I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review

I loved this book. Such a refreshing change from mom-lit where everyone is at Big Little Lies level, You relate to her and her family. I felt less ashamed, and they are not even real

Seeing Laura Zigman’s name on a novel after so many years, actually made me very happy. I remembered her extremely clever book, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY, from many years ago. The moment I received the ARC from Netgalley, I eagerly read it.

Happily, I was not disappointed. This is about a family in crisis, not a sudden crisis, but years worth of pain, misunderstandings, loss and writer’s block. It’s the story of Judy who had early success in writing and is now blocked and her husband Gary, paralyzed by his own anxiety.

Somehow, Judy finds solace by wearing her dog in a baby sling. As someone who has trouble falling asleep without the melody of my cat purring in my ear, I got it! I was engaged by every moment of their journey and struggles.

This is a special novel, funny and poignant. It is very well done and a total page turner for me. It speaks to marriage, child rearing and the political correctness of progressive education. I can’t wait to share this with my book clubs. I know everyone who reads it will be drawn into Judy’s orbit and be cheering her on.

Of course, I suspect that Judy and Laura have a lot in common. Well, bravo and good wishes to both of you. Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to be an early reviewer.