Thinky Thoughts: All Grown Up and Still Just as Confused

by Gwenna Laithland

Instant New York Times bestselling author Gwenna Laithland, aka Momma Cusses, is back with a collection of Thinky Thoughts (essays, memories, poems and more!) perfect for listeners of Jenny Lawson, Samantha Irby and KC Davis.

Before I was a mom who cusses, I was a millennial. Before I was that, I was just a kid with a brain that moved too fast. I've spent more time than I'm proud of getting lost in my Thinky Thoughts. They go a little something like

How has my childhood shaped my motherhood? I might have lost my phone again. Is it that big a deal if the kids call me cringe? I haven't left the house today. Is it a problem that I don't leave the house for days? Why does my daughter hate rollercoasters but love adzuki beans? Cranberry bog spiders. What if they rearrange the grocery store again?

Thinky Thoughts walks the line between memoir, storytelling, guided meditation, and self-help. It’s a little bit of explanation, a lot a bit of exploration, and a tiny bit of still not knowing what’s I’m supposed to be doing as an adult. It’s also being okay with not knowing.

Thinky Thoughts won’t answer life’s great questions. But it will make you feel a little better knowing you’re not alone in asking them.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Audiobook, Humor, Self Help, Mental Health, Essays

304 pages, Hardcover

Published April 14, 2026

About the author

Gwenna Laithland was born and raised in Oklahoma, the only child of a military family with both parents serving in the United States Air Force. She has absolutely no idea what she is doing most of the time but is pretty confident she is doing an okay job. She still lives in Oklahoma with her husband, Jackson, their three children and two spoiled dogs.

Reviews

[Ten Cats Reading]

Holy crap that's a gorgeous dedication: Please take a peek! "To those of you still protecting a little kid inside your soul waiting for their daddy to come back with the milk, let them sit next to you while you read this. It’s time to tell them." p4 😭😭😭

edit: It's quickly dawning on me that this seemingly sweet sentiment is the author's very creative and well written way of telling readers with mother-shaped wounds that this book isn't for them.

It's not for me. Stopping very early because I just know this book will make me cry, and not in the good way. It will be fine for other readers, but readers with parent-shaped wounds may not appreciate this perspective.

[Book.ishJulie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second book by Gwenna Laithland: Thinky Thoughts: All Grown Up And Still Just As Confused.

Part parenting unadvice, part memoir, part collection of essays, memories, and poems... all adding up to create one entertaining, thoughtful, and thought-provoking read.

Yes, mothers are in fact also their own person, although it takes a while to come back to that image, rediscovering yourself after the birth of your child and the rebirth of yourself.

Swinging from happy memories to painful ones on a dime, this collection feels true to life in all its honesty. It's real, raw, emotional, and often hard to read. It's also relatable and funny AF!

Laithland herself narrates her book, and nobody else could read her words the way she does. I love the realness, the rawness, and the no-BS approach to Laithland's inflection and tone, which I find oddly comforting!

I'll continue to read Laithland's work, gaining kernels of wisdom along the way!

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the complimentary audio copy to read and review.

[Aura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the audio ARC of Thinky Thoughts.

Listening to this one as an audiobook was such a fun experience, especially because Gwenna narrates it herself. If you have followed her online, you already know her humor and storytelling style, and that voice translates perfectly into the audiobook. It genuinely feels like you are sitting down while she tells chaotic, hilarious stories about life, parenting, and the general confusion of being a grown adult who still has no idea what is going on.

The book is a mix of funny observations, personal stories, and the kind of random “wait… what?” thoughts that spiral into something weirdly relatable. It is light, messy, and very human in the best way. I laughed out loud more than once, which is always a win for an audiobook.

Having Gwenna narrate it really makes the whole thing work. The delivery, timing, and personality behind the stories add so much to the experience that I honestly cannot imagine consuming this one any other way.
If you enjoy her online content or just want a funny, chaotic, and relatable listen about navigating adulthood, this is definitely worth picking up on audio.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Thinky thoughts was better than I expected. I thought I would enjoy it, but not being the target audience (a parent) I felt like it would be good but I didn't expect to resonate so much with some of the stories and feelings in particular especially those surrounding education.

