You may have seen that SNL Christmas skit where everyone in the family gets all this cool stuff and the mom gets a robe? Read the comments under the video and so many people agree that this is true. However, I’ve gotten smart and each year I put what I want on a wish list and send it to whoever needs it.
One of my favorite items to add are the books that I want to read. So to help other moms who love to read and do not need another robe, I am going to share my list. I’ve split it into two types, non-fiction and fiction.
Non-fiction
Books that I have on my list are a mix of biographies and self help. The first one I have seen talked about all over social media and T.V. “I’m Glad My Mom Died” by Jennette McCurdy. Jennette is an actress that became famous on Nickelodeon’s Icarly in 2007. Her book talks about her career as a child actress and growing up with an abusive mother. I don’t know about you but the life of child stars always fascinates me.
For my Friends fans I have Matthew Perry’s memoir “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.” Chandler was and always will be my favorite ‘Friends’ character and I remember hearing about Matthew Perry’s fight with addiction while filming the famous sitcom, but never really knew the whole story. When I heard he wrote a book about it all I knew it had to go on my wish list.
I am a huge history buff and ever since the musical ‘Hamilton‘ came out I’ve wanted to learn about the man Lin-Manuel Miranda centered his award winning musical on. From what I have read, Lin-Manuel took his facts from “Alexander Hamilton” by Ron Chernow. Now, this book is not an easy, throw in my purse to read while the kids are playing at the trampoline park. It’s a legit history of Hamilton that is 731 pages long. It may take me all year to actually finish, but I chose it because even at 35 I don’t want to stop learning new things!
On the subject of learning new things, we can’t forget the “self help” genre. Going to be completely honest, I used to roll my eyes at this genre. I didn’t think I needed this but the self-care topic has really gained momentum, especially for moms. I am now starting to really see the value in these.
First one that I have on my list is “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. I listened to this one on the Libby library app but added the hard copy to my wish list so I can re-read it and take notes. I want to be able to apply the recommendations. Also, I really like that it isn’t health/diet related. James talks about how to use his recommendations in all aspects of your life.
Lastly, I am so excited for “Fair Play” by Eve Rodsky. This book talks about a system Eve came up with that helps couples split up the responsibilities of running a household. The book is supposed to help re-balance family life to make it less stressful for everyone in the house hold.
Fun Reads
As they say “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” or in maybe our case makes Jill a dull mom?
The first fiction novel on my list is one I actually read this year with my book club but will be a reread for me for sure. “The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires” by Grady Hendrix. This is about a group of moms who start a neighborhood book club that ends up having to come together to protect each other and their families from a charming stranger who moves into their community. A man who turns out not to be as innocent as he makes himself seem. It’s not your typical thriller novel about vampires that we all think of, but that’s what makes it so good.
The second novel on my list is “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Last year I read her book: “Daisy Jones and the Six” and I really enjoyed it. So I’ve been wanting to try something else by her. This novel is about a fictional Hollywood actress, who in her later years becomes a recluse. She decides to finally tell her story to an up and coming magazine reporter. The reporter takes on the story thinking it will jumpstart her career but ends up doing so much more.
For my final novel, I have to share a guilty pleasure series with the readers. I know romance is not everyone’s favorite. It definitely was not mine either, before finding this series. “The Devil’s Eyes” by Jennifer Loren is not your regular rom-com or Harlequin romance. Oh no not at all. It’s about Kayla who loses the one person in her family she is close to, her sister. She goes to find her sister’s killer but then she meets Nick who introduces her to underground crime. I enjoyed this one because it’s not the typical romance and also I think it’s kind of interesting that the story takes place in the mafia setting. Which at least in this genre isn’t done very much.
I have so many other books to share but it would probably be a book itself so I will stop here. I hope some of these go on your Christmas wish list this year and maybe you will add others so you won’t be stuck with another robe.
Author: Rochelle Roth is a wife, mother of two adorable and crazy girls and works as a Medical Receptionist. Rochelle is a graduate of Bowsher High School and enjoys reading and writing. Follow her on IG @adventures_of_a_girl_mom
