I'm about halfway through these essays, but I have to take frequent breaks because they're so damn depressing. All my fears about marriage and childrearing and life are fully realized in these women's lives. Great. There's no hope for any of us. I've already tied the knot, but at least I can put off those snotty-nosed little bundles of joy for a while. Elissa's essay is far and away the best (yes, I'm biased, but more importantly, she's excellent), with at least a glimmer of hope there at the end.