I thoroughly enjoyed the poetry and thought that the non-linear format while a bit chaotic snapped together at the end like a jigsaw puzzle to really solidify the order and point. Gwenna has a way with words that definitely resonates with me and I can't wait to see what else she comes up with. There's humor, tragedy, poetry and overall this is a fantastic collection of inner chaos that I think many people are going to love

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for this ARC. A collection of essays was a great way to describe this book but honestly a lot of the time it felt like things she’d talk about to close friends. I had no prior knowledge and wasn’t a previous follower of the author so I went in to this one blind. This was indeed all over the place and will shift gears at any given point with zero warning but to be fair, Gwenna warns you about this immediately. Admittedly, this took a little longer for me to read than normal, if an audio version becomes available I think I would love it. I’d challenge you to read this without finding some common ground of what she shares. “The slow descent into adulthood” - talking about rearranging the grocery store, I feel seen. Also the poem “neutered” about mom choosing herself - thank you. There were several others as well. Overall I liked it.

[Briana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thinky Thoughts

ALC Review of Advanced Copy Received from Author via NetGalley

Perfect for Millennial and Younger GenX moms. That want something relatable, something that speaks to them as moms but also as PEOPLE! ❤️

💕💚💕Overall 5+🌟 — I think Gwenna is my Spirit Animal! I love her 😍 this book was insanely relatable (too much so at times 🤣) but I LOVED it!!
Her dark humor and THE WAY SHE NARRATED ❤️❤️❤️ OMG I’m a sucker for a book narrated by the Author…but having her EMOTIONS behind the stories she was telling…I think it just made this so much more impactful to listen to rather than if I’d just read it myself 💚

💚If you are or ever have been a mom of a little, a growing up little or an almost grown up (not so) little — then you will most certainly find something relatable in this book! 💕
💚If you are or ever have been a single mom or the product of a single mom — this book will likely resonate with you! 💕
💚If you are any type of Neurodivergent (especially the type that didn’t KNOW they were until they were old enough to figure it out on their own) — woahh flashbacks galore, down the memory lane of Gwenna’s childhood that is remarkably relatable 🤣
💚If you are or ever were in a relationship that is not good for you, that is abusive, unhealthy, or raises ALLLLL the Red Flags (that everyone EXCEPT you sees) — then you will DEFINITELY relate to things in this book that Gwenna speaks to. 🚩🚩

💚Gwenna touches on a variety of topics but a few that I made notes on because they spoke to ME specifically:

💚One of the first things she talks about (maybe in the prologue) is how you can be a WHOLE person AND a mother. They are not mutually exclusive. You can have hobbies that have NOTHING to do with your kids. Parents are PEOPLE. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

💚 She has this “Bean Theory” RE: Introvert vs extrovert — she touches on how they feed into each other and what being and Introvert, parenting an Extrovert is like (that’s me and lemme just say it’s EXHAUSTING 😩) and also vice versa. And she talks about how Extroverts can feed into Introverts by meeting them where they’re at (with things that appeal to them) and the introverts gain energy from that which they in turn can use to go out and interact with the Extroverts!

💚On ADHD-She says she wondered ‘why I couldn’t just brain the way I wanted to’ and she kept trying to force herself into a box she wasn’t going to fit into. —> YESSSS!

💚 Possibly my favorite quote from the book: “The line between self-aware and self deprecating is so thin. It’s almost invisible.”

💚 On the topic of momming littles she talks about feeling like you are: Always being needed. Always being productive. Always problem solving. Always comforting. Always being TOUCHED.
She says, “By the time I had a moment to spare to be an adult. AROUND other adults, I was pretty much over being a person at all! I wanted friends, but had no way to be a friend back!
I wanted the briefest of breaks from motherhood, but then felt crushed under the guilt that that carried!”
I especially love this because, MOM GUILT-it’s soooo real! It makes you feel guilty for even wanting to take care of yourself!

