Alexandra Taylor is not a parent, and she has chosen not to be one.
Armed with a unique and jocular vision, here comes the former Mercer Island resident with her debut book “Parenting Things: A Third Party Observation.” It’s chock full of parenting advice and perspectives that presents, she says, “a humorous, irreverent take on parenting that pokes fun at the conventions and assumptions.”
The current Seattle resident who grew up on the Island will hold an author event from 6-8 p.m. on Sept. 25 at her favorite bookstore, Island Books.
She believes in the book that she’s unleashed to the literary world and is driven to make an impact on a deep level. A portion of the proceeds from the book, which features illustrations by Mattea Valdovinos, will be sent to the nonprofit National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
“Despite the sometimes — OK…often! — ‘colorful’ language in my book, the heart of it is dedicated to children, so it only felt right to support an organization that never stops looking for them,” Taylor said.
Readers have showered her with positive feedback, noting that the book is aggressive, hilarious, and sprinkled with wholesomeness, she noted.
It was a tough experience when Taylor shopped the book around from 2019-21, with publishers being resistant to what she was offering. That feedback fueled her to continue on her path to publication. When the “yes” arrived after being persistent and remaining true to her voice, it was a rewarding feeling.
“I wanted to challenge the idea that only parents can have valid perspectives on parenting or family life. Sometimes an outsider’s point of view can be just as valuable, if not more refreshing, because it’s unburdened by the usual pressures and biases,” Taylor said.
Taylor delved into what she hoped to achieve when embarking on her vast writing journey and what will make her book a true success.
“Beyond sales and nonprofit support, I hope the book can open up conversations about societal expectations around parenting, but also provide humor and relief for those navigating parenthood — or even for those who, like me, have chosen not to,” said Taylor, adding that she aims to challenge the narrative of a “strange societal expectation that a woman’s worth is tied to motherhood.”
Island Books owner Laurie Swift Raisys said she and her staff love welcoming authors like Taylor into the shop for events along with hosting book club meetings and school book fairs.
“It’s a great way to bring our community together, invite new people into the store and contribute to the vibrant arts and culture offerings in our area,” she said.
Located at 3014 78th Ave. SE, Island Books will present these upcoming events this fall:
* Oct. 12 at 4 p.m. — “Digging into Nature: Outdoor Adventures for Happier Healthier Kids” with authors Dr. Danette Swanson Glassy and Dr. Poojah Sarin Tandon.
* Oct. 23 at 6:30 p.m. — “Seattle Samurai: A Cartoonist Perspective of the Japanese American Experience” with author Kelly Goto.
* Nov. 7 at 6:30 p.m. — “The Curated Board: Inspired Platters & Spreads for Any Occasion,” Cookbook Book Club meeting with author Bebe Black Carminito.
