Never one to miss out on an opportunity for free literature, I jumped at the chance to review a new paperback release from Virgin Books.
UK celebrity, Myleene Klass, singer, classical musician, TV/radio presenter and bikini wearing jungle babe has recently joined the Mummy club and while working on the production of her mini me, the gorgeous Ava, she also wrote about her experiences for a book entitled, ‘My Bump and Me.’
Yes it’s a pregnancy book.
No I’m not pregnant.
But I have been, and, well, maybe if I do a good job on this one they’ll send me other FREE books to write about. Shhhhh, don’t tell.
Truly, honestly I wouldn’t have been able to write about something I would not want to read, even if it was free, but I’ve always though Myleene was a really lovely girl, even though most women should probably hate her as she is intelligent, talented and gorgeous. (I know, it’s sick.)
But she’s also, in my opinion, very likable, and I could imagine enjoying a night out with her on the town. And as I learnt on reading ‘My Bump and Me’, she’s bezzie mates with the fabulous Lauren Laverne, ex Kenickie singer, funny girl, and presenter of The Culture Show.
Sigggghhhhhh. I used to love Kenickie.
Cough. Anyway, the book.
As Amazon notes, “From conception to birth – via morning sickness, raging hormones, cravings, baby names, sex, sleepless nights, opinionated in-laws, ‘bump envy’, and the labor itself – Myleene offers practical advice, essential medical information, and an honest account of what’s in store for anyone with a baby on the way. ”
For the most part I would agree with that description. Written in a simple, friendly style that is easy to access, Myleene comes across as a pretty down to earth girl. Obviously there are perks to being a celebrity mother-to-be, such as being given a case full of flat pumps and the whole range of M&S maternity clothes, but as she was modelling in the M&S ad campaign at the time it’s hardly surprising.
In a week by week diary format, Myleene talks about the difficulties of keeping her pregnancy under wraps for the whole of the first trimester even though speculation in the press has her labelled a diva, a party girl, and as suffering with an eating disorder. She details the effect her hormones have on both her personal and professional relationships, the weird stuff many pregnancy books don’t tell you such as the fact your feet will probably go up a size or two, and she even admits that embarrassing name we all give to our growing foetus ‘Rice’ (Miss E was Plum-Bob, Miss M was The Bump until 20 weeks when she was Miss M).
A few reviews I’ve read seem to take offense at the fact she describes the problems she has while working on a shoot in Cape Town, and the fact she complains about being too tired to party with fellow models, but let’s face it, most of us wouldn’t buy a book on pregnancy written by your average Jo (that would be me). Anyone who buys this book is purchasing it for Myleene’s experience. That’s the only one she can give, and as a celebrity it is bound to differ from yours and mine.
- She can afford to go private when her Doctor is unpleasant to her.
- She is given a vast array of freebies as well as gifts from fans.
- Her pregnancy photos are, erm, gorgeous.
- And when she and partner decide their London flat is too small they are able to go out and purchase a home more suited to their requirements without the financial worries many of us have.
But Myleene handles this in a way that portrays her as a woman working within a certain industry, with all the problems and advantages that particular industry brings. She’s completely matter of fact, doesn’t gush and finds good homes for any extra goodies she receives.
She is also not afraid to reveal that she became a spotty, hormonal, scary lady at the start of her pregnancy, which I know I was kind of hoping for, mwah ha ha haaa, AND, she had terrible morning sickness, so even in her somewhat enviable position, in the end she is slave to whatever pregnancy decides to throw at her just as we all are. Her fears are the same as mine, her excitement, her joy, and it was great to hear her partner’s insights as well as he was equally non-showy and honest.
This is not a book you would buy to guide you through every aspect of pregnancy, but then it doesn’t claim to be. It’s more a journey you can share in and relate to, and a bit of a sneaky peek into a celebrity world that is intriguing and exciting to some of us normal folk.
So would I recommend it?
Yes. It’s a positive, honest and at times funny book with a happy ending. What more could any pregnant woman wish for?
Apart from salted mushy peas on toast. Or was that just me?
![[MFM's mummy bloggers you really should read]](http://www.madeformums.com/news/images/mummybloggerlogo.jpg)
February 27th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
It almost makes me want to go out and get knocked up. Almost.
It’s advantageous to have a good preggo book recommendation for preggo friends, you know. Good review, Jo and pass the peas on toast.
