Holidays | Holidays & Entertaining | Mother's Day

29 Great Books for Mom for Mother's Day, Her Birthday, or the Holidays

ByWade 2023年9月2日

It’s no secret that sometimes the hardest person to shop for is also one of the most special: your mom. That’s why whenever we’re in doubt or can’t find that perfect gift for the holidays, her birthday, or Mother’s Day, we look to books. Whether your mom has only a few precious minutes a week to read, she devotes time every day to devour the latest bestseller, there are plenty of thoughtful options for books for mom.

When trying to choose a book, remember that being a mom is a lot of hard work: Treat her to some uninterrupted me-time to put up her feet and dive into a new read. If you're lucky, she'll let you read her new novel or hilarious autobiography once she's finished.

01
of 29

Tom Lake, by Ann Patchett

Patchett's charming latest features adult daughters discovering their parents' past lives, dreams, and loves, as they hunker down together in their idyllic Michigan cherry farm during the early pandemic. The story could help you and your mom discover new things about the lives you've lived apart from each other.

$19, amazon.com

02
of 29

Acts of Forgiveness, by Maura Cheeks

In Maura Cheeks' debut novel, single mom Willie Revel is determined to help her parents through a financial crisis by applying for a new program offering up to $175,000 in reparations to Black families descended from slaves. But not everyone in the family supports the idea of digging up the past—even if it helps save them all.

$25, amazon.com

03
of 29

Family Family, by Laurie Frankel

Actress (and adoptive mom) India Allwood isn't a big fan of how her latest movie portrays adoption as a tragic tale, and confessing that in an interview leads to a firestorm around the movie. As her twin ten-year-olds seek to help her, they turn to the family member that may actually help—India's biological child that she created an adoption plan for years before.

$26, amazon.com

04
of 29

Mother-Daughter Murder Night, by Nina Simon

The family that investigates together, stays together? That’s the premise behind this charming mystery novel, which features three generations of Rubicon women trying to help clear granddaughter Jack after she’s suspected of murder. It’s a perfect gift for crime podcast and cozy mystery fans (and perhaps, a perfect kickoff to a mother-daughter book club).

$28, bookshop.org

05
of 29

Lessons in Chemistry, by Bonnie Garmus

Lesson in Chemistry cover with image of a woman with glasses — Bookshop.org

If she hasn't already plowed through this gem of a book—a tale of a brilliant chemist turned Julia Child-esque cooking show host and single mom—make sure she tackles it before she starts watching the new series based on the novel on Apple TV.

$27, bookshop.org

06
of 29

Demon Copperhead, by Barbara Kingsolver

Amazon Demon Copperhead: A Pulitzer Prize Winner — Amazon

This Pulitzer-winning, modern take on Dickens' classic David Copperfield is a perfect read for the classics-loving mom. (In fact, pair it with Dickens' masterwork so she can compare and contrast the two!)

$31, bookshop.org

07
of 29

The Husbands, by Chandler Baker

The classic feminist horror favorite gets a modern twist in this charming page turner that’s the perfect gift for your mom. (Especially if she’s constantly complaining about your Dad’s lack of dishwasher loading prowess.)

$17, bookshop.org

08
of 29

The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters, by Priya Parker

art of gathering book by Priya Parker — Bookshop.org

As get-togethers have become even more precious, people have begun looking for more than just a good time out of parties. The Art of Gathering focuses on how to find deeper meaning every time we meet and celebrate, whether with our friends and family or our colleagues. If your mom is the hostess with the mostest, she'll definitely adore this book.