Move Over Chocolates: Book Expert Reveals 5 Reads That Will Make Mum’s Day

From tear-jerkers to laugh-out-loud tales – these books will show mum you really care

• Book expert shares five standout books that make thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts with just two weeks until the celebration on March 30th
• Recommendations include moving family sagas, laugh-out-loud memoirs, and thoughtful fiction that celebrates motherhood in all its forms
• Expert suggests personalising your gift by matching the book to your mother’s interests and including a heartfelt note explaining why you chose it

With Mother’s Day approaching on Sunday, March 30th, many of us are searching for a meaningful gift that shows appreciation beyond the usual flowers and chocolates. While these traditional presents certainly have their place, a carefully chosen book offers something more lasting – hours of enjoyment and a thoughtful reminder of your relationship.

“Books make particularly special Mother’s Day gifts because they can be tailored so perfectly to your mum’s personality and interests,” explains Taskeen Ahmed, Founder of Awesome Books, a sustainable UK bookseller that has rescued over 130 million books from landfills since 2003.

Ahmed, who has helped thousands of customers find the perfect literary gifts, has compiled a curated list of five books that make wonderful Mother’s Day presents this year, explaining why each has the potential to become a treasured gift rather than just another item on the bookshelf.

Five Books That Make Perfect Mother’s Day Gifts

1. “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus

This bestselling debut novel follows Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant scientist in the 1960s who becomes the reluctant star of a TV cooking show. What makes this story special is how it combines humour with thoughtful exploration of gender roles, family bonds, and perseverance.

“This book has been incredibly popular with mothers of all ages,” says Ahmed. “It features a strong female protagonist navigating motherhood on her own terms while breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. The story manages to be both funny and moving – perfect for mums who appreciate characters who don’t conform to society’s expectations.”

The novel’s exploration of unconventional family structures and the protagonist’s relationship with her daughter makes it particularly resonant for Mother’s Day, offering both entertainment and meaningful themes to discuss together afterwards.

2. “The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman

For mothers who enjoy mysteries with a side of humour, Richard Osman’s clever crime novel features four septuagenarians who meet weekly in their retirement village to solve cold cases. When a real murder happens on their doorstep, they put their diverse skills to work.

“This book combines sharp wit with genuine warmth,” Ahmed explains. “The older characters have rich life experiences and wisdom that many mothers will relate to, regardless of their age. It’s also the start of a series, so if your mum enjoys it, you’ve got her next few gifts sorted too!”

The friendships at the heart of the story, alongside the engaging mystery plot, make this a page-turner that’s hard to put down – perfect for giving mum some well-deserved relaxation time.

3. “I Am, I Am, I Am” by Maggie O’Farrell

This extraordinary memoir tells the story of O’Farrell’s life through 17 near-death experiences. While that might sound heavy for a Mother’s Day gift, the book is ultimately a life-affirming celebration of resilience and motherhood.

“This is a more profound choice that resonates deeply with many mothers,” says Ahmed. “O’Farrell writes so beautifully about her experiences as a mother and her fierce determination to protect her children. The final chapter, which focuses on her daughter’s severe allergies, contains some of the most powerful writing about maternal love I’ve ever read.”

For mothers who appreciate literary memoir and emotionally resonant writing, this award-winning book offers both beautiful prose and profound insights into the maternal experience.

4. “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt

This heartwarming novel features an unlikely friendship between a widow who cleans an aquarium and Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus with an escape habit. As their stories intertwine, both embark on journeys of discovery and healing.

“This book has become a word-of-mouth sensation among our customers,” Ahmed notes. “It’s charming without being saccharine, and explores themes of loneliness, connection, and finding purpose later in life. The octopus narrator is surprisingly affecting, and many readers tell us they’ve bought copies for their mothers after loving it themselves.”

The gentle humour and unexpected emotional depth make this a comforting read that still offers plenty to think about – ideal for mothers who enjoy character-driven stories with a touch of whimsy.

5. “Love in Colour” by Bolu Babalola

This vibrant collection reimagines love stories from mythology and folklore around the world, centring women’s experiences and desires in fresh, contemporary ways.

“For mothers who enjoy short stories or might not have large blocks of reading time, this collection is perfect,” says Ahmed. “Each story stands alone but together they form a gorgeous tapestry of love in many forms – not just romantic love, but familial bonds too. Babalola’s writing is rich and vivid, making these tales feel timeless while at the same time completely new.”

The diverse perspectives and celebration of love in its many forms make this an uplifting gift that mothers can dip into whenever they have a spare moment.

Taskeen Ahmed, Founder of Awesome Books, commented:

“The perfect Mother’s Day book is one that shows you’ve really thought about what would resonate with your mum as an individual. Consider what she’s passionate about, what makes her laugh, or what might move her. The books I’ve highlighted appeal to different reading tastes, but what they share is quality storytelling and themes that celebrate relationships and resilience.

“To make your gift extra special, write a personal note inside explaining why you chose this particular book for her. Maybe highlight how a character reminds you of her strength, or mention that you’d love to discuss the story once she’s finished reading. You could even turn it into a two-person book club experience by getting a copy for yourself too.

“We’ve seen a growing trend of people choosing pre-loved books as meaningful gifts. There’s something lovely about giving a book that already has a history – it’s sustainable and adds character. And remember, the best book gift isn’t necessarily the most expensive or newest release – it’s the one chosen with care and an understanding of what would bring your mum joy.”