What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding
A Memoir
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4.6 • 255 Ratings
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- $13.99
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
A funny, sexy, and ultimately poignant memoir about mastering the art of the "vacationship."
Kristin Newman spent much of her twenties and thirties buying dresses to wear to her friends' weddings and baby showers. Not ready to settle down and in need of an escape from her fast-paced job as a sitcom writer, Kristin instead traveled the world, often alone, for several weeks each year. In addition to falling madly in love with the planet, Kristin fell for many attractive locals, men who could provide the emotional connection she wanted without costing her the freedom she desperately needed.
Kristin introduces readers to the Israeli bartenders, Finnish poker players, sexy Bedouins, and Argentinean priests who helped her transform into "Kristin-Adjacent" on the road–a slower, softer, and, yes, sluttier version of herself at home. Equal parts laugh-out-loud storytelling, candid reflection, and wanderlust-inspiring travel tales, What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding is a compelling debut that will have readers rushing to renew their passports.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Television comedy writer Newman (That '70s Show, etc.) seems to have the perfect job: nine months writing and three months off to pursue her passion for travel. The memoir begins in 2000, when she is 26; a six-year romantic relationship has just ended. To cheer herself up she takes a trip to Paris and Amsterdam, where she pops some Ecstasy, flirts with a lesbian, and begins a tradition of using travel to heal a broken heart. Throughout the next decade (the memoir concludes in 2011) she visits Russia, Argentina, England, Iceland, Australia and Brazil (among other places), always finding romance, adventure, and plenty of (well-documented) sex. While her friends are marrying (and having children), Newman seeks freedom and fun. The only child of divorced parents, Newman is wary of marriage, though she longs for a lasting relationship (readers will find themselves rooting for Argentinian (almost ex-) priest Father Juan). Newman includes witty travel trips (e.g., "You don't wear booty shorts to the Western Wall on Shabbat").The author is quick to point out that she's "not a slut in the United States of America" and defends a female's right to a sexy vacation romance. Ultimately, however, Newman's funny and unflinchingly honest memoir reveals that even though there's nothing quite like a great party in an exotic locale with a hot guy, true love doesn't necessarily require a passport.
Customer Reviews
Perfection
As a chronically single 30 year old woman, who loves to travel, I felt like Kristin was telling my story. I am hopeful for my last chapter as well! Loved this book and can't wait to recommend it to my friends.
So well written, hilarious and real
Thank you, Kristin, for sharing your wonderful life.
Insightful and hilarious
A woman trying to navigate a society that tells us finding the right partner is the most important goal to accomplish. Through her travels, she meets many wonderful people and shares their stories. An insightful book about meeting people from all over the world and, in turn, finding yourself along the way.