I know most of you Dads, like, ahem, my husband, probably haven't yet made a plan, or bought a gift for the mother of your children, but there's still time -- though time, as they say, is ticking. You have today and tomorrow only. So get moving. And nothing says "I love you and appreciate everything you do to help raise our children" like a good book AND the time to lie on the couch, the porch swing or hammock and actually read said book.
So, right now, do these things, in this order:
1) Book a reservation for brunch on Sunday -- yes, breakfast in bed cooked by the kids is sweet, but she'll only be thinking of the mess in the kitchen and won't really be able to enjoy it, so take it from me: take her out
2) Go to your local store and buy one (or more!) of these books: Things I Want My Daughters to Know by Elizabeth Noble -- she will laugh AND cry and you'll look so compassionate and aware of British authors (the ladies love the Brits)
The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan -- very popular with the mommies, she's probably seen the video, trust me and you'll look so sensitive
Belong to Me by Marisa de los Santos -- she read Love Walked In, I'm sure, and wants this new novel from de los Santos and you'll look as though you've paid attention to the books on her bedside table
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout -- just won the Pulitzer Prize and you'll look so "in the know"
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson -- the hottest book in book clubs these days and you'll look like you did your research
(all links bring you to my almost local bookstore, Clinton Book Shop in Clinton, NJ. You can also follow Clinton Book Shop on Twitter)
3) buy a card and pledge in the card to allot Mom 3, 4, or 5 (!) hours in which to simply read while you entertain the kids
Now, can someone send this post to my husband?





















































































































What's your husband's email? :-)
Posted by: Michelle B | May 08, 2009 at 12:12 AM
Your list is awesome (as is this entire Mother's Day gift idea.) I always love getting books for any holiday, but the alone time I what I'd really appreciate! Happy Mother's Day to you!
Posted by: Julie P. | May 08, 2009 at 07:24 AM
I'd like you to send it to my husband too!
Posted by: Kathy | May 08, 2009 at 08:00 AM
What an awesome post! The book part is great on its own but the time to read the said book? Priceless!
Hope your hub can take a hint ;)
My hub made plans for brunch and he is taking me to Ojai to visit a small bookstore I like there. He learned from his mistake of three years ago [insert evil laugh here].
Posted by: Ti | May 08, 2009 at 01:52 PM
Ojai -- like in Brothers and Sisters? I'm ridiculously addicted to that show.
Posted by: Book Club Girl | May 08, 2009 at 03:23 PM
I'm reading this after Mother's Day, but the suggestions are timeless ... books and uninterrupted reading time :)
Hope you had some fun on Mother's Day!
Posted by: Dawn - She Is Too Fond Of Books | May 15, 2009 at 10:33 AM
I love your list, and also that it was completely different from mine! Check mine out at http://bibliofreakblog.com/uncategorized/books-great-gifts-mothers-day/
I'm having more trouble thinking of a list for Father's Day. Any ideas?
Posted by: J.T. Oldfield | May 26, 2009 at 07:57 PM