From Library JournalBitch is a worthy, energetic workbook . . . Chatty and funny, it provides useful ideas (e.g., make small offerings) and sound how-to (e.g., greet each other when the kids swap houses). - Library Journal Jennifer and Carol don't just talk the talk; they provide a helpful, readable, and informative roadmap for navigating what is often a highly-charged, contentious relationship. No One's the Bitch bravely explores the powerful feelings--competition, betrayal, jealousy, mistrust--that can vex the relationship between mothers and stepmothers. With honesty and humor, the authors offer exercises, tips, and advice that can help women in linked households form working partnerships, making life and transitions easier for the kids and themselves." is there an app that reads books out loud No One's the Bitch: A Ten-Step Plan For The Mother And Stepmother Relationship
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. I wouldn't buy in retrospectBy AlyxI would give this 2.5 stars if that were possible. This is a very simplistic book, easy to read, with very little practical advice. The authors are enthusiastic and the tone is cheerful. I was very excited to order this book but somewhat disappointed with its content.The two authors, a mom and step-mom pair, have written a book anecdotally based on their experiences. Which is great, but not very practical for the majority of blended families, whom are generally complex and variable. I would say about 90% of the book is written as a sort of pep talk, trying to convince the reader why she should attempt to have a positive relationship with the "other woman." Which, considering I am reading a book titled No One's the Bitch that cost me $15, I would say it's safe to assume that I have already reached that conclusion. This is reiterated and emphasized excessively throughout the book-the authors dedicate an entire chapter and the remaining 2/3's of each subsequent chapter trying to "convince" us why having an amicable relationship is a good idea, and this becomes repetitive and turns into filler very quickly. There is some actual advice thrown into the book, but it is extremely simplistic and not anything that I wouldn't have thought of on my own (e.g. "Be nice" "be polite" "say hello" etc).My biggest problem with the book is despite being a book about improving the relationship with the other woman, neither author seems to have done any outside research or talked to anyone else in completing their book. I understand that their own experience (two women open to having a positive relationship with one another) is limited, but if writing a book on the subject they could have reached out to counsellors and experts or other step/bio parents regarding advice for other situations. The kind of practical advice that I think most people are looking for simply isn't there, because it isn't something that the authors can anecdotally relate to. For example, what if you have never met the other woman, and wondering how to proceed? What if she sends harassing messages or is extremely resentful and you are looking for a way to keep communication positive and limit toxicity? How do you (specifically) maintain boundaries while steering conversation to productive areas? About what things (specifically) would experts recommend the bio mom/step mom communicate or not communicate? How about practical advise such as things to say/not say? Like, for example, things to avoid saying for step moms: "I love your children as if they were mine" (Bio-Mom hears: I am their new mother), or things for bio-moms to avoid saying: "I am their mother!" (Everyone knows that and no one disputes it, step mom hears a power play).This book could have been much longer, with much less filler. There isn't really any practical, concrete advice being offered here. A lot of vague, general statements, and a lot of pep talk. You don't need to avoid this book, and if you really want to work on yourself internally and your own resentment towards the other woman, there might actually be some good advice in here for you.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. This is a great book with helpful insightBy PattyI wish I had the option of 4.5 stars. This is a really good book if you are trying to work through the complexities of being the new partner. Trust and mutual cooperation can fly out the window as tension runs high at times and feelings get hurt. I don't think there are hard concrete answers but I think the authors did a great job in helping the reader identify their own contribution to the tension. As a big believer in personal accountability, I feel that insight has helped me tremendously. Not sure if it will change things, but things weren't going to get resolved before. My only real criticism is the authors come across really flip at times. Dealing with an ex who doesn't like or respect you is serious and hurtful. It's also incredibly frustrating, so I wish there had been a bit more acknowledgment of that. Overall, this was a really good book with some good insight. I'd definitely recommend it!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. great book. changed my lifeBy Holly S.great book. changed my life. I want to buy this for all the stepfamily friends I have in my life (is that weird?) Once I read this things cleared for me my stepdaughters mom I have had a drama free relationship every since-regardless of what is happening between my husband her.-We stay unwaivered have had a mutual respect that I don't think I could have been capable of without this book