2022
Gift Guide Recommendations for book loving moms
Family & Relationship Stories Women in Sunlight: A Novel by Frances Mayes In the face of retirement, three American woman decide their lives are in dire need of new adventures and a change of scenery. A young American biographer named Kit, who has been working and living in Tuscany, is just the person to help them. Kit and her unexpected friends find inspiration and renewed passion together in the Italian countryside.
My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout Lucy Barton has left behind the life of her childhood, and gladly so. However when Lucy’s simple appendectomy leaves her bedridden in the hospital with a surprise visitor, she is forced to face both the realities of her childhood and her estranged mother.
The Sunshine Sisters by Jane Green Ronni Sunshine is a former Hollywood starlet who has always prioritized her career, even over her three daughters. However when faced with a fatal diagnosis, she realizes it may be time to reevaluate. She summons her daughters, now grown women with lives of their own who have not spoken to each other in years. With the impending loss of their mother, the Sunshine sisters must decide if reconciliation is an option.
What’s Mine and Yours by Naima Coster A multi-layered drama about the long-lasting consequences of crime and the effects of school integration on two different families. The universal fear of failure and the strength of a parent’s love thread throughout this novel, and are buoyed with dynamic characters and unforgettable phrasing. A beautifully-woven, heartbreaking work.
Confessions of the Other Mother: Nonbiological Lesbian Moms Tell All! edited by Harlyn Aizley
2
Harlyn Aizley had the idea for this anthology of anecdotes after giving birth to her baby and witnessing her wife’s role as the nonbiological parent. Recognizing a lack of representation for families like theirs, Aizley sought out stories of fellow lesbian mothers.
3
4
Mom’s Fiction Know the Mother by Desiree Cooper In this collection of flash fiction, Desiree Cooper addresses the many facets of the mother archetype. The women of these short stories are as varied as mothers are in reality, with their own unique backgrounds and emotions. By discussing the impact that race, gender, and personal identity can have on a mother, Cooper makes these women feel both real and relatable.
Mama’s Child by Joan Steinau Lester
Mama’s Child is the story of a passionate mother and a daughter struggling with her own identity. Elizabeth was a young, white civil rights activist in 1963, who fell in love with a black man named Soloman. Together, they have two biracial children named Che and Ruby. When the couple divorces, the children are separated. As Ruby grows up struggling to find her personal identity she places much of the blame on her mother, ultimately deciding to sever ties. But when Ruby becomes a mother and wife herself, she begins to wonder if Elizabeth deserves a place in her life after all.
Mother May I by Joshilyn Jackson This suspense-filled thriller tells the story of a woman named Bree Cabbat. From a young age, Bree was cautioned about the harshness of the real world. However, she goes on to become a happy optimist with a loving family. Unfortunately, everything changes when her infant son is taken by a mysterious aged woman in black. The witch presents Bree with a seemingly simple request, one that’s completion will ensure her son’s safe return.
Wolf Children by Mamoru Hosoda This manga tells the story of Hana, a young woman who falls for a boy with a secret: he can transform into a wolf. Their future together seems promising and soon they are the proud parents of two children, Yuki and Ame. Their happiness is fleeting though, and the children’s father is taken from them. Life is hard enough for a single mom, but Hana faces a whole new obstacle: her children have inherited their father’s wolf-shifting abilities.
5
Historical Fiction The Island of Sea Women: A Novel by Lisa See Inspired by the Haenyeo of the Jeju province in Korea, this tale of friendship revolves around two friends: Mi-ja and Young-sook. While their backgrounds differ, the two women have cultivated their friendship over the decades through their shared involvement in the all-female diving industry of their village.
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
A novel that explores the bonds between mothers and daughters, The Joy Luck Club is the moving story of a group of women who came to San Francisco from China in 1949. Over the years, they have shared stories of their lives and families at their weekly mahjong games. Moving between seven narrators, the story gives us a glimpse of each woman’s life and identity.
