The 10 Best Books for Working Moms to Read

Last Updated on 1 week by Saiful Islam

Being a working mom is no small feat. Juggling career responsibilities with family life can sometimes feel overwhelming, and finding a balance can be challenging.

But I’ve found that reading the right books can make a difference.

Over the years, I’ve discovered several books for working moms that have inspired and provided practical advice and strategies for managing the complexities of being a working mother.

In this post, I’ll share the ten best books for working moms that have significantly impacted thousands of working moms life.

Whether you’re looking for motivational books for working moms or practical guides to help you navigate your daily challenges, these working mother books offer something for everyone.

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The 10 Best Books for Working Moms to Read

I Know How She Does It by Laura Vanderkam

If you’ve ever wondered how some women seem to do it all—maintain successful careers, nurture their families, and still find time for themselves—Laura Vanderkam’s I Know How She Does It is a must-read. This book dives into the real-life schedules of working moms to show how you can maximize your time and find balance.

Why It’s Ideal for Working Moms

As a working mom myself, I found this book incredibly empowering. Vanderkam provides practical time management strategies that work in the real world. She dispels the myth that you must choose between a career and family by showing how successful moms make it all fit.

Key Takeaways

• Learn how to break down your week into manageable chunks.
• Discover strategies for maximizing productivity while still making time for family and self-care.
• Get inspired by real-life examples of moms thriving at work and home.

User Reviews and Ratings

• Average Rating: 4.5/5 stars
• Summary: Readers appreciate the realistic approach to time management and the actionable tips that can be applied to everyday life. Many working moms find it refreshing and motivating.

Best For

• Working moms looking to optimize their daily schedules and find balance.

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg

Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In is more than just a book; it’s a movement that has inspired countless women to pursue leadership roles without compromising their family life. Sandberg, the COO of Facebook, shares her experiences and offers advice on navigating the challenges of being a working mom in leadership.

Why It’s Ideal for Working Moms

This book struck a chord with me because it addresses the unique challenges women face in the workplace. Sandberg’s insights on balancing ambition with family responsibilities are precious, making it one of the best books for working moms looking to advance in their careers.

Key Takeaways

• Practical advice on leadership, negotiation, and building a supportive network.
• Insights on overcoming the internal and external barriers that hold women back.
• Encouragement to pursue your ambitions without guilt.

User Reviews and Ratings

• Average Rating: 4.4/5 stars
• Summary: Readers praise Sandberg for her candid and relatable advice. Many working moms feel empowered by the strategies shared and appreciate the encouragement to pursue their career goals.

Best For

• Working moms aspiring to leadership positions.

The Fifth Trimester by Lauren Smith Brody

Returning to work after maternity leave is daunting for many new moms. The Fifth Trimester by Lauren Smith Brody offers a guide to navigating this challenging period, providing support and practical tips for transitioning back to work while caring for a new baby.

Why It’s Ideal for Working Moms

I wish I had read this book when I returned to work after having my first child. Brody’s advice on managing this “fifth trimester” is compassionate and practical. It helped me feel less alone during an exciting and exhausting time.

Key Takeaways

• Tips for managing the emotional and physical challenges of returning to work.
• Strategies for finding the right childcare and negotiating flexibility at work.
• Real-life stories from other working moms who’ve been there.

User Reviews and Ratings

• Average Rating: 4.6/5 stars
• Summary: New moms particularly appreciate this book’s practical advice and emotional support. Many found it reassuring during the challenging transition back to work.

Best For

• New mothers returning to work after maternity leave.

Drop the Ball by Tiffany Dufu

Tiffany Dufu’s Drop the Ball is about letting go of the need to do everything perfectly and learning to delegate. This book is a game-changer for working moms overwhelmed by trying to balance it all.

Why It’s Ideal for Working Moms

This book helped me realize that I don’t have to be perfect to be a good mom or a prosperous professional. Dufu’s message is empowering: by letting go of perfectionism and asking for help, we can focus on what matters.

Key Takeaways

• How to prioritize your time and focus on what truly matters.
• Strategies for delegating tasks and sharing responsibilities at home.
• The importance of self-care and setting realistic expectations.

User Reviews and Ratings

• Average Rating: 4.5/5 stars
• Summary: Readers love the book’s practical approach to prioritizing and delegating. Many working moms found it liberating to let go of perfectionism and focus on their true priorities.

Best For

• Working moms struggling with perfectionism and feeling overwhelmed.

Mom & Me & Mom by Maya Angelou

Mom & Me & Mom is a deeply personal memoir by Maya Angelou that explores her relationship with her mother. While not specifically a book on being a working mom, Angelou’s reflections on motherhood, resilience, and love offer powerful lessons for all mothers.

Why It’s Ideal for Working Moms

This book touched my heart in unexpected ways. Angelou’s story of overcoming adversity and the strong bond she shared with her mother reminds her of the strength and resilience that all moms possess.

Key Takeaways

• Lessons on motherhood, resilience, and forgiveness.
• Inspiration to cherish and nurture the relationships with our mothers and children.
• A reminder of the power of love and perseverance.

