Hilaria Baldwin, wife of actor Alec Baldwin, has made herself a household name. And, though slight of build, she’s one tough lady. If you follow social media, then you’re aware of the scrutiny she withstood as the young wife of the actor, 26 years her senior. She was belittled on Facebook and the other sites for her flip-flopping between English and Spanish and her quick defense of her multi-cultural upbringing. Their reality show on TLC which brought cameras into their homes to film their everyday chaotic life was a bold move considering all they’ve been through. It garnered mixed reviews, and the decision for Season 2 has not been announced.
Over the course of the Baldwin’s thirteen-year marriage, (they married in 2012) the couple have welcomed seven children into their household, along with a menagerie of nannies, dogs and cats. However, it was the 2021 tragedy on Baldwin’s movie set — the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounding of director, Joel Souza — that further catapulted them into the headlines.
One wonders why Hilaria Baldwin felt the need to put herself even further out there with a new book, her third which is part memoir, part parenting advice guide. The book cover paints a comic portrait of a wacky family, something akin to the Eight is Enough TV show, or The Brady Bunch that somehow goes against their recent struggles. Behind the family smiles (Alec’s mouth is covered with a piece of duct tape), lies a family rocked from all sides. Perhaps it’s her way to let the world know that the Baldwins go on, that it’s all about their children, or to set records straight. In this book, it appears she has accomplished all three objectives.
She shares, for instance, how she would help Alec escape the paparazzi (or the “paps” as they call them) posted outside their New York City apartment. Hilaria would dress up in a wacky outfit, parade herself out the front door, walk down the block knowing the press would follow. Meanwhile, the actor would depart in the other direction into a waiting car. The press would berate her on her choice of dress, but meanwhile the joke was on them. No matter what the couple did, their life has always offered plenty of material for newspapers, magazines, and social media posts.
The lessons she has learned throughout her marriage and motherhood take up the bulk of the book. She shares platitudes that all have been said before, but may be helpful to new couples, and those planning to start a family. We read statements like, “I believe that some parts of relationships are about growing, and equal parts are about letting go. Letting go of our egos. Letting go of our expectations for the perfect partner.” Nothing new here, but maybe these sentiments are worth repeating.
There are glimpses of her husband’s OCD, and the decline of his health over the tragedy. There were times he wouldn’t get out of bed, and as she writes, collapsed at the strain of the event and impending legal actions. “Alec was in the hospital for more than a week, and when he left, he still couldn’t walk without the help of a walker.” For his hospital departure, Hilaria purchased an orthopedic boot to make it appear he had simply broken something.
There is a chapter devoted to her motherhood experiences, including deeply personal stories of the couple’s miscarriages, their choice to use a surrogate, and her take on feeding the newborn: breast or bottle. It would seem logical to include such information for after all, this is a parenting book. New couples will no doubt find her advice of interest. This reviewer, however, felt there were an uncomfortable number of photos of the Baldwin children. Maybe it was to fill the book out or make it a more enticing purchase. Evidently, the couple is very comfortable with so many of their children’s images out there.
Her intent with this book is noted in the introduction. “Throughout these chapters I will share personal stories, snippets, and vignettes within the common themes that unite many of us. It is through hearing stories from other women and mothers that I myself grow and learn and navigate life.”
If there’s one takeaway from this short, easy read is that Hilaria Baldwin is indeed the driving force behind the Baldwin family. She balances the ups and downs of her life with humor, common sense, and a deep commitment to protecting her husband and children. No matter how one feels about her, one must give her that.
Manual Not Included
Hilaria Baldwin
Author photo credit: Koury Angelo
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