As we approach Mother’s Day in Australia, it’s not uncommon for me to open up shopping catalogues and make this face.

Why? It’s usually because I’m not interested in most of the products on sale, but also due to the pandering nature of advertising copy.

So I thought I would write a post that offers an alternative to the regular sort of “Get her a colouring book, they’re cool right now, and a novelty mug*” present suggestions. Well, these are books. That’s as far as the similarity goes.

*To stress: there’s nothing wrong with those things if they make you happy. I think the colouring fad is on the way out, though.

Your mum likes: an epic story

Answer: The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

Beloved by everyone – honestly, I’ve never met a person who didn’t like it – The Pillars of the Earth is the sprawling saga of a man’s vision to build the most spectacular cathedral in 12th century England. Sounds boring? No way. Follett’s talent is his accessible easy-to-read style and balance of the central plot while weaving through historical events, politics, sex and betrayal.

Your mum likes: Australian non-fiction

Answer: True Stories by Helen Garner

If your mum is a recent convert to Garner’s writing after having read new release Everywhere I Look, then feel safe in a selection of True Stories for a suitable shelf companion. It is a similar collection of her work, this time from the 80s and 90s. I was originally going to write about The Feel of Steel, but I think that has gone out of print. I bought True Stories myself on the weekend and look forward to jumping back into it.

Your mum likes: motivational/inspirational women

Answer: Daring Greatly by Brene Brown and Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed

I’ve put these two together not only because they fit the same description, but because I’m going to say straight up that Tiny Beautiful Things won’t for everyone. I adore Strayed’s bravery and lead-with-the-heart attitude, but I feel it best to add a language and difficult content warning if that could be a potential problem for an intended recipient. Some people really hate cursing. I don’t. (Example A: this post title.) I don’t want this caveat to stop others, though: I cried while reading this – it’s wonderful.

Brown’s message is similar: be courageous. Daring Greatly has a cracker of a subtitle, ‘How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead’. Sold. If you’re unsure, check out her multi-million viewed TED Talks.

Your mum likes: zeitgeist-with-a-heart

Answer: Humans of New York: Stories by Brandon Stanton

Humans of New York (HONY) began as a photography project Stanton set for himself in 2010 and quickly grew into a global phenomenon, spawning many similar projects, inspiring change and showcasing humanity in all its forms. Stanton’s gift is not only taking great photographs but getting his subjects to open up and share their stories, and this book collects together a selection of these. Note there are two very similar books – this is his second. His first, Humans of New York, is a similar size and same price, but I hear this one is better because it has the stories.

Your mum likes: timeless style and glamour

Answer: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Saw the Leonardo DiCaprio/Baz Luhrmann adaption? Great. Some or all of the other movies, too? Cool. The book? Maybe not.

It’s a slim, divine novel. Approximately 47,000 words, or so many estimates say, and many of these are devoted to descriptions of 20s glamour, wild parties and champagne. You could go the extra mile and get the copy with the same cover art as the first edition (see picture above, and link). I’m willing to bet that will be noticed and appreciated.

What do you think? Can you think of other titles? I’m an affiliate of Booktopia, which means if you click through to a link above and make a purchase I’ll receive a commission from that. For Mother’s Day presents to arrive in time you must order before April 24th for in-store titles and April 17th for non-stocked titles. Or, you can buy Crying in the Car from me anytime you like 🙂