This New York Times bestseller, "Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth About Pregnancy and Childbirth," truly lives up to its title for very good reasons.

Jenny McCarthy, a former Playboy playmate (who now regrets that choice after seeing her husband ogle playmates on TV while she sat there with her enlarged frame) and a co-star of the MTV show "Singled Out" in the mid-90's, doesn't hold back in telling the unadulterated truth. Among the numerous pregnancy books out there, this one definitely tops my list of recommendations.

For those unfamiliar with Jenny McCarthy, she's a wild, upfront, and often insulting woman who frequently refers to herself as the stereotypical blonde. I never considered myself a fan of hers. In fact, I picked up this book without realizing who the author was. However, reading it gave me a newfound appreciation for this formerly obnoxious (at least to me) and loud-mouthed woman.

McCarthy takes readers through many of the moments and fears she experienced during her own pregnancy. From the difficult process of trying to conceive (finding it wasn't as easy as she thought to get "knocked-up") to the various stages of pregnancy, like the day she found out and had to wait ten hours for her husband to come home to share the good news, and the table she was afraid she'd "poo" on during birth (a fact I wasn't aware of before reading this book).

Although not many of us have the celebrity status to make reservations anywhere just because a friend recommended a steak at a particular place or worry that the public will notice our formerly size four behind has now become a size fourteen due to pregnancy, we can still relate to many of the other aspects she describes.

I finished reading this book feeling more enlightened than I ever expected. It covers details that other books often overlook, like how long a pregnant woman can hold her urine (fifteen seconds, according to McCarthy).

If you're looking for a book that will make you laugh out loud, this might not be the one for you. The title "Belly Laughs" refers more to the ability to look back at all the bodily functions and situations that arose during pregnancy and find humor in them. However, I must admit that the image of a woman in her ninth month teetering on the side of her SUV to urinate because of a fight with her husband who stopped the car is indeed quite humorous. But that's just my sense of humor; you may find more of this book laugh-out-loud funny than I did.

Whether you're just starting to prepare for pregnancy, know nothing about childbirth, or are in the middle of your own self-assigned reading on the topic, this book is a must-have. It contains everything you need to know, presented with such frank honesty.

I sat down this morning and read this book cover to cover, finishing it by the afternoon. It's only 165 pages, and with a blank page in between almost every chapter (which counts as a page), it seems even shorter. The chapters are delightfully short, so if you have to get up and do other things frequently, your reading will barely be interrupted.

In fact, I would recommend buying this book for everyone you know, whether they have kids or are planning to have kids. It's that good.

The table of contents is also quite extensive, covering a wide range of topics related to pregnancy, from getting pregnant and pregnancy tests to morning sickness, hormonal changes, strange cravings, and much more.

On the back of the book, Jenny McCarthy shares some of her thoughts on various aspects of pregnancy, such as mood swings, morning sickness, and weight gain. Her honesty and sense of humor make this book not only informative but also highly entertaining.

Overall, "Belly Laughs" is a great read for anyone who wants to know the real truth about pregnancy and childbirth. It's a book that will make you laugh, cry, and feel more prepared for the journey ahead.

In all honesty, it is truly THE NAKED TRUTH ABOUT PREGNANCY. There are so many things that no one ever mentions. For example, thank you Jenny for sharing the poo thing. I had absolutely no clue about that before. But these are the very things that are clearly having an impact on us pregnant women out here.

This piece is really funny and it's presented in a loud and engaging way. It's full of insights into the average day of a pregnant woman. And you know what? I really liked it! It made me realize that there are so many aspects of pregnancy that we often keep quiet about, but which are actually quite common and important to discuss.

It's refreshing to read something that is so open and honest about the realities of pregnancy. It makes me feel less alone in my experiences and more informed about what to expect. I would definitely recommend this to other pregnant women or anyone who wants to understand what pregnancy is really like.

Overall, it's a great read that offers a unique perspective on pregnancy and is sure to make you laugh and nod in agreement.

I read the majority of this book while sitting in the waiting room at the doctor's office. It was truly an enjoyable experience. I simply can't convey to you the numerous times I found myself laughing out loud.

The author is such an honest person! I really valued the fact that I could so easily relate to her pregnancy and the various experiences she shared. She doesn't hold back when it comes to being honest, so be prepared.

I firmly believe that this is an outstanding book for first-time moms. It provides them with valuable insights and a sense of connection. Moreover, it also makes a great gift! Whether you're looking to give it to a friend or a family member who is expecting their first child, this book is sure to be appreciated.

