Afterbirth: Stories You Won't Read in a Parenting Magazine

Four years ago, before our first son was born, I had no idea what I was in for. I had no idea that some day, I'd watch in horror as one of the kids deliberately stepped in dog poop. I had no idea that I'd say things like, "Stop licking the pole on the bus." And I definitely couldn't have imagined that extreme frustration could co-exist with extreme happiness. Often in the same day. It's this very sense of shock and awe that's at the core of "Afterbirth." Without a doubt, this is the most hilarious thing I've read in a long time. If you, like me, thought it was virtually impossible to find a unique parenting book, think again. And then go buy Afterbirth.

My husband thought I was crazy for laughing so much while reading this book. AMEN for writing the stuff that REALLY happens!

Having seen Afterbirth as a play first, I was delighted when the book came out. As a parent of soon to be four children, sometimes you just need to laugh. Afterbirth is the antidote. After a really challenging day with my children, I open to any page and suddenly I am transported to a club of other parents that "get it". Dani Klein Modisett writes with humility, humor and honesty. Don't wait another minute to read this hilarious, meaningful, and moving book!

My partner bought this book for me after hearing about it on the radio. I laughed out loud while reading every essay in this book. I have read so much! And this book is one of the only ones that I really identified with-- humor and grace and humanity. I would recommend it for any new parent with a story to tell and a good sense of humor-- the essays are short and sweet and therefore perfect for reading while breastfeeding, or sitting in the other room while you take a little breather from your crying baby. I'm buying 2 today for friends and passing my copy around to whoever will read!

I've read about a million parenting books, essay collections etc. so I opened this book feeling ever-so-slightly jaded. "Does anyone have anything new to say about parenting?" I wondered to myself. Well, apparently yes. Starting from the introduction, I was hooked. These unabashedly honest stories (as the book says "Stories you won't read in a parenting magazine) run the gamut from tear jerkers like Joan Rater's (Grey's Anatomy) recounting of her less than ideal adoption of a baby from China who had a severe attachment disorder to stories that will make you smile like Andrew McCarthy's battle with his overpriced Bugaboo stroller. This book is packed with name brand writers and each of their tales packs a punch, often unexpected, always rewarding. I highly recommend this one to new and seasoned parents. Even if you, like me, thought you wouldn't be buying any more parenting books.