To all the mommies out there, I hope you're having a relaxing day of pampering (forgive the diaper pun). But if it's not exactly what you expected, take heart. Jill Smokler understands, which is why she penned Confessions of a Scary Mommy, a little book of humorous essays that takes an irreverent, honest look at motherhood.

Smokler, a graphic designer turned stay-at-home mom, began a blog a few years ago on which she wrote about the real deal about motherhood: the struggles, competition, and boredom, and the blissful moments, too. Next came her book, Confessions of a Scary Mommy, in which she starts each essay with the funniest, saddest, twisted confessional comments from her blog readers that correspond with the theme of the chapter. Some of my favorite chapters are about: the family vacation (nice on paper but you'll need a vacation from your vacation once you get home); the grand efforts to plan the kid's perfect birthday party; the pool as recreation (deathtrap); the mommy wars; guarding your babysitter with your life, and so on. You get the picture, because Smokler speaks the truth.

We know you have precious little time, and luckily, this book can be read in two short sittings because it's that much fun. Also, check out our other ebook recommendations about the good, the bad, and the scary side of mommyhood.

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, by Amy Chua
Kids not living up to your expectations? Try banning all playdates and enforcing the violin. In this controversial book, Amy Chua rejects Western methods of child rearing and relays her story of extreme parenting, Chinese style.

It's Not About the Pom-Poms, by Laura Vikmanis with Amy Sohn
Remember feeling more put together and fit before having kids? Take some inspiration from the story of a forty-year-old single mom who took up pole dancing, then became the NFL's oldest cheerleader. How's that for teen spirit?

Bringing Up Bebe, by Pamela Druckerman
When an American journalist moves to Paris and notices that French kids are good listeners, great sleepers, and gourmet eaters -- and their parents are relaxed and balanced -- she investigates how on earth this happened and how you can get there, too.

Baby Laughs, by Jenny McCarthy
Funny lady Jenny McCarthy waxes hilarious on the naked truth of new motherhood, including dueling grandmas, husbands expecting sex, lullaby illiteracy, baby manicures, and other amusing, insightful anecdotes about the challenges new parents face.

Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay, by Stefanie Wilder-Taylor
Enough with the parenting advice from everyone in your life driving you crazy! In these sidesplitting and practical essays, Wilder-Taylor reassures that you can be a good mom and make your own decisions about how to raise your children.

Raising the Perfect Child Through Guilt and Manipulation, by Elizabeth Beckwith
So long traditional and earnest parenting guides! Beckwith discusses developing a family philosophy and sticking with it no matter how quirky. Includes strategies like "Don’t Be Afraid to Raise a Nerd" and "Mind Control: Why It’s a Good Thing."

All things French seem un petit better, no? French food, fashion, and now, thanks to Pamela Druckerman, parenting. It all started when Druckerman, an American journalist, relocated to Paris with her husband and had kids. Contrary to what she witnessed stateside, she noticed that French parents seem relaxed, confident, and in charge, and French children, from the time they are babies, are calm, good sleepers, and even vegetable lovers. Intrigued, Druckerman set out to investigate what led to this society of chillaxed parents and well-behaved kids. The result? Her thoroughly enjoyable book, Bringing Up Bébé.

Druckerman discovers two unique principles of French parenting. First, the French assume that children, from the time they are babies, are rational creatures, capable of understanding and learning. This idea was developed by Dr. Dolto, who is revered like the French Dr. Spock. If you accept that children are rational, you can teach them to sleep through the night as tiny babies, and when they're older, how to like vegetables or behave in a restaurant. You can also teach them to be sage, "self-controlled but happily absorbed in an activity."

Second, the French take a philosophical approach to child rearing, adopting Rousseau's idea that children must be given space to thrive. With this in mind, the French parent within a cadre, a predictable, coherent framework of rules, whereby they are very strict about limits and boundaries, but allow freedom within them to explore. If children are capable of autonomy, and, in fact, blossom in that realm, parents can leave them be, wait to satisfy their whims, and thereby instill patience and independence.

Overall, the French view children as a part of the family, not its entire focus. This lets parents make decisions that are best for the group, rather than the individual. Unlike the "child-kings" Druckerman sees in American families, who make demands and cannot tolerate frustration, French mothers will say with conviction, "It’s me who decides," and the children accept that. Culturally, these mothers do not feel guilty for saying "no" or taking time for themselves. Instead, "they strike a balance between listening to their children's needs and being clear it's the parents who are in charge." Perhaps it's a type of self-fulfilling prophecy where half the battle is believing in your own authority.

If Carrie Bradshaw from "Sex and the City" were talking to you as a mom living with Mr. Big in Paris, the result would be this book. It's useful, it's escapist and funny, and it makes you want to jaunt off to Paris and have baguettes and hot chocolate. Druckerman's observations will validate any exhausted parent and offers a new, hopeful perspective. You can look at those familiar little faces and know, with a few changes on your part -- voila! -- they, too, can behave like delightful French bébés.