Mother's Day Stacks - May 2021

Throughout this past May I shared and celebrated some of the moms living in the pages on my shelf. I thought of a few categories for them based on my own mom and I hope everyone has a parent-figure that they can relate to one of these.

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Moms that need a Hug

More than anything this Mother’s Day and like basically everyday - I would love to hug my mom.

This stack is for that, the mom’s I thought needed a hug.

Fly Away Home, by Jennifer Weiner

Sylvie, Diana, Lizzie - all moms of different stages and doing their best with what they have. I felt the tears each cried and wished them all to find comfort.

Transcendent Kingdom, Yaa Gyasi

“The Black Mamba” as GIfty’s mother is known lived a life of holding it all together. From moving to the US and all the trouble with her husband and son, to her days with Gifty in her apartment. Time and life had taken such a toll I wrestled with the sadness.

Leave the World Behind, Rumaan Alam

Amanda and the worst vacation I’ve ever read, this women needed a hug and some wine and a refund… I loved the raw feelings this books brought out in her, leaving her less than picture perfect as we all would’ve been.

Moms that I wanted to help

So many mother figures in our lives offer us so much help. From raising, advice, chores, homework, babysitting grandkids - I’m always astonished by all the help that can come out of one person. And they can be so hard to return the favor to, my mom included. Independent to a fault.

These moms reminded me that even when it’s hard, everyone needs your help, kindness, understanding.

One Two Three, by Laurie Frankel

Nora and the triplets stole my heart in many ways. Nora’s baking, research, and job all resonated with me as i saw her determination and need for distraction.

The Great Alone, Kristin Hannah

Cora, the biggest hug I think I have is for Cora. I think there are many ways I wished more for Leni, but her mom needed it more. The darkness she dealt with was haunting and sat with me long after the close of the book.

Left Neglected, by Lisa Genova

When the book started I felt like Sarah and I lead similar lives. Busy equaled great, packed days were good, constant lists were the way to go. So when this book quite literally turned for the worst I wanted to give her a hug and hold her hand. So much to process with this book… it’d take a book club sesh.

Maine, by Mary Sullivan

Multiple moms and POVs in this book and they sat with me for a while after I finished it. The unfinished family business, the different journeys coming together, the wildly different personalities. And each doing her own best for their family, whatever that looked like. Hugs to all.

Mom’s who are telling us like it is

I’m not sure about anyone in your family, but most in mine lack a filter. Including my mom. Honestly is readily available, as is tough love. These nonfiction books by women exemplify that, and so much more.

Lean In, by Sheryl Sandberg

Sheryl’s recount of work life, family life, and all that happens in between changed a lot of my viewpoints a couple years ago. About how I saw my own path and how I’m in my own way. (Also see her book, Option B.)

Untamed, by Glennon Doyle

You probably saw this awesomely colored cover a lot this past year, and I hope you had a chance to read it. She had some amazing chapters of ‘this is the reality’ and ‘this is what matters’ that I loved.

Dare To Lead, Brene Brown

Brene, the inventor of ‘be vulnerable to succeed’ and ‘be responsible for yourself’ has so many chapters and advice in this book that I’ve clung to over the years. Recommend regardless of job or title.

Slay like a Mother, by Katherine Wintsch

The name of this one alone is awesome. Then the pages hold a bunch of truthful, meaningful, motivating statements. Sometimes you’re in your own way or coming at it from the wrong way, and you need to be told that.

Moms that were strong despite everything

This last stack, to the mom's who are strong when it felt impossible. I believe this applies to ALL the moms of ALL the stacks, and those in real life.

There is so much strength, resilience, perseverance, bravery, everything shown by so many women I know each day. These titles spoke to that extra for me.

The Other Einstein, by Marie Benedict

One of the many sad books I love, this one based on a true story had me furious with men when I finished it. Mitza is brilliant and perseveres in every way imanigbale during this book and I wish there was a happier ending for her.

The Grace Year, by Kim Liggett

This one is a SPOILER for those who haven’t read.

Tierney’s mom is an undercover super hero. And while there are limited pages about her at all throughout the book, you will fist pump the air when you get to that point. She is out there being the change, the refuge, the light in the dark for so many in this dystopian world.

This Is How It Always Is, by Laurie Frankel

If you haven’t read and cried to Rose and her family with this book, you should. The strength and unwavering love Rose shows throughout this book is inspiring. As if a mom of four doesn’t sound like something to remain strong about, her and Poppy will steal your heart.

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