Maternity Leave Reading List

If there is such a thing as a silver lining to all the late night and early morning feedings I will likely be doing this spring (besides having an adorable baby to cuddle – obviously), it’s the fact that nursing is an excellent time to catch up on books I’ve been wanting to read for forever… This time around, I have a strict NO BABY BOOKS policy (ok, let’s be honest, I might read one or two), so, instead, I’m shamelessly focusing on books for ME.

*Let’s just be honest, this list is mostly for my postpartum brain to remember what I actually wanted to read, but hopefully some of you will find a title or two to add to your list as well.

My “Maternity Leave Reading List”:

1. Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

My mom actually “gifted” this to me via Kindle (did you know you can do that?) around Christmas, but I’ve been saving it for maternity leave.  Although it could be dangerous to read while my house is taken over with baby stuff and I’m in no condition to do any major purging, it definitely speaks to a big area of my life that I am learning about and exploring right now.  Not to mention, it has come highly recommended by pretty much everyone that’s read it.

2. The Fringe Hours: Making Time for You by Jessica Turner

This one’s February 17th release date has been highly anticipated in the blogosphere. I’ve followed Jessica’s blog – The Mom Creative – for years and am excited to read her take on a topic near and dear to my heart during this season of life.

3. Found: A Story of Questions, Grace, and Everyday Prayer by Micha Boyett

I recently heard Micha speak on The Art of Simple Podcast, which led me to her blog, which led me to become slightly obsessed with her (and decide to dye my hair blonde and get glasses).  😉 Anyway, my two best friends read this book and both gave it five stars, so it’s an obvious choice. It’s about her first year as a mom and how she lost and found God through the craziness of that transition – sounds perfect, right? (Um… And it’s only $3 on Kindle right now. SOLD!)

4. Some Assembly Required: A Journal of my Son’s First Son by Anne and Sam Lamott

This is a sequel of sorts to Operating Instructions which was my FAVORITE read when Sam was born (and the gift I give all new moms – just delivered a copy yesterday).  It’s about Sam (the baby she wrote about all grown up) becoming a dad at 19 and Anne taking on the role of Grandma.  I’m not sure what to expect from it except that it will good because it is by Anne Lamott.  You know?

5. The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands by Lysa Terkeurst

The subtitle alone pretty much makes this one an obvious choice for this season of my life… Plus, I’ve heard lots of great things about it, and Lysa Terkeurst (how great is that name?) can totally write!

Fiction:

1. Everything I Never Told You: A Novel by Celeste Ng

This one was #2 on Amazon’s Best Books of 2014 list, and Lindsey Paschal called it one of her “top 6” (out of 56 y’all) reads last year on The Happy Hour podcast. Plus, I’m intrigued by the summary: it sounds like it could be a little Serial-esque.

2. We Were Liars by E. Lockhardt

I “met” E. Lockhart at YALL Fest this fall and have not stopped hearing about this book ever since (I especially love all the attention it is getting since it is technically considered YA).  For the record, it also (see above) was one of Amazon’s picks for 2014 and scored in the top 6 for Lindsey Paschal. On top of all that, rumor has it it has also been optioned for a movie which is always fun!

3. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

This is another YA title that has been on my “list” for over a year.  My friend/ book recommender extraordinaire, Pryor, has been begging me to read it, so I think it’s finally time.  Besides, it’s about a teenage romance (in the 80s!) which is right up my alley.

4. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

I’m putting this one on my list somewhat reluctantly because it really isn’t my typical “style,” and I definitely don’t think it falls into the category of “light reading” (it’s about Nazis in Paris during WWII); but, it’s won tons of awards and pops up on just about every list I see.  *I decided between this one and Unbroken. Thoughts?

5. Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham

Because Parenthood is over and I have to fill the gap somehow.  Need I say more? (P.S. I’ve never seen a single episode of Gilmore Girls, but I plan to watch every last one on Netflix while I’m home with baby.)

I cut myself off at 10 books, but I could easily list 20 or even 30 I want to read.  Either way, I’m excited to get started on these! In the meantime, I’d love to hear your thoughts on any of these books if you’ve read them and/or recommendations for other titles I should add.

Happy Friday!

E

Speaking of reading lists… If you’re a teacher mom-t0-be, add this to yours!  Click the image below to sign up for my FREE eCourse and get my Big Maternity Leave Checklist for teachers!!