💚She touches on one particularly low period that she describes as “drowning in a PUDDLE”—being alone surrounded by people! *I’m not ashamed to admit that I cried through the majority of this section, because it just hit a little too close to home 😕*
Her words, in reference to NEEDING people, were, “You could say it but then you’re a burden, you’re the problem, selfish to have a need, *then you have a need* ”I was the fulfiller of needs not the one with any!””
—>OMG, I’ve never had my feelings put to words quite so accurately! Like: I’m not supposed to need fixing, I’m the fixER!…if I’m broken who is the fixer?…so you never give yourself permission to break!

💚She has a funny section on “Spicy books”—“Mommy reads _ _ _ _?!” She talks about how books have always called to her and she was always a reader or called to read at different points of life! Time and demand constraints changed the ability/desire to do so and that would fluctuate, along with the pressure to read what you’re “supposed to like”, ie “grownup books”! 😒
*queue SM influence* and found out you can read WHATEVER TF you want!!
Also, discovered a love of Audiobooks. But found herself pausing whenever someone came in the so they don’t know what she’s listening to 🤣

💚Life lesson on self love via Banana muffins (her fav: No nuts) — Made Banana muffins. No nuts. Didn’t split the batter and make something for everyone. Chose herself.

💚Rule breaking with “Jazz Rules”-know the rules before you break them (ie, have to know the classical before you can break those rules to play the jazz). Ex: Some lies are worth telling. (Something she’s teaching her 18yo)—You need to assess the benefits and consequences.

💚FAFO-gotta let your kids FAFO as part of growing up and learning. Ex-eldest oversleeping. Don’t fix, offer support for handling inevitable consequences but not excuses.
Also, gradually turning over responsibility of THEIR lives to them!—highschoolers? - don’t put down every one of their obligations on YOUR calendar, they need to keep up with it-put the big things on yours!

💚I would highly recommend this book for reading along your motherhood journey! 🥰

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Gwenna Laithland, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of the book! This review reflects only my honest opinion.

When I read Gwenna Laithland's first book, Momma Cusses, I enjoyed it, but was underwhelmed. It was a fun read, but it was similar to most parenting books I'd read, featuring pretty much the same advice, just delivered with Gwenna's sense of humor, which is entertaining, but, in that context, more effectively delivered by her social media videos. When I reviewed Momma Cusses, I mentioned that I hoped she would keep writing, because I liked her voice, enjoyed her storytelling style, and the best part of her book was not the advice she gave, but the stories she told. 


This is the book I was waiting for. 


Thinky Thoughts is basically a memoir in the form of essays and poetry. It's not presented in chronological order and its delivery feels random, and yet, somehow, its apparent lack of order fits together just right, like a jigsaw puzzle of a book. Gwenna's story is interesting to read in and of itself, but her sense of humor truly brings it to life. You can hear her voice so clearly while reading; it feels like she's sitting right next to you telling you these stories herself. I admire her ability to shift from being wickedly funny to poignantly vulnerable. Ironically, I found more compelling parenting advice in this book that is not necessarily intended to be a parenting book.


The chapters particularly stood out to me were: 

The Bean Theory 

Road Rage 

The Magic of Christmas

Roller Coaster

Not a Hugger

Jazz Rules

Grief's Bystander 

F-ing Around to Find Out


Also, the chapter about Gwenna's experience as a gifted student with ADHD, but I forget its title. 


From a content notification perspective, the reader may want to be aware that this book discusses abuse, body image struggles, consumption of racy literature, divorce, unexpected pregnancy, infertility, and abandonment by a parent. There's also quite a lot of profanity, but, given that this is written by the creator of @MommaCusses on TikTok and Instagram, you should be expecting that 😉


Thank you, Gwenna, for writing such an insightful memoir for me to read while I nursed my baby in the middle of the night. Your words entertained me, and they also taught me, despite your proclaimed status as an Unexpert. I'll be pre-ordering this book, and I can't wait to read more by you - your Thinky Thoughts are wonderful!

[Dragon Be Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ✨️

Thinky Thoughts reads like you're listening to a friend while hanging out and talking about life, kids, and the things you wish you knew when you were younger.

I've been following Gwenna Laithland on Facebook since mid to late 2023. Not terribly long, but long enough to learn and enjoy her brand of humor and advice. She's quirky, fun, and actually pretty dang smart. I didn't pick up her first book since it was marketed toward parents (of which I am not), and as much as I wanted to grab a copy of her fiction novel, the funds just weren't there.

