Non-Required Reading List for Sarcastic Mothers

Bookstores are teeming with parenting books, instruction guides, and just about every kind of segmented aide from books about sleep habits to breastfeeding to general childhood development. For the overwhelmed and sleep deprived new parent, this is both a resource boon and choice nightmare. The following non-fiction books acknowledge that in the midst of it all, new mothers sometimes just need a laugh and that "the greatest job in the world" doesn't always feel that way.

These books simultaneously celebrate the joys of children while recognizing the challenges and ambiguity many mothers feel. In between relating to anecdotes and developments, readers may pick up coping techniques for their own day, even if it's just 20 minutes of reading a book that doesn't rhyme.

Operating Instructions by Anne Lamott (Pantheon Publishers, 1993)

If there was ever someone who knew how to laugh at herself, and make you laugh at yourself, it's Anne Lamott. Operating Instructions addresses the first year of her son Sam's life with humor and poignancy. Lamott is a single mother, recovering alcoholic, and spiritual woman, and is fearless talking about the dark side of early motherhood (who knew poo could go that far?). Many of her descriptions will have you laughing out loud and nodding in recognition.

How My Breasts Saved the World by Lisa Wood Shapiro (Lyons Press, 2004)

Unfortunately, breastfeeding is not always the most natural thing in the world. For the many women who struggle with this process, this light-hearted memoir will feel like talking to a friend. It's not a breastfeeding guide, but instead one mother's experience navigating the sometimes rocky but rewarding world of nursing.

Mother Shock by Andrea J. Buchanan (Seal Press, 2003)

The subtitle "Loving Every (Other) Minute of It" aptly describes the life-altering adventure that begins once the baby arrives. The individual essays address issues like sleep deprivation, failure to meet expectations, and post partum depression, and then throws in topics like how the author (fails to) juggle work and motherhood at a business lunch meeting. Buchanan helps mothers to see that it's okay not to feel fulfilled by their children 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and provides an honest articulation of the things that many new moms feel when they become parents. Yet in the midst of discourse, it is always clear how wonderful motherhood truly is.

Mama's World: Essays from the Inside Out by Tifany Palesi (Hats Off Books, 2004)

By far the most serious of the books, this short book of essays addresses the everyday experiences of a stay at home mom, and how even a trip to the grocery store is an adventure with young children. Palesi is on a different financial plane than many of her readers, but her experiences with mother's groups, weekly Wednesday lunch dates with her son, and day-to-day activities are easily relatable. Best read by mothers of slightly older children, the book examines the daily life and emotions of a woman who chose to stay at home.

The Three-Martini Playdate by Christie Mellor (Chronicle Books, 2004)

Raise your hand if you've ever gotten up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom and had that trip hampered by a toilet lock. This tongue-in-cheek "Practical Guide to Happy Parenting" tells parents to take back their lives from the grips of childrearing and still raise happy and healthy children. Pass this book around to your friends; if they don't think it's hilarious also, you may need to rethink your friendship.

These books fill different needs of early motherhood. If you like them and thirst for more, Christie Mellor has a new book coming out April 19, Ayun Halliday is always an excellent read, and Amazon.com can link you to a host of complementary titles. Happy reading!