16 Writers on the Decision NOT to Have Kids

Amazon writes, "SIXTEEN LITERARY LUMINARIES ON THE CONTROVERSIAL SUBJECT OF BEING CHILDLESS BY CHOICE, COLLECTED IN ONE FASCINATING ANTHOLOGY

One of the main topics of cultural conversation during the last decade was the supposed "fertility crisis," and whether modern women could figure out a way to have it all-a successful, demanding career and the required 2.3 children-before their biological clock stopped ticking. Now, however, conversation has turned to whether it's necessary to have it all (see Anne-Marie Slaughter) or, perhaps more controversial, whether children are really a requirement for a fulfilling life. The idea that some women and men prefer not to have children is often met with sharp criticism and incredulity by the public and mainstream media.
In this provocative and controversial collection of essays, curated by writer Meghan Daum, sixteen acclaimed writers explain why they have chosen to eschew parenthood. Contributors include Lionel Shriver, Sigrid Nunez, Kate Christiensen, Elliott Holt, Geoff Dyer, and Tim Kreider, among others, who will give a unique perspective on the overwhelming cultural pressure of parenthood.

Selfish, Shallow, and Self-Absorbed makes a thoughtful and passionate case for why parenthood is not the only path in life, taking our parent-centric, kid-fixated, baby-bump-patrolling culture to task in the process. What emerges is a more nuanced, diverse view of what it means to live a full, satisfying life.". Huge disappointment - I didn't recognize most of the writers and none of it was funny or insightful. Boring more like it. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

As Amazon describes, "One hundred thousand years ago, at least six different species of humans inhabited Earth. Yet today there is only one—homo sapiens. What happened to the others? And what may happen to us?

Most books about the history of humanity pursue either a historical or a biological approach, but Dr. Yuval Noah Harari breaks the mold with this highly original book that begins about 70,000 years ago with the appearance of modern cognition. From examining the role evolving humans have played in the global ecosystem to charting the rise of empires, Sapiens integrates history and science to reconsider accepted narratives, connect past developments with contemporary concerns, and examine specific events within the context of larger ideas.

Dr. Harari also compels us to look ahead, because over the last few decades humans have begun to bend laws of natural selection that have governed life for the past four billion years. We are acquiring the ability to design not only the world around us, but also ourselves. Where is this leading us, and what do we want to become?". Long story short....we are at the end of our existence. All in all, I say: READ IT

Daybreak

Matthew Broderick (Ferris Bueller) stars as a school principal in Glendale, California. There is a bio-nuclear war that wipes out almost ALL adults - making them into Ghoulies. The kids in Glendale form tribes - clicks. One guy stands alone - at least until he comes across two former enemies in his quest to rescue his girlfriend. Each episode is filmed or written in some clever way. They break the fourth wall a lot. There is humour and romance. It's zombie like and based on a graphic novel and possibly a movie I saw once. I really like it - I watched it in one and a half days. All in all, I say: SEE IT

The Current War: Director's Cut

Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) stars as Edison at the time when his wife dies, he is struggling financially, and he is trying to introduce his electricity. He attacks his opponent who wants to use Telsa's work with AC current. Matthew Macfadyen (Pride & Prejudice) is JP Morgan, Tom Holland (Marvel) is Edison's secretary, Michael Shannon (The Shape of Water) is Westinghouse, and Nicholas Hoult (Mad Max) is Tesla. The cinematography, the script, and the acting are all top notch. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Bob Hearts Abishola

New to the CBS app, comedian Billy Gardell (Young Sheldon) owns a sock factory and when he has a heart attack his nurse makes his heart skip a beat. He wants to date her, but she feels she doesn't have time with her job and raising her son. Not to mention that she isn't divorced yet from her husband who left her in the states while he went back to Nigeria. It has cultural humour which makes it unique. Like a more adult Fresh off the Boat. It focuses on them - it's sweet and light. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Black and Blue

Naomie Harris (Skyfall) grew up in the projects of New Orleans enlisted and went to war. Years later she's back as a street cop. The friends she had before she left are no longer her friends now that she is blue instead of black. Unfortunately, many of her "blue" family are racists and corrupt. She witnesses cops shooting young drug dealers and must get the footage to her captain or the FBI before she gets killed. Mike Colter (Luke Cage) is the neighborhood king pin. Frank Grillo (Purge) is the corrupt cop. Tyrese Gibson is an old acquaintance that helps her. All in all, I say: SEE IT - predictable , but not too bad.

Bill Burr: Paper Tiger

I have seen him maybe once before. I don't really like all his stuff - he has one or two things I thought were okay. He has a stand-up special on Netflix. All in all, I say: SKIP IT if you're a woman.

Katherine Ryan: Glitter Room

She is a comedian - American who lives in England. She has a special on Netflix. I have never heard her stand-up before. I liked most of it - I laughed. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Jenny Slate: Stage Fright

Jenny Slate is a comedian and actress (Zootopia). She has a Netflix comedy show that is more than her stand-up it's also got a little piece of documentary to it. She isn't really my kind of comedy - she's a little strange. All in all, I say: SEE IT if you like her humour. She has a book coming out too.

Spirited

A 2 season Australian show about a dentist who can see ghosts. She gets divorced and moves into a new apartment building that was once a hotel where a once famous punk rock musician died. The fall in love as one would expect - things get complicated with her ex-husband, her kids, her love life, and her practice. Season 1 was excellent - season 2 much less awesome. All in all, I say: SEE IT - season 1 maybe skip the disappointment of season 2.

