Kristin Bair: Clementine Crane Prefers Not To

Kristin Bair’s new novel, Clementine Crane Prefers Not To, took me 40 days to finish. For a 300-page book, I usually take a week or two (the most) to read. As I started to read this novel, however, I had some personal controversies to deal with. As a result, I wrote (to get things off my head) more than I read for pleasure.

I read all of Kristin’s books part because she’s one of my longest freelance clients and part because she’s a damn good writer. In all of her books, she has created a strong female character and Clementine Crane Prefers Not To, is no exception. Apparently, I am not the target audience for this book. I am not one of the hot-flashers. I am not one of the overwhelmed moms. I am not one of the mental-load managers. I am not one of these piss-off people with periods. I am definitely not one of the people with uteruses.

Then again, her novel makes me appreciate my wife as well as all the women who have done everything for their husband and kids. I am as guilty as Tor. In addition to holding down a full-time job, Clem manages her kids’ activities and husband’s schedules. As Clem reached her perimenopause, she came to a breaking point. She shared her personal experience online and created the “I Prefer Not To” movement, which was based on Herman Melville’s “Bartleby, The Scrivener: A Story Of Wall-Street.”

Even though my mind was distracted with other issues while reading Clementine Crane Prefers Not To, I did not lose grip of the novel, which had funny moments (“fish-napping”) as well as poignant parts (the loss). In addition, Kristin is well-versed with technology. She incorporates social media into her story. Once I found the rhythm in the novel, I didn’t want the book to end. Kristin did it again with her fourth novel.