I used to be that annoying friend who would say, “Oh, I read that,” whenever someone brought up a new book. My commutes to work and child-free nights and weekends gave me much more time to devour good books. Now, I can’t muster the energy for anything more than a scroll through my Facebook newsfeed before bedtime.
When I do manage to pick up a book, it’s a light read, if not in subject, than in style. Young Adult (YA) novels are my jam, as are other quick reads. If becoming a busy mom has put you on the same reading level as me, then check out some of these fantastic books that will feed your brain without exhausting it. Feel free to say, “I read that!” in the comments, and let me know what other books you’re loving right now.
The Age of Miracles
By Karen Thompson Walker
Tween-hood is hard enough without having to come of age during the slow end of the world (i.e. an apocalypse), which is exactly what Julia faces in this creative and stunning novel.
Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend
By Matthew Dicks
Budo, the imaginary friend of a boy with autism, narrates this unique and endearing story. I promise you, when one of your kids introduces you to his or her imaginary friend, you will think back fondly to this book.
The Nightingale: A Novel
By Kristin Hannah
This one tugs on your heart strings and forces you to think about what you’d do if faced with the same grave situations that these two sisters endure in France during World War II. It’s a fast read because you won’t be able to put it down.
Everything, Everything
By Nicola Yoon
Madeline has a rare disease that makes her allergic to everything. She stays home with her mother and nurse, but that doesn’t stop her from falling in love with her new next door neighbor. The permanently teenage part of your heart will flutter over the description of her love interest. What will we do for love? A must read.
Eleanor & Park
By Rainbow Rowell
This teenage love story takes place in the 1980s between two misfits who find love on the school bus and triumph over darkness at home. You’ll enjoy the ’80s references. You’ll root for these two to make it together, and you’ll wish Rowell would write an update, so you can see how they faired as adults.
The Arrangement: A Novel
By Sarah Dunn
Follow Lucy and Owen as they trade in their too comfortable suburban marriage for the risks and adventure of an open marriage, no questions asked. After their six month trial period, what do they decide to do? You won’t want to wait to find out.
On the Island
By Tracey Garvis Graves
If you have a fear of plane crashes, power through the opening chapters because discovering how 30 year old Anna and her student, 16 year old TJ, learn to survive and fall in love on a deserted island is totally worth it.
Barely Breathing Series
By Rebecca Donovan
In this three part series, readers take an emotionally intense journey with 16 year old Emma Thomas who endures unspeakable physical and emotional abuse and tries to cover it up, until Evan Matthew notices and doesn’t let her hide anymore. You will alternate between wanting to hug Emma and shake some sense into her, and you will definitely cry, but the characters will stick with you, making it a worthwhile journey.
But Did You Die?: Setting the Parenting Bar Low
By Various authors
The 5th installment in the “I Just Want to Pee Alone” series offers hilarious and relatable stories from funny parents whose work you’re probably already familiar from their articles on the world wide web. The beauty of this book is that it’s a collection of short stories, making it super easy to put down and pick up at your convenience.
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (and Other Concerns)
By Mindy Kaling
You probably know writer and actress Mindy Kaling from her roles in “The Office” and “The Mindy Project,” so you won’t be disappointed by this funny lady’s memoir. She’s engaging and charming as she shares insightful personal stories and observations on friendship, love, and work.
Bossypants
By Tina Fey
Fey writes this memoir with her trademark wit and candidness. You’ll get a behind the scenes peek at “Saturday Night Live” and “30 Rock,” as well as useful insights on how to come into one’s own as a successful woman.
The Big Fat Activity Book for Pregnant People
By Jordan Reid and Erin Williams
Even if you’re not pregnant, flipping through this book will make you chuckle as you recall the wild journey that is pregnancy and new motherhood. With irreverent wit and smart illustrations, the book is a mixture of commentary about the woes of pregnancy and newborns and funny activities like word finds, mad libs, and mazes.
