I was quite excited when I was asked by MotherTalk to review the book Only Child: Writers on the Singular Joys and Solitary Sorrows of Growing Up Solo
Though I grew up in a family of two children, I find myself, someone unexpectedly (long story) the mother of an only child. On and off this concerns me.
Will his social skills suffer?
Will he miss having a sibling?
Who will be there for him when I am gone?
So, I thought perhaps this book would help to answer some of those questions. I have to say...I was disappointed. The author, Deborah Siegel, compiled a book of essays by friends and acquaintances who are only children or have only children, She lives in Manhattan. She is a writer. And so the book should, perhaps have been titled:
Only Child: Essays by upper middle class, sometimes somewhat famous, usually living in Manhattan, who are or have an only child.
Some of what they had to say was interesting. Much of it was depressing. Most of it wasn't very helpful. Erica Jong's daughter wrote about how it was to grow up in an extremely weird family - only child or not. Another story warned about the trials of no longer being the center of attention when grown and away from the family home.
So, while I appreciate someone taking the time to compile the stories...something a little more on the bright side or at least providing some tips, would have been more helpful.
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