Crib Notes: Books for Restless Women

Some galvanising, affirming reads for those times when you feel confined, dissatisfied or just a bit pissed off.

There are two reasons I have written this ‘Books for Restless Women’ issue of Crib Notes. 

The first reason is the everyday restlessness and boredom that goes hand in hand with looking after young children. At the moment my two-year-old is at home with me for three days of the week. Some moments feel wondrous, but there are also plenty of moments when building another Duplo house or playing another ball game makes me feel scratchy with the need for mental stimulation, for more. 

The second reason, is The Problem With Being A Woman. The Problem – the incredibly shit thing about being a woman trying to live any kind of life  – is that whatever we do, we are told we are doing it wrong. 

It is hard to shake off ideas about what women are ‘supposed’ to be. Everywhere you look – on Instagram, in the media and NCT Whatsapp Groups – are suggestions for what we should be doing. Having It All. Not Talking About Our Kids Too Much Because It is ‘Boring’. Having It All. Not Looking Mumsy. Snapping Ba…