Family, Women, & Queer

In a witty and smart-as-they-come voice, bestselling author and mother of four Ayelet Waldman offers us her insights into what it means to be a mother today. Refreshingly, Waldman also encourages women to give themselves a break. Bad Mother is an edgy, thought-provoking collection that is also great fun and a relief to read. —S.M.C.

When bestselling author Michael Lewis (Moneyball, The Blind Side) became a father, he decided to keep a written record of what actually happened immediately after the birth of each of his three children. This book is that record. But it is also something else: a funny, unsparing account of ordinary daily household life from the point of view of the man inside. “Hilarious. No mushy tribute to the joys of fatherhood, Lewis’ book addresses the good, the bad, and the merely baffling about having kids,” says the Boston Globe.

It’s back and it’s updated! This great guide to women’s health issues covers everything from PMS to menstrual cramps, breast cancer, infertility and depression. Northrup interweaves feminist philosophy with western medicine to examine the psychological roots of many chronic health problems. She explores the mind-body connection and natural biorhythms and backs her claims with numerous anecdotal success stories. This is an empowering resource for women of any age. —Adrienne Mages