15 Mother's Day Books That'll Be Perfect To Gift Your One-Of-A-Kind Mom

Irritable Hearts: A PTSD Love Story by Mac McClelland

If your mom is into true stories — or if she’s ever read Mac McClelland’s compelling features in Mother Jones magazine — then Irritable Hearts is just the thoughtful, heart-wrenching memoir to win her over. After reporting on violence against women in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, McClelland recounts falling in love and her struggles with PTSD, also refuting the common misperception that this disorder is exclusive to veterans.

Ordinary Light by Tracy K. Smith

For any mom who appreciates the written word, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Tracy K. Smith’s new memoir must go to the top of her list — lucky for her, you’ll be buying her a copy. The book, which is a dazzling story of race and faith, and what it means it to be a member of a family, is so beautifully written, your mom will find herself wanting to comb back over passages just to reabsorb Smith’s language.

The Lunatic by Charles Simic

Former Poet Laureate and Pulitzer Prize-winner Charles Simic is known for his dry wit and attention to imagery. His new collection The Lunatic is no exception. The poems range in seriousness of topic, though they are always insightful, covering everything from his childhood in war-ridden Yugoslavia to personal ads.

Unabrow: Misadventures of a Late Bloomer by Una LaMarche

LaMarche’s cleverly titled new memoir will either elicit hearty laughter or accusations of TMI. But if Mom appreciates oversharing and sarcasm, she’s likely to find herself doubled over multiple times throughout Unabrow. (Case in point: the first scene involves a childhood game called “look in butt.”)

On Immunity by Eula Biss

Vaccination has proved to be one of the year’s biggest controversies. In Biss’ newest work of nonfiction, she discusses the pressing fears related to becoming a new mother, ultimately discovering that no degree of immunizations will ever make her feel protected. By weaving in scientific research, myths, and metaphors, she covers this hot topic with a fresh perspective and approach.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

A book that actually lives up to the hype! If she hasn’t read it, now’s the chance. With three rotating female narrators, all of whom are seemingly unreliable, Mom will be left wondering who — if anyone — to trust. Either way, she’ll surely trust you, her ever-thoughtful daughter, for buying this gripping read.

Disgruntled: A Novel by Asali Solomon

It’s perhaps too easy for mothers to fall in love with protagonist Kenya Curtis, just 8 years old at the start of Solomon’s debut novel, Disgruntled, which takes place in Philadelphia in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s. But this story is way more complex than a simple coming of age: it’s about race, shame and what it’s like to feel different. The narrator’s honest, raw, humorous tone makes those critical topics easier to digest.

Girl in a Band by Kim Gordon

Kim Gordon of the band Sonic Youth was a pioneering woma in rock ‘n’ roll. In her memoir, she opens up about identity, marriage, career, and where these pieces of life intersect. Set in New York City in the ‘80s and ‘90s, any music enthusiast will be intrigued by Gordon’s ruminating on the rise of alternative rock. Plus, Kim Gordon is just damn cool.

After Birth by Elisa Albert

What soon-to-be mom or new mom doesn’t crave compelling reads about motherhood? Well, she probably already owns What to Expect When You’re Expecting, so instead, you can grab her this novel that illuminates the very real challenges and isolations of becoming a new mother. But the book also illuminates something else all moms will relate to after giving birth: the importance of friendship.

Milk Bar Life: Recipes and Stories by Christina Tosi

Whether or not your mom has been to Momofuku Milk Bar, the famous NYC bakery… wait, first, you should probably take her there ASAP. For now, she’ll enjoy this book of anecdotes and recipes from its chef/owner/founder. The book focuses on such wild but delicious snacks as Kimcheezits with Blue Cheese Dip. YES. It’s a good bet that no matter how much Mom likes cookbooks, she probably doesn’t own one quite like this.

Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay

These essays are totally badass, ranging from cultural criticism to meditations on race and feminism. Roxane Gay isn’t afraid to tackle any subject, and her perceptiveness allows her to do so with tact and honesty. She even admits in her introduction that these essays are, “like feminism, flawed, but they come from a genuine place.” Such frank sincerity is what makes Gay an admirable role model, and one your feminist mom will love to read.

One Good Life by Jill Nystul

This book doesn’t come out until May 5, so you’ll have to preorder or stop by the bookstore last minute, but for Moms who loves small but valuable life hacks, it will be worthwhile. Jill Nystul (aka “Jillee”) is the creator of the website, One Good Thing, which has tons of tips organized Moms will love — everything from cleaning and health solutions to tips for getting more organized.

Green on Blue by Elliot Ackerman

Ackerman is a decorated veteran of both the Iraq and Afghan wars who wanted to write a novel from the point of view of a young Afghani. The story plays on his personal knowledge through five tours abroad to show the complexity of morality during conflict. If Mom considers herself a savant of international issues, she’ll appreciate this important, fictive investigation into how war can affect civilians.

The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henríquez

Literature is just one way to begin to understand another culture. For moms who want to learn about the lives of the more than 40 million immigrants in America, Cristina Henríquez’s novel is the ticket, interweaving stories about men and women who have immigrated to the United States from all over Latin America. Their stories are haunting and beautiful, just like the prose.