What This Mom Is Reading
A shelf of the books that have kept me company between school runs, birthday parties, and late-night feedings — parenting guides, self-help reads, and a few that helped me through grief.
Parenting Books
Picks that helped me make sense of raising three kids, from newborn days through toddler chaos — practical, honest, and occasionally laugh-out-loud relatable.
Self-Help Books
Reads I turned to for perspective on juggling teaching, motherhood, and everything in between, when I needed a reset more than advice.
Books on Grieving
After losing my mom, these were the books that met me where I was — no easy answers, just company through a hard season.
Why I Keep a List
Between lesson planning and party planning, reading time is scarce, so I try to be picky. This page is less a formal review site and more a running note of what's actually been worth the late nights — the same honest, personal voice you'll find throughout the blog.
As a mom navigating the beautiful chaos of raising little ones, finding a quiet moment to curl up with a book feels like a small victory. The books that have found their way onto my shelf are more than just stories or advice manuals—they are companions during the late-night feedings, the quiet afternoons when the kids are finally napping, and the rare moments of solitude I carve out for myself. From parenting guides that made me feel less alone in my struggles to heartfelt memoirs that reminded me why this journey matters, each page turned has been a step toward understanding myself and my family a little better.
Parenting books have been a lifeline through every stage, from the bewildering newborn days to the unpredictable toddler years. What I appreciate most are the ones that don't pretend to have all the answers but instead offer honest, practical advice that actually works in real life. They've helped me navigate sleepless nights, picky eating phases, and the overwhelming guilt that so often accompanies motherhood. These reads remind me that every parent is figuring it out as they go, and that laughter truly is the best medicine when the day doesn't go as planned.
Self-help books entered my life during seasons when I felt stretched thin between teaching, managing a household, and trying to hold onto my own identity. They became gentle resets, offering perspective when I needed it most. What I love about this genre is how it meets you where you are—whether you're looking to simplify your daily routine, find more energy for the things that matter, or simply quiet the noise in your head. These reads don't promise transformation overnight, but they plant seeds of change that grow slowly, just like so much in motherhood.
Losing my mom reshaped my world in ways I never expected, and books on grieving became unexpected companions during that difficult season. They helped me understand that grief is not a linear process and that there is no right way to mourn. Some offered spiritual comfort, while others simply validated the messy, complicated feelings that come with loss. Reading about others who had walked similar paths made me feel less alone in my sorrow. These books taught me that healing doesn't mean forgetting, and that it's possible to carry love and loss together as I continue raising my own children.