On the Reading Porch: A Book List For Mamas Who Read

“Now that’s a good book. I feel like I could do anything.”

Those were the words that came to mind a few years ago when I reached the last page of a really good book my friend recommended. I underlined the last line, closed the book, hopped out of my hammock, and headed inside a new me. I’d been dabbling in personal growth and self-help books for two decades at that point. But all of a sudden, I was tired of dabbling. I wanted more. I needed more.

I knew I was meant for more. So I rode the high from that one good book and applied for the online graduate school program I’d been putting off for 14 years. Pretty soon, I was reading more books than I ever thought possible – especially as a busy mama. Taking the plunge was heaven – I was on fire and loving it. No burning out in sight. And when my graduate degree was finished, I felt like I was only getting started.

Something had been flipped on inside of me.

Something I hope never gets flipped off again. I became a mama who reads. Insatiably. Uncontrollably. All the freakin’ time. And my personal growth has multiplied exponentially as a result.

I’ve started watching myself bust past mindsets that held me back for years. I started earning double (almost triple) what I thought possible in my nonprofit-focused career. And I started saying goodbye to relationships I needed to break away from for decades. It felt like I was finally starting to step into my fullest potential like never before. I’m nowhere near where I want to be–not even close. But I’m a better mama, better wife, better friend, and better human than I was before. I still struggle, doubt myself, and have fears to overcome, but it feels good to be getting started.

My gut tells me you either know how this feels or you’re aching for it.

You send me book recommendations in the email group. You comment on my book posts on Instagram and send loads of likes every time I talk about what’s on my reading porch. You even send me books in the mail and ask me what I think of them. Clearly, you’re mamas who read. Thank you.

You’ve helped me get ready to start sharing my favorites in a book list for mamas who read. A book list that goes beyond the 5 books I wish I had read as a new mom. A book list completely separate from what my teen and tween love to read. A book list that’s ever-growing, always changing, and forever being added to for years and years to come. One straight from my ever-growing book stack to yours.

Here’s how it works:

Below is a list of books I’ve read and loved organized by category – all completely unpaid, unaffiliated, unadulterated opinions by only me.

I’ll add books to the list as often as I read good ones.

How to participate:

Bookmark this page for easy access when you’re looking for your next read.
Read the books & share on social media with a tag to this page (& me).
Stay tuned in the email group to be notified when new book are added to the list.
Comment below to tell me what you think or what I should read next. Or shoot me a note privately to chat about books (or even about swapping a few by mail if you want).

I hope you love them! (*All possible book links go to bookshop.org - a great way to support local, independent bookstores as an alternative to building Amazon’s wealth. I’m not an affiliate - just a fan. A big fan.)