What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding: A Memoir

Kristin Newman

May 2014 · Sold by Crown

About this ebook

A “truly hilarious” (Glamour), sexy, and ultimately poignant memoir about mastering the art of the “vacationship” from a writer and co-executive producer of Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building

“What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding is kind of like if Eat, Pray, Love were written by your funniest friend.”—Rachel Dratch

Kristin Newman spent much of her twenties and thirties buying dresses to wear to her friends’ weddings and baby showers. Not ready to settle down and in need of an escape from her fast-paced job as a sitcom writer, Kristin instead traveled the world, often alone, for several weeks each year. In addition to falling madly in love with the planet, Kristin fell for many attractive locals, men who could provide the emotional connection she wanted without costing her the freedom she desperately needed. 

Kristin introduces readers to the Israeli bartenders, Finnish poker players, sexy Bedouins, and Argentinean priests who helped her transform into “Kristin-Adjacent” on the road–a slower, softer, and, yes, sluttier version of herself at home. Equal parts laugh-out-loud storytelling, candid reflection, and wanderlust-inspiring travel tales, What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding is a compelling debut that will have readers rushing to renew their passports.

Ratings and reviews

I read this after a two year journey around Asia and Europe. Now, I'm a 24-year-old neurotic writer as well so I relate. And even though I didn't know the book would be so focused on men, I am so blown away by how much this book has helped me get through my first backpacking romance. You so laugh most of time, but there are some deep quotes in here that really speak to you, which are then followed by more funny things.

Just to the point that I got scared that Kristin had written another American book with shallow sex stories, and got a bit bored few pages into the Jerusalem chapter, (spoiler!) she made a nice turn!

This book gets a lot of push back based on the title. But if people stopped being so sensitive, they would be able to live vicariously through Kristin's wonderful adventures! This book is so great, I couldn't put it down and read it straight through. As someone who loves to travel, I felt that this book was speaking to me and helped me gain the courage to continue my solo travel plans. I would definitely recommend this book to any travel lover!

About the author

KRISTIN NEWMAN is a travel writer and television writer/producer who has worked in Hollywood for over twenty years. She has written on shows including That ’70s Show, Chuck, How I Met Your Mother, The Neighbors, The Real O'Neals, The Muppets, Galavant, and For the People. Her work has been published in the L.A. Times, Time Magazine, and numerous travel publications.