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)