User Reviews and Ratings

• Average Rating: 4.7/5 stars
• Summary: Readers are moved by Angelou’s heartfelt storytelling and the deep insights into the mother-daughter relationship. Many find it inspirational and comforting.

Best For

• Working moms seeking inspiration and connection through personal stories.

Working Mom’s Survival Guide by Suzanne Riss and Teresa Palagano

Working Mom’s Survival Guide is exactly what it sounds like—a practical guide to surviving and thriving as a working mom. It’s packed with time-saving tips, stress management techniques, and advice on balancing work and family life.

Why It’s Ideal for Working Moms

This book has been like a manual for me. The tips are practical, and the advice is relatable, making it one of the most beneficial working mother books I’ve read.

Key Takeaways

• Time-saving strategies for busy moms.
• Tips for managing stress and avoiding burnout.
• Advice on how to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

User Reviews and Ratings

• Average Rating: 4.4/5 stars
• Summary: Readers appreciate the practical, no-nonsense advice. Many working moms have found the tips helpful in managing daily challenges.

Best For

• Busy working moms looking for actionable advice and stress management tips.

Overwhelmed: Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time by Brigid Schulte

Brigid Schulte’s Overwhelmed explores modern women’s pressures to balance work, love, and play. This book delves into the cultural expectations that lead to overwhelming feelings and offers strategies for reclaiming your time.

Why It’s Ideal for Working Moms

This book resonated with me because it addresses feeling pulled in too many directions. Schulte’s research and insights helped me rethink how I manage my time and prioritize what’s important.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the cultural pressures that contribute to feelings of overwhelm.
• Strategies for reclaiming time for yourself and your family.
• Tips for finding joy and fulfillment in both work and play.

User Reviews and Ratings

• Average Rating: 4.3/5 stars
• Summary: Readers appreciate the research-based insights and practical advice. Many working moms find it helpful in rethinking how they manage their time.

Best For

• Working moms feeling stretched too thin and looking for ways to reclaim their time.

Mommy Burnout by Dr. Sheryl Ziegler

Mommy Burnout by Dr. Sheryl Ziegler addresses a common issue among working moms—burnout. This book offers practical solutions for recognizing the signs of burnout and taking steps to prevent and manage it.

Why It’s Ideal for Working Moms

This book was a wake-up call for me. Ziegler’s insights into the causes of burnout and her advice on self-care and stress management have been beneficial in my journey to maintain balance and well-being.

Key Takeaways

• How to recognize the signs of burnout before it’s too late.
• Strategies for self-care and stress management.
• The importance of setting boundaries and asking for help.

User Reviews and Ratings

• Average Rating: 4.5/5 stars
• Summary: Many readers find this book insightful and actionable, offering practical advice for preventing burnout. It’s praised for its compassionate tone and practical advice.

Best For

• Working moms experiencing or at risk of burnout.

Fair Play by Eve Rodsky

Fair Play by Eve Rodsky tackles the unequal distribution of household responsibilities, offering a system for rebalancing the workload at home. This book is perfect for working moms seeking more equality in their relationships.

Why It’s Ideal for Working Moms

This book opened my eyes to the mental load many women carry and provided practical tools for sharing responsibilities more fairly. It’s one of the best books for working moms looking to improve their work-life balance by enlisting the support of their partners.

Key Takeaways

• A practical system for dividing household tasks.
• Strategies for communicating and negotiating with your partner.
• Tools for reducing the mental load and finding more balance at home.

User Reviews and Ratings

• Average Rating: 4.6/5 stars
• Summary: Readers appreciate the practical tools and the fairness framework provided. Many working moms find it transformative for their home life.

Best For

• Working moms seeking better balance and fairness in household responsibilities.

You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero is a motivational book encouraging readers to embrace their inner power and live fulfilling lives. While it’s not specifically aimed at working moms, the message of confidence and self-empowerment is incredibly relevant.

Why It’s Ideal for Working Moms

This book gave me the motivational boost I needed during some tough times. Sincero’s no-nonsense advice and upbeat tone make it an excellent read for working moms who need a reminder of how awesome they are.

Key Takeaways

• Techniques for building confidence, setting goals, and taking control of your life.
• Strategies for overcoming self-doubt and embracing your true potential.
• Encouragement to live boldly and authentically, regardless of the challenges you face.

User Reviews and Ratings

• Average Rating: 4.7/5 stars
• Summary: Readers love Sincero’s motivational style and the practical advice provided. Many working moms find it to be an energizing and uplifting read.

Best For

• Working moms needing a motivational boost and confidence-building strategies.

Final Thoughts

These best books for working moms have significantly impacted my understanding and management of the challenges of balancing work and family life.

Each book offers unique insights, practical advice, and the motivation to thrive as a working mom.

Whether you’re just starting your career journey or looking for ways to deepen your understanding of work-life balance, these working mother books are invaluable resources.

Remember to check out these titles and discover how they can help you on your path to success and fulfillment as a working mom.

Happy reading!