Summer Reading for Moms: Your Guide to Self-Care Through Books
Reading Time: 4 minutes Reading for Moms This Summer: Escape the Chaos, One Page at a Time
Let’s be honest: summer can feel like a circus.
The kids are out of school, routines are tossed out the window, and your calendar is suddenly packed with swim lessons, summer camps, snack duty, and sunscreen reapplications.
The peace you finally carved out during the school year?
Gone.
And in the middle of the chaos, guess who tends to land at the bottom of the priority list? Yep. You.
But this summer, I want to challenge you to put yourself back on the list.
Right near the top.
And my favorite way to do that?
Get lost in a book!
Reading might feel like a luxury when you can barely finish your coffee before it gets cold, but I’m here to tell you: it’s not just indulgence.
It’s a lifeline.
Why Moms Deserve a Reading Break This Summer
We’re so good at pouring into everyone else—but when was the last time you poured into yourself?
Reading is one of the easiest, most affordable ways to step outside the daily grind and reconnect with your own thoughts, emotions, and imagination.
Even better?
It doesn’t require a babysitter, a weekend away, or perfect silence (though wouldn’t that be nice?).
It just takes a little intentional time—even five to ten minutes a day.
The Science-Backed Benefits of Reading for Moms
If you need more reasons to carve out time for reading, let’s look at what the science says:
1. It Reduces Stress
Just six minutes of reading can lower your stress by up to 68%.
That’s less time than it takes to clean up a juice spill.
Seriously.
2. It Boosts Mood & Energy
Getting lost in a story gives your brain a mini-vacation.
Even a few pages can reset your mindset, lift your spirits, and help you feel more centered when you go back to mom mode.
3. It Improves Focus and Productivity
Taking a break actually helps your brain reboot.
So while it may seem counterintuitive, stepping away from your to-do list can help you come back with better focus.
4. It Increases Emotional Intelligence & Empathy
Fiction, especially, helps you connect with different perspectives and emotions.
That can be super helpful when your toddler is having a meltdown and you’re trying not to join them.
How to Fit Reading Into Your Busy Summer
I get it.
Between camps, car rides, and the never-ending snack parade, when exactly are you supposed to read?
I’ve pulled together a few practical tips to make reading for moms feel realistic—even during summer madness.
Wake Up 10 Minutes Earlier
Not a huge jump—just 10 minutes.
Read while the house is quiet and your coffee is (hopefully) still hot.
Bring a Book Everywhere
Keep one in your bag, car, or next to the sunscreen.
Those little pockets of time while waiting at pickup or by the pool?
Perfect for a few pages.
Swap Scroll Time for Story Time
Scrolling Instagram before bed?
Try swapping it for a chapter instead.
Your sleep and your brain will thank you.
Listen Instead
Audiobooks are a game-changer.
Whether you’re folding laundry, driving across town, or pushing a stroller, you can still dive into a great story.
Audiobooks have changed the way I look at exercise, cooking, dishes-just about every mundane task!
Make It a Family Thing
Declare a daily reading time.
Everyone grabs a book (yes, even you).
It sets a great example and gives you permission to read guilt-free.
Remember-research says, you just need 6 minutes to make a major change.
What to Read This Summer: Pick Your Vibe
Here’s the fun part.
Choosing your summer reads is like building your dream escape plan.
Here are a few go-to categories:
Fiction Escapes
From swoony romances to gripping thrillers to magical fantasy—these are your “get lost for an hour” books.
Inspiring Non-Fiction
Learn something new, grow a skill, or get re-inspired.
Think memoirs, personal growth, or creative inspiration.
Beach Reads
Fun, fast, and feel-good.
These are the books you read in a lounge chair with a La Croix nearby.
And if you know me-I will have a coffee-if it is hot, make it iced!
Book Club Picks
Great stories that spark conversation.
(Even if your book club is just you and a friend texting each other your favorite lines.)
Tips for Picking the Right Book (and Actually Finishing It)
- Follow your mood: Don’t force yourself to read something “smart” if what you really need is something light and funny.
- Give yourself permission to quit: If you’re not feeling it, move on. No guilt.
- Use book discovery tools:
- Goodreads for tracking and reviews
- Libby for free eBooks and audiobooks from your library
- Libro.fm to support local bookstores with your audiobook purchases
- Online book clubs or mom reading groups for recommendations that fit your vibe
Final Thoughts: This Summer, Let It Be About You Too
Moms, we are so good at showing up for others.
But this summer, let’s also show up for ourselves.
Whether you prefer audiobooks or paperbacks, summer reading for moms is more accessible than you think.
Make space for stories.
For stillness.
For joy that isn’t dependent on anyone else.
Whether it’s five minutes in the carpool line or a rare, glorious hour alone at the pool—reading gives back more than it takes.
And if you need help choosing, I’ve got you!
Sign up for my email list and I’ll send you my Mom-Approved Summer Reading List packed with must-reads for every mood.
These are 25 “starter” books that are #1 in a a series.
This “little” list leads to over 200 amazing books! Because you deserve more than survival this summer. You deserve a story of your own.
Happy reading, mama.
Explore our captivating collection of books spanning fantasy, thriller, mystery, romance, and non-fiction. Click here to dive into a world of endless adventures and captivating stories.
“Take a deep breath. Find your inner peace.”
~ Master Oogway in Kung Fu Panda