But the moment I saw an opportunity to read Thinky Thoughts, I had to take it. And let me tell you, I'm so glad I did.

Yes, it's a collection of essays and poems generally about parenting, but also about healing from traumas, learning life lessons, and being a human being in this crazy spinning rock we call home. When I started, I truly wasn't sure if I'd be able to relate to anything in this collection, being a childless-by-circumstance person. Within the first few pages, I started highlighting whole passages (and I do NOT annotate at all). By the end of the book, I've probably highlighted more than I ever did in college.

This literally feels like Gwenna is standing before you, talking and explaining in the way only she can. I adored the many life lessons she had learned and has now offered to not only her family, but to us as well.

Are there some parts that may be triggering? Absolutely. Abandonment by a parent, abuse by a partner, navigating single parenting, grief in different forms.. and it's okay if you can't read it for those reasons. Somehow, despite the fact that I am a childless person and this book is still geared toward parenting life, I felt some parts of myself healing as I read it, and realized there are ways to cope in all situations.

That bean theory, though.. that is something I'll be utilizing for the remainder of my life.

Thank you so much to Gwenna Laithland, St Martin's Press, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC; this has not influenced me, and these thoughts are all my own.

[Savannah Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thinky Thoughts: All Grown Up and Still Just as Confused is a witty, tender, and deeply relatable collection of illustrated essays that captures the emotional chaos of modern adulthood. Beth Evans blends humor, vulnerability, and simple illustrations to explore what it feels like to grow older without ever feeling fully “grown.”

The book tackles familiar themes—anxiety, relationships, career uncertainty, mental health, and the pressure to have life figured out—with honesty and warmth. Evans has a gift for articulating the thoughts many people keep quietly to themselves: the fear of falling behind, the exhaustion of self-doubt, and the strange realization that adulthood doesn’t come with clarity, just more responsibilities. Her writing feels like a conversation with a close friend who knows exactly what to say when you’re spiraling—but makes you laugh while doing it.

The illustrations are intentionally simple, allowing the emotional weight of the words to shine through. This minimalist style enhances the book’s accessibility and reinforces its central message: confusion, vulnerability, and imperfection are not failures—they’re part of being human. Evans balances self-awareness with self-compassion, never trivializing mental health struggles while still finding levity in everyday moments.

What makes Thinky Thoughts especially effective is its balance of humor and reassurance. While the book acknowledges anxiety and uncertainty, it avoids hopelessness. Instead, it gently normalizes feeling lost and reframes it as a shared experience rather than a personal flaw. Readers are left feeling seen, comforted, and a little less alone.

This book is ideal for readers navigating early adulthood, burnout, or periods of transition—but its insights resonate at any age. Thoughtful, funny, and emotionally affirming, Thinky Thoughts is a reminder that it’s okay to still be confused—and that growth doesn’t require having all the answers.

[Megan Deemer · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars- rounded up to 3 (Come on Goodreads- add half star ratings already!)
I will start off by saying- I think I would have enjoyed this book more had I read it vs. listening via audiobook.
This book is narrated by the author whom is very.... Intense... Err passionate with a manic flare?
Like the poor woman shot-gunned an espresso and chased it with a red bull before each chapter.
This is a "me" problem as I tend to "feed off" other people's moods/energy? So having someone so- intense- gave me a lot of anxiety lol. I actually thought "hmmm, I wonder if I listen to it at double speed- if that will help?" - NOPE! I was wrong- lol it was like squirrel jumping over my face with its tiny scratchy claws and bushy tail blocking my ability to breathe- ha!

Anyway... The content I was able to focus on- had some really good parts. I really enjoyed her intro overall and her explanation about introvert vs extrovert and how that energy is spent and/or obtained. Her analogy was a barter bean system- and sweet jebus can that woman talk about beans... for.. like..ever! But I get it- the concept that is.
I also enjoyed her points on the changes of self from pre to post parent as well as learning how to self regulate as a parent- when you have your own trauma. Added perks for the content related to parenting with ADHD!
The best lesson offered was that of allowing your child the space to "grow up" and be responsible for their actions- by taking a back seat to their decision making. And by doing so, it creates a safe space to allow your kid to make "affordable mistakes" and learn from those- all while still having the parent for support.

