29 Nov Review: Others Like Me: The Lives of Women without Children
Others Like Me: The Lives of Women without Children
Written by: Nicole Louie
House of Anansi Press, 2024
ISBN: 9781487013110 (paperback)
9781487013127 (EPUB)
$26.99 CAD (paperback)
$19.99 CAD (EPUB)
352 pages
Ages: Adult
Review by: Andrew Desrochers
Others Like Me is a compilation of personal, bite-sized anecdotes averaging a few pages each based on recorded interviews with the author. The anecdotes are not accompanied by a by-line, making it difficult at times to tell who the speaker is. Is the anecdote a direct transcription from the interview, or is it the author’s interpretation? Individuals are mentioned by first name, but there is often little indication of their relation to the speaker. Many perspectives are included, but the one that hit home for me was the struggle to believe your partner when they say they are happy being childless with you and the relationship strain inherent to going against convention. Others Like Me is a great read for those interested in the lives of people without children. Though written for adults, older teens may also find the stories compelling. The author’s book club guide is available as a PDF on the publisher’s website (scroll down to the last page for the discussion questions).