This book was an extremely refreshing read coming out of the holiday season where “so when are you having kids!” was the main topic in conversation. My partner and I are childfree by choice and I have felt very firm in that decision since a young age. My options about it have only grown stronger with age. This book affirmed my decisions and it was nice seeing the perspective of the author a few years older than me, showing me that life can be wonderful without having your own children! the book also emphasizes how we can be the village for parents, which I am totally on board with. 4.5/5 stars, recommend to anyone to read, even if you have kids. It can teach a different perspective.

I am so glad this subject is now widely discussed in our culture. So important to hear from women who have decided to be childfree by choice--their voices have been missing from conversation for far too long.

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes a baby in the baby carriage...or not.

Synopsis: What happens if someone decides to skip the 'baby' part? Danielle Schwartz details her fulfilling and child-free life with her husband, while facing constant critiscism about her family decision. Milk Drunk explores a slew of opinions surrounding the sensitive and personal topic of remaining child-free and provides insight for those that either need support in a similar decision or do not understand why someone would turn down the choice of parenthood.

Thoughts: As a mother of 2 young boys, I truly feel that parenthood is essential, it's an important part in the cycle of life. Becoming a mother tests all your limits, pushes your selflessness, and opens your eyes to a way of life you haven't experienced before having kids. But, its so so hard. Everyday is hard - it's the most unnatural, natural thing in life. While everyone struggles and MANYYY people have kids,
I still found myself questioning 'did I have kids because it was what was expected of me?'

It was interesting to see things from a woman so sure and content in her (and her husbands) decision to not have kids. More than that, I enjoyed hearing from someone in her 40's 'past her baby bringing days' because she faced years of making this decision, years of hearing people's opinions, and years of exploring her marriage without the element of kids.

I enjoy reading memoirs because I love hearing different opinions, and seeing different perspectives so I enjoyed this.

Quotes I loved:
- "Being woman is hard enough, and adding motherhood is another layer of complexity."
- Judgements do not define the person being judged; rather they define the person who's judging."

Honestly sat up till 3am reading this in one sitting. As a women going through infertility and having all these questions thrown your way, this book was just what I needed. I know the aurthor has her reasons and it may be a different situation than mine but it was so refreshing to see it through another womens eyes and the emotions that come with them. Just because we all have our own sides, options and reasons these questions that people throw at us still have power and by reading this book it kind of made me feel like I can no longer let them have power of me. Not sure if that's the right way to put it but such an interesting read if your going through a similar situation. It kind of made me feel less isolated and alone and that I'm not going mad, you do get awkward silence when you mention you have no kids, you are made to feel a certain way if at a child's birthday party and haven't got a child. Not everyone will understand this book but people going through this will take away what they need from it for sure.

4.5 stars rounded up. I really enjoyed this book by Danielle Schwartz, it read like a memoir but dove into many different perspectives about being child-free in a well-rounded way. I'm very different from Schwartz but also child-free, and I felt very seen by this book and resonated with many of her experiences. This is something I'd recommend to anyone who is child-free and anyone interested in understanding more about someone who has decided to be child-free.

Milk Drunk, aptly subtitled What to Expect When You're Not Expecting, tells of Danielle Schwartz’ experiences as a childless woman in a world of mothers. Of course not all women are mothers but Schwartz finds that her and her husband’s decision not to have children is often a source for discussion. She is called selfish, materialistic, egotistical, self-centered and even an alcoholic. She choses not to engage in discussion with these women who seem intrusive, to say the least. Instead, she practices restraint, travels with her husband and enjoys life. Although this well-written memoir feels at times argumentative, that is explained by the harsh comments Schwartz has heard. Her reasoning is strong, presented well and makes sense. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Indigo River Publishing and Danielle Schwartz for this ARC.

I do not read a ton of Memoirs, but this book was so interesting to me! I loved the authors words and felt I even related to a lot in it. Thanks NetGalley and Indigo River Publishing