"Part memoir, part survival guide, Hull’s personal account of life with more than one child is a testament to an unsurprising reality: raising multiple children is tough. Disappointed by the advice in existing parenting books, journalist Hull took matters into her own hands, searching for answers to questions about how life might change with two. With honesty, humor and expert storytelling, Hull leads readers through the emotional landscape of modern family planning: the debates, doubts, disillusionment and drama of a dual-career couple trying to manage the self-imposed pressures of an expanding clan... she offers some strategic gems, and the themes and questions posed are universal—loving two children, addressing one’s own needs, working, fitting into jeans, feeling attractive, etc... if they’re lucky enough to find the time, parents of more than one might enjoy a true tale of having it all, eventually, a little at a time."
—Publishers Weekly.

Hull's informal story-telling style made me feel as though I was having a satisfying conversation with one of my mom friends. . . But simply relaying a personal story isn't enough for this topic, and Hull knows it. She was a staff writer for The Wall Street Journal and Time . . . and she peppers many of her essays with important statistical information, without lecturing. Her skills as a journalist and reporter serve her well here. She also shares the parenting tips that work for her and her family. . .

Admitting to the push and pull so many women feel between fulfilling the role of mother and that of an individual apart from their children made Hull all the more credible. . . Beyond One both entertains and informs without being too flip or too academic. Each essay stands on its own, which makes for great piece-meal reading–a good thing for busy parents. Hull believes that having the second child is more life altering than having the first. After reading about her experiences, I can only agree. Lucky for me, now I have a cheat sheet to peek at as my life with two unfolds.

— LiteraryMama.com Read entire review

A very readable, very enjoyable collection of essays . . . Hull does it all with great honesty and candor. She exposes her imperfect world of clutter and sexless nights so that we may smile and nod and know that we are not alone. . . Beyond One confirms what I thought to be true about having a second child—it can be one of the most difficult tasks in life to take on, but also one of the most rewarding.

—Chicago Parent

 

FEATURE ARTICLES

Miami Herald feature on Jennifer, "When Once Is Not Enough".

Dallas Morning News interview with Jennifer, "Want a Second child? Read This Before You Answer".

PRAISE FOR BEYOND ONE

“ In Beyond One, Jennifer Bingham Hull provides an honest look at the choice to have more than one child. This book covers the variety of issues, some humorous, some not, which arise with the birth of a second child. Her insights and personal anecdotes are amusing and helpful. A must-read for those considering another baby!”

—Sal Severe, Ph.D., author of How to Behave So Your Preschooler Will, Too!

“ I wish Jennifer Bingham Hull had written Beyond One when my second baby was born, and I suddenly realized I was outnumbered. Then I would have understood why it felt as though I had added not just one baby, but one thousand. Every mother even thinking about adding a little sister or brother to the mix should read this book. And quickly, too, because someone’s bound to scribble on it when Mommy’s not looking.”

—Jen Singer, author of 14 Hours ’Til Bedtime

“ Having two children is often expected in American culture, but rarely given the kind of attention that it deserves. How do we grow into a family and yet maintain a life as women, as men, as individuals? Beyond One asks these questions. This personal account of growing a family and getting a life is filled with rich narratives. Jennifer Bingham Hull makes it real! Beyond One is an important and extremely readable book. Anyone contemplating having a second child should read it.”

— Rebecca L. Upton, Assistant Professor of Anthropology, DePauw University