Help Her Library Hit the Mother Lode With These Incredible Books for Moms

collage of books

Graphic by KCM

No matter who you’re shopping for, these reads will be life-changing.

How can it almost be Mother’s Day? The year seems to be whizzing by at warp speed straight toward May — not that I’m complaining about celebrating such a meaningful holiday. 

Whether or not you’re a mom, there’s probably a mother in your life you want to celebrate in May. And while my brand is built on the idea that moms have to struggle to find time to enjoy a book, in the end, the struggle is worth it. That being said, moms aren’t usually shopping for books for themselves — which is what makes them a great Mother’s Day gift

I love giving books as gifts (as you might have guessed from this column). The right book can show thoughtfulness, love, understanding, and friendship. But where to begin? Here are a few books for every mom on your list, and while you’re at it, pick up one or two up for yourself!

For more gift ideas, visit our complete Mother’s Day gift guide.

For the athletic mom to little ones

Strong Mama by Robin Arzón

This picture book by Peloton phenom Robin Arzón sets a fantastic example for sporty mamas and their little ones alike. It depicts Arzón’s journey to motherhood as she awaited the arrival of her “pequeño” — time filled with running marathons, lifting weights, taking naps, and dancing with her husband. The story celebrates fitness, the anticipation of motherhood, and the first meeting with your bundle of joy.

Listen to my podcast with Robin Arzon

For a woman of a certain age

Midlife Bites: Anyone Else Falling Apart, or Is It Just Me? by Jen Mann

For any mom who wants to laugh and commiserate about midlife travails, I recommend this fabulously irreverent book of reflections by bestselling author Jen Mann. The award-winning blogger had a pretty solid life, until a midlife crisis knocked her down at 47; readers of all ages will find comfort and guidance through this collection of darkly comic honest essays

Listen to my podcast with Jenn Mann.

For the mom going through a hard time

Little Pieces of Hope by Todd Doughty

A compendium of joyful observations by book editor Todd Doughty, Little Pieces of Hope will inspire even the most downtrodden mama. It’s a collection of lists, musings, prompts, and illustrations that’ll remind you to cherish all of the things you experience in life, from the mind-blowing to the mundane.

Listen to my podcast with Todd Doughty.

For the photographer

Family Matters by Gillian Laub

This beautiful photography book is hilarious, sensitive, and thought-provoking. Using art, Gillian Laub reflects on the discord in her family post 2016 election. In accompanying text, she also explores how her family’s support of Donald Trump caused political conflict in their personal interactions.

Listen to my podcast with Gillian Laub

For the memoir lover

Somebody’s Daughter: A Memoir by Ashley C. Ford

Heart-breaking, lyrical, beautiful, and raw, this memorable memoir by Ashley C. Ford explores heavy issues like poverty, incarceration, and trauma. Ford writes about navigating her fraught relationship with her mother while her father is in prison — and the reason for his sentence are mysterious. The intimate, devastating prose will make every mother cry and hug their loved ones close. 

For the poetic parent

Black Girl Call Home by Jasmine Mans

Pop culture mixes with personal experience in this slim collection of woman-centric poems about everything from race to feminism to queer identity. 

Listen to my podcast with Jasmine Mans. 

For the mom in need of some excitement

Illogical: Saying Yes to a Life Without Limits by Emmanuel Acho

Maybe this thrill-seeking mom loves adventures that are a bit out there, but sometimes those are the best kinds of risks. Take it from bestselling author, athlete, and sportscaster Emmanuel Acho. His success may be illogical but after reading this, you’ll understand why it worked. 

Listen to my podcast with Emmanuel Acho

For the music lover

The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb

This GMA book club pick is one of my recent favorites. It’s a thriller mixed with a coming-of-age story mixed with a sweet melody of perseverance and family. Sounds like a recipe for a page-turner to me. 

Listen to my podcast with Brendan Slocumb. 

For the broken-hearted

Fault Lines by Emily Itami

An examination of the interior of a marriage, this novel is catnip for those who have just split up with a loved one. The exploration of a seemingly working marriage shows what can happen when a woman wants more.  

Listen to my podcast with Emily Itami.

For the widow

A Journal for Jordan: A Story of Love and Honor by Dana Canedy 

Now a major motion picture, this memoir by publisher Dana Canedy is beautiful, poignant, and a tear-jerker. Her young husband passed away while serving in the military and left these heartfelt notes for their son.

Listen to my podcast with Dana Canedy. 

For the giver

Enough About Me: The Unexpected Power of Selflessness by Richard Lui

CNN correspondent Richard Lui rediscovered what it meant to really give back while reporting and telling his own story. Here, he imparts the wisdom he learned along the way.

Listen to my podcast with Richard Lui. 

For the theater geek

Lilyville: Mother, Daughter, and Other Roles I’ve Played by Tovah Feldshuh

Famous actress Tovah Feldshuh — who is currently depicting Dr. Ruth on stage — shares the good and the bad about her relationship with her larger-than-life mom in this tell-all from behind the curtain.

Listen to my podcast with Tovah Feldshuh.

For the exhausted mom

I’m So Effing Tired by Amy Shah, M.D.

The best part of this self-help book from Dr. Amy Shah, a well-known physician and mom, is when she points out that we often think we’re tired because we have too much on our plates. Really, we’re tired because we have the wrong things on our plates. Dive into this page-turner for practical and compassionate tips on avoiding burnout and getting rest.

Listen to my podcast with Dr. Shah.