Recommended Reads For Mother's Day

...Of course it goes without saying that no gift seems quite "adequate" enough to say "thanks" for a mother's love. How do we repay them for all the sacrifices, support, and selflessness throughout the years? We can't.

Still, there's a great deal of validity to the expression: "Sometimes it takes so little to mean so much."
With this in mind, if you're still in the market for a nice gift to give your mom this week for Mother's Day, I'd like to share a few suggestions. May I?

Roses die. Chocolates melt. And the joy of a restaurant dinner fades from memory days after being consumed. Which is not to say these "expressions" of affection are not nice too; they certainly are.
But, books leave a lasting impression. They're "the gift that keeps on giving."
Besides, being a writer and an avid reader, there's a bit of a bias here. :-)

And what is truly awesome about books, is that there is something available for just about any topic or theme one could imagine.

Say for instance, if your mom is not a big reader, but she loves to cook? Why not purchase her one of Rachael Ray's great cookbooks? Or maybe she's a fan of the popular TV preacher Joel Osteen.
You're in luck. He has several best-selling titles where he shares some powerful principles on improving our quality of life and our relationship with God; in fact, I have about three in my own personal library.
Or maybe your mom likes cuddling up to a good mystery novel just before she retires to bed.
There's a "who-dun-it" with her name on it! (Insert snapping fingers here.)

Peruse the vast selection of titles and formats available at Amazon.com, or visit your local bookstore.
Don't forget to add a box of gourmet teas and coffees for the ultimate reading experience.

HERE'S WHAT JEN RECOMMENDS:

1.  Your Best Life Now--By Joel Osteen
Even if you're not a big fan of his weekly "message," "Your Best Life" shares universal truths and seven guiding principles on timely topics like: healthy self image, the power of positive thinking, and finding strength through adversity. Your mom will appreciate the "old school" wisdom shared and the everyday applications.

2. The Woman's Comfort Book--By Jennifer Louden
This is one of those books that if I could only take a few while captured on a deserted island, it would definitely make it on the trip. It's a great resource guide for finding ways to create balance and live a life of authenticity and wholeness. There are exercises on goal setting, creative crafts, and even questions for self-reflection and growth. Lots of pampering between these pages.

3. Help Me I'm Worried--By Joyce Meyer
If your mom is like mine, she worries too much. In fact, I'm inclined to believe that as women, most of us are guilty here. :-) This book is just what the doctor ordered. It can help to alleviate the stress of worrying by providing scriptural passages, prayers, and timely tips to put things in proper perspective. With just 130 pages, it's also a quick read.
Meyers shares: "If you are caught in the deadly trap of trying to figure everything out in your life, then this book is for you!"

4. Antiques Roadshow Primer--By Carol Prisant
Does your mom dabble in antiques and collectibles? Is she always shopping for unique treasures at local estate sales, thrift stores and garage sales? I know I do! Which is why I was so delighted when I scored this reference guide at a nearby store for practically pennies.
Just like the TV show it's based off, it shares techniques, tools, and tips to determine the potential value of various pieces from different time periods--from furnishings, to jewelry, to odds and ends. The author takes a lot of the guess work out of evaluating your "treasures" by providing lovely black and white images and photos, and descriptions of the characteristics you need to look for in examining your pieces at home. It's more than a book; it's a history lesson. Buy it for your mom, borrow it for yourself. :-)

HERE ARE A FEW OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
Anthologies are all the rage! What's neat about them, is that they offer a variety of voices and experiences, and require a minimal investment of time, (because the short stories reflected typically range from one page to five).  "Not Your Mother's Book" takes a humorous approach to families, and features my blogging buddy Linda O'Connell. Think of it as a more "spicy" version of the popular "Chicken Soup" series.

And last but not least is a popular mystery by another blogging buddy, Susan Sundwall.

Well, there you have it.

Here's wishing you and yours a Mother's Day filled with memories to cherish, and pleasures worth writing about. :-)

If your mom happens to be "no longer with us," consider reading a few passages from one of her former favorites during quiet reflection, or passages of scripture accompanied by prayer.


Thoughts? Any book you think is worth a look? Do tell.