Selfish, Shallow, and Self-Absorbed

Sixteen writers share their personal essays about choosing not to have children in this collection edited by Meghan Daum. The contributors examine their decisions through different lenses including career, relationships, freedom, and identity. The essays represent perspectives from both men and women across different backgrounds, orientations, and life circumstances. Each writer brings their own voice and style to tackle societal expectations, family pressures, and the complex emotions around remaining child-free. The collection pushes back against common assumptions about people who don't want children while avoiding a defensive or argumentative tone. Through candid reflections and analysis, the book explores how procreation intersects with modern definitions of fulfillment, purpose, and social responsibility.

Readers appreciate the diverse perspectives from 16 writers sharing personal reasons for not having children. Many note the book challenges stereotypes about child-free adults being selfish or unfulfilled. Multiple reviews mention the essays feel honest and thoughtful rather than defensive. Common praise: - Validates choices without attacking parenthood - Mix of male and female voices - Strong writing quality across essays - Tackles taboo topics with nuance Common criticisms: - Too many writers from similar backgrounds (urban, educated) - Some essays feel repetitive - A few readers found certain writers unlikeable - More focused on decision process than life afterward Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (3,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (270+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (150+ ratings) "Finally, a book that discusses being childfree without apologizing," wrote one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads review noted: "Would have benefited from more diverse socioeconomic perspectives."

No Kids for Me, Thanks by Lori A. Brown A sociological study of women's reproductive rights and choices in contemporary society demonstrates how childfree adults navigate social pressures and personal autonomy.

Kid Me Not by Araminta Star Matthews Personal narratives from members of the Baby Boomer generation who chose not to have children reveal the long-term outcomes of their decisions.

Regretting Motherhood by Orna Donath Research-based examination of mothers who regret having children breaks the taboo surrounding maternal ambivalence and challenges social expectations.

Childfree and Loving It by Nicki Defago Interviews with childfree individuals across different cultures and backgrounds explore the realities of life without children in a pronatalist world.

Complete Without Kids by Ellen L. Walker Analysis of the childfree choice examines the psychology behind the decision and its implications for relationships, careers, and personal fulfillment.

🔖 The book features 16 writers (both male and female) sharing deeply personal essays about their choice to remain childless, challenging the notion that parenthood is a universal desire. 💭 Editor Meghan Daum deliberately excluded contributors who were unable to have children, focusing solely on those who made a conscious choice not to become parents. 📚 Several essays in the collection address how the writers navigate relationships with their own parents while choosing to remain child-free themselves. 🌟 The book's title is intentionally provocative, directly confronting common stereotypes about people who choose not to have children. ✍️ Meghan Daum has written extensively about unconventional life choices, including her 2014 essay collection "The Unspeakable," which explores topics society often considers taboo.