February 27th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
I was having a hard time thinking of what is worse than mushy peas. And now I know. SALTED mushy peas. Why oh why do we have to still have mushy peas in this country, and why don’t we do something about it?
And that picture? While I’m sure the book is every bit as good as you say it is, because I believe EVERYTHING you say, I just can’t stop thinking that i never held my belly like that in either of my pregnancies. EITHER OF THEM.
I am a bit busy these days. Could you please read the book onto cd for me? Then I could load the cd onto my mp3 player and listen to it while I do stuff I don’t really want to do but no one else will do, like put their crap away and hoover. I would listen to you read this book to me. Alternatively, if you could call me every night and say a paragraph of it, I’m sure we would finish it within the year? the decade? dunno.
February 27th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
“Apart from salted mushy peas on toast. Or was that just me?”
Definitely. Just. You. Ewwwwwwwww!!!
Ahem.
Anyway, I obviously have never heard of this chick, but the book does sound okay!
February 27th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
sounds like a fun pregnancy book.
I sadly….never read actual books these days. 
February 27th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
I’m way to old for this book, but you do have me intrigued, although I don’t know the lady in question at all. I am way past my pregnancy years though and way past the pitter patter days. I would read it for nostalgic purposes and to get a peek into a celebrity’s life, even though she is British. So, go ahead and send me the book. Oh no, I owe you something, don’t I? Coming right up.
February 27th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
Sounds like a good read!
And the peas? Yeah…totally you. =P
February 28th, 2009 at 1:31 am
Great review Jo. Sounds like an interesting book. I may recommend it to others but too late for me – sob! Do feel a little envious of anyone who can decide their falt is too small and pop out and buy a new one. Like that happens in real life!
By the way I’m liking the choice of “foetus names” (now there’s an idea for a future blog post!) IJ was called peanut.
February 28th, 2009 at 7:10 am
Salted mushy peas on toast? Really? My craving was sushi. Now THAT’s a killer, as it’s highly recommended not to give in to it. Had a girlfriend with the same craving, but hers was so bad that she took the menu of a take-away place opposite the hospital in with her when she went into labour, and sent her husband out with her pre-arranged order the moment the baby popped out… (Great review, btw. Send the woman more books, Mr Branson!)
February 28th, 2009 at 11:40 am
Mushy peas! That’s the second time TODAY I read that… the first was in a cookbook by Nigella. I remember seeing it on Ramsey’s show too, I think. Must be a British thing. I have never had them.
Great review; I am sure she would be pleased with it!!
March 1st, 2009 at 11:37 am
Bee, that’s what I think. It’s not rocket science or anything, but just an honest account. I’d say get the medical book, and then get a fun one like this.
Zerilda my lovely, I read it on about 3 hours in the bath. It’s lovely and relaxing and I would read it to you, except I’m worried it might get you all broody. ;D I did hole my bumps like that sometimes, but then they got a little bit bigger. I think I used to do it so peole would realise I was pregnant and not just a blimp. I still do it now.
Sybil, she’s a nice chick I think. The mushy peas on toast was a one off, although I do like mushy peas, but I wouldn’t want them on toast or with salt now. Yack.
Corey it is, and noooooooooooo. I have to read. You must find time. I’ll find some spare minutes and send them to you.
Finely Tuned Woman it was kind of nostalgic. I doubt I’ll be having any more kids, but it was nice going back 4 years and 8 years to that time in my kids lives. Sighhhhhhh.
Kim it really is. And about the peas..thanks.
Rosie I reckon most of us do the foetus names thing. It’s funny isn’t it. And IJ looks nothing like a peanut now.
Potty that must have been hard. My sister-in-law Helly is a Blue Stilton lover. When she got home she had wine and stilton waiting for her both times. It was like torture for her.
Maureen thanks. And I think mushy peas are a Brit thing. They’re great on Chip Shop Chips. Yum. On toast though, well, I’ve never had it since, but it’s what my body wanted. Weird.
March 2nd, 2009 at 7:10 am
Tomatoes. And wagon wheels. Not the same pregnancy – that would have been gross.
March 2nd, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Nothing of value to add other than that Mylene is absolutely scrumptious.
Pregnant or otherwise.
Yum.
Rawr.
Yum.
March 3rd, 2009 at 10:18 am
Excellent review .. and funny