I Don't Know How She Does It by Allison Pearson
From the outside Kate Reddy appears to have a perfect life - a high powered job as a portfolio manager, a doting husband, two perfect children, and a reliable nanny.  However, as we get to know Kate, we realize that her life is not nearly as perfect as it might seem.  The book begins in the middle of the night with Kate frantically trying to make a store bought pie appear like a home-baked one for her daughter's school Christmas party.  Thus begins our journey with Kate who, with good humor and wit, shares with us her life as a working mother.

Kate loves her job as a portfolio manager and the satisfaction she derives from making the numbers do as she says.  It's just her chauvinistic male co-workers she could do without.  Her kids are darling but needy and she doesn't seem to be able to spend nearly the time with them she should between her late nights at the office and the frequent international travel.  Kate's husband is sweet and reliable, but there really is not much time or desire for intimacy (unless you count her steamy email relationship with a client) when you are so busy.  Kate also harbors guilty feelings about asking her nanny or housekeeper to do too much and she is frequently handing out raises to overcompensate.  Money seems to be about the only thing Kate has in excess and she uses it to placate her kids with gifts, bring her family on holidays and make herself feel better with shoes.  It's a bit of a roller coaster ride (and a little exhausting actually) when you get caught up in her life, and you wonder how it can all continue at break necking speed.  It eventually does come crashing down, and Kate is forced to make some difficult choices.

We think this book will strike a chord with women, especially those who are or have been working mothers.  Whether it's because you never have time to actually see your friends who work down the street and instead rely on an email relationship, are frustrated with your spouse because you bear the brunt of managing the household while you both work, or a hundred other reasons, this is a book that will make you feel you are in good company.  Although actually a sad book at times because there doesn't seem to be an easy solution to having it all, it is enjoyable and, let's face it, truthful in an exaggerated sort of way.