Stuck on gift ideas for Mum this Mother’s Day? We’ve got you sorted!
Whether she likes fiction, biographies, cookbooks, coffee table books, crime & thriller, or self-improvement (and loads more), we have the perfect book gifts for every Mum this Mother’s Day.
Find Mum’s perfect gift below!
Fiction:
Here are our top Fiction picks:
Homecoming by Kate Morton
An epic novel that spans generations, Homecoming asks what we would do for those we love, and how we protect the lies we tell. It explores the power of motherhood, the corrosive effects of tightly held secrets, and the healing nature of truth. Above all, it is a beguiling and immensely satisfying novel from one of the finest writers working today.
Happy Place by Emily Henry
The fourth swoon-worthy rom-com from New York and Sunday Times bestselling TikTok sensation Emily Henry.
Harriet and Wyn are the perfect couples – they go together like bread and butter, gin and tonic, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. Every year for the past decade, they have left behind their lives to drink far too much wine and soak up the sea air with their favourite people in the world. Except for this year, they are lying through their teeth. Harriet and Wyn broke up six months ago. And they still haven’t told anyone.
This is the last time they’ll all be together here. The cottage is for sale, and since they can’t bear to break their best friends’ hearts, they’ll fake it for one more week. But how can you pretend to be in love – and get away with it – in front of the people who know you best? Read our review here.
The Bookbinder of Jericho by Pip Williams
“A boldly feminist novel that sings with the joy of life and the miracle of the printed word. Williams’ second novel was absolutely worth the wait.” – Ben Hunter, Booktopia Fiction Category Manager.
Biographies:
Here are our top recommendations for biographies:
Did I Ever Tell You This? by Sam Neill
In this unexpected memoir, written in a creative burst of just a few months in 2022, Sam Neill tells the story of how he became one of the world’s most celebrated actors, who has worked with everyone from Meryl Streep to Isabel Adjani, from Jeff Goldblum to Sean Connery, from Steven Spielberg to Jane Campion.
Did I Ever Tell You This? is a joy to read, a marvellous and often very funny book, the work of a natural storyteller who is a superb observer of other people, and who writes with love and warmth about his family. It is also his account of his life outside the film, especially in Central Otago where he established Two Paddocks, his vineyard famous for its pinot noir.
Running Strong by Candice Warner
Candice Warner knows all about the damaging consequences of living life in front of the cameras and has learned a lot about insulating from the worst that can be thrown at you – for herself, as a wife and partner, and as a mother.
Growing up with, competing in and living among some of the most hypermasculine and abrasive environments, Candice has had her integrity attacked, her worth questioned, and her decisions, body and mind judged. But she has never been stronger or more determined to forge the space she and her family need to be safe and to live a life filled with love, purpose, ambition and optimism.
Heartbake by Charlotte Ree
Deeply personal and rich with emotion, her prose heart-wrenching, hilarious and hunger-inducing in equal measure, Charlotte explores the complexities of her familial relationships, reflects on how the models she observed affected the love she chose to accept and felt she deserved, recalls both disastrous and delightful dates, and revels in the joy of sharing good food with strangers and significant others alike.
Cookbooks:
Our favourite cookbooks that we know Mum will love:
In Belinda’s Kitchen by Belinda Jeffery
A beautiful book of delicious, fail-safe recipes and delightful stories from Australia’s favourite home cook, Belinda Jeffery.
These are the essential dishes Belinda makes time and again – recipes that tell stories of family and friendship and hold a special place in her heart. Many were originally published 20 years ago, and by popular demand, Belinda has revisited and polished favourite recipes in her repertoire to reflect the way she cooks now – and added a handful of new ones. With Belinda’s wise and warm encouragement, this book is just like having her by your side in your own kitchen.
Strong, Sweet and Bitter by Cara Devine
Looking for something short and boozy? Or craving something citrus-y and fresh? You might just discover a cocktail you like using a spirit you never thought you’d enjoy all based on your mood or preference. The book also explores how to be a great host and contains breakout boxes filled with little facts and tidbits for hosts to share with their guests.
This is the ideal, most comprehensive foray into cocktail making for anyone looking to learn the ins and outs of being behind the bar.
