Today I’m sharing several books for Mother Culture to help you get started with this enriching practice. Keep reading to get my favorite book ideas and don’t forget to check out the other posts from this Mother Culture series!
We’ve Defined It, We’ve Prepped For It, Now Let’s Start It
If you haven’t read my other two Mother Culture posts, I recommend you do so. If you’re particularly interested in this one anyway, let’s dive in to my favorite books for Mother Culture.
There are so many books for Mother Culture out there it’s almost overwhelming. That’s why the first tip I have for you in beginning your book list or TBR stack is to have an abundance mindset.
Abundance mindset; noun. The belief “that the world is full of enough resources and time for you to accomplish your goals.” (credit Stephen Covey.)
Or, to apply it to the topic at hand, the belief that you have enough time in the rest of your life to accomplish your reading goals AND the realization that starting a book does not mean you have to finish it š
Start Your Mother Culture Book List
Assuming you have something in place as a Commonplace book (we went over that in detail in Part 2) we can start a book list.
- Are there any books you’ve started and haven’t finished?
- Are there any books you’ve been seeing recommended over and over?
- Are there any on a list in the back of your head that you’d like to write down and have done with?
- Any you’re dying to read?
These are all good places to start.
There are also lots of Mother Culture book lists already floating around out there, ready to go. Not to mention the plethora of YouTube videos on this topic; usually something along the lines of ‘My Morning Time Basket’, ‘My Mother Culture Basket’, ‘Favorites For Mother Culture’, and so on.
These are great for getting ideas flowing! But I honestly think it’s best to start with what you have.
Form your Mother Culture habit without buying anything at first. The baskets and new books and pretty journals, pens and stationary are fun accessories. But they won’t make your Mother Culture habit. Only you can do that.
Might I suggest shopping your shelves, starting your list, and setting a goal? Then look forward to buying yourself a new book, journal, or gel pen set as a reward. Who doesn’t love a little delayed gratification?
Once you’ve picked a book or three from your own shelves, add a few from other sources.
My Top Books For Mother Culture (in no particular order)
The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer
This book really put into words for me why it matters that God is holy. It also goes over in detail the attributes of God (his omniscience, self-existence, etc.) and why they matter. It’s very accessible and is a must-read for any Christian.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
I didn’t read a lot of the classics in high school so I missed this one. If you did too, I highly recommend it. It’s a gripping and moody gothic novel that’s especially perfect for reading in the fall. Put it at the top of your Novel list.
The Gospel Comes with a House Key by Rosaria Butterfield
This one is convicting and encouraging at the same time. It’s a non-fiction Christian book that challenges homemakers to grow in hospitality. She combines practical advice (budgeting in order to make extra food for others) with lively anecdotes that inspire you rise to the challenge. Rosaria’s testimony is surprising and powerful.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
I tried to tackle this one in high school but I have to admit the many ‘Miss Bennets’ had my 14-year old head spinning. However I highly enjoyed it as a 30-year old.
Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
My then-7-year old daughter listened to this one with me off and on but I honestly wouldn’t call it a children’s book, nor was it intended to be. The themes of maturity, motherless-ness, loss, and accepting responsibility are certainly grown-up. I found this classic story surprisingly tender and it left me with a sort of melancholy feeling. Beautiful nonetheless, and worth a read, especially for mothers.
Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon
This isn’t just a cook book. It is a wealth of knowledge. I have found it not only helpful and informational, but also fascinating. I refer to it often and it has helped shape my food philosophy in a major way this year.
Mother Culture by Karen Andreola
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention this one. This is such a breezy, encouraging read. You can read chapters in any order but I chose to work straight through it. The vintage illustrations (taken from real Parents’ Review issues) are so fun and Karen offers many practical ideas along with the philosophy behind them, all interwoven with her love of Charlotte Mason. A must-read for Mother Culture.
Scripture
I can’t make a book list without referring to the ultimate Living Book- the Bible.
Of course the entire Bible is necessary and good.
But if you’re wondering what books would be good for Mother Culture specifically, I’ll offer just a few suggestions.
Proverbs
The book of Proverbs is a book of wisdom. In it you’ll find advice and sage sayings to help anyone in any season of life, but there are plenty that relate to women, namely mothers, in particular. Wisdom itself is personified as a woman!
Psalms
I love reading the Psalms for Mother Culture because it’s easy to just read one a day, much like Proverbs. The beautiful, poetic language lends itself perfectly to a Mother Culture session.
Mark
The Gospel of Mark is the most compact of the four Gospels. It has a sense of urgency to it and a lot of ground is covered in a relatively short book. However, there is so much packed in. I have to suggest following Mike Winger’s ‘Mark Series’ on YouTube or on his Bible Thinker podcast to get even more out of this account of Jesus’ earthly life.
Philippians
Philippians is known as “The Epistle of Joy”. Paul wrote it in prison where he, from an worldly perspective, had every reason to be distressed, discontent and in despair. Yet in chapter 4, verse 4, he urges the Philippians (and us!), “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” I doubt that I’m the only mother that needs all the reminders she can get to rejoice, no matter the circumstances š
Go For It
I’ve barely scratched the surface here on book lists. To be honest, I feel I’ve barely scratched the surface on Mother Culture for myself! I have a lot of books on my own TBR list.
Next up, I’m interested in finally getting through The Odyssey, and almost anything by C.S. Lewis.
Remember that even 15 minutes a day adds up! You (and your family) deserve what will come from taking a small window of time for yourself.
What books for Mother Culture would you add to the list?
Get started today and good luck!
-Tara
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