Best Books to Give on Mother’s Day for Moms Who Love to Read

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been scrambling to find the perfect mother’s day book gifts... you know the type…always got her nose buried in a novel, bookmarks spilling out of every purse, and somehow still managing to recommend five-star reads faster than you can finish one chapter. Yep, that’s my mom too (and maybe yours?). Well, guess what? I’ve got you covered! And don’t worry, if you’re wondering about other creative things to do for Mother’s Day, I’ll sprinkle some ideas throughout this post too.

And hey, how about buying your mom a Kindle Unlimited or Audible Membership as well? It’s a budget-friendly way to give her endless access to amazing stories without breaking the bank.  Not only will she have plenty of new reads to enjoy on Mother’s Day , but she’ll also think of you every time she dives into a new story.

This year, let’s skip the generic flowers and chocolates (no shade, those are nice too!) and go straight for something she’ll absolutely adore: books. But not just any books—we’re talking about thoughtful, meaningful picks that scream, “I know you, Mom, and I love you.” Because honestly, nothing says Happy Mama’s Day quite like giving her an excuse to cozy up with a good book.

What Remains by Carole Radziwill is a poignant memoir that delves into love, loss, and resilience, blending personal stories of grief, like the deaths of JFK Jr. and her husband’s battle with cancer, with lyrical prose that’s both raw and inspiring.

Perfect for fans of The Year of Magical Thinking, it’s a celebration of strength and human connection, making it an ideal gift for moms this Mother’s Day.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is one of those books that will make you think, feel, and question the intersection of science and ethics. It tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, whose cancer cells were taken without her knowledge in 1951 and became the foundation for countless medical breakthroughs, including the polio vaccine and cancer research. Yet, despite her immense contribution to science, her legacy remains largely overlooked, and her family continues to face the emotional and ethical consequences.

Rebecca Skloot brilliantly weaves science, history, and personal narrative into a thought-provoking exploration of race, ethics, and justice—a must-read for fans of Hidden Figures.

This book also makes a meaningful gift for moms this Mother’s Day, as it highlights the importance of recognizing and honoring those who give so much, often without acknowledgment.

Little Pieces of Hope by Todd Doughty is the ultimate feel-good read, brimming with playful lists, essays, and musings that celebrate life’s simple pleasures.

Perfect for fans of The Book of Delights, its beautifully designed pages and uplifting content make it a treasure trove of inspiration you’ll want to revisit time and again.

Moms work tirelessly for their families, and this book is a way to remind her to pause and savor life’s little delights.

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi is a powerful novel that traces the parallel lives of two half-sisters in 18th-century Ghana and their descendants across eight generations. One sister lives in privilege, while the other is sold into slavery, and their family stories unfold against the backdrop of slavery, colonialism, and resilience, spanning continents and centuries.

Gyasi’s debut is both intimate and epic, exploring themes of identity, heritage, and the enduring legacy of oppression with lyrical prose that lingers in your mind long after reading. Fans of The Vanishing Half will find this transformative read equally unforgettable.

This book would make a deeply meaningful gift for moms this Mother’s Day, as it honors the strength and resilience passed down through generations. Gifting Homegoing is a way to celebrate her role as a keeper of legacy and a symbol of interconnectedness.

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens is a mesmerizing blend of murder mystery, coming-of-age tale, and a love letter to nature, centered around Kya Clark, the resilient “Marsh Girl” of Barkley Cove. With its hauntingly beautiful setting, themes of isolation and survival, and Owens’ lyrical prose, this novel is impossible to put down.

Pair it with a scented candle or a journal for a thoughtful and heartwarming present. It’s the kind of gift that feels like both a warm hug and an adventure—ideal for any mom who loves meaningful stories.

Let me just say, The Nightingale sounds like one of those books that will leave you breathless. This powerful historical fiction novel tells the story of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, navigating love, loss, and bravery during World War II in German-occupied France. While Vianne fights to protect her family, Isabelle risks everything as part of the French Resistance, showcasing the often-overlooked heroism of women.

Kristin Hannah’s emotional depth, vivid details, and unforgettable characters make this a must-read for fans of All the Light We Cannot See or The Book Thief . It’s a tribute to resilience, sacrifice, and the strength of the human spirit—truly unforgettable.

This book would also make a perfect gift for moms this Mother’s Day. Moms are often the quiet heroes in their families, making sacrifices every day without expecting recognition—and The Nightingale beautifully mirrors that strength and courage.

This heartfelt novel would make such a meaningful gift for moms this Mother’s Day. Moms often serve as the anchors of their families, guiding everyone through life’s storms with quiet strength—and Ordinary Grace beautifully honors that resilience and grace under pressure.

Ordinary Grace sounds like one of those books that will quietly break your heart and then mend it with its profound beauty. Set in 1961 Minnesota, this coming-of-age story follows thirteen-year-old Frank Drum as he faces a summer marked by tragedy and loss that tests his family’s faith and resilience.

