Lisa Solod Warren said in a recent review of Ayelet Waldman’s latest book that ‘Bad Mother should be required reading for anyone who has ever been a mother, aspires to be one, or is married to one.’ I wholeheartedly agree.

The parenting guide market is overrun with uninformed, uninteresting and underwhelming books that seem to do nothing but preach that all parents should know exactly what to do at all times and never, ever make mistakes. Luckily, Ayelet Waldman has come along and written a brilliant book that will make you laugh, cry, and realize that no mother - not even yours - is perfect.

Waldman is no stranger to controversy (who can forget her Modern Love essay, where she confessed to loving her husband more than her children?), and I’m sure that Bad Mother is going to induce rage in numerous mothers. Personally, though, I’d rather hear from somebody who can admit their flaws and grow with them; this is something Waldman is certainly not afraid to do.

Bad Mother is a collection of anecdotes, stories, and words of wisdom about the challenges mothers face every day. Topics covered include competitive parenting (which is particularly hilarious), housework, and the difficulty in balancing work and family.

You can’t rush through Bad Mother in one sitting. There’s so much to get from each chapter than I often found myself rereading sections to make sure I’d really taken everything in, and it’s a pleasure to read.

Her anecdotes range from the hilarious to the heartbreaking, and I promise you that it is impossible to finish Bad Mother without feeling some strong emotion rise. As for me, I was charmed from beginning to end, and I would certainly recommend Waldman’s work to anybody.