FROM OUR EDITORS

What happens when an ideal relationship falters? Ever since they clicked on their first date, Claudia and Ben seemed to be in symphonic harmony. Their priorities were the same: Both cherished their love, their freedom, their mobility; neither wanted to be encumbered by children. But then Ben started to have second thoughts and began to wonder if kids could make the perfect marriage even more perfect. At the time, he didn't know that his sudden change of heart might undermine the central relationship of his life. Emily Griffin writes movingly of weighing priorities and reconsidering possibilities.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Claudia and Ben are the perfect couple. Ever since their first date, when they both admitted they had no desire for children, their courtship and marriage seemed destined. Their relationship is about freedom, possibility and exploration. About being together because they want to be together. Not because children are caging them with eighteen years of obligation. But then Ben changes his mind: He does want children, after all.

This is the story about what happens to the perfect couple when they have to face the toughest decision either of them has ever had to make. What is the most important thing in life: children or love? Emily Giffin is a sensation—a master at exploring impossible dilemmas with humor, sensitivity and depth. Baby Proof will satisfy the hundreds of thousands of fans who have already read her books, and create legions more.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

The bestselling author of Something Borrowed and Something Blue now tells the story of what happens after the "I do"s. As a successful editor at a Manhattan publishing house, Claudia Parr counts herself fortunate to meet and marry Ben, a man who claims to be a nonbreeding career-firster like she is. The couple's early married years go smoothly, but then Ben's biological clock starts to tick. A baby's a deal breaker for Claudia, so she moves out and bunks with her college roommate Jess (a 35-year-old blonde goddess stuck in a series of dead-end relationships) while the wheels of divorce crank into action. Even after the divorce is finalized and Claudia embarks on a steamy love affair with her colleague Richard, she begins to doubt her decision when she suspects Ben has found a smart, young and beautiful woman willing to bear his children. Standard fare as far as chick lit goes, but there are strong subplots involving Claudia's sisters (one is coping with infertility, the other with a cheating spouse) and the childless-by-choice plot line produces above-average tension. 300,000 announced first printing. (June 13) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal

In her third novel (after Something Borrowed and Something Blue), Giffin introduces the character of Claudia Parr, a 35-year-old New York City book editor who has never wanted children. Claudia gets along famously with her husband, Ben, until he changes his own stance on children and decides he wants one after all. At first, she chalks it up to a phase, but soon it becomes clear that the love of her life is choosing fatherhood over her. Devastated, Claudia files for divorce and moves back in with her best friend. To make matters worse, the women closest to Claudia-her two sisters and her best friend-either already have children or are trying to get pregnant. Claudia makes the most of her situation and starts dating an attractive coworker, steadfastly believing she was right to stand by her values. Until, that is, she realizes that being with Ben is what matters the most. A fast-paced and interesting look at the various ways women view motherhood and pregnancy, this is sure to be popular with Giffin's many fans. Recommended for all public libraries. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 2/15/06.]-Karen Core, Detroit P.L. Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.