William Kent Krueger masterfully weaves mystery, family drama, and spiritual reflection into a narrative that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant. If you loved To Kill a Mockingbird or Peace Like a River , this book seems like an unforgettable gem—one that lingers in your soul long after you’ve finished.

In This House, We Will Giggle sounds like such a refreshing and joyful resource for parents who want to raise their kids with kindness, gratitude, and faith in a fun, meaningful way. Each chapter focuses on a specific virtue—like patience or kindness—and provides memory verses, engaging activities, and thoughtful discussion questions to help families grow closer to God while creating lasting memories.

It’s not just another parenting book; it’s a vibrant guide that turns everyday moments into opportunities for spiritual growth and connection.

The Mother-Daughter Book Club is like the ultimate feel-good read, blending books, family, and a dash of middle school drama into one delightful package. This heartwarming (and hilarious!) story follows four girls reluctantly brought together by their moms to form a book club. As they dive into Little Women, they navigate friendship challenges, crushes, and self-discovery, all while channeling their inner Jo March.

It’s a charming celebration of how books can bring people together and help them grow in unexpected ways—perfect for fans of Little Women or The Penderwicks .

Gifting The Mother-Daughter Book Club feels like saying, “Here’s to the joy of reading—and to making special memories with your family.”

Hurrah for Gin- the ultimate survival guide for modern parenthood—messy, chaotic, and downright hilarious. Katie Kirby’s witty take on the ups and downs of raising kids, from pregnancy to school days, is packed with laugh-out-loud anecdotes and charming illustrations that feel way too relatable.

It’s a refreshing reminder that it’s perfectly okay to be imperfect, and if you loved Why Mummy Drinks, this one will have you nodding, laughing, and maybe even crying (in a good way). Witty, candid, and full of heart, it’s the perfect pick-me-up for any parent who needs a little solidarity—and a lot of laughs.

This book would make such a fantastic gift for moms this Mother’s Day because it’s like handing her a permission slip to embrace the chaos with humor and grace.

The Shell Seekers sounds like one of those timeless novels that wraps you in its warmth and wisdom, leaving a lasting impression. This sweeping saga follows Penelope Keeling and an oil painting that symbolizes her family’s history, exploring love, legacy, and the ties that bind across generations. Set against the backdrop of World War II and spanning decades, it delves into family dynamics and the enduring power of love with a mix of personal intimacy and universal relatability. 

This book would make such a meaningful gift for moms this Mother’s Day because it honors the strength, love, and traditions moms bring to their families. It’s the kind of present that feels like a warm hug for the soul—perfect for any mom who treasures heartfelt stories.

The Hand That First Held Mine sounds like one of those spellbinding novels that lingers in your mind long after the final page. Maggie O’Farrell weaves together two timelines: Lexie Sinclair’s journey of love and independence in postwar London and Elina and Ted’s struggles with new parenthood in modern-day London.

As their stories intertwine, a powerful revelation connects their lives, exploring themes of love, memory, and identity with lyrical prose and emotional depth.

Fans of The Vanishing of Esme Lennox or The Light Between Oceans will find this a must-read—a story that beautifully examines how the past shapes the present and the enduring power of human connection.

This book would make such a thoughtful gift for moms this Mother’s Day because it honors the complexity of their roles—partner, parent, caregiver—and the resilience it takes to navigate them.

Chasing Francis sounds like the kind of book that sparks deep conversations and soul-searching, blending fiction with spiritual exploration in a truly transformative way. It follows Chase Falson, a disillusioned pastor who embarks on a pilgrimage to Italy after a crisis of faith. Through encounters with the life and teachings of St. Francis of Assisi, Chase reexamines faith, humility, and the Church, offering readers profound insights wrapped in engaging storytelling.

Girl, Woman, Other sounds like one of those groundbreaking novels that everyone should experience at least once. This vibrant, polyphonic story weaves together the lives of twelve diverse characters—mostly Black, mostly women—exploring their struggles, triumphs, and interconnectedness across generations and geographies in modern Britain.

Through Bernardine Evaristo’s lyrical prose and innovative storytelling, themes of race, gender, class, and identity come alive in bold, joyous, and unapologetically human ways. Winner of the 2019 Booker Prize, this book is a celebration of Black womanhood and the kaleidoscope of contemporary life—fans of The Vanishing Half or Homegoing will absolutely adore it.

This book would make such a powerful gift for moms this Mother’s Day because it honors the strength, resilience, and humanity of women everywhere—qualities that moms embody every day.

Remarkably Bright Creatures sounds like one of those books that will fill your heart with warmth and wonder. This heartwarming debut novel celebrates unlikely connections and the power of friendship, centering on Tova, a widow in her seventies, and Marcellus, a clever (and hilariously curmudgeonly) octopus at the Sowell Bay Aquarium.

As Marcellus helps Tova uncover clues about her son’s mysterious disappearance, their bond becomes unforgettable. Meanwhile, Cameron—a young man searching for his biological father—enters the story in ways that are both surprising and deeply moving. With its perfect blend of humor, heart, and mystery, this book is a celebration of hope, resilience, and the light relationships bring to even life’s darkest moments.