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I was already into the first paragraph of the second page of Mary Elizabeth Williams' article when I realized that I was becoming extremely irritated and shut off the computer. I stewed for awhile and wondered why her story got under my skin, then I realized it wasn't the content, but the fact that the exact same sort of article has been published ad nauseum in every womens' publication on the market. I do believe that several variations on the theme can be found in Salon's archives. Having given birth, I can empathize with Ms. Williams very common dilemma but I venture that anyone who's skimmed the lifestyle/health/beauty/fitness/parenthood section of the magazine stand, would also have a grasp. The key to a good essay on an oft written about topic, is when the writer can bring keen insight, original thought and/or new information to the piece...Ms. Williams' writing eludes on all counts and unfortunately, her style is also more suited to Cosmo than Salon. In the future, I hope Salon's editors will be more discerning when selecting their lifestyle stories. There is absolutely no reason why lifestyle articles can't be held to the same caliber of writing as found in Salon's excellent political, general news and sports sections.