Thank you #NetGalley & #MacMillanAudio for the opportunity to provide an honest review of this ARC Audiobook.
#ThinkyThoughts Pub date: 4-14-26

[Randelina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was utterly unfamiliar with Gwenna Laithland prior to reading this book. Now, I feel that we could sit with warm mugs and chat for hours about similar lived experiences.

I related to each essay. Everything from being an introvert raising extroverts, to my mind taking off on tangents, to having survived an abusive relationship, to not knowing what the hell I am doing as a parent. All of it was somehow paralleled to my own life. Many of the essays had me agreeing out loud, smiling, giggling, and a few had me sniffing back tears. I loved each one for being so honest, for being upfront with “this is what works for my family” while pointing out that it may not work for others, for the quotes I highlighted and tabbed, and for being stories I can learn from and try with my own family. The poems were so whimsical, relevant to my own life, and often fun. They were sprinkled throughout, which made a nice change from the essays.

The whole of this book is written very well. Ms. Laithland creates ease, comfort, and closeness in her “Thinky Thoughts.” It reads like a coffee date with a dear friend. I know I will often refer to this book and its life lessons. I highly recommend this collection of essays and poems to anyone who wants to understand some of what happens in women's brains as introverts, as individuals who may or may not have ADHD, and who are mothers. I cannot say enough good things about this book.

I received this book as an advanced reader edition in a giveaway win from St. Martin's Press. The above review, including thoughts, feelings, and opinions, is my own and not influenced by receiving a free copy of the book.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

TL;DR: A great mix of reflective essays.
Source: NetGalley - Thank you to the publisher!!

Collection: The collection as a whole skipped around but that was established at the beginning which added character and didn’t bother me in the least. It did give a great picture of Gwenna and her history as well.
Readability: The writing is approachable and easy to read.
Humor: This is going to be up to the reader I think, but as a fellow millennial I was cracking up frequently.

Thoughts:

Just like her social media presence, Thinky Thoughts presents Gwenna Laithland as that funny, relatable Mom-friend. She’s introspective, but at times irreverent with a healthy dose of sarcasm and humor. This is the perfect mix, especially for a collection of casual essays about her own history and thoughts on how her brain works.

Ranging from stories about her father walking out on her, to the abusive relationship that setup her adult years, to Christmas as the daughter of a single mom. These all sound like that should be heavy, and at times they are, but they’re also tempered with a good dose of humor. You’ll flip between laughing and crying, and enjoy every moment.

I will say this may not work for everyone but I do think it’s worth trying. It’s introspective and it’s lessons can be carried into other lives and times. I really enjoyed my time with it, and I really recommend it for fans of reflective essays (especially those with a dash of humor just like this).

[Moth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!
Thinky Thoughts is an essay collection/memoir, all about the author’s life before and during parenthood.
I’ll start by saying that I love Gwenna Laithland… as a podcast host. I don’t know if I love her as a writer. This is the second book I’ve read by her, and I was really just disappointed in this.
I’m not sure if it’s the fact that I’ve listened to every episode of her podcast (Childproof), but I was bored by almost every essay because I knew the story already.
Also, the theme of each essay was always blatantly stated, and it usually ended up being something completely irrelevant to the essay itself. It made the writing feel very surface-level. I wrote in my notes that she “seems to drown her thoughts in metaphors,” which is an apt summary of my feelings on this book.

However, I did still enjoy a handful of the essays:
Unclear: A really good anecdote about growing up disabled but undiagnosed/masking.
Road Rage: An absolutely hysterical story that I could almost feel because it was so visceral.
Hope is Brown: A really important essay about the hope that government assistance gives to people in need.
Grief’s Bystander: An absolutely devastating essay about grieving someone before they die.

CW: domestic abuse (emotional & physical); abandonment (parent); self-shame; ableism; grief

[Jamie Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎧AUDIO REVIEW🎧

Thank you to @macmillan.audio for the gift of this early access audiobook.

