I Don't Know How She Does It (2002)

Think of Kate Reddy, the protagonist of I Don't Know How She Does It, as Bridget Jones' older, harried, married working-mother-of-two sister. Both v. smart, v. funny, but where the singleton chronicled her weight, sexual activity, and daily calorie and cigarette intake, Kate creates must-remember lists that have a decidedly less self-absorbed bent: ''Cut Ben's nails.... Learn to send txt messages.... Find Teletubbies cake.'' First-time novelist Allison Pearson hilariously details the dilemmas most working mums face in trying to be everything to everyone, while not feeling particularly adept in any department. Brava.

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