Books About Mothers and Motherhood
These inspiring books about mothers and motherhood will give you a fresh perspective on what it means to be a mother. These books examine mothers from the best to the worst and everything in between.
Whether we are examining our roles as mothers in relation to the many hats we wear or navigating the world as a mother, these novels about mothers will definitely make you take a step back and think!
The Best Books About Mothers
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best New Book About Mothers
Sandwich by Catherine Newman – Jump to Section
The Best Celebrity Book Club Book About Mothers
Dava Shastri’s Last Day by Kirthana Ramisetti – Jump to Section
The Best Contempory Fiction Book About Mothers
The Mothers by Brit Bennett – Jump to Section
The Best Mystery Book About Mothers
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave – Jump to Section
The Best Historical Fiction Book About Motherhood
Beloved by Toni Morrison – Jump to Section
The Best Thriller Book About Motherhood
The Push by Ashley Audrain – Jump to Section
The Best Nonfiction Book About Mothers
Maid by Stephanie Land – Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
New Books About Mothers and Motherhood
Plot
Rocky and her family have gone to a rental in Cape Cod for 20 years. This year, the vacation feels different. Rocky’s kids are almost fully grown, but not quite, her parents are getting older faster than she would like and she is experiencing all the joys of menopause.
As they spend the week together, Rocky sees things differently than she has in the past. She has secrets that she no longer wants to keep.
Trigger Warnings
Abortion
Why Jackie loves it
This 236-page book is an absolute must-read. I related to Rocky’s mood swings and inner monologue so much I was screaming with laughter. The way she simultaneously loved her husband and felt the urge to slap him was all too familiar (sorry honey). I also loved the relationship that she had with her kids. This book is perfect for any woman who is in the sandwich generation and trying to find her place as a mother and daughter.
Why Kirsten loves it
I savored this book and it ended too soon for me. Newman’s portrayal of being a mother, a wife, and a daughter were spot on. I laughed out loud and even cried a little too with this 5-star book.
Find this book in: Books with Food in the Title / Best Family Drama Books / New June 2024 Book Releases / Best New Fiction Books of 2024 / Giftable Books / The Best Books of 2024
Plot
This family saga is told in multiple timelines about multiple mothers. It opens with Lila’s funeral in the present and her daughter, Grace’s reaction to it. But from there it flashes back to Lila’s childhood focusing on how her own mother was committed to an asylum in 196o by her father.
Against all odds, Lila rose to the top of her field prioritizing her job over her children, ignoring that Grace desperately missed her while she was off at White House correspondent dinners. She resented her so much, that she wrote a bestselling book based on Lila. Now Grace’s guilt over her actions in the years and the strain of her relationship has her looking back and pondering if you can ever know yourself without knowing the women who shaped you.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic Abuse
Why Kirsten loves it
From the nonlinear narrative to the deep dive into the intergenerational cycle of abuse and abandonment, this story had a lot of elements that just clicked for me. I was swept into the hunt for Zelda, weaving my fantasies about what had become of her.
I felt like Grace and Lila were deeply flawed in a wonderfully complex way that had me cringing and cheering them on in equal measure. I also adored Ruth, Clara, and Joe and the growth of each of the characters throughout this novel. I’ll be thinking about it for years to come. #gifted by PRH Audio
Find this book in: Family Saga Books / Summary of Like Mother, Like Mother / Best New Fiction Books of 2024 / Giftable Books / The Best Books of 2024 / Best Books for Book Club
Beach House Rules
Author: Kristy Woodson Harvey
Year: 2025
Genre: Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestselling author
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Charlotte Sitterly has reached a low point when she enters the bank begging for a job after she and her daughter, Iris, have been locked out of their house by the FBI. She is surprised when Alice, a local “black widow,” invites her and Iris to come stay at her house. Charlotte accepts and finds herself living at the “mommune”.
They are surprised at how much they enjoy their time together as they figure out their next steps. The mommune decides to convince Juniper Shore that Charlotte’s husband is innocent. Iris decides to do some sleuthing of her own to prove her father’s innocence.
Why Jackie loves it
I am being honest when I say there is nothing Kristy can write that I will not read! Every one of her books captures family relationships and dynamics like nobody else. This book captured friendship, family, and mother/ daughter relationships perfectly. It was sweet, funny, emotional, and a total page-turner. Gifted by Simon & Schuster audio
Find this book in: Books About Mothers and Motherhood / Friendship Books
River Sing Me Home
Author: Eleanor Shearer
Year: 2023
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: February 2023 Good Morning America Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Before reading this story, I had little concept of what the end of slavery meant in the Caribbean. I knew nothing of the apprenticeships and horrible conditions formerly enslaved people were forced to endure.
