Arini's Reviews > Josh and Gemma Make a Baby

2.75 Stars

I’m all over the place conflicted about this book, but one thing for sure it should’ve been titled “Josh and Gemma Make Cowards of Themselves” cause that’s what they are. OR what about “How Josh Makes Gemma C*me in the Middle of Central Park Using a Vibrating iPhone” cause I’ve never read anything more unsanitary and ridiculously inSpiRed.

When I was a little kid, I worshiped Josh Lewenthal, now, I couldn’t care less about him, I just need his sperm. ==> Even this hilarious, but self-serving opening (literally the first sentence of this book) already had me feelin’ some typa way that didn’t exactly sit right with me.

1)
Something about the writing rubbed me off the wrong way. This was a romcom with a storyline that hinged on the h’s (Gemma) infertility. I don’t want to read a book that discusses something important only to have it glossed over or treated without the proper attention and care that it deserves. At the same time, seeing as this is a romcom, I didn’t want this book to be depressing either. So, while I appreciated the humor, I also felt at odds with it. I know the author was just poking fun, but some of the things that were said made me uncomfortable. For example,

“How are you? How are you?” he asked. He pumped my hand from across the desk. Then, “What a stupid question. You’re infertile, that’s how you are. Well don’t worry, we’ll get you pregnant in no time. Would you like some water?”

This was a scene where the h was having her first consultation with her doctor (Dr. Ingraham) regarding her infertile status and what to do about it (IVF). That dialogue was said matter-of-factly, and it was funny. But if I was the one in that situation, I’m not sure I could hold back my flinch either. It was like being slapped in the face, but then as an after thought to make the remark less sting, you were given a hope. Other than that, I loved all the explanations on this topic cause now I feel like I know a little bit more about women’s fertility and the process of undertaking an IVF.

2)
Every single character in this book was a judgemental asshole. Well, mostly Gemma’s family and their neighbors. All the fat shaming and infertility shaming were distasteful. It’s not okay that random people are mocking you for your poor fashion sense, for being a divorcee, and for being infertile, but when it’s your own parents??? That hurts and is unacceptable. I hated that Gemma’s mom was constantly trying to set her up. Not only that, she also made it seem like Gemma deserved less than the best (because she was imperfect) by setting her up with perverts and sleazeballs.

“I’ve invited someone for you to meet at the party,” my mom said. “His name is Mort. He’s got a wonderful career. Makes scads of money. And better yet, he’s mature, only fifty mind you, and he doesn’t want kids. Not a one. He’s perfect for you, Gem.”

[...]

“Mimi said that it’s known around town that you’re desperate. No one wants to date a mid-thirties chubby divorcee with questionable fashion sense and a bum uterus. Gregory Butkis might not come to the party. Mimi said he’s looking for a wife, not a pity date. I’m sorry, sweetie. I didn’t want to tell you this, but Mort’s the best you can do.”

To make things worse, she would make offhand comments about her eating habits or her physique as well. I know she had good intentions, but in my opinion she always had a tendency to say things that were meant to be empathetic but they came out hurtful or offensive instead. I also hated whenever Gemma’s sister said “I wish I had what you had. No concerns.” like it was supposed to make Gemma feel better about her predicament and there was something to be gratetul for in being infertile when all she’s ever wanted and yearned for was the opposite.

3)
The romance was STUPID, and both Josh & Gemma were COWARDS. The way Josh quietly pined and love Gemma was sweet, but also heartbreaking and lowkey pathetic. He was the kind of man who let things slide and let something good past by him, and that just wouldn’t do for me. To be fair, he’d always known that Gemma didn’t think too highly of him, so he made it his goal to be the man she deserved. Which was noble and all, but even when the dynamic between them started to shift, he still didn’t confess his feelings or try to pursue Gemma. And that was frustrating.

Gemma was no different. She was a judgemental cowards when it came to Josh and her feelings for him. I didn’t like the way she approached him to be her sperm donor. Her proposal sounded like he was just some tool to get what she wanted. She was judgy about his personality and lifestyle just because he was laid back, always joked, and never took things seriously. He also (temporarily) lived with his dad, and he made & sold comic books for a living. Gemma obviously concluded that he was broke. I mean, WTH. Not our heroine buying into stereotypes. 🙄

It was baffling how Gemma could be so shallow and blind about Josh while dating the fakest, creepiest dude (not to mention, his cliché lines were so cringey) on the planet (Ian). How ironic that she didn’t want to fall in love with a loser but she was dating a poser. I understand that she was afraid, but throughout the book I felt like she was being selfish, yet she was punishing herselt at the same time (??) All things considered, she did open her eyes and eventually have a bit of character development. I liked her much better in the last 1/3 of the book.

4) *TW/Spoilers*
There was an on page miscarriage scene in this book, and it had me feeling all kinds of emotional. It was horrifying cause it happened in the middle of the day when Gemma was working. It was angering (for me) because Gemma didn’t immediately do something about it. She was just standing there stupefied and kept doing her job. The fact that no one noticed she was bleeding, gah! I mean, she was wearing tights and maybe people simply couldn’t tell, but still. After it happened, and she had it confirmed by her doctor, it was just so painfully heart shattering.

5) *Likes*
5.1. Even though I think Josh & Gemma didn’t interact often enough, all the scenes they were in were entertaining; 5.2. The romance wasn’t completely stupid cause it was also full of silly antics (but in a good way); 5.3. I really liked Gemma’s female friends from her IVF support group cause they were a total hoot; 5.4. It was kinda icky that Josh was (in a way) capitalizing on his love life through his web comics, but it was also lowkey swoony that he expressed his love for Gemma through them; 5.5. I wasn’t a fan of the corny grand gesture itself, but I loved that Gemma was the one making it.

“Love is the best gift we ever have the privilege to give.”⁣

So this book wasn’t a winner. Many people were put off by the title, but it was actually what piqued my interest. Unfortunately, it was the content that put me off. I think the writing/humor (some of it) was off putting. The characters were awful. The family (mother/daughter) relationship was toxic. And the romance was pitiful. Pining can be a delightful torture, but mostly it’s exhausting.

That’s not to say Josh and Gemma Make a Baby didn’t have any redeeming qualities cause there were indeed a few things that I enjoyed. It managed to be lighthearted and cute when it counted, but it was also quite heart rending that it moved me close to tears. This was my first book by this author, and I’m not so inclined to try more since I don’t think her writing is for me, but we’ll see.

(Read as an Audiobook)