It's a lighthearted and engaging read that will bring a smile to your face and make you feel less alone in the journey of motherhood.

This book holds a special place in my heart as it was a precious gift from one of my dearest friends during high school.

It is an absolute riot! So incredibly funny that it truly served as a great stress reliever for me. Jenny McCarthy's humor is just off the charts hilarious.

When I read her book, I thought to myself, if she could be so brave and share her experiences so openly, then surely I could find the courage within myself as well.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to any woman (and man too) who is on the verge of having a baby or who already has little ones running around.

I firmly believe that she is a wonderful mom, and I have the utmost admiration for the way she has embraced the role of "mommy-hood" with such grace and humor.

Her book is not only entertaining but also provides valuable insights and practical tips for parents-to-be and those already in the thick of parenting.

It's a must-read for anyone looking for a lighthearted yet informative read on the joys and challenges of raising children.

Well, this book didn't really tickle my funny bone, nor did it offer much in the way of helpfulness. In fact, it seems more like a personal biography of her own pregnancy rather than a comprehensive look at pregnancy in general. If you're hoping to gain a better understanding of what to expect during pregnancy, you might want to consider picking up a different book that showcases the various differences. After all, every pregnancy is unique, but this one only focuses on her symptoms and such.

Here are some things that really rubbed me the wrong way about this book:
1. It's all about her pregnancy. As someone who's never been pregnant before, I was hoping to learn what I should anticipate as the weeks progress. However, I'm already halfway through and I haven't experienced half of what she did, and I definitely didn't react the same way. If she's going to title her book "The Naked Truth About Pregnancy," it should cover the full range of what one can expect. Otherwise, it should be called "The Naked Truth About MY Pregnancy."
2. The language she used was quite inappropriate. She swears a lot, and I don't think it's necessary to get her point across. In fact, it just seemed tacky and actually disrupted my enjoyment of whatever story she was telling. It made me lose interest in what she was trying to convey. Maybe some people talk like that in their daily lives, but it has no place in a published book.
3. Her relationship with her husband was also a turnoff. My husband and I have a caring and respectful relationship. We like to tease each other, but it's always in a lighthearted and innocent way. We would never tease each other in a hurtful manner. However, her stories about how her husband would egg her on when she was in a bad mood or stop the car when she had to pee just didn't resonate with me. I can't imagine my husband doing something like that. And I would never throw things at him in a fit of rage, no matter how emotional I might be during pregnancy. Just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you can act like a crazy person. You still have control over your actions and emotions.
4. Her constant mention of her "celebrity" status was also annoying. I really don't care about that. 90% of the world doesn't have to deal with the problems that come with being famous. So why is that even included in a pregnancy book? It just seemed like she was bragging about herself. I don't care that she had to watch her weight or hide her pregnancy because she was famous. That has nothing to do with pregnancy. And the story about how she was able to get a table at a specific restaurant because she was famous just made me roll my eyes. That doesn't help any other woman who's pregnant and not famous.
5. The book did touch on what happened during labor and delivery, but it didn't go into much detail. And it didn't tell you anything about what to expect after delivery. How can a pregnancy book not describe what to expect after you give birth? That's a pretty important part of the whole process.

The only redeeming quality of this book was that it was short. And since it was given to me by a friend, I didn't waste my own money on it. I have no intention of reading any more of Jenny McCarthy's books, and I definitely wouldn't recommend this one to any first-time moms. Maybe it might be more entertaining for those who are on their third or fourth child and just need something to pass the time. But for us moms-to-be who are looking for real information and preparation, this book is a complete dud.

You can read this review and others on my blog at http://awriterswife-bcray.blogspot.co...

I made the decision to purchase this particular item based solely on Kim's strong recommendation. After delving into it, I found that I did enjoy the overall experience. However, there were certain moments when I really struggled to envision Jenny McCarthy in the described state of being fat and having acne遍布 her face. It did manage to make me feel a bit better about certain things, but I can't help but think that perhaps she might have stretched the truth just a little bit.

Maybe it was an exaggeration for the sake of the story or to make a particular point. Nevertheless, it did have an impact on my perception as I was reading. Despite this small caveat, I still found value in what I read and it did offer some form of comfort or relief. It just goes to show that sometimes, even with a bit of stretching of the truth, a story can still have a positive effect on the reader.

What a truly remarkable book this is!

Forget about that typical 'What to Expect When You're Expecting' kind of book. Se has crafted a work that is so refreshingly true and unfiltered.

Reading this book, you'll no longer be filled with fear at the thought of becoming a mom.

