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Kid Gloves summary
Brief summary
Kid Gloves by Lucy Knisley is a graphic memoir that chronicles the author's journey through pregnancy and childbirth. It offers a candid and humorous look at the challenges and fears of becoming a parent.
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Kid Gloves
Summary of key ideas
Expectations and Reality of Motherhood
In Kid Gloves by Lucy Knisley, we are taken on a journey through the author's experience of pregnancy and childbirth. Knisley begins by sharing her childhood dreams of becoming a mother, which were filled with idealized images of pregnancy and childbirth. However, as she grows older and begins to understand the complexities of reproductive health, she realizes that the reality of motherhood is far more complicated than she had imagined.
As Knisley and her husband decide to start a family, they are confronted with the harsh truth that getting pregnant is not as easy as they had assumed. After a year of trying, they seek medical help and are diagnosed with infertility. This revelation shatters Knisley's expectations and plunges her into a world of fertility treatments, each more invasive and emotionally taxing than the last.
Struggles and Losses
Throughout Kid Gloves, Knisley candidly shares the physical and emotional toll of her fertility treatments. She undergoes multiple rounds of intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF), each ending in disappointment and heartbreak. The author's raw and honest portrayal of her struggles with infertility and the losses she experiences along the way is both heart-wrenching and eye-opening.
After several failed attempts, Knisley finally gets pregnant through IVF. However, her relief is short-lived as she faces a high-risk pregnancy filled with complications. She is diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness, and later develops preeclampsia, a life-threatening condition. Despite these challenges, Knisley remains determined to bring her baby safely into the world.
The Reality of Childbirth
As Knisley approaches her due date, she prepares for the birth of her son with a mix of excitement and trepidation. However, her worst fears are realized when she goes into labor. The birth is traumatic, and Knisley experiences a life-threatening complication that leaves her and her baby fighting for their lives. The author's vivid and harrowing account of her childbirth experience serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability and danger inherent in the process.
After a long and arduous recovery, Knisley and her son finally make it home. Despite the trauma she endured, the author expresses her deep gratitude for her healthy baby and her renewed appreciation for the strength and resilience of the female body. She also acknowledges the privilege of having access to quality healthcare, which ultimately saved her and her son's lives.
Reflection and Gratitude
In the final chapters of Kid Gloves, Knisley reflects on her journey to motherhood. She acknowledges the unrealistic expectations society places on women when it comes to pregnancy and childbirth and the need for more open and honest conversations about reproductive health. The author also expresses her gratitude for the support of her husband, family, and medical team, without whom she might not have survived her ordeal.
In conclusion, Kid Gloves is a poignant and unflinchingly honest exploration of the realities of pregnancy and childbirth. Through her personal story, Lucy Knisley sheds light on the often-idealized aspects of motherhood and highlights the physical and emotional challenges many women face on their journey to becoming mothers. Her memoir serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of women, even in the face of life-threatening circumstances.
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What is Kid Gloves about?
Kid Gloves (2019) is a graphic memoir by Lucy Knisley that chronicles her journey through pregnancy and childbirth. Knisley uses beautiful illustrations and candid storytelling to explore the challenges, fears, and medical realities of becoming a mother. From fertility struggles to the overwhelming process of giving birth, this book offers a unique and honest perspective on the complexities of motherhood.
Kid Gloves Review
Kid Gloves (2019) is a poignant graphic memoir that delves into the author's personal journey through pregnancy and childbirth, providing a unique and informative perspective. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With honesty and vulnerability, it explores the joys, challenges, and fears of pregnancy, offering a relatable and insightful narrative.
- The book combines personal anecdotes, medical research, and historical context to paint a comprehensive picture of the complexities of childbirth.
- Illustrated with warmth and humor, it brings a lighthearted touch to a topic that is often seen as serious, keeping readers engaged and entertained throughout.
Who should read Kid Gloves?
- Expectant parents who are curious about the realities of pregnancy and childbirth
- Those who have experienced fertility issues and want to feel understood
- People who appreciate honest and humorous personal storytelling
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Kid Gloves FAQs
What is the main message of Kid Gloves?
Kid Gloves explores the challenges of pregnancy and childbirth, while offering humor and insight.
How long does it take to read Kid Gloves?
The reading time for Kid Gloves varies, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Kid Gloves a good book? Is it worth reading?
Kid Gloves is a compelling and informative book. It provides a unique perspective on pregnancy and motherhood.
Who is the author of Kid Gloves?
The author of Kid Gloves is Lucy Knisley.
What to read after Kid Gloves?
If you're wondering what to read next after Kid Gloves, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- How Children Succeed by Paul Tough
- Becoming Attached by Robert Karen
- All Joy and No Fun by Jennifer Senior
- The Opposite of Spoiled by Ron Lieber
- Minimalist Parenting by Christine Koh and Asha Dornfest
- Moms Mean Business by Erin Baebler and Lara Galloway
- Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua
- Screamfree Parenting by Hal Edward Runkel
- Getting to 50/50 by Sharon Meers and Joanna Strober
- The Drama of the Gifted Child by Alice Miller