And I certainly had no idea of what it would take to reunite a family of formerly enslaved individuals who had been ripped apart when they were sold by their owners.
Rachel’s story changes that. She runs away from the plantation in Barbados to reunite with her family. She sets off on a journey to find her 5 children. What she finds out about each encompasses some of the many ways a formerly enslaved person’s life could turn out.
Trigger Warnings
Slavery, Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
I don’t think anyone will be able to read this story without shedding a tear and thinking hard about colonialism and the ripple effects it has had on generations. This is another book that is heavier in our ultimate beach reads 2023 post but you will not want to miss reading this pick.
Find this book in: Beach Reads 2023 / Book About Mothers
Celebrity Book Club Books About Mothers
Little Fires Everywhere
Author: Celeste NG
Year: 2017
Genre: Fiction
More info: September 2017 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick, New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Nobody in Shaker Heights was prepared when Mia, a single mother and artist, rents a house from the Richardsons. When friends of the Richardsons attempt to adopt a Chinese-American baby, the town becomes divided and Mia and the Richardsons are on opposite sides.
Trigger Warnings
Abortion, Miscarriage, Racism
Why Jackie likes it
I have mixed feelings about this family drama book about motherhood. There was nothing I didn’t like. It is a great story and is written well. I think I was expecting to be completely blown away because of all the hype. Ng has depth to her characters and looks at highly emotional issues. I ended up really liking the book once I got past the beginning.
Find this book in: Novels About Art / Books About Motherhood / Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Family Drama Books
Dava Shastri’s Last Day
Author: Kirthana Ramisetti
Year: 2021
Genre: Fiction
More info: December 2021 Good Morning America Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I DEVOURED this contemporary fiction story of a billionaire music mogul who releases her death announcement 2 days early so she can read her own end-of-life articles. The best part was that during the snowstorm that trapped her family with her at the ski chalet, she neglected to tell them about her terminal illness and her harebrained scheme.
Trigger Warnings
Cancer, Death
Why Kirsten loves it
We get to see the impact the decision has on her family as well as get a look at her colorful life before her cancer diagnosis. This family drama was so compelling, I totally understand why it was a book club pick.
Find this book in: Books About Mothers / Family Drama Books / Family Sagas / Contemporary Fiction Novels / Best Celebrity Book Club Picks
Black Cake
Author: Charmaine Wilkerson
Year: 2022
Genre: Fiction
More info: A Read With Jenna Pick for February 2022
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I absolutely loved this contemporary fiction which is a story about love, family, and acceptance. It captured me from the first page with the story and the writing.
When Eleanor Bennett dies, she leaves a voice recording for her two children Benny and Byron. She wants to tell them things about her life that she could not say when she was alive.
While listening to their mother’s story, Byron and Benny learn about their mother, family, and themselves. They try to piece their relationship back together. The novel looks at everyone’s lives in the present and the past, but in its essence, it is a book about motherhood.
Trigger Warnings
Parental death
Why Kirsten loves it
The story, the writing, and the characters all drew me in from the first page. This is such a well-written pick from the Read with Jenna Book Club.
Why Jackie loves it
This is such a deep look at each sibling’s relationship with their mother and each other. I could not put it down.
Find this book in: Books About Women in Sports / Books About Mothers / BIPOC Female Authors / Books with Color in the Title / Books with Food in the Title / Books About Sports /Best Read With Jenna Books
This is How It Always Is
Author: Laurie Frankel
Year: 2018
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
More info: October 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Rosie and Penn have five boys. The youngest, Claude wants to be a girl when he grows up. The family begins to navigate life with secrets because there is never a good time to explain that your youngest daughter was born a male.
These loving and supportive parents try to navigate a world where not everybody is open-minded, all while trying to do right by each of their children.
Trigger Warnings
Transphobia, Homophobia
Why Kirsten loves it
This is one of the best book club books on this list and a powerful look at what motherhood is all about.
Why Jackie loves it
Wow! There are so many things that I love about this contemporary fiction book. The story is poignant and all too realistic. It captures the innocence of youth and the struggles of an entire family.
