Title: Baby Proof
Author: Emily Giffin
First published January 1, 2006
Audio CD
ISBN: 9781593978976 (ISBN10: 1593978979)
Rating: 3.75
Overview
From the bestselling author of Something Borrowed and Something Blue comes a heart-wrenching story about a couple who are forced to question their love for each other when they realize they want different things. Claudia Parr is a woman who has always been sure of what she wants in life – a fulfilling career, a loving partner, and a life without children.
She thought she had found everything she wanted in Ben, the man who shared her beliefs about a child-free life. But when Ben’s feelings change and he expresses his desire to have children, Claudia’s world is turned upside down.
Baby Proof is a poignant tale of two people who are faced with the ultimate deal-breaker in a relationship. Will they be able to compromise, or will their love story end before it has even begun?
About the Author
Emily Giffin holds a degree from Wake Forest University and the University of Virginia School of Law. She’s a renowned author with nine bestselling novels to her name, including Something Borrowed, Something Blue, Baby Proof, Love the One You’re With, Heart of the Matter, Where We Belong, The One & Only, First Comes Love, and All We Ever Wanted.
Emily currently lives in Atlanta with her family, which includes her husband, three children, and two dogs.
Emily’s fans can look forward to her upcoming book, The Lies That Bind, set to release on June 2, 2020. For those interested in keeping up with her work, Emily is active on social media.
You can follow her on Facebook and Twitter at @emilygiffin, or on Instagram at @emilygiffinauthor.
Editoral Review
Emily Giffin’s “Baby Proof” is an engaging and thought-provoking read that delves into the complex themes of love, marriage, and motherhood. First published in 2006, Giffin’s novel continues to resonate with readers today, thanks to its authentic characters, relatable conflicts, and masterful storytelling.
Focusing on the pressures and expectations of modern relationships, “Baby Proof” centers on the life of Claudia Parr, a successful editor in her thirties who has always been adamantly opposed to having children. After marrying her soulmate Ben, who shares her views on parenthood, Claudia is forced to reevaluate her choices when Ben suddenly changes his mind and decides he wants to start a family.
As Claudia grapples with the unexpected revelation, she becomes increasingly isolated from her husband and must confront the uncomfortable truth about the realities of marriage and the sacrifices required to maintain a healthy relationship. With the help of her best friend Jess, who is expecting her first child, Claudia embarks on a journey of self-discovery that forces her to confront her fears and examine her priorities.
Giffin’s writing is sharp, witty, and emotionally resonant, with vivid characters that leap off the page. The novel’s pacing is superb, keeping readers engaged and invested in Claudia’s journey from beginning to end.
Throughout the novel, Giffin deftly navigates the tricky subject matter with sensitivity and nuance, crafting a story that is both entertaining and insightful. One of the strengths of “Baby Proof” is its ability to offer a nuanced portrayal of the complex and often contradictory desires that underpin our relationships.
Claudia’s struggles to reconcile her love for Ben with her fear of motherhood is a common refrain for many women, and Giffin’s exploration of this theme feels honest and authentic. Despite its many strengths, however, “Baby Proof” does have a few notable weaknesses.
Some readers may find Claudia’s constant wavering and vacillating frustrating, and there are moments where her indecisiveness feels forced or contrived. Additionally, some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped, and their motivations and actions can be confusing at times.
Overall, “Baby Proof” is a compelling and thoughtful read that will resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. Its insights into the complexities of modern relationships and motherhood are both timely and timeless, and its authentic characters and engaging plot make it a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction.
For those who enjoy works by authors like Liane Moriarty or Jennifer Weiner, “Baby Proof” is sure to satisfy. It earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars from us, and we highly recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging and thought-provoking read.
