Everything about this book was amazing!, but that might be because I’m currently writing a book about parenthood, and I am slightly biased with my reading preferences. I’m eating up anything that paints a real picture of this very challenging time and Now We Have Everything does just that — a raw, visceral telling of first-time motherhood in all it’s glory.
O’Connell tells a vivid tale of adjusting to becoming a mother before she was ready, detailing the horrors of a very traumatic 48 hour labor, the raw emotions of the first few weeks of a new baby, and how by prioritising herself with a bit of self-care, she came to find who she was again.
It’s a honest reflection and something that really hit home for me. O’Connell admits that while she had no trouble breastfeeding and can’t imagine what it would be like if she did, she didn’t particularly warm to this ‘most natural act’ and only stuck it out because that’s what you’re supposed to do. I love this! As someone who really struggled to breastfeed my first, I love that she can just say, ‘thanks for but no thanks. It’s not for me.’ Praise be sister! (sorry been watching too much Handmaid’s Tale lately).
So if you’ve recently had a baby (well at least six months ago as it might all be still too raw for you), or are thinking about having one, (providing you’re not easily scared) or had one years ago (and just want a good laugh), get this little gem of a book in your hands and soak up O’Connell’s witty style.
Marisa Jones Author 