Each chapter presents a unique story from her pregnancy journey, highlighting the comical aspects that come with all of a pregnant woman's aches, pains, and cravings.

Rather than simply telling you what she assumes you might want to hear, Se bravely presents life as it really is.

It's a brutally honest and yet incredibly endearing account that will have you laughing out loud one moment and nodding in understanding the next.

This book is a must-read for any expectant mother who wants to experience the reality of pregnancy in a light-hearted and relatable way.

It offers a new perspective that will make you embrace the challenges and joys of motherhood with a newfound sense of confidence and humor.

This was precisely what I desired during a vacation read.

I was in search of a humorous, light-hearted, and effortless read.

I would not suggest reading this for pregnancy information. However, perhaps after you have perused a few serious books on pregnancy, it could be a good choice.

It contains real-life stories about all the symptoms that you come to know about during pregnancy.

It is truly very enjoyable and can provide a nice break from the more serious and technical aspects of pregnancy literature.

It offers a different perspective and allows you to relax and have a bit of fun while still learning something about the experiences of pregnancy.

Overall, it is a great addition to any pregnancy reading list, especially for those who are looking for something a little less intense and more entertaining.

This book was absolutely hilarious.

I first purchased it when I was pregnant for the very first time, based on a recommendation. I had initially read some of it, but unfortunately, I was soon distracted by the more serious pregnancy books that seemed to demand my attention.

However, recently, I decided to pick it up again, fully aware that it would bring a smile to my face and make me laugh out loud. And boy, was I right!

Not only did I find myself chuckling throughout, but to my surprise, even my husband picked up the book and read a few chapters. He rarely reads books, so this was quite a remarkable thing.

It's truly amazing how this book has the power to bring joy and laughter to both me and my husband during this special time of our lives.

Jenny McCarthy must indeed be a mad genius.

She presents a truly hilarious, light-hearted, and yet highly realistic perspective on the process and product of pregnancy.

Just consider the titles of some of the chapters:

"Die Model Die (Hating Skinny People)" - here, she laments her past as a pretty playmate. She humorously states that had she known how playmates make pregnant women feel, she would have aimed to be the "fattest, hairest playmate of all time."

"Pig in the Pasture" - which delves into the topic of sex when one is the size of a pig.

"Poopin' on the Table (The Dark Side of Delivery)" - a title that is self-explanatory.

I found myself both laughing and taking mental notes. She not only entertained me but also enlightened me on several details that are useful to know. For instance, the 4-1-1 rule, which means a contraction every 4 minutes that lasts 1 minute in length for 1 hour, indicating that it's time to go to the hospital. Until then, she suggests taking a shower or giving oneself an enema to avoid the situation described in the last mentioned chapter. I learned these things much more effectively than from a textbook-style, flowery and butterfly-filled book.

This is the only book I will recommend to other pregnant women in the future. Until, perhaps, David Sedaris decides to write one on the same subject.

Hilarious!

Laugh out loud!

You can read this entire thing in one sitting.

There were parts that had me laughing so hard that tears were streaming down my face.

My husband even turned down the volume of the football game so he could listen to me talk about it.

It was truly an entertaining and side-splitting experience.

The story was filled with witty remarks and comical situations that kept me engaged from start to finish.

I couldn't help but share the laughter with those around me.

This is definitely a must-read for anyone in need of a good laugh.

It will brighten your day and leave you with a smile on your face.

So, go ahead and pick it up.

You won't be disappointed!

I received this book as a present from a friend. Her words were, "If you can't trust advice from a playmate, who can you trust?"

"Belly Laughs" is likely selling copies across the country as Jenny McCarthy has shared her unfiltered and crude remarks about her pregnancy symptoms. At times, the descriptions can make one wince, yet they are not entirely without humor. The numerous and significant body changes during pregnancy serve as material for the author to draw comparisons between private parts and food, and over-active bodily functions and the animal kingdom.

One aspect she did - albeit briefly - was accurately identify the feeling of one's body being taken over and the impact it has on self-image. While I don't necessarily feel sorry for a celebrity, I am truly grateful that my entire sense of self-worth is not solely based on my appearance.

Another thing I liked was the final chapter regarding the birth of her son. She effectively conveys the fear and drama of labor. She also describes the emergency c-section she ultimately had and how frightened she felt when things didn't progress smoothly throughout.

Overall, the book is written in a style similar to a 15-year-old's diary. However, these days, I'll read anything related to pregnancy if it lands on my doorstep. Which, in itself, must be a pregnancy symptom of indulging in less-than-stellar literature... perhaps Materna-libritis?