A Few Good Eggs: Two Chicks Dish on Overcoming the Insanity of Infertility

The comprehensiveness of this accessible guide to managing infertility reflects the somewhat obsessive approach of the authors, who have both undergone years of infertility treatment and whose anecdotes frame each chapter. In plain language, journalist Vargo and literary agent Regan (sister of publisher Judith) detail the impact of a variety of factors (age, weight, stress, exercise, nutrition, STDs, pharmaceuticals, recreational drugs, pollution) on both female and male infertility. They provide solid tips on finding a fertility specialist and navigating the wide variety of questions, tests and treatments readers can expect to go through, and frankly discuss the difficult choices (medical, ethical, legal, financial and emotional) parental hopefuls will have to make. Vargo and Regan believe motherhood is a woman's highest priority and most satisfying life choice, and quietly dismiss projects outside of conception; readers who don't fully embrace the authors' opinions may thus miss the plethora of useful information. Oversimplified gender stereotypes also hinder the authors' discussion of communication between partners and reflect the larger interference of the authors' neo-traditional values with the otherwise direct treatment of the complicated situations infertile women face. Still, the infusion of personality with facts makes for an engaging guide for those who share Vargo and Regan's beliefs. (June)