This Is Terrible, This Is Wonderful: Dispatches from the Postpartum Universe

by Rani Ban

For anyone experiencing the contradictory chaos and joy of early parenthood, illustrator Rani Ban offers no-bullshit wisdom and sparks of hope in these authentic dispatches from the post-partum universe.

Designed to be read in stolen moments between feedings and diapers, this modern take on new parenthood explores the physical indignities, identity shifts, and isolation of postpartum life alongside messy milestones and hilarious moments of a child’s first year. 

Through short hand-lettered essays, poems and mixed-media illustrations, Rani Ban’s debut is an unfiltered recollection of the singular details and universal feelings that come with welcoming a baby into the world. 

Combining the raw honesty and humor of Allie Brosh's Solutions and Other Problems with the warmth of classic pareting memoirs, This Is Terrible, This Is Wonderful will reassure any new parent that they are not alone–and encourage them to embrace an expanding version of themselves, too.

208 pages, Hardcover

Published March 31, 2026

Reviews

[Paige Slovisky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh I loved this so much. I have followed Rani on social media for years & was so excited to see she wrote this book. I read it all in one sitting & immediately bought one for a friend. The artwork is beautiful. The writing is empowering, freeing, whimsical, and true.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new go-to gift to any and all expecting moms.

[Jillian McQueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book rewired me and made me feel so seen in ways little has postpartum! I would gift this to all my friends becoming mothers! I will cherish this book deeply for the rest of my life!

[❀ Tia ❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

| ARC REVIEW | Publication Date: 31st March 2026

★★★★☆

Raw, insightful, and bittersweet, all tied up in a playful, witty bow. This hand-written collection of reflections and poetry is the perfect blend of humour and authenticity.

I truly believe that this book is what every mother who has been freshly dropkicked welcomed into the postpartum club needs to read.

Elements were bittersweet yet heartwarming: The focus on time fleeting and having to say goodbye to a version of my children every time they grow was like a punch to the gut. Time is cruel, but this time is a blessing.

However, I also adored how the author highlighted the less than beautiful parts of postpartum too. The loss of identity, the constant state of being on edge, and the guilt that accompanies the worries of "am I doing this right/good enough/like all the other mums??" were very relatable and incredibly comforting to read about. In a world where many women feel like talking about the messy parts of motherhood makes them a bad mum, it was refreshing to see somebody unashamedly discussing these immensely relatable experiences.

The illustrations inundating this book were a very charming accompaniment to the author's musings. Adding a whimsical visual delight, without taking away from the beauty of the words.

I also really liked the added touch of including some suggested further reading at the end of the book — a true reflection of the author's selfless love of art, expression and inclusivity.

Postpartum is such a deeply personal journey, and it was an honour to receive a glimpse into Rani Ban's experience.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rani Ban and Quirk Books for gifting this eBook in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fantastic read for mothers. I'd say it leans more towards new moms or mothers with small children, but it's also great for mothers who have older children. The reflections and poetry were wonderful. I really enjoyed her take on an old folktale about a selkie whose skin was stolen by a man, and then she ends up marrying the man and having children. The illustrations were wonderful. I loved that Rani Ban included a list of book recommendations and resources at the end of the book. I ended up adding several of them to my TBR list.

*Thank you, NetGalley, for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.*

[Kaitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book arrived when I was about 5 weeks into being a Mom. I'm keeping it close even though I've finished it...it's the exact sort of thing I need to read, both when I can't decide what I'm feeling and when what I'm feeling is hard to describe. There's space here for the good and the bad and I appreciate that.

A little gift of a book in a challenging time. Highly recommend.

[Makayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Postpartum has been such a terrible, wonderful, overwhelming experience. I recognized a lot of my own thoughts and experiences while reading this book, and it was incredibly comforting to feel less alone.

[Karis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book in the PICU with your newborn hits different. a million / 10 stars. I want to (lovingly) chuck this book at every new mom like a guerilla gardener.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this at 10 days postpartum. Laughed and breathed sighs of relief for a real and true account of it all. It was a balm.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knows if I'd think this was five stars at other times in my life. But it's the only thing I've been able to read since giving birth and I cried through most of it in the best, most cathartic way.

[Cayla Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this piece of art so so so much. My go to gift for any new parent

[Lauren Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rani we love you