Motherhood, Rescheduled: The New Frontier of Egg Freezing
By Sarah Elizabeth Richards
Egg freezing is no longer considered “experimental medicine” by the medical community, and recent studies have shown that frozen eggs are just as good as fresh ones. In this intensely readable new book, Sarah Elizabeth Richards follows four women (herself included) who decide to freeze their eggs, and details both the decision-making process and the journey that ensues. The book is full of fascinating information about what Richards calls the great gender-equalizer, combined with touching and relatable personal stories about women trying to figure out if this motherhood thing is going to happen for them. It’s an invaluable resource for women considering the procedure, and a fantastic read for everyone else. You’ll find yourself eager to hear what happens to Sarah, Monica, Kelly, and Hannah, and grateful that shared their stories.
Homeward Bound: Why Women Are Embracing the New Domesticity
By Emily Matchar
The modern housewife has caused a media buzz, and Emily Matchar’s new book is a fascinating read on the subject. Matchar covers everything from the rise of hipsters to Anne-Marie Slaughter, and introduces an interesting cast of characters as she takes a good look at the appeal and pitfalls of America’s new obsession with all things homespun. “This complex, fascinating subject reveals so much about our culture and our era,” she writes in the introduction before delving into the reasons for the swell of domesticity, as well as what it means for present and future generations.
Papadaddy’s Book For New Fathers: Advice to Dads of All Ages
By Clyde Edgerton
This funny and easy read from writer Clyde Edgerton—who has kids ranging in ages from six to 30—is full of hilarious bits of advice. For example, “If your child is asking very intelligent and well-thought-out questions that are beyond you, it might be time to teach him to wipe himself.” Cartoons scattered throughout add another layer of humor to this witty and entirely valuable source of counsel.
Machiavelli for Moms: Maxims on the Effective Governance of Children
By Suzanne Evans
According to Evans, a former divorce lawyer with a Ph.D in history, it’s wise to take a cue from Machiavelli when you undertake the ultimate ruling position—that of a parent. Coyly written with Machiavellan language and advice such as “a good ruler sets limits—it is dangerous for a prince to be overly generous,” this book seems to be another sign that the creative nurturer school of parenting is stepping aside, at least for some. But this is no Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother—consider Machiavelli for Moms realistic parenting from the softer school of hard knocks.
The Honest Toddler: A Child’s Guide to Parenting
By Bunmi Laditan
From the creator of the hilarious twitter feed and online personality of the same name comes this great new book. The Honest Toddler’s hilarious Child’s Guide to Parenting, while not really a guide, offers up sage toddler knowledge such as, “the only difference between yogurt and lotion is the container. They both smell and taste great.” Bunmi Laditan based the persona on her youngest child, which must be why her writing rings so laugh-out-loud true. We think this would make a great Mother’s Day gift.
Let Them Be Eaten By Bears: A Fearless Guide to Taking Our Kids Into the Great Outdoors
By Peter Brown Hoffmeister
From a dad and director of an integrated outdoor program comes this plea for us to take to nature with our kids in tow. Hoffmeister explores the importance of connecting your child with the wilderness, and in the age of seemingly endless (and sometimes unavoidable) screen time, we have to agree that this book is right on target. And Let Them Be Eaten By Bears doesn’t just make the case for increasing your time outdoors—it also tells you just how to do so. Tips range how to stay warm to the positive thinking mantras you should recite in your tent.