I Can Barely Take Care of Myself

Tales from a Happy Life Without Kids

By: Jen Kirkman

Narrated by: Jen Kirkman

Length: 6 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

"You'll change your mind."

That's what everyone says to Jen Kirkman - and countless women like her - when she confesses she doesn't plan to have children. But you know what? It's hard enough to be an adult. You have to dress yourself and pay bills and remember to buy birthday gifts. You have to drive and get annual physicals and tip for good service. Some adults take on the added burden of caring for a tiny human being with no language skills or bladder control. Parenthood can be very rewarding, but let's face it, so are margaritas at the adults-only pool.

Jen's stand-up routine includes lots of jokes about not having kids (and some about masturbation and Johnny Depp), after which complete strangers constantly approach her and ask, "But who will take care of you when you're old?" (Servants!) Some insist, "You'd be such a great mom!" (Really? You know me so well!)

Whether living rent-free in her childhood bedroom while trying to break into comedy (the best free birth control around, she says), or taking the stage at major clubs and joining a hit TV show - and along the way getting married, divorced, and attending excruciating afternoon birthday parties for her parent friends - Jen is completely happy and fulfilled by her decision not to procreate.

I Can Barely Take Care of Myself is a beacon of hilarious hope for anyone whose major life decisions have been questioned by friends, family, and strangers in a comedy club bathroom. And it should satisfy everyone who wonders if Jen will ever know true love without looking into the eyes of her child.

©2013 Jen Kirkman (P)2013 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Jen Kirkman has written an excellent - and very funny - guide to promote not having children. Thanks girl, for saving me the time." (Chelsea Handler)

Loved this!

I 100% agree with you Jen Kirkman. Anyone who is like the women she describes that continue to bombard women with questions on why someone chooses not to have a child... please stop asking. It is not your business and pay attention to your own damn kids.

Loved It

I am a HUGE fan of Jen's from her apprearances on Chelsea Lately and After Lately on E!
Her new book was a great listen and especially refreshing as she riffs a LOT on being childless (and happy!) Her raw honesty was refreshing and hilarious. I could totally relate and I'm glad someone finally wrote on the topic. Just because you CAN do something, doesn't mean you should :)

Insightful... I loved it!

Where does I Can Barely Take Care of Myself rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best !

What did you like best about this story?

It was insightful and meaningful while also being extremely funny.

Which scene was your favorite?

I can't select just one.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but it was a bit long to be able to do that practically!

Any additional comments?

To be a successful comedian or writer, you have to be capable of being honest/reflective while simultameously being witty and entertaining. Jen Kirkman does an excellent job of this while narrating this book about her own life and desire to remain "childless" by choice. But the book is about more than that... it is about dealing with insecuirities and anxiety.. It deals with issues like mortality, anticipating the future (or more appropriately, how much discomfort we have when we recognize that we cannot anticipate the future). It takes a critical look at cultural norms and assumptions about what life is (or ought to be).... all of this while being very entertaining. It is definitely worth purchasing as an audiobook - she has a great voice for narration.

A little too much

Would you try another book from Jen Kirkman and/or Jen Kirkman?

Absolutely

Would you ever listen to anything by Jen Kirkman again?

Absolutely

What does Jen Kirkman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her voice and inflection is awesome

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

no

Any additional comments?

There was just way to much preaching about no kids, instead of illustrative stories, which is what i expected. I feel like there was not very much comedy.

Refreshing, real, and NEEDED

As a woman who does not and has not ever longed to have children, I’ve been wanting to hear from more women like me. I came across the suggestion for this book and am SO glad I did and got introduced to this fabulous woman, Jen Kirkman. It feels really nice to feel understood as a woman who does not need kids nor a constant romantic relationship to feel fulfilled and happy (as there are a lot of shamers out there), and laugh my ass off while listening. :)

Funny musings

Jen Kirkman’s comedy specials on Netflix are some of my favorite, and I like her podcast too. It’s fun to hear Jen read her own work aloud.

Loved it!

I laughed out loud and was so happy to finally hear someone put my perspective into words!

Childfree by choice is the new gay

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

It pains me to only give this 3 stars. Jen Kirkman is my girl crush, my spirit animal. She's hilariously entertaining and I relate to her on so many things. It even adds to the further mega crush that she is a vegetarian, doesn't want kids, isn't married, loves living alone and other inappropriate things. If you haven't seen her stand-up, you might be confused.

Would you be willing to try another book from Jen Kirkman? Why or why not?

Yes I would because she is funny and her writing is pretty random.

What three words best describe Jen Kirkman’s performance?

I like her stand up but I found her performance a bit bland. The book is also more like half memoir half stand up comedy routine. It is a bit all over the place.

Do you think I Can Barely Take Care of Myself needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No.

Any additional comments?

The whole thing just felt thrown together, from stand up routine put into a book. It wasn't what I expected but I did enjoy it because I am biased.

Jen Kirkman is hysterical

This book was laugh out loud funny. As a married woman without children, Jen's experiences certainly appealed to me. I really enjoyed it! Glad that I was able to hear her read her own book. It makes it more personal, like Jen is sitting in front of me telling me a story. I look forward to downloading her other titles.

Seemed to end abruptly!

I suppose I was enjoying listening to all the stories I was sad when it ended! It is very refreshing to hear a woman that is confident in her decision much to the chagrin of her childbearing acquaintances.