
Everyone struggles with juggling life’s many responsibilities. Even those who seem good at the balancing art, otherwise known as life, will inevitably feel the weight of it. The hardest part about juggling life goals is that there seems to be so little solid advice in a palatable format for busy (and exhausted) readers. This is where Sarah Armstrong’s second book, The Art of the Juggling Act: Bite-Sized Guide for Working Parents, is the handiest. A true game-changer in the self-help space, Armstrong’s guide fulfills the promise in its subtitle as she delivers “bite-sized” tips and insights through short, easy-to-read vignettes. From obvious tasks such as recommendations for a great work/life balance and meal planning, to mail organization, event logistics, and prioritizing family calendars, Armstrong thoughtfully offers useful and practical advice. Armstrong doesn’t just scratch the surface—she truly covers it all for today’s working parents. Getting together all this information without overwhelming readers is a nearly impossible feat that Armstrong manages to overcome. What truly sets this book apart is how approachable it feels. While somewhat unconventional, Armstrong’s writing strategy is casual yet precise, as she uses common informal writing strategies. This results in the book reading more like a conversation or text messages from a trusted friend, which makes the book warm and personal. The author brings a wealth of real-world experience to her advice, drawing from her successful career as a former partner at a global consulting firm and a leader in the tech industry. The beauty of this guide is in its accessibility—you do not need to earn over $200,000 annually to gain immense value from her book. While her advice may initially seem to be aimed at mothers who live in the suburbs, Armstrong manages to balance this by sharing meaningful and deeply personal stories of her own life, such as raising her daughter, Grace. She also makes sure to include different perspectives, using quotes from other parents to add another layer of depth to her guide. All in all, the greatest strength of The Art of the Juggling Act is in its encouraging and intimate tone. Armstrong never loses sight of her readers’ challenges, remaining supportive all throughout the book by offering practical solutions that inspire confidence. If you’re a working parent looking for advice you can actually use, this book is the perfect resource. —CANREADS TORONTO BOOK REVIEW