From Publishers WeeklyMcCarthy, 1994 Playmate of the Year, actress (Scream 3; Baywatch; etc.) and former host of MTV's Singled Out, gave birth to her first child in 2002. Her pregnancy wasn't prettyand she wants to tell readers all about it. At the outset, she tells them, "If you bought this book, you are already aware of my frankness when it comes to certain thingsanatomy and bodily functions among them. If someone gave this book to you as a gift and you've never heard of me, apologies to you!" She goes on to recount the nitty-gritty of pregnancy in all its gory detail, covering morning sickness, hormonal rage, cravings, hemorrhoids, "engorged" breasts, gas, hot flashes, fainting spells, weight gain, acne, water retention and, finally, labor. McCarthy is undeniably crass but funny, and her candor and self-deprecation are refreshing. Each brief, chatty chapter focuses on a differentand awfulfacet of pregnancy, with McCarthy relating personal anecdotes and usually winding down by reassuring women they're not alone. McCarthy's tales are, for the most part, a hoot, though they may offend more uptight readers. For example, in the beginning of McCarthy's pregnancy, she was constipated, so she visited a specialist. In the waiting room, the assistant called her name, and "everyone... looked up in surprise, and I knew what they were thinking: 'Jenny McCarthy has butt hole problems?' I was so embarrassed, until I realized that they had no right to be smirking: Those assholes were also there because of their own assholes. I felt better already."Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.From BooklistMcCarthy applies her in-your-face manner and blue humor to the subject of pregnancy and childbirth in this little piece of fun. The former Playboy centerfold and all-around bad girl recounts her journey to motherhood with utter abandon, discussing topics that those other wholesome books tend to treat too gently, such as enemas, pubic hair growth, and sex in the ninth month. What's noble about this book (yes, noble) is that women who find these topics too embarrassing to bring up now have a place to read about them in a frank and open discussion.^B After all, they're as real as morning sickness, and McCarthy treats them with a candor that borders on crude but that is refreshing, and, ultimately, necessary. Not to mention funny. Like a gossipy girlfriend, McCarthy brings you in and makes you laugh; there's a certain comfort in knowing that even a sex symbol gets stretch marks and balloons to 200 pounds during pregnancy. A must-have for any childbirth collection. An aggressive marketing campaign suggests libraries ought to stock up. Mary Frances WilkensCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved Bella Online"One of the most candid, refreshing and funny books on pregnancy that I have ever read. I laughed so hard at times that I had tears rolling down my cheeks...Humorous and candid."Hudson Valley News, 2/12/2014"A book for the expectant mother who needs a few moments of frivolity."MediaMikes.com, 2/20/2014"Jam packed with side splitting stories...The cool part about the book is that it doesn't really matter if you have 1 kid or 10 or if you're a guy or a girl. McCarthy's book has a little something for everyone...Graphic yet hysterical stories...A fun quick read that both you and your significant other can enjoy." what is the number one selling book Belly Laughs, 10th anniversary edition: The Naked Truth about Pregnancy and Childbirth
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Good fun but not for the faint-hearted!By Celine DerudderI read this book after my pregnancy. I had fun going through Jenny's anecdotes and I really loved how the book is organized : so many more serious pregnancy books are typically of the "month by month" sort.Here, each chapter covers one aspect of pregnancy - mostly ailments! (and each has a hilarious title with a pun) eg one on morning sickness, one on bloating, another yet on baby kicks, etc. which gives a refreshing overview of what is in store for you.It is, indeed, pretty blunt and direct but the humor makes it go down more easily! and I could totaly relate to a lot of the tpics covered and her perception.However, it is enough to scare a sensitive future mother, and I want to point out to all pregnant women who read it : don't worry, things are not always as bad as that, there is little chance you will endure all or even most of the issues described here, for a lot of women it's down to a few specific problems - some of us don't gain much weight, others are not bloated etc. `When I read through the book I kept thinking, "this is the worst pregnancy I ever heard of!", not to mention the hellish delivery. Chances are you will have an easier time statistically speaking!A criticism I have is I thought the book was overpriced for its length; I read "Baby laughs" too and the same applies - if sold together they would be worth 10 dollars, but 10 dollars each is a little over the top.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. It's funny and it's a quick readBy Brittany BalsitisThis book has everything in it that the other baby books don't tell you. It's funny and it's a quick read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I do not read often. Tip: Don't read when you're in a crowded place (such as an airplane like I did) as the titles of the chapters that are in bold letters are not child appropriate.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. FunnyBy Shara JDespite this book being written by a celebrity with some unrealistic references, like finding something to wear to an award show, the writer was down to Earth with completely funny parts in this book. It's a good read, I read it in 2 days and would recommend it to anyone wanting to know some pregnancy secrets..no matter how personal. Jenny definitely rips the covers off with her personal experiences and offers seemingly good advice throughout the entire book. A definite good read.