Mother’s Day is here. It’s time to break out your best card, grab some pretty flowers, and maybe even make your mom breakfast if you feel like really going the distance.Despite it being celebrated at different times—and in different ways—around the world, Mother’s Day in the U.S. is traditionally celebrated on the second Sunday of May. Mother’s Day as we know it here in America was founded by Ann Jarvis in 1908, although it wasn’t until 1914 that it became an official U.S. holiday.
My own mother has a literature-infused heart, much like myself. So, in honor of her, on a day that was formed to honor her and others who have taken on the joys and challenges of motherhood, I decided to ask her for a few of her favorite titles. Here are some of the titles she decided to share with the world and why she loves them:
1) Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
“I enjoyed it so much and immediately knew it was a keeper, read it over and over. I loved the rich detail of the fictional Camelot history mixed with the amazing story telling. I fondly remembering reading this and experiencing love and heartache with sprinkles of intriguing history.”
2) Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
“One of the first non-teen books my daughter (me) and I both got into. Loved seeing her get to parts that were disturbing or heartbreaking and how the crafted world affected her. We would get lost in conversations discussing the story and share our love or dislike of the characters. When I think of this book, I think of the bonding between us that was sparked by the amazing story.”
3) City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
“My daughter and I fell in love with this series. The thought of half-human half-Angels here to protect mankind was thrilling to me. I enjoyed the youthful interactions between the eclectic casts of the human and supernatural characters. I always thought a little teenage angst is good for a 50-year-old’s soul—gotta stay young!”
My mother and I felt joy together within the pages of these books, and many more. They helped us form a friendship that has lasted into my adult life. Growing up, our moms may have yelled at us, grounded us, and more. Just try and remember, especially today, that most of the time it was out of pure love. And just because we grow up, doesn’t mean they stop being our moms.