Jenny Slate’s writing is ethereal, gentle, and strange in the very best way. She captures the intersections of reality and imagination in such a whimsical-yet-analytical form, and it always makes my heart sing just a little bit. I loved the first half of this book, particularly the sections about the raccoon and eavesdropping at lunch. There is just a human quality to these essays. However, as a young woman who is really struggling with the concept of the desire to not ever have children, I did not relate to the second half and found myself skimming it at times. This has nothing to do with the writing or Slate’s talent, but my own aversion to the idea of myself as a mother at this point in my life.

I knew when I saw that Jenny Slate was releasing a new book, that it would be strange, poetic, and deeply affecting. That is exactly what this turned out to be. She uses the absolute strangest metaphors and allegories to push forth some of the most beautiful, relatable experiences of womanhood. Her imagery is quirky and memorable (i.e, the baby seal). Some of the stories were a bit more difficult to understand, but that could be me not being a mother preventing me from understanding. Overall, I loved this book and will cherish it. I think it would make a great gift to a mother-to-be!

This was an entertaining and insightful quick nonfiction read. I haven’t had the best luck reading nonfiction by celebrities but this one felt like a door that was opened into Slate’s world and it felt like a friend was telling their story.

While Jenny Slate's stand-up comedy and comedic acting roles are very accessible and hilarious (Marcel the Shell with Shoes On! Mona-Lisa Saperstein!), her writing is often the complete opposite. While I found her debut selection of stories LITTLE WEIRDS delightful, though somewhat.. weird (of course), I found her latest LIFEFORM even more weirder and harder to crack. While I certainly don't mind surreal, Slate truly takes the whimsical surrealness she is known for to a whole new level.

I was so excited to dive into her thoughts about being a new mom, especially since I'm currently pregnant. I related to some parts, but not all. The stories are fantastical and strange, and I'm sure some people will be VERY into this vibe, but it just wasn't working for me at the end of the day. I'm not mad I read it though. I still admire how inventive and creative she is, and how she makes me laugh a lot in other ways!