Each interview is built around a thought-provoking question, and Leid includes the casual and the profound in the women’s responses: from jotting down their desired headstones to asking more difficult questions—like “What are you most scared of losing?”—the writing is up-close and personal, reflective of a compassionate author who firmly believes in her work. Leid never shies away from sharing the most intimate details of her own life, including early struggles to form a sense of belonging: a Korean orphan adopted by Japanese American parents, Leid explores the wrongful detainment of her parents in an internment camp during the Second World War, and her father’s subsequent efforts to raise her independent of strong cultural ties. However, she celebrates her past as a stepping stone throughout the book, detailing how she has learned to create new traditions for her family and sharing the path to finding a “unique and worthy place in the world.”

Readers won’t need to be seasoned journalers to gain rewards from Leid’s prompts, questions, and insights. The life lessons are wide-ranging and emphatic, covering relevant topics like relinquishing the fear of judgment, taking risks to avoid stagnancy, and choosing a career that combines skill with passion, among others. For those who relish journaling, Leid includes space for readers to craft their own responses to each question as well.

Takeaway: A passionate, hands-on journaling challenge designed specifically for women.

Great for fans of: GG Renee Hill’s Self-Care Check-In, Ellen Warner’s The Second Half.

Production grades
Cover: B-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A