I'd Rather Get A Cat And Save The Planet: Conversations with Child-free Women

by Nina Jervis

“I’ve often wanted to read something more light-hearted and upbeat about being child-free; something that reflects the fact that choosing not to have children is as natural and normal as choosing to have them. Something that’s just about the joys, ups and downs of child-free-ness.”Join Nina Jervis and her irreverent band of party guests, as they take a warm, witty, and searingly honest look at the oft-unspoken “me too!” moments of being child-free. No subject is safe, from media portrayals and workplace drama, to friendship struggles and awkward family events.

Genres: Nonfiction

112 pages, Paperback

Published February 23, 2020

Reviews

[Lizzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughtful little book about what it means to women to not have children (whether by choice or through circumstance). Helpful in reaffirming my decision, and also comforting to read other women’s experiences. This isn’t meant to be a social study of why women might not want to have kids, but more like a chat with other child-free women talking about their lives. Also helpful to read about other married couples who have decided not to have kids! Really helps to alleviate some of that social/societal ‘guilt’.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book and it’s always good to see different childfree perspectives, and especially the difference between men and women being childfree and the roles that are forced upon us, but I felt there was a bit too much emphasis on the whole ‘ I actually love kids really! Honestly’ part of the childfree community.
It would have been nice to have some more accounts from people who are indifferent to kids and who dislike them, which is just as valid. I don’t fit into the ‘I don’t want kids… but I really love tbem!’ Sucking up to parents category.
It would have been nice to see more males perspectives too rather than just ‘men have it easier’, which is true, but it would be nice to actually compare accounts.

[Angie Leonie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a wicked book, worth the hour and a bit it took to finish. Sometimes it's hard to find content that ticks your box, without a warning sign that you will be offended throughout. I wish more books were this fulfilling.

[Kalliste · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an excellent short book for those that feel a bit isolated in their childfree choice. It made me feel like I'm not the only weirdo around.

I do wish it went more into enjoying life without kids rather than still being fairly kid-centric. There is still an emphasis on having to justify your decision and provide a 'but' when discussing not wanting kids. Make sure people know you love being an aunt/uncle, you work with kids, you're still a nurturer but you just don't want kids etc.

I was hoping for some more stories on people who don't want kids and are happy not having children in their lives. Someone like me.

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book feels like it's a long blog post, I could read it all in half an hour. The book has a good premise but I think the author go deeper into her research. Anyway it's an easy books to read and well done for the effort. I'm not very keen on the title I think the book is better than that. I think the title dums down the essence of the book.

[Liz Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and the perspectives brought forward from some of the women interviewed. I would highly suggest to anyone who struggles with conversations about their choice to be child-free as some of the responses gave me insight as to how to explain my choice to others.

[Julie Kgr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a nice time reading that book. It was nice having different perspectives on the subject and it always feels soooo good to see that I'm not the only one willing to pursue a childfree life! So many sections were relatable.

[Janice Gooch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing wrong with cats or saving the planet

A light hearted but much needed book to open up the discussion on child free women. Well written and thought provoking.

[Evelina Rimkute · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author easily and without judgment to different opinions goes through different aspects of living live without getting children on our own.
Much appreciated book!

[Nick L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read, but nothing that hasn’t been said before in other books on the subject. Was a bit short and under-edited.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read

I found this book interesting as I often hear the same phrases mentioned in this book it was a relief to realise its not just me!

[Naomi Spratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buy this book!

Absolutely loved this book! I’m child-free and am sick of feeling like some kind of social pariah. This book made me feel like I’m not alone. There are increasingly more women who don’t have children, for whatever reason, and that is absolutely fine!


I’d recommend this to women with and without children.

[Emily Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️. I thought this would be an interesting read while pregnant, as a break from prenatal books, to focus on those who choose to remain child free (rather than childless, which as I learned in this book are people who want children but for whatever reason aren’t able to have them.)

There were some interesting sections and I like how the author included different themes throughout of why people may not want children. Some of it was quite redundant however, but it’s a short read and interesting to learn about a perspective that is different from your own.