Words and Nerds: Authors, books and literature.

99. Jessica Dettmann: How To Be Second Best and enjoy it.


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A hilarious and heart-warming debut that captures the dramas, delights and delirium of modern parenting. This is Marian Keyes meets Allison Pearson, with a dash of Caitlin Moran.
Going from one child to two is never all that easy for a family, but when Emma's husband simultaneously fathers a third child three doors up the street, things get very tricky, very fast.
No longer is it enough for Emma to be the best wife and mother - now she's trying to be the best ex-wife, and the best part-time parent to her ex's love child, and that's before she even thinks about adding a new bloke to the mix.
Set in an upwardly mobile, ultra-competitive suburb, this is a funny, biting, heartwarming modern comedy that looks at the roles we play, how we compete, and what happens when we dare to strive for second-best.
'Jessica Dettmann is a fine comic writer. She has an eye for the small details, irritations and inspirations of life which coupled with a truly original turn of phrase and great way with a gag makes for sparkling and heart-warming reading.' Ben Elton
'Sharp and crisp and funny. I was dazzled.' Mia Freedman
'A refreshing and honest depiction of the delirium of modern family life ... while it is undeniably laugh-out-loud funny, it is also incredibly heartwarming and real' Better Reading
'Heartwarming yet biting' Sunday Telegraph
'Full of funny moments, this debut takes a wry look at parenthood, divorce and the messy reality of blended families. ∗∗∗∗' Who Weekly
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Words and Nerds: Authors, books and literature.By Words and Nerds: Authors, books and literature.

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