Raquel D'Apice

“Welcome to the Club” is a perfect gift for first-time parents. Rather than the standard milestones on which most parenting books focus, “Welcome to the Club” addresses the real issues that every parent will encounter. These are tackled in a way that provides reassurance that you are not the first, nor will you be the last, to have to deal with this. As the parent of three teenagers, “Welcome to the Club” brought back wonderful (yet sometimes ghastly) memories of my earliest show more parenting experiences. One hopes the author will publish another book for “repeat” parents, to address topics such as “First time you realize that everything you learned about parenting with your first child is useless with regard to the your second, because he or she is a completely different person,” and “First time your 6-year-old watches an R-rated movie.” show less

Welcome to the Club
By: Raquel D'Apice

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

There is a sense in today's world that good parenting means "perfect" parenting. We strive hard to do everything just right. Our goal is to raise children who will change the world and still exhibit impeccable manners. We hide our mistakes from our friends (aka - card carrying members of the "mommy patrol"). Really, raising a child is a daunting responsibility because there are so many things that can go show more wrong. You accidentally tip your child out of their baby buggy, your dear but naive husband lets your small child toddle up a marble stairway by herself, you forget to bring baby wipes to the symphony and mayhem ensues. Yes, all of these things and more have happened to me. My mother-in-law still hasn't forgiven me for accidentally pinching my child's small, pudgy arm in her car seat snap, Most of us (whether we admit it or not) mess up in small and major ways on a regular basis. That's why thIs book is such a relief. You are not alone and no, you are not a bad person. You are a parent. Welcome to the club.

This book is laugh out loud funny. I read this while my daughter was at swim team - two hours of intense training for her and the one time during the day that I get to sit down and just read without guilt . Yes, I love being a swim mom. Anyway, this whole book is written in a relatable, chatty style voice. Part of what makes this tome funny is the relief you feel at reading that someone else has experienced the same not great parenting moment. These are things I would never admit to another mom. For instance, section 25 is about the first time your child puts something disgusting in their mouth. I will never forget the day I discovered my own little peanut in the pantry noshing on those little bone-shaped dog biscuits. She tells me she still remembers the taste of those things. She's an only child and our dog is sort of her sibling. Apparently, the injustice of the dog receiving those treats and not her was just too galling. Please no comments about how I should have locked the pantry door. Anyway, what a relief to discover that this is very common - not just me at all!

Author:
I checked out Ms. D'Apice's blog (theuglyvolvo.com) and it is just as endearing as this book. It is a lovely mixture of funny snarkiness and heart-breaking pathos. Really worth following

Pictures/ Layout
The book is adorable. They made it look like your traditional baby book. There are rounded edges and the illustrations and section numbers are all in soft baby pastels. There are gorgeous end papers covered in baby bottles. The illustrations, at first glance, look like traditional baby book pictures. A closer inspection, however, reveal the more subversive humor of the book. For instance, in section 70 we see a mom playing peek-a-boo with her baby. A closer look reveals a tour guide explaining to some innocent camera toting tourist about the details of this particular circle of hell.

Overall:
This book (and her blog too) are just what the world of parenting needs.

P.S.
Ideas for the next volume:
1. Foreign objects inserted into body cavities. My story involves the dog (of course) and a very special magic act. I know I can't be the only one with a good story in this category. Right?
2. The first time your child's intelligence level finally exceeds the dog's understanding. Quite a red letter day for your little one (not so much for the dog). show less

This is a wonderful book about parenting! It's humorous but will ring true to any parent, especially first-timers. When having a baby is so new and so many things are unexpected, sometimes the things you will remember the most aren''t actually what most baby books describe. First tooth, first steps, that's the normal stuff. *This* books talks about the first poop in the bathtub, the first time your child hits, first time breastfeeding, first time wondering if having a child was a mistake... show more It happens to everyone, but no one talks about it. This book does. It's wonderful. show less

I really didn't think I would like this book, but I was pleasantly surprised. I expected a list of breastfeeding jokes, making fun of new parents, and G-rated poop humor, but I was wrong. The book is more than that and, most importantly, it really is funny. Surprisingly funny! There’s a great mix of sarcasm, derision towards unrealistic parental expectations, and self-deprecation and there is very little saccharine-sweet sentimentality. My only real complaint is that it’s short (though I show more suppose that’s part of the book’s appeal). I would recommend this book as a great gift for any new parent. show less