Find this book in: Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Books about Mothers / Family Drama Books / Best Contemporary Fiction / Best LGBTQ Books / Best Books About Siblings
Contemporary Fiction Books About Mothers
The Mothers
Author: Brit Bennett
Year: 2016
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
In a Black community in California, Nadia is mourning the loss of her mother to suicide when she decides to get involved with Luke, the pastor’s son. She becomes pregnant and they subsequently hide her pregnancy from the community at large, especially her best friend, Aubrey, who later becomes involved with Luke.
Trigger Warnings
Abortion, Suicide
Why Kirsten loves it
Woah. This story is incredible. I was captivated by Nadia, Luke, and Aubrey’s story about their close-knit Black community and their love triangle. I loved listening to the foreshadowing of The Mothers. I was contemplating the what-could-have-been and the what-will-be in equal measure. And the last line of the last paragraph just resonated with me as a mother in a long line of mothers.
Find this book in: Books About Mothers
One Italian Summer
Author: Rebecca Serle
Year: 2022
Genre: Magical Realism
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Rebecca Serle has done it again with this book set in Italy. Katy’s mother, Carol, has died and left Katy to take their trip to Positano alone. When Katy leaves, she is uncertain about everything and whether she will return to her marriage.
Then, the impossible happens, and Carol appears at Katy’s hotel. She is in perfect health and thirty years old. She is not the woman Katy thought she knew. As she gets to know her mother, she realizes more about herself.
Why Jackie loves it
This is a beautiful, well-written book with a touch of magic. I loved how Katy and Carol are able to develop a relationship in Italy after Carol died. It is unique and wonderful.
Find this book in: Contemporary Fiction / Book Set in Italy / Book About Grief / Best Magical Realism Books / Books About Mothers/ Books Set on a Beach / Books with Summer in the Title
The School for Good Mothers
Author: Jessamine Chan
Year: 2022
Genre: Sci-fi
More info: January 2022 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick
Age Range: 18+
Plot
When Frida has a very bad day, she is sent to a school to become a better mother for her daughter, Harriet. Because of her poor choices, she’s been rounded up by the government and sent to a school where she will practice and learn to become a mother fitting the standards of the institution she is sent to.
Kirsten’s Thoughts
This book, about a mother sent to a reform institute after making a parenting mistake, is billed as satire. The problem was I felt equal parts uneasy and angry.
The “school” she was sent to simulates parenting under extreme conditions in a way that is detrimental to the parents and the kids. I didn’t find it entertaining, but rather disturbing and anger-provoking. The scenarios and treatment of mothers and kids were strange and unreasonable. It was just not a great story for me at this point in the pandemic.
Find this book in: Modern Dystopian Novels / Books About Mothers
Plot
Imagine a world where a group of strangers co-parent one another’s children in a perfect little community bubble. That’s the Infinite Family Project, where Dr. Grind imagines 10 babies being raised collectively without ever knowing who their real parents are. They say it takes a village, and new high school graduate, Isabelle, needs a village so she doesn’t have to raise her baby alone.
Why Kirsten loves it
I found her story and involvement in the project to be so fascinating. I could not put it down. The drama of the parents, the way their little utopian society starts to crumble, it’s just so good. This is one found-family drama that is unlike any other. I urge you to give it a try with your book club!!
Find this book in: Family Drama Books / Books About Mothers
Plot
Bee is so excited that she has won a trip to Antarctica for her perfect grades. As she is preparing to go, her mother, Bernadette, disappears.
This is a hilarious satire about finding yourself, coming to terms with who you are, and the power of the bond between a mother and daughter.
Why Jackie loves it
This is a delightful book and it is clear why it was made into a movie. I love the mother-daughter relationship in this book. As Bee gathers emails and other documents as well, the reader gathers further insight into the family dynamic.
Find this book in: Books About Mothers and Motherhood / Epistolary Novels
Plot
This contemporary fiction story revolves around four families as they work to get their children into the new public charter school for gifted children in their wealthy Colorado neighborhood. There are lots of family secrets to unravel and drama galore, but there is a message at the heart of this book.
How much of our wishes and lives are we pushing on our children? Is being the very best what they should be striving for?
Why Kirsten loves it
I found myself contemplating my children and how I’m raising them. Isn’t that the best part of a good book? When the story hits so close to home it leaves you contemplating your life, your children, and your purpose in the world. I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s highly entertaining and, quite frankly, a must-read for the parents.
