War may be hell, but plotting a course through the minefield of raising children can be categorized that way too; a war of words, of will and of wisdom. Parenting from the Trenches is an often tongue-in-cheek, sometimes deeply personal, always helpful compilation of columns written by a parent for parents. Julie Butler Evans draws from her nearly 25 years of experience as a mom, by seeking to inspire with a humorous look at the serious side of child-rearing. For example, on the subject of kids and cleaning: "Hand a teenager a can of Pledge and a rag, and they will most likely just spray the scent into the air." Regarding slumber parties: "'Slumber' party is such an oxymoron. 'Slumber' is so very much not part of the equation." Or, on the strength of mothering: "The height of motherhood is being able to love your child even when that child feels temporarily "unlovable". When the two-year-old tantrum takes on epic proportions; when your 11-year-old shouts at you like a whiny, drunken sailor on leave, or when the impulsivity of adolescence reaches a cringe-worthy, dodgy low." The myriad topics are sure to resonate. You'll laugh, cry and identify. And your skirmishes with your offspring may be easier to power through.