Nature's Masterpiece: A Family Survival Book

Publisher and industry reviews

Jacket review

'Purves is back, with a compendium of practical advice, full of witty musings and ... calm good sense' -- Woman and Home 'Libby Purves is the voice of reason whatever she writes about, and we must be grateful that she has shone her common sense and humour into the dark corner that the poor, beleaguered concept of family currently inhabits.' -- Daily Mail 'peppered with good anecdotes ... reams of good-natured meandering... chummy prose ... useful nuggets.' -- Mail on Sunday '... this collection of wise thoughts and practical advice on all aspects of family life ... contains much useful and valuable guidance ... she writes entertainingly and in straightforward language, making it accessible to all parents' -- South Wales Argus 'lots of practical advice' -- Birmingham Evening Mail 'She writes trenchantly about the problems and pleasures of bringing up children'. -- Looks 'This book is so resoundingly sensible it is as mentally refreshing as a blast of pure oxygen. Purves captures the messes, rows and utter bliss of normal family life completely and reports on it with clear-eyed common sense. This book offers exactly what most averagely competent parents need.' -- Books

UK Kirkus review

British broadcaster and writer Libby Purves presents her guide to surviving family life based on her own experiences as a mother and wife. This book uses material from her previous books, How Not To Be a Perfect Family and How Not to Raise a Perfect Child, which she has updated and supplemented in light of the latest discussions on childcare and the family. Purves casts her net wide with the range of subjects on offer. On 'the child' it ranges from toys, pets and sex education to discipline and teenagers. 'The Family' section deals with issues ranging from family customs and relatives to quibbling siblings and money matters. The author is well aware that the information contained within such books does not fit or suit everyone, she recommends readers 'Take what is useful, and use the rest to line the rabbit hutch.' But there is plenty that is useful in this book ('The best advice you can give a pregnant woman is to introduce her to another pregnant woman who lives in the same street'; 'Never sulk with a small child: they forgive and forget and so must you', 'Accept from the outset that some television is good for children'). Purves is as helpful on the 'big' issues (sex, drugs, alcohol) as she is on the mundane and everyday (toys, pocket money, parties). Her style is witty and to the point and her advice is full of pragmatic common sense and wisdom. While the statistics quoted largely refer to Britain, the issues and advice are universal. (Kirkus UK)

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