Cheerfully Childless
 Ellen Metter
 Illustrations by Loretta Gomez
 (Reviewed by The Editor - Rebecca Brown)
 2001 Browser Press, Denver CO
  ISBN: 0971162700


With illustrations by Loretta Gomez, this is a lighthearted reminder of both the benefits & valid reasons for deciding to refrain from reproduction.

There is a “child-free movement” afoot, in case you haven't noticed, & so far, Cheerfully Childless is the least whiny & most funny book to cross my desk.

The first cartoon to catch my eye is of two women chatting over a cuppa with the line: “Yes, I once thought I'd like to have children. It was on a Thursday in 1994 between 10 and noon, I believe.” I found this one telling enough to raise a chuckle, & I've reproduced twice!

In the chapter on Are You the Parenting Type?, there are cartoons illustrating Ellen Metter's succinct questions that start with: “Parenting may not be for you if...”

Salted through this lively monologue are charmingly annotated pictures depicting the stiff competition to having children that pets, toys & lifestyles give.

Yes, this is a book that's written from that existential guilt engendered when we defy the Biological Imperative, yet when you read this comedian's take on that old Old Testament saying: “be fruitful and multiply,” you'll find yourself nodding in amused agreement.

Cheerfully Childless is a neat read -- & yes, it may well be earth-shaking! After all, it's not as if this species of ours is about to become extinct. There are as many people crawling over the face of this earth as there are dollars in a country's coffers!

Because this is a book of humor, I really don't want to give away any more punch lines than I absolutely must in order to give a brava review, so I'll ask you questions whose answers you'll find within its pages:

What do dinosaurs & mothers have in common?
What's a pregnant pause?
What's the skinny in baby talk?
Who is a gifted child?
Who do you take your biological clock to when it's broken?
What changes kids into raging monsters?
What's the difference between a high chair & a high ball?
What really is the fountain of youth?
What can your dog do that you kid won't?
For the answers & many truths written in wry jest, do pick up a copy or three of Cheerfully Childless! It will make a great politically correct gift, even for those who chose children!

Ellen Metter has been a stand-up comedian, a mystery shopper, tape editor, dishwasher, a radio announcer & a research librarian in Denver, Colorado. She writes freelance articles & has published two non-fiction books the latest being: Facts in a Flash: A Research Guide for Writers.

Loretta Gomez, Illustrator, is an Honor graduate of New York's School of Visual Arts. She was a student apprentice at Disney World & for 18 years was an art director & graphic designer. Her winning cartoon of the Absolut Vodka Cartoon Contest appeared in The New Yorker magazine.
(05/26/02)

Rebecca