In my life, there have been two great loves: kids and words. And yet, somehow along the way of raising those kids, my love for reading got pushed aside, something to be picked up at some far-off future point when I had time.
That is, until this year. I realized that for all the time I spend scrolling social media, I could be reading a book. I started picking up books to read at night before bed and downloading audiobooks to listen to while I played with the kids outside. (Did you know you can get free audiobooks on library apps? Mind blown!)
Along the way I’ve rediscovered why I love reading so much: it really gives us a chance to get away from our own lives for a minute (which, let’s be honest, social media has never been good at doing). Whether you’re looking for a captivating read to keep you awake through late-night nursing sessions or a simple story to keep you entertained between chasing children, we’ve got you covered.
So if you’re looking to join me in soaking up the last bits of summer, throw on that maternity bathing suit, and check out some of these summer reads for moms recommended by Team Truly Mama.
Swing
More than ever, moms are expected to do it all: have a killer career, keep the house and kids clean and — oh yeah — be sexy and enticing. All of that is no problem for Ashleigh, who has been a perfectionist since her figure skating days. When her marriage begins to falter after three kids, Ashleigh knows just how to spice it up — until she discovers that she’s the world’s worst swinger. Swing is sweet, sexy and downright endearing, delivering self-help and hope in a way that is anything but boring.
The Other Black Girl
Nella is tired of being the only Black person working at her publishing company, so she’s thrilled when Hazel is hired. But soon, she begins receiving strange notes and threats. As she tries to figure out what’s going on and who is to blame, Nella realizes that the issue is much bigger than just her. Combining suspense and social commentary that’s spot on for our time, The Other Black Girl will hold your attention — despite kids — from cover to cover.
When She Comes Back
Truth time: Did you binge watch Wild, Wild Country on Netflix? Even if you haven’t heard of the self-proclaimed guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and his cult, you’ll be engrossed by Plank’s story of losing her mother to Bhagwan when Plank was only 6. After being abandoned by her mother, Plank and her sister move in with their dad in New York. In When She Comes Back, Plank explores the lasting impact of not only her mom’s disappearance, but the burden of being a confidant to her father and surrogate mother to her younger sister.
The Lies that Bind
While Emily Giffin has been in the news for some controversial reasons (she was widely criticized for her abrasive comments on Meghan Markle), her latest book is a reminder of why I was first drawn to her writing in the first place—it’s the perfect mix of relatable characters, an engaging story, and it draws you into the chaos and uncertainty of the post 9/11 world, which is largely reminiscent of the world today.
The Book of Longings
You might know author Sue Monk Kidd for her popular “Secret Life of Bees,” and if you’re a longtime fan, as I am, you’ll love her long-awaited new release. It follows the fictional account of Jesus’ wife, Ana, and her trademark lyrical storytelling and clean prose made this book well worth the wait. It’s an incredibly fascinating account that brings a well-known historical story to life in an entirely different way—and tells the story that changed the world, all through the eyes of a woman who has her own story to tell.
The Baddest Girl on The Planet
Evie Austin isn’t the best at making good decisions. Just consider her obsession with bad-boy boxer Mike Tyson, not to mention her very unplanned child. At some point, Evie realizes that she can’t just wander through life any more running from her problems: she has to face them head on. The Baddest Girl On The Planet is a perfect light and smart summer read, and will have you feeling much better about your own life choices!
Homegoing
Set in what was once the slave trade epicenter, Ghana, “Homegoing” follows the paths of two half-sisters as they lead very different lives: one marrying into a life of comfort and royalty and one captured and sold into slavery. The novel brings the dark and troubled history of how slavery was hidden in plain sight—and the legacy it has created.
The Daughters of Erietown
This book has unplanned pregnancies, mysterious figures showing up, dashed dreams, and plenty of suspense along the way. Penned by a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, this book delves deep into how the mistakes of the past affect the future, and begs the question: what happens if we don’t learn from them?
The Kiss Quotient
Looking for a spicy summer read that’s not too dirty? Welcome, The Kiss Quotient. The story follows Stella, who is autistic. When a colleague insinuates that she needs to learn about men, Stella hires an escort with a complicated family dynamic to teach her about having a boyfriend. Soon, they both start developing feelings, but Stella hasn’t yet opened up about her diagnosis. Hoang, who is on the spectrum herself, weaves humor, emotion and yes, sex, into an entertaining story that will stick with you.
The Vanishing Half
Good luck getting this book from the library—I’ve been on the waitlist since its June 2020 debut, so it’s a popular one. But it’s worth the hunt to track it down, as this widely-renowned story follows the lives of two twin sisters who choose to live differently, one as a Black woman, and one as a white woman, and the intersection of their lives as past meets present.
