The Empty Nest

by Jared Walker, Sarah Collins (Illustrator)

Kindle Edition

Published January 18, 2026

Reviews

[Aoife · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You may want a different ending. So do the ducks”

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great little book about the stuggle of infertility. Heartbreaking, tender, and adorablly illustrated.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

At our most difficult and dark moment, this book was a ray of hope and empathy.

We've wanted to be parents for so long and it's been such an emotional rollercoaster. When we finally found out that we were pregnant, it was the happiest we've ever been in years. Unfortunately, that joy was short-lived and we found ourselves back to where we started: happy together, but a piece of our hearts feel incomplete as we look around our own empty nest. This book captures many of our feelings, even the unpleasant ones like bitterness, jealousy, and sadness; it's this honesty and vulnerability that we appreciate very much.

Featuring delicate and beautiful art from Sarah Collins, this soulful work by Jared Walker is a must-read for anyone who's facing an uphill battle towards parenthood.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and quick read that puts such difficult feelings into writing! So validating to have the ending be the way that it is and so true to my own story. I strongly recommend for anyone experiencing infertility or family members or friends who want to have a better understanding of what their loved ones are going through.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This took my heart and shattered it in such a good way. It hit so close to home in every aspect, and was such a validating read to know we aren't alone in our journey. A short, quick read, but so deep and thoughtful. The illustrations were very well done, and loved the ending being ambiguous. Definitely what I needed in a vulnerable moment.

[Chloe Beasley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a short book, took me all of 2 minutes to read. But that 2 minutes took my heart and shattered it to pieces. It’s beautifully written, beautifully illustrated, and just captures the feeling of infertility perfectly.
It’s just a perfect little book.

[Bre · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book broke my heart at how accurate it was to go through infertility and loss. I hope everyone gets a chance to read this book. It was like my inner thoughts were right there on paper. It made me feel less alone and more understood.

Sending all my love to other fellow empty nesters. ❤️

[Madison Wendel · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart...

[Bree McManus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is simply beautiful and captures the feeling of inferility perfectly. My partner and I read it through tears. Well done, Jared.