Reviews

Some early reviews are in for ONE AND ONLY.

“The author’s argument dispels stereotypes of ‘onlies’ and raises provocative questions about the American tendency toward prioritizing and even elevating parenthood over relationships, individuality, social networks and other aspects of adulthood, sometimes to the detriment of the family. Recommended as an alternative perspective on an often emotionally fraught discussion.” — Kirkus Reviews

“The point is to ‘live the life you want,’ making choices based on individual desires and what is best for one’s particular family. Onlies, parents of onlies, and readers still on the fence will find the book illuminating and affirming.”  — Publishers Weekly

“Provocative, smart, and searingly honest, One and Only is a fascinating exploration of what it means to be an only child. Just as she did with Righteous, Lauren Sandler delivers a work of fierce reporting, tender storytelling, and clear-eyed cultural analysis.” — Susan Cain, author of the New York Times bestselling Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking

“Thanks to Lauren Sandler’s One and Only, we “onlies” can no longer blame our troublesome foibles on our lack of siblings. Through a combination of wide-ranging research and sharp personal reflection, Sandler powerfully debunks generations of myths about the loneliness, selfishness and general neuroticism of only children. Her book is a must-read both for adult only children and parents of “just” one — and an eye-opener for anyone interested in a fresh look at the meaning of connectedness.” — Judith Warner, author of the New York Times bestselling Perfect Madness: Motherhood in an Age of Anxiety

“Lauren Sandler’s book is eloquent, articulate, persuasive, and whip-smart. But its greatest virtue may be its restraint. This is, thank goodness, no faddish argument for only children. One and Only is something much wiser and much, much more important. It’s a plea to disregard our facile (and demonstrably incorrect) stereotypes about family size and accept a universal truth: one size does not fit all.”  – Daniel Smith, author of the New York Times bestselling Monkey Mind

“Lauren Sandler draws on cutting-edge research, interviews, and personal experience to explore what it means to have, or be, an only child. Her thought-provoking—and often surprising—analysis will fascinate anyone interested in how family circumstances shape our lives.” — Gretchen Rubin, bestselling author of The Happiness Project

“Lauren Sandler weaves a gripping tale of motherhood and modernity, bypassing the mommy wars to expose the wider conditions in which parenting choices are made.  Sandler tackles personal life and politics with intellect and heart, reminding us all that we are all both citizens of a family and the world.   As an only child and mother of twins, I find myself both reflected and tested.  She’s one of the most cogent commentators on feminism and family there is.” — Deborah Siegel, PhD, co-editor of Only Child: Writers on the Singular Joys and Solitary Sorrows of Growing Up Solo

“One and Only is a pleasure. With wit, warmth and keen intelligence, Lauren Sandler skewers the myths about only children and their parents. If you’re tired of all the foolish generalizations, buy several copies of this book, keep them in your diaper bag and hand them out at the playground!” — Liza Featherstone, author of Selling Women Short 

“One and Only is a thoughtful and, even more importantly, a feelingful book about being an only and having an only but also about being a parent and a child. But there’s more. Who knew the politics of population could be so exciting? Lauren Sandler’s prose sparkles as she tears at the old cliches of unhappy singletons, cheery nuclear families, “a heir and a spare.” She also questions the other cliches that take their place –  liberated parents with a single kid, up all night at the smoky party. Only children or people who have only children will find comfort in these pages and parents generally should read it to understand their own choices. This book, like everything Lauren Sandler writes, is lush and riveting.” – Alissa Quart, author of Hothouse Kids

Here are some nice things the press has said about my other writing.

“Sandler has an old-fashioned reporter’s knack for telling details. She clearly has a talent for getting people to open up about their beliefs, and she has enough respect for her subjects that she rarely indulges in caricatures.” —The Washington Post

“Sandler is engaging, smart and compassionate.” —People

“Always forthright. She writes with keen insight and empathy…vivid, spirited.” —The Christian Science Monitor

“With a flair for storytelling and description, Sandler provides a riveting read for anyone interested in generation next.” —Publisher’s Weekly

“Written in a clear, crisp journalistic style…Sandler’s excellent and frank reporting does much to shed a spotlight on the complexities.” —The Boston Herald

“She makes no bones about approaching her interviewees with skepticism, and the book is loaded with her sly comments and hilarious observations. At the same time, she’s more than a fair listener.” —Time Out New York

“Balanced and nuanced, Sandler draws characters deftly and has an ear for dialogue.” —The Village Voice

“Compassion for her subjects and brisk writing make her increasingly alarming story go down easily.” —The Rocky Mountain News

“A moving and thought-provoking report, worth a look no matter what side you fall on.” —The Dallas Morning News

“You will find Sandler’s book worth every penny.” —The San Diego Union-Tribune