Cutting Teeth

Oh the joys of parenthood...

Never have I seen it brought into such sharp, darkly ironic focus as I have in Cutting Teeth, a satirical joy to read that is also authentic in its portrayal of motherhood and all the judgement that brings.

I mean let's face it, around the age of 4 kids do turn into tiny blood sucking vampires, even if not literally and every parent has been through some real world version of the intimate parenting issues the characters in Cutting Teeth face head on.

This is part murder mystery, part parenting drama, part friendship drama and it is clever, addictive, twisty and unexpected. I loved it.

Recommended for parents everywhere.

Totally, wonderfully bizarre. Liane Moriarty meets creepy vampiric children and twisty crime in her latest offering. If you loved her previous books, this should absolutely be top of your TBR. And if you’ve never read Chandler Baker, fix that immediately.

That was different! This story has real bite to it. I found it totally compelling and was still awake at 03:00 in the morning because I just had to finish it. The author very cleverly brings out every emotion that a woman, or more importantly to this story, a mother, can feel. It’s pacey and from chapter to chapter, I was never quite sure of what was coming.
You never really know what people are capable of and even friends can hide their true selves. The end was surprising and yet not a surprise - you’ll understand what I mean when you read it - and you should read it.

Cutting Teeth by Chandler Baker is a gripping and darkly humorous exploration of motherhood, identity, and the complexities of parenting. Darby, Mary Beth, and Rhea, three friends navigating the challenges of raising young children, find their personal quests disrupted when a disturbing medical condition spreads among the pre-schoolers: a craving for blood.

Baker skilfully delves into the pressures and desires of these mothers as they grapple with reclaiming their individuality amidst the demands of motherhood. The author weaves a suspenseful narrative, combining the unsettling medical mystery with a murder investigation, as the children become both witnesses and suspects in a tragic crime.

The characters are multidimensional and flawed, with Baker capturing the nuances and contradictions of their experiences. The blend of humour and darkness adds depth to the story, creating a thought-provoking exploration of societal expectations and the sacrifices made in the name of motherhood.

Cutting Teeth is a compelling and engaging novel that tackles provocative themes with skill and sensitivity. Chandler Baker's sharp writing and keen observations make this a standout read for those interested in exploring the complexities of modern motherhood.

This is a juicy but bizarre book. The plot is insanely genius and the descriptions are riveting. A book that will be good to review in book club as there will be plenty to discuss!