In 2020 like most of us when the world shut down, with a scared 4 year old that just wanted to go back to pre-k, a husband that still had to work, and a tiny 600 ft apt.. I found TikTok as a coping mechanism. I stumbled upon Momma Cusses aka Gwen’s Laithland very early on, and as someone who is roughly the same age, and also resides in Oklahoma.. I related and immediately followed.

There’s something incredibly comforting in her words, in her thoughts and I was so excited to get to listen to this book, which is basically a bunch of essays about life, motherhood and everything in between.

This book is brilliant. As a child of the 80’s and a mother in the 2000’s who is a full on introvert that didn’t recognize my neurodivergent tendencies until later in life, I resonated so much and honestly it allowed me to think, to have a bit of nostalgia and to know without a doubt I am not alone. I too feel so uncomfortable hugging, and initiating hugs, but do accept them.

This book releases April 14th, and it’ll give you hope, make you laugh, make you think and be sentimental, and possibly make you cry a little.

[Kelly Krebs Morse · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, thank you to Gwenna Laithland, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy of Thinky Thoughts: All Grown Up and Still Just as Confused. I found it refreshing and an enjoyable read.

Gwenna tells you right in the introduction that she doesn't have all the answers to life. She's not here to tell you what to do. She's just sharing her experiences and what works for her family. Also, she warns you that this book is a rollercoaster of emotions. One chapter is happy, the next one is about grief. Both chapters are filled with heart, truth, and humor. Gwenna takes the reader on a ride, and it's one I enjoyed and would go on again.

One of my favorite chapters is about how people get offended when others want kid-free places. I agree with her thoughts on the subject. There are definitely places where kids shouldn't be. But kids also need to be out and about to learn how to be a person who waits for food at a restaurant without losing their cool.

Thinky Thoughts is perfect for anyone who enjoys Gwenna's TikToks, someone who wants to read a book that feels like having a conversation over coffee about life, and finding the humor in life. Sometimes we all want to read someone else's thoughts on life, and Gwenna's take is very relatable.

[Sydney Courville · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️4/5 Rating

Thank you so much to Macmillan Audio & NetGalley for the advanced audio copy! 🥹🤍

Originally I requested an early copy of this because I thought that the cover and title were far too enticing to pass up, but then I realized who Gwenna Laithland was through social media and I was even more interested in reading her (mostly) unfiltered thoughts! I loved that she chose to narrate her own audiobook, as I find that always adds a layer of authenticity to a book.

The content of this book will definitely make you sad, especially if you're empathetic or have your own familial wounds from your childhood, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't read it! I thought that the way Gwenna is using her own lived experience to better the experience of life for her kids was honestly, incredible.

Her raw honesty throughout the book on where she's been at vs. where she's at now (with a variety of things) was nice to read due to the nature of just how real it felt. She did not hold back with her thoughts, and it was straight up refreshing. Give it a read if you get the chance, and just know that I highly recommend the audiobook!

[Jaclyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the second essay collection I’ve read recently by women authors who have ADHD and talk about how it has impacted their lives, but don’t seem to be making the work about ADHD or limited to an ADHD audience. I don’t know if this reflects a trend, but I appreciate the representation.

Laithland’s essays, especially, resonated with me in a way I don’t think I’ve encountered before. Her ruminations on what it meant to excel academically not by virtue of hard work but because the work never required her to try hard enough to fail, her complex feelings about not getting a childhood ADHD diagnosis, even her great talent as a young musician and her current career as a writer, could have been my own.

To that point, Laithland is at her best when taking the reader deep into her point of view. I loved the passages where I felt like I traveled side by side with her through an experience. That energy petered out for me in essays that leaned harder into talking to or about the subject at hand, rather than through.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!

[Joymhb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thinky Thoughts is basically a memoir in the form of essays and poetry. It's not presented in chronological order and its delivery feels random, and yet, somehow, its apparent lack of order fits together just right, like a coffee conversation of a book. Laithland's story is interesting to read in and of itself, but her sense of humor truly brings it to life. You can hear her voice so clearly while reading; it feels like she's sitting right next to you telling you these stories herself. I admire her ability to shift from being wickedly funny to poignantly vulnerable. Ironically, I found some compelling parenting advice in this book that is not necessarily intended to be a parenting book. The poetry presented in a non-linear way provided a nice pause/reset between tough topics.
There's also quite a lot of profanity, but, given that this is written by the creator of @MommaCusses on TikTok and Instagram, you should be expecting that.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my e-arc.

