Today, I have reviews for two short and powerful reads. The Mother Self is a collection of poems that explores new motherhood, and The Stoic Fable Book is a collection of tales that highlight the wisdom of Stoicism. Let’s check them out!
Title: The Mother Self
Author: Talia Gutin
Page Length: 104
Pub. Date: May 6, 2025
Publisher: She Writes Press
Synopsis: The Mother Self is a collection of poetry that poignantly unveils the journey of a new mother navigating the complexities of early motherhood. Accessible and engaging, each poem captures a mother’s delicate dance as she embraces her new identity and grieves her past self, all while finding solace in the sacred bond with her son. Readers are invited to explore the beauty and challenges of this period of life with grace and authenticity and to linger in the quiet spaces of a mother’s heart, where love and loss intertwine and a meaningful journey of growth unfolds.
This collection weaves the universal themes of presence, nature, loss, and transformation. It guides readers on a path of healing and empowerment and offers a comforting hand through the transformative power of words. More than a collection of poems, it is a companion for new and seasoned mothers as they turn each page, nodding in recognition.
The Mother Self is a debut poetry collection that explores the complicated and emotional journey of early motherhood. It’s a beautiful and unflinchingly honest book that I found incredibly relatable, and I love how Gutin captured all the feelings a new mom experiences—love, fear, exhaustion, joy, grief, and identity shifts. The poems are both powerful, thought-provoking, and vulnerable, and each reflects on the emotional highs and lows of caring for a new life while trying to hold on to your own sense of self.
Gutin doesn’t shy away from the complexities of motherhood, which I really liked. There’s tenderness and a deep and profound love in these pages, but there’s also frustration, confusion, and longing. It’s a debut collection with a tender and courageous look at becoming a mom, and I think it will resonate well with mothers as it shows the depth and complexity of their experiences.
Title: The Stoic Fable Book
Author: Phil Van Treuren
Page Length: 95
Pub. Date: April 1, 2025
Publisher: Stoic Simple Press
Synopsis: The Stoic Fable Book is a collection of charming little tales that explain the enduring wisdom of Stoicism, an ancient philosophy that can help us live more courageous, meaningful lives.
Each fable includes details about which Stoic quote the story illustrates — with insightful lessons from historical figures and philosophers such as Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, Seneca, and more.
This delightful storybook from acclaimed author Phil Van Treuren blends easy-to-read illuminations with splendid original artwork. Perfect for a quick read during peaceful moments, The Stoic Fable Book can act as either a simple introduction to Stoicism for beginners or a fun refresher.
LINKS: Amazon | Goodreads | Stoic Simple Press
I had the pleasure of reading The Stoic Fable Book, a collection of 44 beautifully illustrated and insightful stories by Phil Van Treuren. The short tales explore the philosophy of Stoicism with recognizable characters and relatable philosophies that help put life in perspective and act as a catalyst for self-reflection. Each story is a gentle nudge toward mindfulness, resilience, and inner peace without ever feeling heavy-handed or preachy.
This is the kind of book that appeals to all ages. The illustrations are simple and charming, much like the stories, and each fable includes the stoic quote the story exemplifies. I could definitely see my kids enjoying the book as much as I did! It’s a thoughtful and meaningful collection that offers wisdom in bite-sized, accessible pieces.
Special thanks to Stoic Simple Press for sending me a copy of the book.