Open Book
Yup, this book was penned by Jessica Simpson–yes, that Jessica Simpson. When an editor recommended this book, I thought she was joking, but as it would turn out, Simpson is a witty, smart writer and moms especially will love her insight into motherhood and life because she’s, well, an open book. And you know we were all curious about that infamous “Chicken of the Sea” bit anyway. This is a great one for listening to while tackling chores around the house or reading while keeping one eyeball on the kids at the beach.
When We’re Thirty
Did you ever have a marriage pact with an old friend or high school love? Hannah and Will did, and as they both approach their thirtieth birthday, Will unexpectedly shows up on Hannah’s door to activate it. Hannah ditches her dead-end relationship and starts to follow a long list of rules that she and Will have drafted. However, the couple soon finds that sticking to the playbook to convince the world — and themselves — that they’re in love is more complicated than they could have imagined.
Virgin River
If you have the Kindle unlimited membership, you can read this one for free and yes, it’s the story that the popular Netflix series of the same name is based on. (Season 3 will be airing this July, not like I'm counting down or anything, ahem.) The book features scenes that are a bit juicer than the Netflix series and while the writing is not something I would classify as highly intellectual, it’s a light, easy read for a mom who just wants something entertaining after the kids go to bed.
What Happened to Paula: On the Death of an American Girl
The 1970 murder of eighteen-year-old Paula Oberbroeckling had been a cold case for nearly 50 years when Katherine Dykstra began looking into it. What she found is that Paula faced many of the challenges that women are still dealing with today. This book—captivating, but not a light read—delves into topics like race, class, reproductive rights, and the way that society still denies women autonomy over their lives. If you like true crime paired with a social justice focus, don’t miss What Happened To Paula.
I'm Fine and Neither Are You
Also a Kindle Unlimited find for me, I was pleasantly surprised to discover this author, because she has a lot of book options to choose from. This one tackles the ever-present scenario of a mom who feels like a hot mess and a mom who appears to have it all together as an Instagram influencer with the perfect marriage, the home-cooked meals, and the gorgeous wardrobe. But what lurks beneath the surface may not match that shiny filter…
The Rebel Nun
Clotlid has been trying to find her place since she was born to a medieval king and his concubine. She joins a convent because it’s the only way to have some level of independence for a sixth-century woman, but as the church begins to crack down on women with any power, Clotlid pushes back on misogyny and the patriarchy by bringing her sisters together. The coolest part about this historical fiction is that it’s a true story that weaves in the issues that women (sadly) are still dealing with centuries after Clotlid’s time.
Why We Can’t Sleep
Although this book was published in 2020, it feels even more relevant to our times today for women and mothers who are absolutely exhausted. But as this book reveals, our exhaustion is not our fault alone—because what if we realized that the very world we live and work and play in—from the roads we drive on to the buildings we inhabit—was designed without a single woman’s need in mind? This book will open your eyes to a reality you didn’t even know existed.
The End of Her
If you like a little suspense, mystery, and murder with your summer reading, this book has got you covered. Imagine you’re a perfectly content suburban stay-at-home mom in the throes of dealing two colicky twins when your husband is suddenly accused of murder. As a mom of a baby who had colic, I honestly can’t say which is worse, but I’m definitely going to keep reading to find out.
The Existence of Bea Pearl
This new novel combines magic, mystery and the undeniable bond between siblings. When Bea’s brother goes missing during a flood the world presumes he is dead, but Bea knows otherwise. To prove her brother is alive, Bea delves into his secrets and discovers some of her own, before ultimately discovering her truth. This powerful story is a young adult novel, so it’s written in an easy-to-access way that is perfect if you’re battling mom brain.
Home Made: A Story of Grief, Groceries, Showing Up—And What We Make When We Make Dinner
What’s for dinner? It’s the question every mom dreads, but that some kids never get to ask. Hauck explores the relationship between food, community, and love in this memoir about her time preparing meals and dining with teenage boys in a residential group home. The idea for the program came from Hauck’s own father, who died before it could get started. However, Hauck carried on in his memory, teaching, and learning from the teenage boys she cooked with.
Moms Who Hike
Are you looking for inspiration to be more outdoorsy? Maybe you feel like the adventurer who you used to be is lost in motherhood? If so, Balogh Rochfort’s new book is for you. Moms Who Hike profiles more than 20 strong, smart and dedicated women who are among the most celebrated hikers in the country. Oh, and they’re also mamas. They share their favorite hike, go-to tips for getting out with kids, and their philosophies on motherhood and mountains. Since the book is split into different profiles, it’s perfect for getting a short dose of inspiration while your little one naps.
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