The Perfect Mother’s Day Gift: Books She’ll Love

Mother’s Day always makes me think… did I get her a gift that truly says “I see you, Mom, and I appreciate everything you do”?

This year, I wanted to go beyond the usual flowers and chocolates (though, let’s be honest, moms always love those too!). I wanted to find books that would make her laugh, inspire her, maybe even spark those “OMG, me too!” moments that remind her she’s not alone in this wild ride of motherhood.

So, I dug deep. I asked my mom friends, polled my book club, and scoured those “Best of” lists. I wanted a mix – heartwarming stories, hilarious reads, and a few thought-provoking titles that would stick with her long after she finishes the last page. Turns out, there are amazing books out there for every kind of mom. And I’m so excited to share my favorites with you!

Celebrate Her Strength & Resilience

Motherhood is a journey filled with triumphs and challenges. These memoirs showcase the unwavering strength and resilience of women who have navigated the joys and hardships of raising children.

• “Educated” by Tara Westover (2018): A powerful true story of a young woman overcoming an isolated upbringing and defying all odds to pursue an education. This book is a testament to the power of determination and the unwavering love between a mother and daughter. (We love how Westover’s journey resonates with anyone who’s ever felt like an underdog.)
• “Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail” by Cheryl Strayed (2011): A deeply personal account of a solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail as a way to heal from personal loss. This book explores themes of grief, self-discovery, and the strength it takes to push beyond limitations. (This is a personal favorite because it so beautifully captures the power of nature to heal and the journey of self-discovery.)

“Mom, You’re Not Alone” Books

These heartwarming and often humorous reads offer a glimpse into the relatable realities of motherhood, reminding moms that they’re not alone in their joys, struggles, and sometimes downright silly moments.

• “And Now We Have Everything: On Motherhood Before I Was Ready” by Meaghan O’Connell (2018): A raw, honest, and often humorous take on the specific challenges and joys of becoming a mother earlier than expected.
• “Mom Jeans & Other Mistakes” by Melanie Shankle (2018): Shankle, known for her “Big Mama” blog, writes about the hilarious absurdity of suburban motherhood, finding the humor in the everyday chaos. It’s lighthearted, relatable, and sure to make moms laugh.

These are just a few examples, and there are countless incredible books that celebrate the strength and resilience of mothers. Consider the specific interests of the mom you’re buying for – perhaps a memoir by a woman in her field, or a humorous book by a favorite comedian who’s also a mom.

Give Her the Gift of Laughter

Moms, we all need a good laugh sometimes, right? Let’s forget about the to-do lists and messy houses for a while and dive into books guaranteed to tickle your funny bone. Because a mom who laughs is a mom who can handle just about anything.

Lighthearted Fiction to Brighten Her Day

• “Where’d You Go, Bernadette” by Maria Semple (2012): This book is just pure fun. Bernadette Fox, a slightly neurotic, wildly creative mom, goes missing, and her daughter sets out to find her. The way this story unfolds is quirky, unpredictable, and will keep any mom thoroughly entertained.
• “The Rosie Project” by Graeme Simsion (2013): Don, an adorably awkward professor, decides to find a wife using a scientifically designed questionnaire. It’s the perfect recipe for romantic mishaps and heartwarming moments. We love this for the sheer feel-good factor!
• “Crazy Rich Asians” by Kevin Kwan (2013): If she loves a bit of over-the-top drama and glamorous settings, this is the book for her! It’s a peek into a world of extreme wealth, family rivalries, and a whole lot of absurdity. The perfect escapist read for a relaxing afternoon.

Mom Humor: Because We Need to Laugh at Ourselves

• “I Heart My Little A-Holes” by Karen Alpert (2019): Motherhood is messy, exhausting, and utterly hilarious. Alpert gets it, and her relatable essays will make her feel less alone on those days when the kids are being, well, little a-holes. Honestly, sometimes you just need to laugh to keep from crying!
• “Sh*tty Mom: The Parenting Guide for the Rest of Us” by Laurie Kilmartin, et al. (2013): This is irreverent, laugh-out-loud humor by a team of comedy writers who also happen to be moms. For those days she needs permission to NOT be perfect.

Consider gifting her one of these alongside a cozy pair of socks and a box of her favorite tea. It’s the perfect “Take some time for yourself, Mom!” present.

