This is such a sweet, emotional, reflective book, especially for first-time parents and parents with young children. Even the format (short essays and poetry), lends itself to chaotic schedules; you can read a page or two, put the book down and then pick it up right where you left off. Over the 2 or 3 days it took for me to complete this book, I found myself much more pensive than usual, reflecting on the essays, and delighting in the fact that a moment would soon come when I could pick up the book again. The work comes straight from the heart of the authors, and Groneberg's Introduction, along with her superb job of intertwining the pieces, are a testament to her beautiful writing and editing skills. As you read through the book, you could very well be re-living your own child's birth, first bath, or sleepless nights. It may sound trite, but there truly is something for everyone here. I especially loved "El Producto," "How my Children Came to Me," and "The Digging Hole," but every piece will in some way connect to that huge, proud, protective, vulnerable, loyal, fiercely loving Parent in all of us and reconfirm that indeed it is the best thing going. I know I will reach for the book time and again as my kids and I travel this grand journey.