Find this book in: Books About Mothers / Books Set in High School / Contemporary Fiction Novels / Best Books of 2019
Plot
A funny bit of women’s fiction, this story revolves around a playgroup on the Upper East Side and their music teacher. As each of the moms in the playgroup struggle with aspects of marriage and motherhood, their guitar-playing musician has a different set of problems.
Trigger Warnings
Drug Use
Why Kirsten loves it
The drama in this book could rival an episode of RHONY for sure, but that’s what made it so delicious! This would make the perfect beach or vacation read!
Find this book in: Beach Reads 2021 / Books About Motherhood
Plot
Ali is a newly single mom and a professional organizer whose life could not be messier. When her mom died, she couldn’t get over it and her already failing marriage could not recover. Now her soon-to-be ex-husband comes and goes as he pleases and Ali is having a hard time picking up the pieces of her life.
When she meets Ethan, she decides that a summer romance would be the perfect thing for her to start the next chapter in her life. She does not realize that Ethan might turn into so much more. She also does not realize that Ethan is her best friend’s brother, whom everyone calls Scooter. She has not seen him in years.
Why Jackie loves it
Same Time Next Summer and Nora Goes Off Script were both books I loved, so I could not wait to read this book. It’s a slow-burn romance that deals with the loss of a parent, the loss of self, and how to move forward one step at a time. Throughout the book, Ali moves through the stages of grief, mourning the loss of her mother. It was poignant and moving with the HEA you expect. #gifted
Find this book in: Best Beach Reads 2024 / Best Books About Motherhood / Books with Summer in the Title
Mystery Books About Mothers
The Husbands
Author: Chandler Baker
Year: 2021
Genre: Mystery
More info: August 2021 Good Morning America Book Club Pick
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Ladies, get your book clubs geared up for Chandler Baker’s newest novel. It’s part mystery, part social commentary, but it’s the latter that packs a punch in this contemporary fiction.
Baker examines the mental load that women carry as wives and mothers, particularly working women, and how it differs from what society expects of men.
Murder in the desirable Dynasty Ranch neighborhood has lawyer and prospective buyer, Nora, looking into what happened. With all the Stepford-style husbands she is meeting, she’s starting to wonder what kind of place Dynasty Ranch is after all. You will have such a great discussion about this book about motherhood.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a perfect book for book clubs, it is such a thought-provoking book. You will have such a great discussion about this book about motherhood, family, and societal expectations.
Adaptation Information
Kristen Wiig is set to produce and star in the movie adaptation of this popular story!
Find this book in: Good Morning America Book Club / Books Becoming Movies / Thought-Provoking Books / Books About Mothers and Motherhood / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read
Big Little Lies
Author: Liane Moriarty
Year: 2014
Genre: Thriller Mystery
More info: Emmy and Golden Globe Winning Series
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This book is Liane Moriarty at her finest. It’s all about a group of mothers in a community who share some big lies. Their friendships take center stage, but there is a fair amount of family drama as well in this domestic noir. This is one of the most popular thriller books around.
This novel was recently turned into a show on HBO starring Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern, and more. This book has a little bit of everything from ex-husbands and scandals. Sometimes little lies are so much more.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic Abuse
Why Kirsten likes it
Drama, scandal, and murder are in perfect combination in this thriller. There is a reason it is so popular and the adaptation of the show was done really well!
Why Jackie likes it
This is my favorite Liane Moriarty book. It is full of twists and turns but does not feel too ridiculous or long. It was just the right amount of scandal to keep me turning the pages.
Find this book in: Books About Motherhood / Domestic Thriller Books / Best Mystery Books /Best Psychological Thriller Books / Popular Thriller Books
The Last Thing He Told Me
Author: Laura Dave
Year: 2021
Genre: Mystery
More info: May 2021 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I raved about this book when I read it earlier this month! Well-chosen, Reese! The story of a stepmother and her daughter as they try to find the girl’s father after his abrupt departure. Owen Michaels gives his wife a note that says “protect her” before disappearing without a trace.
Hannah and Michael have been married for only a year and now Hannah must become everything to 16-year-old Bailey. As Hannah and Bailey search for Micheal, there are more questions than answers. Why was Michale’s boss arrested? Why is the FBI at their house?
Why Jackie loves it
This mystery has so much heart as you see Hannah bond with and try to protect her new stepdaughter, Bailey. I did not see the ending of this book coming, but absolutely adored it. This is one of the mystery books that will keep you turning the page.