Coffee Table Books:
Aesthetic, fun, and interesting coffee table books for Mum:
Megan Hess: The Bag by Megan Hess
Megan Hess: The Bag is an illustrated love story about the most timeless and useful of accessories, from internationally renowned fashion illustrator Megan Hess.
A beautiful bag is the ultimate fashion investment. From the Hermès Birkin to the Chanel Classic, the Lady Dior to the Louis Vuitton Trunk, and the Valentino Rockstud to the Fendi Baguette, these iconic bags are not just the perfect way to carry your lipstick and book – and complete your outfit. They are works of art and craftsmanship.
Megan Hess: The Shoe by Megan Hess
Megan Hess: The Shoe is the latest in the Ultimate Fashion Wardrobe series, filled with fascinating information and stunning illustrations and packaged up in a beautiful hardback: the ideal accessory for any creative life.
Nothing quite says style like an incredible pair of shoes. The red sole of a Louboutin, the jewelled buckle of a Manolo Blahnik, the simple perfection of a Chanel slingback, or the incredible finishes on a Jimmy Choo – these are the details that complete an outfit and define timeless elegance.
Australian Abstract by Amber Creswell Bell
Drawing on extensive interviews Amber Creswell Bell examines the diverse practices of more than forty contemporary abstract painters, documenting a repertoire of styles, subjects, visions and philosophies. Some compare abstract art to music, particularly jazz; others are inspired by nature, science and geometry; and some simply relish the opportunity to express complex emotions in a way words cannot. What unites these extraordinary artists, however, is the conviction that this form of expression chose them.
Crime & Thriller:
Our suspenseful crime and thriller recommendations:
Fire With Fire by Candice Fox
A married couple launches a deadly plan to find their missing child.
A half-dead man washes up on a Los Angeles beach.
A rookie cop is fired on her first day.
The Rising Tide by Ann Cleeves
Fifty years ago, a group of teenagers spent a weekend on Holy Island, forging a bond that has lasted a lifetime. Now, they still return every five years to celebrate their friendship and remember the friend they lost to the rising waters of the causeway at the first reunion.
Now, when one of them is found hanged, Vera is called in. Learning that the dead man had recently been fired after misconduct allegations, Vera knows she must discover what the friends are hiding, and whether the events of many years before could have led to murder then, and now . . .
But with the tide rising, secrets long-hidden are finding their way to the surface, and Vera and the team may find themselves in more danger than they could have believed possible . . .
Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder by Kerryn Mayne
Kerryn Mayne’s stunning debut is an irresistible novel that’s both chilling and charming, suspenseful and uplifting. And, of course, simply unforgettable…
‘With Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder, Kerryn Mayne makes a very grand entrance into the Australian literary scene. With humour, heart and characters you come to love, this is a book you will devour now, and keep thinking about later!’ Sally Hepworth, author of The Good Sister
Self Improvement:
Here are some self-improvement book recommendations:
The Secret Life of You by Kerri Sackville
When columnist and commentator Kerri Sackville decided to stop filling every idle moment with distraction and learn to be comfortable alone, her quality of life soared.
From boosting creativity and productivity, improving self-awareness, building resilience and moral courage, to improving relationships and connection with others, a bit of alone time is vital to well-being. But with smartphones, social media, endless streaming and podcast options, as well as the demands of work, family and friends, spending meaningful time on your own can feel impossible, unnecessary, or even indulgent.
Enough by Jana Pittman
Throughout this book, Jana shares her life with you: the good, the bad and the ugly. Her stories of sport, medicine, divorce, loss, solo parenting, and media shenanigans are told without embellishments or excuses. On her own admission, she’s often learned the hard way, rumbling with her demons, fighting against self-acceptance, and boxing with negative inner chatter. I’ve often been too honest, shared too much and talked too fast.
But over the years, she’s made peace with those demons: owning her flaws and choosing how to use her failures to become a stronger person, to the point where she now considers that the greatest success in life is believing in yourself.
Jana’s life lessons are inspirational, not because of her achievements – stellar though they are – but because of her willingness to share with readers how to stare down your own doubts and fears and believe in yourself and your dreams. This book is for anyone who has ever felt that they are not enough.
Explore more of our top Mother’s Day picks here.
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