A gift guide of books for the mothers on your list
PHOTO: PBS.
My love of books no doubt stems from my parents. I had my first library card before I started school (my “signature” definitely looks like I had just learned how to write my name). Some of my fondest childhood memories include my mom bringing me to the library and letting me peruse the children’s room for hours. When I started reading more substantial literature, my mom encouraged me to inscribe my name and the date I finished each book on the inside cover. What a charming way to look back years later and consider your “journey” when you first read a novel! Unfortunately, I fell out of this practice once reading for pleasure was a thing of the past (read high school and college required reading lists). I think it’s time to bring it back. Mother’s Day is such a special time to honor the women in your life, and I find there’s no better gift than just the right book. A personalized note is just as extraordinary an inscription… and a beautiful reminder of where the book came from. Here are six of the latest titles to consider for Mother’s Day.
For the Chef: Josey Baker Bread by Josey Baker, $28
Breaking bread is easy, but baking it is a bit more involved. According to Chronicle Books, “this is the first true entry-level bread-baking cookbook.” Give your personal chef a new challenge: the art of a superb loaf brought to you by the baker behind The Mill in San Francisco.
Special Offer from Chronicle Books: Get 25% OFF + free ground shipping when you enter promo code BOOKDUJOUR at checkout.
For the World Traveler: One Hundred & One Beautiful Small Towns in Italy by Paolo Lazzarin, $25
For the woman who thinks she’s seen it all, play to her wanderlust with a guide to towns Italiano off the beaten path. Nudge her to venture outside city walls and stumble upon these beautiful cittàs also rich in history and culture. Maybe you can convince her to take you as her travel buddy.
For the Style Icon: A Denim Story: Inspirations from Bellbottoms to Boyfriends by Emily Current, Meritt Elliott and Hilary Walsh, $33
Rizzoli says “Denim is the material of independence and self-expression, timelessly cool, boasting an authenticity and function that transcend trends and is always sexy.” Denim is an American fashion staple, and the ladies behind popular denim line Current/Elliott immortalize the evolution of casual cool with page after page of inspiration in this coffee table bible.
For the Home Entertainer: The Cheesemonger’s Seasons by Chester Hastings, $35
Okay, okay. By home entertainer, I secretly mean cheese lover. Your mom will wow guests with these seasonal recipes involving inventive ways to incorporate cheese. From the chef of Joan’s on Third, pea shoots with burrata and lemon olive oil, crispy fried Brussels sprouts with podda, a simple “cheese and warm honey”… these dishes are sure to impress.
For the Book Worm: Penguin Clothbound Classics, $20
Spruce up her collection with elevated classics. Replace the tarnished copy of her well-loved favorite, or choose one that she always meant to read.
For the New or Expectant Mother: Letters to My Future Self by Lea Redmond, $15
This thought-provoking gift comes with 12 letters and prompts for self-reflection. Can you think of a more delightful way to capture the memories of a woman’s first year as a mother? I imagine the completed letters to be the perfect gift for her son or daughter in their first year of parenthood.
Do you have a book that would make a great Mother’s Day gift?
Catherine Abalos is founder and editor of The Single Diaries.