[FiberedFolios · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

This book was such a treat!! The audio is narrated by Gwenna herself which is such a treat! Her cadence and her expressions are bar none!!
I listened to her first book Momma Cusses ahead of it's release and absolutely adored the raw truth in the way Gwenna speaks about her experiences parenting and relearning to parent in her chaotic and amazing way. Thinky Thoughts is absolutely a continuation of that experience but of herself on a personal level. We get to go through a series of essay's and short poems that connect to various important points in her life, and I found relate-ability in SO MANY of them!
The last half of the book I was walking around the grocery store shopping and more than once I covered my mouth after laughing very loudly in the aisle. I even caught the poor cashier at self checkout off guard with one of my loud chuckles while paying for my things!
I absolutely loved every second of this audiobook, even the harder more emotional parts!

Perfect for those who enjoy;
💜 Memoir-esque
💜 Essay's & Poems
💜 Internet Personality
💜 Narrated by the author

[Sam Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi Gwenna, I know I just finished your book and you said you don’t read Goodreads reviews. In the off chance you break through imposter syndrome and need a confidence books, hi!

Thank you for writing this book. I’m 23, undiagnosed but pretty damn sure, and no kids. I’m probably not your target audience but please continue.

Your book found me while I battled between the choice of cutting off my parents or not. When I found out I’m going to be an aunt way younger than I thought. When I learned that cousin who is five, and most like me in a lot of ways, is AuDHD. What you wrote, I believe, genuinely opened my eyes and made me realize a lot of things.

Your writing is raw and passionate. You’re unapologetically yourself. Your personality shines through this memoir-not-memoir.

Also, thank you for saying all you did about people who want to be writers. Like me. I do hope you read my acknowledgements someday. That’s a dream come true in my eyes.

15/10. Must read for anyone, parents or not.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a follower, I was really excited to read this book by Gwenna. I love her videos online.
I did appreciate the essay style. It made it easier to read as there were easy stopping points, but it also made it a little disjointed which made it more difficult for me to get through.

I do have to say one of the final chapters, Grief's Bystander, really hit home at this stage in my life. I have 2 small children and just lost my grandmother. We had to navigate what we wanted to expose our children to in terms of the process of dying. It was refreshing to see someone else speak about how they are navigating one of the first big losses of their life as well.

It felt like she was having a conversation with a friend, which I have mixed feelings about. It was definitely a style of writing I am not used to. That is not a bad thing, just different. Her personality definitely came through the pages.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. These opinions and statements are entirely my own.

[Laura Oblinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea what to expect when I downloaded Thinky Thoughts. Maybe a fun read a la podcast style? What I didn't expect was a book that would speak to who I am as a mother, and who I was before I was a mother.

The essay style, with a couple of poems thrown in, was the perfect delivery. Thinky Thoughts isn't self help. It isn't going to coach you through your parenting issues or losing your sense of self, but it is going to make you feel less alone and a little more seen. A few of my highlights: themes of friendship fading; children growing up; parents aging; and my personal favorite, unwilling introverts. As an introvert, this one gave me lots of confidence to parent my extrovert and cultivating the bean theory.

I would recommend as a quick and relatable read that isn't going to preach at you or feel ripped off someone else's hard earned research. Definitely specifically aimed at moms.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thinky Thoughts feels like sitting in the corner of your own brain with a half-cold coffee and a spiral of “what am I even doing?” Gwenna Laithland doesn’t pretend to have answers — and thank god for that. She just hands you her mess, her memories, her mental clutter, and says, same.

This isn’t just a parenting book (I’m not a parent and still saw myself all over these pages). It’s a collection of spirals that somehow manage to land — funny, sharp, oddly poetic in places, and painfully accurate in others. One page you’re laughing, the next you’re quietly falling apart.

It’s not tidy. It’s not resolved. But it’s honest. And sometimes that’s exactly what you need. This one’s for anyone whose brain won’t shut up — and doesn’t really want to.