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil

Not too much time has passed since the first film left off. The Princess is going to marry the Prince and his parents want to meet hers. The future mother-in-law is evil and has evil plans. Maleficent must decide between peace or all out destruction. Same basic cast - with one notable addition - Ed Skrein (Deadpool), but don't get excited he doesn't do any of his fancy martial arts. All in all, I say: SEE IT if you saw the first.

The I-Land

Natalie Martinez (Uglydolls) and Kate Bosworth (SS-GB) star in this science fiction, mystery tv show on Netflix. It was an interesting concept. A group of people wake up on an island with a handful of clues, and no memory. It fell short about episode 3 or 4 - the longer it went on the more the idea could be picked apart easily. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Stumptown

Cobie Smulders (Marvel) is a vet from the War in Afghanistan and now she's a private detective in Portland, Oregon. She's got issues, but she wants to take care of her brother. Jake Johnson (New Girl), Camryn Manheim (The Practice), and  Michael Ealy (The Intruder) also star. It's got some action (realistic action), some comedy, and a touch of drama. All in all, I say: SEE IT It's well written, acted, and directed.

Carol's Second Act

Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond) plays a resident doctor - a second career with her first being a teacher. It's a light-hearted comedy on CBS. It's nothing fantastic, but it doesn't suck and after a hard day at work it's nice to get some cheap laughs in and not be overwhelmed or grossed out. I'm loving it so far and hope they get picked up for a second season or second act. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Jeff Dunham: Beside Himself

Netflix is really taking over in comedy. Typically you would have to wait for a comedy central special to see Jeff, but now he's got this new special on Netflix. It's his same stuff. All in all, I say: SEE IT if you like his comedy.

Prodigal Son

A new show on FOX starring Michael Sheen (Underworld) as a serial killer. He is turned in by his young son (played by Tom Payne from TWD) who is now a profiler with the FBI, and has a ton of problems (psychological) of his own. Lou Diamond Philips (Longmire) is his mentor, father figure, and Captain for NYCPD. So far - it's got a comedic twist and crime solving. Not too gruesome so far. All in all, I say: SEE IT - maybe we'll get to see some of his "Jesus moves" from Walking Dead.

Zombieland Double Tap

Same actors and concept has the first - comedic. Bill Murray makes another appearance. It's not as good as the first, but it doesn't completely suck. All in all, I say: SEE the first one :)

Treadstone

I like the action of the Bourne movies I do, but....the idea/plot behind Treadstone is overly complicated, and I don't think it has to be. I watched the first episode on USA, and I just don't think I have the energy to try to figure out what the hell is going on and when and where. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Nutcracker and the Four Realms

With the cast and it being free on Netflix I tried - I really did, but I couldn't make it past 30 minutes. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Unbelievable

This is a difficult topic and series to watch. It's based on the true story of how a serial rapist was caught. It centers around the two detectives and the first victim. If people believed his first victims then he would have been caught in no time and the dozens of others would not have been victimized. It is painful and heartbreaking to watch. I screamed at the tv and I gave all men the evil eye for days. It will hurt your heart. Toni Collette (About a Boy) and Merritt Weaver (Nurse Jackie) are amazing. Their performances as the two detectives are Emmy worthy. Kaitlyn Dever (Booksmart) is just as good as seasoned actors Collette and Weaver - in her portrayal of the first victim. All in all, I say: SEE IT

The Addams Family

Oscar Isaac (Star Wars), Charlize Theron (Mad Max), and Chloe Grace Moretz (Se7en) all voice characters in this new animated film. It is for kids, but I couldn't help myself. I do prefer the live action stuff better, but it wasn't bad. There is a sing a long at the end - I was the only one who sang though. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Nancy Drew (tv show)

From the creator of the new Sabrina and Riverdale. It has the same feel - a little supernatural, mixed with a mystery, and a tad of comic book feel. I've only seen about three episodes on the CW app. but so far I'm liking the updated character arcs. Scott Wolf (Party of Five) stars as Nancy's dad/lawyer. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Love Alarm

A South Korean Netflix movie that I just didn't get. The concept wasn't believable and I just couldn't really follow so I stopped a little less than half way through. All in all, I say: NOPE

The Week Of

A Netflix movie that I couldn't even finish. Loud and annoying - bad acting....All in all, I say: NO - Just NO.

Gemini Man

Ang Lee (Life of Pi) directs this movie about (spoiler maybe?) cloning. Will Smith (Bad Boys) stars as a hitman who decides to retire. Once he decides to retire an old friend discovers that some of his last couple of hits weren't legitimate. This causes him to dig deeper and under a conspiracy with another friend played by Clive Owen (Inside Man). The CQI stuff was way too noticeable and the fight scenes where a little hard to follow which is the appeal to an action movie. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Four Weddings and a Funeral (tv series)

Mindy Kaling (The Mindy Project) is in charge of this tv show project for Hulu. It's loosely based on the movie. It's about a group of college friends and as the title will give away - four wedding and a funeral. Nathalie Emmanuel (GoT) is the lead in this and does such a good job. There is humor, wit, and drama. What I love most about this - the diverse cast. Kudos to Mindy.

All Rise

Marg Helgenberger (CSI) is a chief judge and takes on mentoring a new judge in LA. I watch this on the CBS app so no commercials. The show focuses on her - a good judge - her best friend (a male DA), and a defense attorney (who does a lot of good deeds). There is some soap opera kind of stuff, but so far it hasn't been too heavy. She's married so I'm hoping there won't be "that" kind of drama. All in all, I say: SEE IT

The Durrells in Corfu

Keeley Hawes (Death at a Funeral) stars in this four season comedy/drama based on a true story. I watched it on PBS Passport. It is clear in season 4 that no more will be made and they wanted to end things quickly. It was a bit of a disappointed. The other seasons were decent. All in all, I say: SEE IT - good for all ages.