👶 Book Review: Help Is on the Way by Mindy Kaling (Kindle Edition)
A heartfelt, humorous essay about motherhood, grief, and unexpected support—Mindy Kaling blends vulnerability and wit in this standout entry from her Nothing Like I Imagined series.
🧠 Overview
Published on October 6, 2020, Help Is on the Way is the third essay in Mindy Kaling’s Nothing Like I Imagined (Except for Sometimes) series, available exclusively through Amazon Original Stories. At just 17 pages, this Kindle edition offers a compact but emotionally rich glimpse into Kaling’s life as a new mother navigating the chaos of parenting after the loss of her own mom.
The essay centers around Kaling’s decision to hire a baby nurse named Rose, a move she initially resists but ultimately embraces—leading to a transformative experience of care, connection, and healing.
✨ Key Themes
- 👩👧 Motherhood and vulnerability: Kaling candidly shares her fears and insecurities as a single parent
- 🕊️ Grief and healing: The absence of her mother looms large, making Rose’s presence all the more meaningful
- 😂 Humor in chaos: From sleepless nights to existential questions like “Why don’t babies have kneecaps?”, Kaling’s comedic voice shines
- 🤝 Unexpected support: Rose becomes more than just help—she’s a calming, grounding force in Kaling’s life
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Goodreads rating: 4.41/5 from over 8,700 readers
- 📖 Readers praise the essay’s emotional honesty, relatable humor, and intimate tone
- 🧾 Many describe it as “short but powerful,” and a favorite among the six-part series
- 💬 “Mindy’s voice is so authentic—it feels like a friend sharing a story over coffee.”
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Short format: At 17 pages, it’s a quick read best enjoyed in one sitting
- 📚 Part of a series: Works well alone, but gains depth when read alongside other essays in Nothing Like I Imagined
- 🧾 Reflective tone: Less plot-driven, more about emotional insight and personal growth
🏁 Final Verdict
Help Is on the Way is a warm, funny, and deeply personal essay that captures the messy beauty of early motherhood. Mindy Kaling’s storytelling is both sharp and tender, making this Kindle Original a must-read for fans of memoir, parenting stories, or anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed and found comfort in unexpected places.