Thanks to Gwenna Laitland, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC! Thinky Toughts will be available for purchase on April 14th, 2026

[Brittany Bookstabritt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley & MacMillan Audio for this ALC! The review below contains my own honest opinions.

This was my introduction to the author and I enjoyed listening to her share all of her “thinky thoughts.” It reads like a memoir of short stories and quite a few ADHD tangents. The format reminds me of “That’s a Great Question, I’d Love to Tell You” by Elyse Myers. If you enjoyed that book, you would probably enjoy this one too. This book is a bit longer and feels slightly more “put together.” Some chapters are funny and others are very heavy. Check your trigger warnings!

The audio was very enjoyable. I always prefer memoirs read by the author. You feel like you’re sitting across a coffee table from her. Her timing and inflections are spot on and grip the reader.

I enjoyed this one! Thank you!

[Hypsypops · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this. I LOVED this. I don’t even know what to say. I LOVED this.

Ugh I don’t even know what to say about this. I loved everything about this. There are so many great points. I loved how she talks about letting her kids fail safely. I love how she talked about her past and was so relatable. As someone who is younger but not that much younger than Gwenna, I loved when she spoke about revelations I have already had (that made me feel smart) and I listened when she spoke about revelations I haven’t yet had but I probably should.

I will be getting my hands on a physical copy of this. I loved the audiobook, but I want to mark it up and read it over and over again.

I loved the narration. I love Gwenna’s voice, and I loved hearing her tell her own story. This was definitely a 10/10 read for me.

Thank you NetGalley for this ALC.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a fan of Gwenna's for a few years now. She has great insight, amusing observations, and a refreshing take on parenthood. She narrates her own book, making it feel like you're are chatting with your best friend. Gwenna is not a parenting expert (as she warns us throughout the book), but she does give very relatable and realistic advice. You're learn more about how beans and social interaction go together than you ever thought possible. It's a little all over the place, but as a reader we are told that in the beginning and as a Gwenna fan-not surprised. I feel that in a social media world filled with aesthetic perfection, millennial beige, and unattainable standards-Gwenna is out there showing us that becoming a grown up and raising kids is messier, more interesting and colorful than what a lot of what we are shown.

[Brianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I requested this book from NetGalley on premise alone and the darling cover. It wasn’t until I got into it that I realized the author had another book under her belt and a prominent TikTok following that led to her books. It didn’t reduce my enjoyment of what was inside the pages any less. Thinks Thoughts is an honest and open collections of essays about motherhood, life lessons, and finding your way. I think my emotions spanned the gamut while reading, from laughing out loud to on the verge of tears. If you’re a neurodivergent mom, and/or a mom with the mouth of a sailor just trying to do the best for her family, I think you’ll enjoy this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Larissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was like sitting down with someone I already knew and getting to have a more in-depth conversation about them and their lives and I loved it. This book is raw in all the good ways, and it really shows us more about Gwenna as a person and why she looks at the world like she does. I love her vulnerability and her reflections on how she maybe did one thing at a point in her life but then she realized that maybe that was no longer working for her, so she pivoted. It really shows that what might work for someone today won’t always work for them tomorrow and that is okay. This is truly a pleasure to read and I can’t wait to help get it into other readers hands.
Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book. I liked Laithland's humor and voice, and I particularly loved her poems. However, those who pick this book up hoping for/expecting parenting advice might leave the book fully satisfied. Despite beginning the book with thoughts to which many mothers can relate - that somehow, we lose our individual identities when we become mothers - most of the essays dealt with Laithland's upbringing and life experiences. Therefore, it read more like a memoir told in stories rather than a book about parenting. I still enjoyed it, I'm just not sure it fully delivered on its advertised promises.

[Janet C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I am familiar with the author because I follow her Instagram account and I had read her novella last year, so I was looking forward to reading this. I really enjoyed how this book was structured into a collection of short little essays about different moments in her life. I really liked how she wrote about her past experiences with little nuggets of advice included. I am about the same age as the author so I can relate to many of her experiences and the times at which she experienced them. I recommend this book to anyone - parents, non-parents, those of us in our 40's and even those still growing up!
Thank you to NetGalley for an early copy of this book.