Find this book in: Domestic Noir / Books About Mothers / Ultimate Mysteries / Best Beach Reads / Best Books of 2021 / Popular Thriller Books / Best Reese Witherspoon Books
Historical Fiction Books About Mothers
Lessons in Chemistry
Author: Bonnie Garmus
Year: 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: April 2022 GMA Book Club Pick
Age Range: 14+
Plot
I don’t even know where to begin with this unique contemporary fiction story. Elizabeth Zott is a chemist in the 50s when women were expected to know their place in society- the kitchen and the home. I did not know what to expect when the book started and I never could have guessed where the story would take me.
Elizabeth struggles to be taken seriously in her field and as a single mother, in this amazing book. So when an offer to host a cooking show for women is put in her path, she reluctantly takes it.
She uses her no-nonsense attitude and chemistry principles to teach the women in America how to cook and follow their dreams outside of the home.
Zott is a quirky character like Eleanor Oliphant with a charming daughter and a dog whose inner monologue is as quirky as hers. This is also an absolutely wonderful book about motherhood!
Trigger Warnings
Sexism
Why Jackie loves it
Elizabeth Zott is never characterized as neurodivergent. However, the way that she relates to the other characters leads me to believe that she is. I love the character growth and I was cheering for her success throughout the entire book. Can I also tell you how much I LOVE Six-Thirty?
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved seeing a woman before her time being a powerful strong role-model. She thrived and set a great example for her daughter. That is not even to mention the narration of this book! She is so great and so is six-thirty.
Find this book in: Lessons in Chemistry Book Club Guide / 15 Books Like Lessons in Chemistry/ Books About Mothers and Motherhood / Books Like Eleanor Oliphant / Books About Women in the Workplace / Books About Food / Books With Neurodivergent Characters / Books Set in the 1960s
The Light Between Oceans
Author: M. L. Stedman
Year: 2012
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
A lighthouse keeper and his wife have gotten used to the lonely, isolated life of maintaining the lighthouse on a faraway island. But they are yearning for a baby to keep them company.
When one washes ashore, they quickly claim the child as their own without reporting it to the authorities. On a rare outing in town 2 years later, they bring their daughter along and realize the impact of what they have done.
Why Jackie loves it
This was a heartbreaking but beautiful read and the movie adaptation was excellent as well.
Find this book in: 1920s Novels / Books about Mothers / Sad Books / Isolation Books
Beloved
Author: Toni Morrison
Year: 1987
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Pulitzer Prize Winner, New York Times Bestseller,
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Beloved, which is based on the true story of a runaway slave, haunted me while I was reading it. Set just after the Civil War, the story is about a formerly enslaved family whose home is haunted by an angry spirit. The family believes the spirit is the deceased child of Sethe, a nameless baby whose tomb says “Beloved”. The harrowing memories of her life before freedom haunt Sethe, too as Morrison examines the horrors of slavery.
Trigger Warnings
Slavery, Child Death
Why Kirsten loves it
HOW HAVE I NEVER READ TONI MORRISON BEFORE? I swear I thought I had read this book, but after reading The Toni Morrison Book Club, I realized I hadn’t. When my library hold finally came up for this one, I was so excited to read it. Morrison is easily one of the most gifted writers I’ve ever read.
Find this book in: Magical Realism Books / Best Classic Books / Books about Motherhood / Ghost Books
Thrillers About Mothers and Motherhood
Plot
In this book about motherhood, Darby, Mary Beth, and Rhea are each trying to find themselves. Their personal identities have become linked to being mothers. When their preschoolers develop a medical condition in which they all crave blood, their willingness to give every part of themselves to their children is tested.
And then, their teacher is found dead, with only the four-year-olds as both the witnesses and prime suspects.
Why Kirsten loves it
This pick is a thrilling story about the standards mothers must uphold. It was completely original – unlike any story I’ve ever read before.
Find this book in: Book About Motherhood
The Perfect Mother
Author: Aimee Molloy
Year: 2018
Genre: Thriller
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
When the “May Mothers” all gather for drinks on a warm day, they leave their babies with a babysitter. Winnie, a single mom who didn’t even want to go to the event, is shocked to find out her worry was warranted – her baby was taken from his crib. What follows is her desperate search to find her son Midas.
Trigger Warnings
Kidnapping
Why Kirsten loves it
This book had me so anxious that I had to read it in 2 days. I seriously couldn’t sleep thinking about baby Midas’s kidnapping. I needed to know what was going to happen and when the answers were revealed, my jaw was on the ground.