First Women: The Grace and Power of America’s Modern First Ladies by Kate Andersen Brower What does it take to be First Lady of the United States? Kate Andersen Brower explores this question by taking a closer look at the lives and careers of the modern First Ladies, from Jacqueline Kennedy through Michelle Obama.
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee Sunja has high hopes when a wealthy traveler first visits her home in Korea, however she soon finds herself alone and expecting a child. As a young teenager in the early 1900s, Sunja didn’t have many options. When a minister in poor health offers to marry her, she accepts his proposal: resigning herself to a tumultuous future far from her home and out of reach of her son’s influential father.
The Nix by Nathan Hill
6
Samuel never truly knew his mother. When he suddenly starts seeing her name in the headlines, she seems drastically different from the woman he remembered. Searching for writing inspiration, he has finally found an important enough subject: his own mother. His emotional quest to write her biography unfolds throughout this fast-paced, compelling, and darkly humorous story.
7
8
Memoirs & L ife Stories Listen to Your Mother: What She Said Then, What We’re Saying Now edited by Ann Imig Ann Imig has compiled this anthology of stories about motherhood from women of all backgrounds (including some bestselling authors). These experiences remind us of why we should, in fact, listen to our mothers.
Tell Me More: Stories About the 12 Hardest Things I’m Learning to Say by Kelly Corrigan A moving and thoughtful memoir that deconstructs common phrases we use to build relationships every day, such as “I don’t know,” “No,” and “I was wrong.” Kelly Corrigan reflects on how these phrases impacted her life, and muses about the potential they can hold.
She Looks Just Like You: A Memoir of (Nonbiological Lesbian) Motherhood by Amie Klempnauer Miller This memoir by Amie Klempnauer Miller explores an under-represented experience of motherhood. Her journey to define her own identity as a mother has its ups and downs, but is ultimately a hopeful and often humorous story.
Stop Here, This is the Place by Winky Lewis and Susan Conley Winky Lewis and Susan Conley are Portland neighbors who set out to compile this collection of reflections on their experience as mothers. This photographic memoir explores a year in their lives and the lives of their children, so that they can look back, stop and remember.
Great Women Artists [Phaidon] Explore the incredible art of women from all over the world. This collection spans five centuries and includes hundreds of female artists. Learn more about these artists and their influence through images of their best known works.
The M Word: Conversations about Motherhood by Kerry Clare This anthology compiles essays on the unique maternal experiences of several popular female authors from Canada. These women discuss both the common and unconventional trials of motherhood.
9
Children & Parenting I Love Mom with The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle A Mother’s Day spin on a classic, featuring the Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Bedtime for Mommy by Amy Krouse Rosenthal An adorable spin on the classic conundrum that parents face–bedtime. But this time, it’s Mommy that’s not tired yet.
Because of You, Mom by Kobi Yamada, Natalie Russell
(Illustrator)
A wonderful read for Mother’s Day, this beautifully illustrated picture book by Kobi Yamada extends gratitude towards mothers for all that they’ve done for their children.
How to Spot a Mom by Donna Amey Bhatt, Aura Lewis
(Illustrator)
This delightful and witty picture guide to mothers by Donna Amey is a celebration of the diversity and talents of mothers everywhere. Learn about the countless types of moms and the wonderful skills they possess.
Mom Babble: The Messy Truth about Motherhood by Mary Katherine Backstrom
Mary Katherine Backstrom, of Mom Babble, muses on the “Messy Truths” of motherhood in this honest account of the daily life of a Christian mom with two children. In these personal essays, Backstrom discusses the humorous and the inspiring, embracing the chaos that is motherhood along the way.
Strong As a Mother: How to Stay Healthy, Happy, and (Most Importantly) Sane from Pregnancy to Parenthood by Kate Rope While there are countless how-to books about keeping your baby happy and healthy, this guide is just about staying healthy, happy and sane as a mother. Kate Rope covers each stage of new motherhood, with numerous tips and tricks ranging from practical pregnancy advice to guides on returning to work and finding child care after maternity leave ends.
10
11
Indian Trails Public Library | Brought to you by Reader’s Advisory | itpld.org