On being childfree

I spotted Jen Kirkman's book at the Popular Book sale in September and wasn't immediately drawn to it. I wasn't in the mood to read about the trials and tribulations of a Hollywood comedienne. But then, I read the book's title: "I can barely take care of myself: Tales from a happy life without kids".

Kirkman has been interrogated about why she chose to be childfree. And from the memoir, it would seem, almost relentlessly. She discussed some of the condescending remarks that she had received,...