Tried and true, the humble book is a fail safe gift for anyone you love - here we investigate some of the best books on offer at the moment.
It took me a little longer than I'd like to admit to realise; when Mum said 'I don't care, get me anything' she wasn't saying she didn't care, she was saying 'How can you not know what I might like ?!'. In times gone by I would have shuddered at the thought of 'becoming my Mum', but as I get a little older, it feels more and more like a compliment. I'd be proud for someone to think of me as having even half the strength, tenacity and resilience of my toughest sparring partner (and now best friend) - let alone her taste in books. For as long as I can remember, our home was always filled with every kind of book you can imagine - we were encouraged to devour books, reading aloud, researching from vast swathes of encyclopaedias (before the internet existed !) and to take refuge in the warmth of a well written book. So whether you're looking to treat your book loving Mama, comfort your closest not-yet-mum or politely acknowledge the input of your favourite M-Other, these are some of my go-to books of late.
For the Mum who loves moody psychological thrillers but has read all the books they have at regular book stores:
Beneath Pale Water by Thalia Henry
As a fan of both realism and lyrical dialogue, this for me was a standout over the 2017/18 summer season. I rushed to finish the book, so it took me a little while to process everything that happened - for weeks after I thought about the relationships in this story, a sure fire sign of both a well crafted story, and the lingering magic of Thalia's writing. If I'm honest, I wanted more time for the ending to be drawn out, but the beautiful allegories tangled up in the setting were strong enough to quell my longing. Really looking forward to seeing what comes next from this promising new writer.
For the Mum who wants to be included in your life more:
642 Things to draw by San Francisco Writers Grotto
Grab a copy for her, grab a copy for you, pick a doodle to do, and then video call or chat each other to show your drawings. Sounds silly, but it's a cute little way to carve out some time in your day to be harmlessly creative, and to open up a little communication link between you and your Mum. (since my brother set up bluetooth calling in my Mum's car, we do the on-the-way-home-in-the-traffic-call, a simple way to make sure I'm not too busy for the woman that made me !)
For the Mum who wants to know more about all that 'intersectional feminism' you post about on facebook:
A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Probably one of the original bra burners, relight your Mum's fire with this stunning, thoughtful and downright brilliant call to arms. Written like a letter to a close friend (because that's where this books origins lay), A Feminist Manifesto is the ideal gift for your badass, before-her-time power Mum. Bread winning, baby raising, butt kicking power mum. Let her know that you know she's still a force to be reckoned with.
For the Mum who isn't shy in her reading tastes:
Difficult Women by Roxanne Gay
Not for the faint hearted, the latest offering from feminist goddess Roxanne Gay pulls no punches with this wild collection of short fiction. The gritty realism leant to violence, rape and abuse is at times repelling, but the vibrancy and intricacy of Gay's storytelling left me dumbfounded but unable to look away. 'North country' was standout for me, whilst the tone and delivery of 'Noble things' made me squirm. The deep exploration of masochism in 'Savage Gods' was at once repelling and magnetic. If your Mum rolled her yes at fifty shades, this may be the book for her.
For the Mum who everyone goes to for advice:
The Mother of All Questions by Rebecca Solnit
Safe to say Rebecca Solnit is having a bit of a moment right now, after her award winning book Men explain things to me. In this latest collection of essays, Solnit lays out some pretty compelling arguments aligned with the current zeitgeist for womens Liberation. My personal favourite is 'Escape from the five million year-old suburb' in which she so powerfully articulates powerful ideas about evolution that don't yet have names. Definitely a top pick for your Didion-loving, cashmere wearing, sophisticated M-Other.
For the Mum who needs a big old cry/a dose of hope:
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
Anyone writing from the perspective of a stage four lung cancer diagnosis would be forgiven for being inherently sad, but there is so much more to this book. Paul's story is at once fascinating and compelling - the strength and clarity of his writing tone is so reassuring. I got so immersed in the world he paints, that I was heartbroken all over again when I remembered where this story was heading. Devastatingly original, it's no surprise that this is a New York Times best seller, and nominated for a Pulitzer prize. Ask your Ma about it - I bet it's on her 'must get round to reading' list already !
For the sentimental Mum (or maybe just mine !):
Dear Mum by Pam Ayres
This book was always around when I was growing up - her poem 'Once I was a looker' is how I learnt what a hernia was as she wrote:
Once I was a looker and so was my spouse
I recall when we first came to live in this house
He was young, optimistic and fresh in the face
With never the twang of a hernia brace.
I know my Mum no longer has her copy (because it's sitting on my bookcase - Sorry Mum !) so maybe this year I'll pick up another copy and we can have a laugh about things I am beginning to understand.
What's on your bedside reading pile at present ? What titles would you declare must reads ? What books would you be hoping for this Mother's Day ?
Til next time xxx
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