Take Time for Yourself to Read (Especially Busy Moms!)

Hi, my bookish friend! Here’s your reminder to carve out some time to do something nice for yourself, whether that’s reading for enjoyment, going for a walk, or any other activity that brings you joy. Use me as your excuse if you want: “Audry from Bookish AF said I have to!”

For moms especially, the struggle is real to carve out a few moments in a day to read (or any other form of relaxation for that matter!). When my three children were babies and toddlers, I used to look forward to sneaking a little peace and quiet reading while they were napping or off to preschool.

Now that they’re grown and don’t need me as much, you’d think I’d have more time. But it’s still a struggle on most days to allow myself time to read a few chapters. There’s always something else to do or somewhere I need to be. Reading can feel like an indulgence. But it really shouldn’t!

That’s why with Mother’s Day right around the corner (ahem, just a heads up: it’s this Sunday, May 11th), today’s post for the moms … may we know them, may we be them, may we simply love them!

Let’s celebrate moms who read! Today, I’ve put together:

5 Last-minute Mother’s Day bookish-themed gift ideas

A book list tailored to different types of moms

This sneaky time hack for busy people (moms!) to fit in reading

Here’s to you for taking a moment for yourself to enjoy this newsletter!

Happy Reading!

Your friend,

Audry

P.S. I’m so happy you’re here! Thank you for being a part of this fantastic bookish community. If you know someone who loves books, too, share today’s post with them. Send it as a kind reminder to take some time for themselves to read a book, plus whatever else brings them joy!

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Bookish Buys: 5 Last-Minute Thoughtful Gifts for Moms

In addition to the beautiful personalized library book stamp, here are a few more bookish ideas for the mom in your life (or a special treat for yourself) that you can get by the weekend if you have Amazon Prime.

All-in-One Book Lovers Gift Box

If you’re short on time, this gift has it all! It comes in a pretty gift box, includes a card, and adorable bookish-themed gifts. There are socks, a bookmark, a thumb page holder, a tote bag, a book sleeve, and a 16-oz glass cup.

“Smells like Reading Time” Candle

Help yourself or a mom you love set the mood while reading with this candle “infused with the fresh aroma of shutting up and letting me read.” It has 35 peaceful, page-turning hours of burn time.

Cute Bookish Canvas Tote

Moms are always carrying everyone’s stuff. So, why not get her an adorable tote? With the saying “there is no such thing as too many books,” it’s the perfect companion for a shopping day at her favorite bookshop.

Novel Teas Book Lover's Tea

Don’t just gift your mom boring tea bags. From the keepsake canister that says “Read ‘em and steep!” to the teabag tags featuring literary quotes, this English Breakfast tea is delicious and well-read!

Helpful and Stylish Wooden Book Stand Holder

This gift idea looks great, and it’s helpful, too! The clever triangle design creates a spot to place an open book over the top or to rest a tablet. It also includes a dedicated space to keep all the essentials your book-loving mama needs within reach.

For more bookish gift ideas, I just updated “Mother’s Day Gifts for Book Lovers” in the Bookish Archives!

Bookish Recs for 9 Different Types of Moms Designed on Canva by Audry Fryer | Book covers from Bookshop.org

Bookish moms may all be readers, but that doesn’t mean they all read the same things! So, here are a few book recommendations based on what makes her special.

For the Mom Who Loves Fiction: The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner

It’s also for the mom who has visiting the Amalfi Coast on her bucket list, enjoys a story with elements of magic, a mysterious plot, and treasure-hunting characters, and appreciates beautiful cover art.

For the Mom Who Likes Audiobooks: The Dutch House by Ann Patchett, narrated by Tom Hanks

Enjoy the familiar, warming voice of Tom Hanks as he narrates this fairy-tale-like story of siblings Danny and Maeve, their connection to their family home, the Dutch House, a regal estate in the Philadelphia suburbs, and their family drama, thanks to who else but an evil stepmother.

For the Mom Who Likes to Cook: Seriously, So Good: Simple Recipes for a Balanced Life by Carissa Stanton

Instagram star turned cookbook author, Carissa Stanton, is on a mission to take away the anxiety around cooking and eating healthy by sharing recipes that are easy enough for a weeknight and “seriously, so good,” too!

For the Mom Who’s Also a Teacher: Show, Don't Tell: A Writer, Her Teacher, and the Power of Sharing Our Stories by Kristine Gasbarre

In honor of National Teacher Appreciation Week, which is this week, May 5–9th, here’s a heartwarming memoir about a writer who seeks wisdom from her extraordinary former teacher, who has influenced her life for the better and has since been a dear friend for over thirty years.

For the Mom Who Loves Historical Stories: Strangers in Time: A World War II Novel by David Baldacci

Two teenagers whose families have both been ravaged by the war find their lonely way to a London bookshop and befriend the owner. The story follows the bond that grows between these characters, each of their perilous situations, and the war that continues to rage around them.

For the Mom That Does It All: Happy to Help: Adventures of a People Pleaser by Amy Wilson

Humorous, though-provoking, and insightful, this book chronicles through a collection of essays the reasons for and the pitfalls of saying yes to helping everyone over your own best interests.

For the Mom Who Enjoys Gardening: Vegetables Love Flowers: Companion Planting for Beauty and Bounty by Lisa Mason Ziegler

Did you know that planting flowers and vegetables together creates a more bountiful, healthier garden? I didn’t! This beautiful book includes vivid photos and easy-to-follow steps for growing a gorgeous garden.

For the Mom Who Keeps a Journal: The Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life by Suleika Jaouad

Journaling gets a major glow-up! The author provides tips and tools while enlisting the help of the most accomplished thinkers, artists, and creatives of our time.

For the Mom Who Loves Advice: We Can Do Hard Things: Answers to Life's 20 Questions by Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, and Amanda Doyle

Just released on May 6th, this book asks life’s biggest questions and gets answers from well-known personalities and celebrities who share their wisdom on each topic.

For more book recs perfect for Mother’s Day, see my booklist of Best Books about Mother-Daughter Relationships in the Bookish Blog Archives.

Bookish Sneaky Time Hack for Busy People (Especially Moms!)

I could fill this space with well over a dozen hacks that absolutely work for reading more books. But today’s tip is for busy people (cough, moms). So, here’s a quick tip:

Sneak in reading a few pages or a quick chapter whenever you have a pocket of time.

Rather than hop on social media when you’re waiting at an appointment, in the grocery pickup, or for your kid’s sports practice to end, use that time to read.

Plan ahead and have your book with you, either in your bag, on your e-reader, or an app on your phone.

Audiobooks (like how I shared in this post) open up more pockets of time because you can listen as you commute, fold laundry, or go for a walk.

You’ll be amazed at how these seemingly trivial moments can add up! Experiment with it for a week and see how much more you read.

Bookish Quote of the Week

“(24/7) once you sign on to be a mother, that’s the only shift they offer.” —Jodi Picoult, "My Sister's Keeper"

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