The Girlfriends' Guide to Getting Your Groove Back: Loving Your Family Without Losing Your Mind (Girlfriends' Guides) Paperback – April 1, 2001

In some ways, Ms. Iovine and I couldn't be more different. I haven't worn a pair of high heels since my rehearsal dinner nearly eighteen years ago; makeup is something I put on in five minutes for my husband's annual christmas party; and I still don't know what I want to do with my life--compared to her highly successful career, stylish TV appearances, weekly newspaper columns, etc. But underneath the surface, we're both "mommies," and that experience of trying to meet the infinite needs of your children while keeping a self intact is universal. Or at least, *now* I know it's universal, after reading this book. I found it warmhearted, encouraging, and practical--even when I knew I'd never do what she's suggesting. And even though all of her books have included discussions of highly personal topics, this one seemed even more personal to me, as if she were truly baring her soul at certain spots. I'd highly recommend it, especially to those, like me, whose youngest child is approaching school age and suddenly there is a light at the end of the tunnel--a thought both longed-for and (I find to my surprise) a bit dreaded.My only complaint, though, is the incredibly sloppy editing. There are typos, misspellings, punctuation marks missing (like periods at the end of sentences). Not Iovine's fault, of course, but the publisher has to be making a fortune off these books, you'd think they could afford a proofreader.

This book is written for the Mommy who has finally put all the kids in school, and now wants to reclaim a part of her old self. Although I still have small ones at home, I found it reassuring that these "stages" parents go through with the kids don't last long, so we might as well enjoy them. At the same time, we need to remember that "we are the only ones who know how much soul-searching time we need to keep functioning as the locomotives that pull the family train." I think a Mother can never hear enough that the days are long but the years are short, and that taking care of yourself must be a priority if we're to make it all fly and stand a chance of enjoying our families and ourselves.

I LOVED THE GIRLFRIENDS' GUIDE TO PREGNANCY AND GUIDE TO THE FIRST YEAR. She was so real and easy to relate to. After reading all of the prescribed books for new mommies, I found her first two books to not only be helpful but also humorous. When purchasing the first two for a pregnant Girlfriend, I ordered the GUIDE TO GETTING YOUR GROOVE BACK for myself. Yes, I could relate to her experiences except for the "family bed." When I "Ferberized" my daughter at 3 months old, it stuck, thank God! Anyway, I never really found the advice I was looking for, and the ideas she did have are already a part of my current lifestyle. I'm sorry, but I don't feel like this book will help anyone get their groove back. Also, I was also blown away by the lousy editing. As a teacher, misspellings get on my last nerve. They don't belong in the final copy of a book that costs $14.95. Sorry Vicki, but this book was a true disappointment to me. I was a huge fan.

I purchased this after my 3rd child, I was 29 at the time. it didn't completely pertain to my situation just yet, but with older kids I was able to relate and be prepared for the upcoming changes in my life! iovine is wonderful!!! girlfriend's guide to pregnancy is also a must have! I have finally passed my groove book onto a girlfriend of mine who is starting her new chapter in her life with her third child starting kindergarden - she is 31. but not before I read it again!!! I am now 40 and I still alugh and more relate to it now. I can't say enough about this author and her books. thank you Vicki!!!

I liked it, but I wasn't expecting a book written for moms of young children. I was seeking a book geared towards moms of babies and kids of all ages, but it really is geared towards 30 something, married women of a 4 or 5 year old. It is funny though!

I have read all these books and found them most helpful. They are easy to read and offer advice with a twist of humor so you know you're not the only one out there trying to figure out how to raise a child. Read them all.

Glad I purchased!

good