:
This isn't a bad book, but I had a hard time identifying with any of the characters. Of course, I don't have any kids of my own, or any desire for any, so that's quite possibly a factor of how I work, rather than a lack in the writing.
Nov 05, 2007
Not too bad--Wouldn't recommend to a pregnant woman. Then Rebecca told me she read it when she was pregnant. I guess the Omen is scarier:)
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