In a word, this journal is brilliant. It made me realize that I haven’t needed to journal this much since my tortured dating days, but that’s another story. Now, as a mom, I’m constantly on call, in crisis mode, making a multitude of snap decisions daily, doubting myself at every turn, dealing with guilt, and, of course, the mother of all emotions, fear. What better way to vent and relax than with the catharsis and clarity journaling brings.

But in case you think any journal will do, you must see this one. The bitingly witty quotes about parenting on every page help get your juices flowing, while assuring you, gratefully, that you are not alone. My favorite quote, by Barbara Kingsolver, could not be truer: “It kills you to see them grow up. But I guess it would kill you quicker if they didn’t.”

Paperback, 7" x 9.5", 160 pages