This year, Single Mom Defined members made a reading resolution! We vowed to read something beyond bedtime stories. We polled our members and compiled a list of the best books for single mothers to put on their nightstands. The list includes titles that will inform, empower and uplift. Click here to read Part I.
If you want to read along with friends, join our book club. We’re teaming up with Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and launching an online and in-person program. Interested in joining in? Fill out this survey! Single Mom Defined Member and Book Club Program Manager Sonya Singleton will be in touch with the details. Every six weeks, moms will pick a title, read the book and host a chat. We’ll provide the space, snacks and reading guides.
Books for Single Moms
No time to read? We got you covered! We’ll post a related article every month. You can attend a meeting and talk about the book’s topic. Meanwhile, check out these six titles, which are available in CLP’s catalog.
The Kickass Single Mom by Emma Johnson
This book is the boost newly single moms need. It reassures you that you can reach your financial goals, even if you’re now a one income househould, as well as your romantic ones. ~Farah Middleton, Single Mom Defined Member
The Love Prison Made by Ebony Roberts
Co-parenting 101 by Deesha Phillywaw
Co-parenting 101 is a best friend, therapist and mediator wrapped up into one! I was fortunate to receive advice from not only the book but also the author, since Deesha Phillywaw, a fellow blogger and memeber of Single Mom Defined, lives here in Pittsburgh. Our chats overy curry and samosas helped my co-parenting relationship move from bitter to better. ~Heather Hopson, Single Mom Defined Founder
The Conscious Parent by Dr. Shefali Tsabary
Conscious Parenting emphasizes the need for parents to become more aware of who we are, what shaped us as children, people and parents, and how to extend more compassion toward our children through internal clarity. By actively recognizing and unpacking my experiences and sitting in my light and darkness, I am better able to recognize and guide my son through his experiences. I can connect to what he’s feeling (because I’ve felt it), which has created a deeper, transformative bond. I can see him wholly, beyond what I need him to do or who I want him to be, because I’m doing a better job of seeing myself. If I’m not aware of my experiences and intergenerational patterns and how they’ve shaped me, I’m not aware of what I’m projecting on him. This book teaches that our self-work as caregivers is essential toward being effective in guiding our children toward being the people they want to be. ~Medina Jackson
Real Money Answers for Every Woman: How to Win the Money Game With or Without a Man by Patrice Washington
I learned about Patrice Washington through her podcast Redefining Wealth. I had been reading financial literacy books for some time, but this was the first one that explained finances in a way we can all understand. Not only does this book focus on practical things you can do but it also focuses on shifting your mindset. I picked up my first copy at the library and turned around to bought it for a staple for every home library. ~Brandi Lee, Single Mom Defined Member
The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears by Mark Batterson
I read the Circle Maker a few years ago during a church fast. It challenged my walk with God, specifically concerning my prayer life. I refer back to this book to give me hope for my co-parenting relationship to improve Things are not easy, but I’ll pray in circles until something changes. ~Kim Fairley, Single Mom Defined Member
Save the Date
The first title, picked by moms, is Before She Knew HIm by Peter Swanson. Click here to listen to an audio excerpt. Our inaugural book club meeting will be held Sunday, March 22, 2020 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. You can check out the event postings in our private Facebook group!
