Beautiful Chaos - by Jessica Urlichs (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES (UK) BESTSELLER

From Instagram sensation Jessica Urlichs, an inspiringly vulnerable collection of poems exploring the sacred, tender, and beautifully chaotic moments of motherhood.

You are a mother
but never, just

When poet Jessica Urlichs became a mother, she learned that the everyday ordinary is extraordinary. In Beautiful Chaos, Jess chronicles it all--the highs, the lows, the confusion, the loss of identity, the becoming, and the brutal but beautiful ways our children hold up a mirror to ourselves. Through her relatable and cathartic poems that poignantly capture motherhood from pregnancy to school age, Jess offers healing to those who need it, a reminder of a cherished time gone by, or even a grounding in your current moment.

Wherever you are in your parenting journey, Jess's poems will make you feel seen and comforted amid the beautiful chaos that is motherhood.

Review Quotes

"[Urlichs] demonstrated the courage to be tender, even sweet, and readers responded -- particularly mothers, who hear in her gently accessible work the same intense affection and confusing struggles they're feeling." --Washington Post (Ron Charles)

"The poems are so beautifully observed and shared. The words awaken the magic of life by celebrating the ordinary. They remind you of what once was, while beautifully planting you in the now. I just want to go back to the start and read them all again. A beautiful companion to keep by my side." --Giovanna Fletcher, author of Happy Mum, Happy Baby

"Jess' words weave their way straight to the core of the motherhood experience. Beautifully heartfelt, inspiringly poignant and therapeutically validating." --Anna Mathur, author of Raising a Happier Mother

"Feeling seen and understood in motherhood is rare in our judgemental, advice laden world. Jess's beautiful words weave their way past your exhaustion, doubt and guilt--straight to soothe your soul. Reading this book feels like a much-needed long exhale." --Zoe Blaskey, Founder of Motherkind

"Jess guides you right into the heart of motherhood with her poignant and piercing style and is unafraid to take you into the tender places of life as a mother. Beautiful Chaos will remind you of the joyous moments, the moments that bring tears to your eyes, and the moments you find yourself on your knees. Above all this new collection of Jess's beautiful poetry reassures you that you are not alone. Jess' words are healing, powerful, honest and raw. She takes me right back to those tender newborn days, the mayhem of toddlerhood, and through life with a growing child, and in doing so reminds me of just how far I have come." --Tracy Gillett, Founder of Raised Good

"If you're feeling nostalgic and want to reminisce on these fleeting moments of your own life, this is a stunning collection that can help you look back in awe and wonder at yourself and your children." --Flow Space

"[A] poignant collection of poems [that] captures the raw, emotional journey of motherhood. Through lyrical and honest verses, Urlichs explores the highs and lows of parenting, from pregnancy to the early years of childhood. The poems resonate with mothers and offer comfort, reflection and a sense of shared experience. With its relatable themes and heartfelt writing, Beautiful Chaos is a moving tribute to the complexities of motherhood." --Plymouth Magazine

"In Beautiful Chaos, Urlichs runs toward the postpartum days that many prefer to turn away from. The lack of sleep, the loneliness, the trying to get the child to breastfeed--she's unafraid to prod at that trauma...the poems hit me, and in fact found me swallowed by tears, real tears...Then there are the poems written to her children. When my daughter was having trouble falling asleep, I read her a few of these poems. The following night she asked me to read them to her again. I could see the poems made even my seven-year-old feel something... I think all moms should read this book because [...] mothers can find themselves in her words. They can find validation while also be reminded to get on the floor with their children because soon the floors will be tidy and colorless and all they will want is to be eye-level with their babies again." --Words on Words

About the Author

Jessica Urlichs is a Sunday Times bestselling author and poet who lives in New Zealand with her husband and three children. She has written a variety of children's books to help babies and young children navigate their emotions in their early years. Jess' honest and heartfelt poetry about her family and motherhood continue to be a source of guidance for mothers and parents alike around the world to connect.