Guest Author - Previous BellaOnline Editor

Amber is a successful head-hunter with a good career, an attentive psychiatrist husband and a wide circle of friends. Her world is as she wants it. She has created a life which reads perfect and yet feels fragile.
In a world where having children is seen as normal life Amber's world starts to change, with friends falling pregnant and thoughts of adoption a way forward for her gay friend. Amber's views are now conflicting with some of her closest friends.

Rather than yummy mummy we have one person's 'no maternal instinct' story. Challenging societies stereotypes , this story stimulates our thinking on the subject. Whilst exploring the decision to remain child free Amber's relationship with her mother will bring tears of laughter and pain to the reader.

With well rounded personalities and a strong heroine this début novel gives Beresford's writing skills due justice.

Beresford could have taken us down the change of heart route. Instead she remains true to the character of Amber.

Beresford's Something I'm Not should command respect as a thought provoking novel rather than heading off into the chick-lit channel. Carefully crafted, Beresford's debut novel does not have to resort to psycho babble instead it allows the story to unfold in a warm, humorous way.
A fitting debut novel for Beresford.


For many people the subject of the book will be challenging. The idea that adults may not have the desire to reproduce does not sit comfortably with people who have a high desire to reproduce. A healthy choice in remaining Child Free is a process that many couples make in their lives. What I particularly enjoyed about Beresford's writing is that was an adult theme which did not succumb to societies pressures. The heroine was able to stay in touch with her own emotional needs. I wonder how many children are born into relationships which if allowed to remain Child Free would fair better. Given the thought that all children are small miracles- we should cherish children born into families that truly desire them and be thankful for families who are Child Free and supportive aunts, uncles and neighbors. Not intentionally or knowingly the stress that children sometimes heaps upon relationships can lead to martial breakdown. The decision to remain Child Free may strengthen marriages that is true for many people I have counselled over the years. Society must begin to change the message it sends out to men and women. The place to start is within our selves.
By being supportive of all choices we give strength to individuals and couples who make different choices from our own.