Books for MOM

From time to time, Mom asks me for book recommendations. Mom’s rules for novels: no swearing, sex, or violence, and not too dark & depressing. Mom likes a gentle, cozy read. Mom really liked Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand, by Helen Simonson, and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, by Mary Ann Shaffer, so I was glad to hear about The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry, by Gabrielle Zevin, which has been compared to both of those books.

Summary:

A.J. Fikry, the irascible owner of Island Books, has recently endured some tough years: his wife has died, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and his prized possession--a rare edition of Poe poems--has been stolen. Over time, he has given up on people, and even the books in his store, instead of offering solace, are yet another reminder of a world that is changing too rapidly. Until a most unexpected occurrence gives him the chance to make his life over and see things anew. Gabrielle Zevin's enchanting novel is a love letter to the world of books--an irresistible affirmation of why we read, and why we love.

I also found out Mom hadn’t read The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, by Rachel Joyce, so she added that one to her list too.

I almost didn't recommend Elizabeth is Missing, by Emma Healey, because it's a little darker than her ideal pick, but I think she's going to love the post WW2 setting and the compassionate way that the author treats her characters. (And I personally LOVED it! Maybe you will too.)

Summary:

Maud's memory is going quickly. She doesn't always know who her daughter is and ends up buying cans of peaches at the store every time she shops because she can't figure out how to find the items on her list. One thing Maud is sure of though, her friend Elizabeth is missing. But she can't convince anyone else. So Maud leaves herself notes and attempts to visit Elizabeth, only to be turned away by her angry son, Peter. Maud's investigative attempts also awaken memories of an earlier disappearance, that of her sister Sukey many years ago. Where Maud has difficulty keeping track of her current life from moment to moment, the past becomes clearer and forms a disturbing picture—one that may connect to the missing Elizabeth.

Do you have more recommendations for Mom? What books do you recommend books to your mom? Happy Mother’s Day!