Others Like Me

Reviews / Votes

Louie's tone is vulnerable and empathetic, making this a must-read for everyone. * Stylist * These interviews are digestible in length and fascinating in breadth, adding depth and nuance to Louie's own story . . . Tender, emotive and quietly revelatory. * Irish Times * An honest reflection of a wide range of childfree women's emotions and experiences . . . An essential read. -- 'Seven of the best reads of 2024' * Image * Part memoir, part research, all impressive storytelling, Louie travels the globe listening to women speak of the experience of being not-mothers . . . In questioning her choice to be childfree while holding space for those who grieve their childlessness, Louie offers the possibility that as women - mothers or not - we may have more in common than is often acknowledged, not least that the lives of women and girls are all too often circumscribed by societal expectations and misogyny. A vital work as we approach the second quarter of the twenty-first century. -- Stella Duffy, author of LULLABY BEACH Deeply felt and deeply researched, books like this will help women decide what is right for them. -- Rowan Hisayo Buchanan, author of HARMLESS LIKE YOU An uplifting read about finding fulfilment outside of motherhood. * The Gloss * An important, beautiful, self-excavating memoir about female autonomy and joy found in childlessness, told with great tenderness. -- Nuala O'Connor, author of SEABORNE A distinctive, original book, Louie's approach to childless lives is thoughtful and empathetic. I couldn't get enough of her beautiful, lyrical prose and the care with which she holds other women's stories. While it doesn't shy away from some hard conversations, this book is ultimately uplifting. -- Caroline Magennis, author of HARPY: A MANIFESTO FOR CHILDFREE WOMEN What a unique addition to the genre exploring women without children! . . . With candour and self-reflection, Louie takes us on her journey to a deeper understanding of wanting a life that does not include motherhood. Beautifully crafted, this book shows us how inner work and learning from others leads to living assuredly in our truths. -- Laura Carroll, author of THE BABY MATRIX Written with vulnerability and authenticity, the highs and lows of Louie's childfree journey have the poignancy of a musical symphony. If childfree is the main theme here, then the complexity of familial relationships is the supporting theme . . . I have learned from Louie's grace, generosity and bravery. An empowering and comforting read for all women, regardless of their reproductive status. -- Ali Hall, founder of the Childfree by Choice community Lyrical, full of insight, humanity and compassion. Others Like Me shows women who don't have children that there are so many others like us. -- Clodagh Finn, author of THROUGH HER EYES: A NEW HISTORY OF IRELAND IN 21 WOMEN An affirming account of the lives of childless and child-free women. * Library Journal * Diligently researched and thoughtfully organized, Others Like Me is an honest look at the diverse identities and life paths of childless women. * Maisonneuve * Louie presents brief, stylized first-person vignettes drawn from interviews with 14 other childless women, who offer up an intriguing range of rationale . . . as well as sharp insights into both childlessness and parenthood. * Publishers Weekly *