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The Books That Got Me Through the First Two Years
As we celebrate Mother's Day, bookseller Sasha James recommends the books that got her through the first two years as a new mum. A perfect combination of practical advice, timely reassurance and the ideal read to remind you that, however bad it gets, it could be much, much worse...
First-Time Parent by Lucy Atkins
Oh, how I laughed in the face of parenting books when I was pregnant. I was of the mind that didn’t need a book to tell me how to raise my child! But you know what, you might not need a book but Lucy Atkins reminded me that I was only human and I was trying my best. It was also the book that reassured me that all babies make that weird noise and it has great advice for single-parenting and special needs babies.
No sugarcoating, no nonsense, just the honesty of day-to-day parenting. The Unmumsy Mum kept me sane, I had followed her blog from the moment I found out I was with spawn. The book has taken on the form of a bible in my household.
The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell
Parenting can be really lonely sometimes and during my maternity leave The Bone Clocks became one of my best friends. Watching Holly Sykes mature over the six decades portrayed in The Bone Clocks was beautiful, buzzing and magical.
Making Babies by Anne Enright
Told through a series of essays, Anne Enright’s experiences through motherhood provide a raw read that I needed and now treasure with all my heart. I finished this book in the reassurance that when it comes to the struggles of motherhood, I wasn’t the only one.
What To Expect the 1st Year by Heidi E Murkoff
What to expect? The Worst. How to deal with it? With this book. Babies are really weird, there’s no logic, no reasoning and you just have to do your best. Murkoff’s my go-to when it comes to infant care. She has held my hand through sleepless nights, tummy time and weaning.
![What To Expect The 1st Year [rev Edition]](https://cdn.waterstones.com/bookjackets/large/9781/8473/9781847379740.jpg)
Why Mummy Drinks by Gill Sims
We all know why. Gill Sims’ novel will be handed out a antenatal classes in years to come. This is a book that will have you half cackling away to yourself and half-cringing like there’s no tomorrow.
Carrie by Stephen King
In short, don’t do anything Carrie White’s mother does. Carrie is one of my go-to comfort reads. Whenever there’s day that I find myself staring into the abyss of motherhood while my child is screaming and taking her clothes off in the middle of a shop I remind myself that at least I’m not Carrie’s mum.
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