The World's Worst Mom

by Sona Movsesian

From the New York Times bestselling author of The World's Worst Assistant and co-host of the podcast Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend, a hilarious, irreverent book about the expectations vs. reality of parenthood.

Sona Movsesian never meant to become the World's Worst Assistant. But with Conan O'Brien as a boss, what else did we expect?

Sona Movsesian never thought she'd be the World's Worst Mom, either. But when her twin sons, Charlie and Mikey, arrived, she realized she had been totally naive to all the ways even loving and devoted parents can feel like they fall short at raising kids these days. Life as the carefree, worry-free, stress-free person she was ended and her reign as The World's Worst Mom had begun.

In this new book, Sona regales her fans with stories from the trenches, with hilarious how-tos (like how to escape from a WebMD vortex of symptom searching), comics and illustrations throughout (like one where Sona time travels to show off her minivan to her younger self), and behind-the- scenes stories with comedy legend Conan O'Brien (and how being the world’s worst assistant prepared for her being the world’s worst mom).

Ever feared you're the worst parent in the world? Do you feel like the parent you are and the parent you thought you would be are two completely different people? Take comfort in these stories that prove absolutely no one has this figured out, and if you don’t find a way to laugh through the chaos, well, you may be missing the point entirely.


* This audiobook edition contains comic book snapshots of Sona's life as World's Worst Mom illustrated by her husband Tak.

Genres: Nonfiction, Parenting, Memoir, Humor, Audiobook

304 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2026

Reviews

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual Rating 4.5/5

*Thank you Dutton and Netgalley for the EArc

If you don't know who Sona Movsesian is she is best known as Conan O'Brien's assistant and is one of the co-hosts on Conan Needs Friends. She is funny, crass and tbh I care more about she has to say over Conan. I read her first memoir The World's Worst Assistant where she shares her lack of work ethic while working for one of the biggest comedians on late night.

I remember listening to the podcast and Sona had announced she was pregnant with her twin boys shortly after that I found out I was pregnant with my own daughter. So when I found she was writing a book about motherhood and with a title like The World's Worst Mom I knew she would have experiences I would be able to relate to and it would be funny.

There is a lot in this where I felt seen and validated. How at the end of the day, I am absolutely like other moms both in flaws and strengths. So if you are a new mom, someone who is considering motherhood or Child Free by Choice looking for an extra form of birth control I highly recommend checking it out. This was an E-Arc so thank you Dutton and Plume for the free copy and you can check it out on September 1st, 2026. So not too long of a wait. Also if you are an audiobook reader Sona will most likely narrate the book much like her first and she is fun to listen too.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book from Sona Movsesian is a love letter to parenting and all the mess, beautiful, and frustrating moments that come with the first years, times 2. As a follow up to The World's Worst Assistant this is a good book, better written with more focus than the previous story. While there are occasional illustrations and repetitive moments, reading this book you can tell she was writing a story for the normal, everyday parent managing kids in the 2020s.

The best part of the book is something that was unintentional, the emails to her kids. These snapshots into what she was feeling and thinking at the time show the realities of not only parenting, but family, and childhood. More than anything this book is great because it shows parents do not have to be perfect, it is a pro-kid are great additions to one life book, at a time when most young women feel the opposite about little people.

Overall, a solid 3.8-4.1 out of 5. Thanks to NetGalley & Dutton/Plume for the ARC.

[Stephanie Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a longtime fan of the Conan O’brien’s podcast, I’ve grown to love all the segments with Sona and Matt more than sometimes the actual interview. She is so funny and I absolutely live for the added chaos elements she brings.

I loved “worlds worst assistant”, and though I am not a mother I still knew I had to read this book. Sona perfectly balances humor with a genuine heart and it’s so apparent that she's actually a great mom who cares deeply, but hey sometimes things can get a little messy!

If you’re a fan of Sona or just a mom trying their best you’ll love this book.

Thanks so much netgalley for sending this one over. It was a great one!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you #Netgalley for the advanced copy!

I loved Sona's first book and was happy to receive an early copy of this one. Since discovering Sona I also watched Conan's HBO show with her as well. This book carries on will her style of comedy, which I loved. Though topics could get heavy, she still had a comedic spin including the "positive" aspects of losing her house to the Altadena fire. Loved hearing about her journey into motherhood, especially welcoming the twins.

[Thom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: I received access to read this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

In some ways I like this better than her first book, but there's still the same editing problem where it feels like it should have all of its repetitive parts cut. The writing feels stronger and there's a real heart in every admission of vulnerability. There's no stories that top her dating ones from the first book though.

[SFF · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one and blazed right through it, even if I didn't find it as entertaining as her first book. Took me back to my early days with my kids. Sona keeps it fresh and funny and I think a lot of parents will find it very relatable (I know I did). That said, it's more for those still in the trenches of babyhood to kindergarten. Will be interesting to see if she has a follow-up as her boys grow!

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

After detailing her own foibles as Conan O'Brien's assistant in the appropriately (?) titled The World's Worst Assistant, Sona Movsesian returns to humorously detail the trials of motherhood. From the struggle to conceive to staying up at night wondering if your kid is dying because their poop changed color, and from figuring out how to keep safe two small creatures who are determined to toddle towards danger to accepting that you are the type of person who owns a minivan, Movsesian handles even the most serious topics with (often blunt) humor.

4/5

[Brad Milison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm biased since I am friends with Sona (and maybe mentioned in this book a few times), but she really nailed this one with the perfect blend of heart, humor, and vulnerability.

[Cheryl Milison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am also biased as I know Sona through my son Brad,
I listened to her first book and read this book snd loved it!!! She not only brings humor but speaks from the heart and holds nothing back👏👏👏

[Lynne Maggiore · Rating 4 out of 5]

managing reality with expectations

I love Sona’s style, transparency and relatability. She brings actual anecdotes with her own children and her fears and expectations.

[Amanda Birse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very refreshing book on the reality of motherhood! I was hoping to laugh out loud and alas, did not, but maybe you will as motherhood deserves some laughs!