Inspiration & Self-Discovery

Motherhood changes you. Priorities shift, you learn limits you didn’t know you had, and sometimes you lose sight of the person you were before kids. These books offer moms a chance to reconnect with themselves, explore new passions, and find inspiration – even in the midst of a chaotic schedule.

Thought-Provoking Non-Fiction

• “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle (2020): This book is like a battle cry for women to stop conforming to societal expectations and instead embrace their truest selves. It’s raw, honest, and a powerful reminder to moms that it’s never too late to reclaim their own lives. Doyle writes, “The truest, most beautiful life never promises to be an easy one. We need to let go of the lie that it’s supposed to be.”
• “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown (2010): Brown’s research on vulnerability, courage, and wholehearted living has resonated with millions. This book reminds us that embracing our “imperfections” is essential to living a fulfilling life – a message every mom needs to hear.
• “Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown (2012): This one dives even deeper into the power of vulnerability. For moms struggling with perfectionism or that inner critic, this book offers practical tools for showing up authentically, in motherhood and beyond.

For Every Stage of Motherhood:

• “The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother” by Heng Ou (2016): This book draws on ancient wisdom about the importance of rest and nourishment for new moms. It’s packed with comforting recipes and practical advice – the perfect gift alongside a cozy robe!
• “Hold On to Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers” by Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Maté (2006): This delves into child development and attachment theory. If she’s the type who loves geeking out on parenting, this offers a compelling perspective on the importance of the parent-child bond.
• “Hunt, Gather, Parent: What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans” by Michaeleen Doucleff (2021): This offers a fascinating look at parenting practices across cultures. It’s ideal for moms who question the status quo and want to raise independent, resilient kids.

Moms spend so much time nurturing others. These books are the perfect reminder to nurture ourselves – to explore our passions, embrace our imperfections, and become the strong, inspired women our kids need us to be.

The Power of Shared Stories

There’s something magical about connecting with other moms through books. These stories spark conversations, offer fresh perspectives, and remind us that the complex experiences of motherhood are universal.

Mom Book Club Picks That Spark Discussion

• “Little Fires Everywhere” by Celeste Ng (2017): This layered novel explores motherhood, class, race, and the choices that shape families. Its complex characters and morally gray situations guarantee a lively book club discussion about what it means to be a “good” mother.
• “Such a Fun Age” by Kiley Reid (2019): This tackles issues of racial bias, privilege, and the complexities of interracial relationships in the context of a nanny/employer dynamic. It’s an eye-opening read that sparks important conversations about how we see the world.
• “The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett (2020): A sweeping multi-generational saga about twin sisters, family secrets, and the paths our lives take. Ideal if your group loves rich historical fiction with themes of identity and belonging.

Exploring Complex Motherhood

• “Fleishman Is in Trouble” by Taffy Brodesser-Akner (2019): This sharp, darkly funny novel dives into a marriage breakdown from both the husband’s and the wife’s perspectives. It’s a frank look at ambition, resentment, and the challenges of modern motherhood.
• “All We Ever Wanted” by Emily Giffin (2018): This explores the fallout when a privileged teen makes a reckless mistake, forcing her parents to confront their own choices. It raises questions about social media, parenting, and the sacrifices we make for our kids.
• “We Need to Talk About Kevin” by Lionel Shriver (2003): This one is a tough, but important, read. Told from the perspective of a mother whose son commits a horrific act, it’s a gut-wrenching exploration of nature vs. nurture and a parent’s worst nightmare.

Whether it’s in a formal book club setting or simply chatting with a mom-friend over coffee, these books offer a starting point for the kind of honest, open conversations that moms crave. They remind us we’re not alone in this journey, and that shared stories have the power to build community and deepen our understanding of motherhood in all its messy, beautiful glory.

Make Her Day: Choose a Book with Love

This Mother’s Day, let’s go beyond the usual gifts and give moms something that truly nourishes them – a book that speaks to their hearts.

Whether she longs for a good laugh, a dose of inspiration, or a story that makes her feel understood, there’s a perfect book out there waiting for her.

Remember, it’s not just about the book itself, but about the intention behind it. Take a moment to write a heartfelt note inside the cover, explaining why you chose this specific book for her. That personal touch makes it even more special.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms out there!

Read More: