The Underwear in My Shoe: My Journey Through IVF, Unfiltered

It may seem an odd title to those unfamiliar with the journey of infertility, but when i read it i laughed out loud because it was such a familiar image to sum up daily visits to a fertility clinic for scans.If you find yourself part of this journey where no one looks you in the eye at the clinic and you feel so isolated and alone, it's a must read. I'm almost 5 years into my own struggles with infertility and IVF, and this book was balm to my soul. Reading the words of someone else going through this dismal struggle was like someone took the thoughts out of my head and the feelings out of my soul and put them on paper for me to read. Knowing you're not crazy and that someone else knows your pain in a way that none of your closest friends and family can know is truly healing to the soul. Thank you, Brett for sharing in honest detail the trials and triumphs of a struggle so many will never know. You have made a difference.

This is a must read for those going through or starting ivf. I happen to be secondary infertility so it’s slightly different but I hurt when she hurt and I felt when she felt. Lots of tears and some laughter along the way. I’m at the beginning of my journey and gathering some insight into the path ahead of me was helpful. Of course everyone’s journey will be different. But hearing about some of the meds and things I’ll have to endure gave me a good heads up on what’s ahead. Don’t give up! You got this!!!As for the book and author. The book arrived perfect. Matter in fact it was printed just days before I ordered it. Her words flow smoothly and you really get to know her and relate with her through her story. I finished this in 3 days. She leaves you wanting more each chapter and wanting to know how her journey ends. I didn’t want to put it down. But of course, life calls.

There is something about this book that pulls you in from page 1 and has you cheering from the sidelines for Brett and her husband, holding her hand through the hardest parts, and wanting to laugh with her through the ridiculous. I read this while I was neck-deep into my own IVF journey and somewhere between the huge belly laughs and blowing my nose into my sleeve, I felt a deep connection with what Brett was walking us through and found the catharsis I needed. The beautiful part is that you don't need to be familiar with IVF or be part of the infertile club to really find the heart in this story and enjoy the hell out of it. This book is for any woman who has every thought about having a family and wants to share in one woman's path toward it, with all of the pain and promise included. I can't recommend this enough!!!

What I absolutely love about this book, besides Brett's brutally honest author’s voice which I appreciate, is how she goes through each stage of the journey and the common feelings associated with it. It's a raw and real look into the infertility journey balanced with hope. If you are in the throws of infertility or resolved, this book will bring you comfort, validation and support on each and every page. An absolute MUST READ.

I couldn’t put this book down. I immediately fell in love with the characters and their courageous journey. I laughed out loud so much that my family kept asking me, “what’s so funny?” I cried too, and I’m not much of a crier. This touching story shouldn’t be missed, regardless of your fertility journey. There are unexpected lessons about empathy and how to treat those around us with kindness, even when we don’t always have the right words. A great reminder that patience, resilience, persistence, hope, humor, and your village can get you through just about anything in life.

This is not my typical read. There were no spaceships or explosions or sultry double agents. But once I started on Brett's journey I couldn't put it down. At times I laughed out loud, other times I shed real tears. When I was done (in one day!) I had genuine admiration for her bravery in telling her story so poignantly. This is a must read for anyone having trouble starting a family. Especially for the men trying to understand what their partner is going through. Thanks, Brett, this needed to be written!

This was the perfect read for me --- it's funny, real, sarcastic, and hits home. IVF is a challenging journey (no matter how tough you consider yourself to be) and most of the mental and physical weight is on the female (no matter how amazing your partner may be). This book made me feel less alone along the way. I went through the last 2 cycles alone due to Covid restrictions at the surgical centers, but I felt like Brett was with me through each procedure.

Read entire book in two sittings. Explained many parts of IVF I was fuzzy on. Purchase this book

This is an absolute must read for anyone going through IVF or fertility treatment in general. I would go as far as to say that this book should be handed out at IVF clinics. Having been through 4 rounds of IVF and 2 miscarriages, it was refreshing and hopeful to hear that Brett had been through similar experiences during her IVF and egg collections, but had eventually had a successful pregnancy. Brett bares her soul and by doing so normalises the pain and despair that is so common during repeat, unsuccessful IVF.

Would not recommend! She's self-obsessed and completely dismissive of women going through egg collection (without transfer) and much worse, miscarriage. Do not read if you've experienced the above as it's infuriating and distressing to see this complete lack of compassion and understanding. Do not buy!