The only thing I didn’t love was the seriously anxious feelings I have. Too close to home I guess. I definitely checked on my sleeping kids more than usual after reading this book.
Find this book in: Books About Motherhood
Room
Author: Emma Donoghue
Year: 2011
Genre: Fiction, Thriller
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This is a haunting story about a woman held captive in a shed for years with her five-year-old son. She tries to teach him and entertain him in their tiny room until they have a chance to escape. Following their escape, they find acclimating to normal life to be challenging, especially for the little boy.
Trigger Warnings
Rape, Kidnapping
Why Jackie loves it
Even though the saying is “the book is better”, the movie adaptation of this contemporary fiction book written by a Canadian author was really good. There are only a few other book adaptations I would add to that list. This story will pull on your heartstrings and leave you in tears.
Find this book in: Books About Motherhood / Isolation Books / Canadian Novels / Books that will Emotionally Wreck You
The Push
Author: Ashley Audrain
Year: 2021
Genre: Thriller
More info: January 2021 GMA Book Club Pick
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This is a domestic noir that will scare the pants off most mothers. It’s compulsively readable.
Blythe Conner comes from a long line of bad mothers, but she’s determined not to be one. When she has Violet, she struggles to connect with her.
The reader is left wondering if Blythe is a mother who sees the worst in her child or if there is actually something off with Violet; something that even her husband can’t see. There is a reason this domestic thriller was chosen by GMA, it is a crazy good read and will have you on the edge of your seat.
Trigger Warnings
Child death, mental illness
Why Kirsten loves it
This was a crazy domestic thriller that was a compulsive read. I could not put it down. I was never sure if Blythe had become like the bad mothers before her or if Violet was mentally ill. The constant questioning had me turning the pages.
Find this book in: Books About Mothers and Motherhood / Psychological Thriller Books / Domestic Noir Books / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / Best Books of 2021
Nonfiction Books About Motherhood
Maid
Author: Stephanie Land
Year: 2019
Genre: Memoir
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range:
Plot
Stephanie’s story about trying to build a better life for her child is so compelling and thought-provoking. In addition to detailing how she worked as a housemaid to make ends meet, she also explains the struggles to afford basic needs on a limited income.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic Abuse
Why Kirsten loves it
This book about poverty and a mother’s love was eye-opening and so compelling. It reminded me of a more modern Nickel and Dimed.
Find this book in: Books About Poverty / Books About Motherhood
I’m Glad My Mom Died
Author: Jennette McCurdy
Year: 2022
Genre: Memoir
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Jeanette Mccurdy, star of the shows iCarly and Sam and Cat, has written her heartbreaking memoir. Forced into acting at 6 years old by a mentally ill and unstable mother, Jeanette lived her life trying to make her mother happy. The result was an eating disorder, addiction, and abuse.
Trigger Warnings
Eating disorders, Child abuse, Emotional abuse
Why Jackie loves it
I listened to this coming-of-age book and found it hard to put down but also extremely difficult to listen to at times because it is such a sad book.
Find this book in: Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Books About Mental Illness / Books that Will Make You Cry / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read
Plot
This is an amazing recount of Jeanette Walls’s upbringing and childhood. She is a successful journalist and writer living in New York City. Her parents also live in New York; however, they choose to be homeless. Jeanette Wells’s upbringing was unconventional and her parents did not offer her a structured childhood.
Trigger Warnings
Alcoholism, Child abuse
Why Jackie loves it
This is a fascinating memoir that reads like fiction. It gives a unique perspective to mental illness from a close family member. Wells is able to do this without blame and with love and respect respect for both her parents.
Find this book in: Thought-provoking Books / Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Books about Poverty / Books like Where the Crawdads Sing / Best Nonfiction Books
Expert Tip
Jackie and I love reading books about mothers because it is a universal subject. We all know a mother, even if we are not one ourselves. This is my advice for picking your next book
- Pick one of the books from your favorite genre. Jackie and I have read and loved all of these books
- Not sure which genre you prefer? Check out my descriptions of the books and choose a plot that appeals to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best mother in fiction?
There is no “best” mother in fiction because there are so many amazing mothers for different reasons. For Example, Elizabeth Zott from Lessons in Chemistry is a woman who learns to juggle life as a single, working mother at a time when this was not expected. Marilla Cuthbert is another example of a fantastic mother in literature.
Epilogue:
I’ve clearly read a great many books about mothers and motherhood, particularly after becoming a mother myself. Did I include your favorite books about mothers on my list?
