7 Must-Reads for 7 Kinds of Moms

The cold, winter months are upon us. It’s the time of year when not leaving the house never sounded so good. ‘Tis the season for cups of hot tea by the fire with a great book in hand. Here are seven must-read books for you and the Moms in your life:

For the expectant Mom: Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin

This book is a must-read for expecting parents. It is incredibly informative and empowers women to believe in the birthing process as something that happens through them, rather than something that happens to them. Ina May does an excellent job of informing future parents of all their possible options in entering labor and delivery, and manages to deliver it in a well-researched, yet readable format.

For the new Mom: Bringing up Bebe by Pamela Druckerman

An American journalist living abroad does a social/anthropological comparison of French and American parenting philosophies. Her observations influence the way she chooses to parent her daughter. She discusses why French children sleep better, eat better, and why motherhood is a vastly different experience for French women. This book is incredibly interesting and provides terrific ideas for making babies and their Mamas happier.

For the adoptive Mom: Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis

At age 19, Katie moved to Uganda and became the adoptive mother of 14 children. Katie’s life and dedication to her children is an inspiration and will leave you wanting to love and serve the poor just as Katie has done.

For the married Mom: Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle Melton

For anyone who has ever felt broken, or has hit rock bottom, this book is a must-read. After ten years of marriage, Glennon’s husband confesses his infidelity and her world is rocked. This memoir follows the year after his confession in which she and her husband attempt to heal, forgive, and rebuild their relationship.

For the angel Mom: Bittersweet by Shauna Niequist

Shauna writes like she’s talking to a dear friend and meditates on the bitter-sweetness of life. Whether it’s miscarriage, job loss, relationship problems, etc. this book is about embracing the bitter, as well as the sweet and using it to change and grow us.

For the special needs Mom: Bloom by Kelle Hampton

Kelle’s memoir begins when her second daughter is born and diagnosed with Down syndrome. The memoir chronicles the heartbreak she experiences and how her family does not merely comes to terms with the diagnosis, but grows from it. This book is full of so much love, authenticity, and perspective on what it means to be a “special needs” parent. 

For the Dad: Dad is Fat by Jim Gaffigan

Okay, this book is for all parents, but we can’t forget Dads, right? If you’ve never heard of Jim Gaffigan, go watch his stand-up immediately. Once you’ve done that, read this book. Known as the “Hot Pockets” guy, Gaffigan’s commentary on being a parent to five will have you pee-your-pants laughing. 

What books are you curling up with on these chilly winter nights?