Mother: Noun. Trailblazer. Superstar. Boss. But also, a normal person.

I think at some point we all realize that our mothers are just normal people. They come with their own flaws and quirks — trying their best to show up for themselves while also raising us. I’m not here to show you how amazing mothers can be — you already know that. Instead, let’s get a little less serious and see how silly and weird mothers can be with some mom-coms. These books and movies celebrate the hilarious lives of mothers and their relationships with their friends, family, and even themselves.

BOOKS

Delve into the messiness of motherhood – both the messiness of the neighbors’ drama and the messiness kids create around the house — with these books on the Libby app. Take a look at how the mothers in these stories navigate the clutter of life through friendship, makeovers, and a little liquid therapy.

The Saturday Night Sauvignon Sisterhood by Gill Sims

“Are you having wine, Mum? You know you’re not supposed to have wine every night.”

Enter the Sauvignon Sisterhood, a new set of friends brought together by a shared love of liquid therapy. Together they might just be able to convince Claire that, like a good bottle of red, life really can get better with age. Or at least there’s more to it than the joy of an M&S non-iron school uniform.

Other People’s Houses by Abbi Waxman

Frances vows to stay in her own lane after spotting Anne in an extramarital affair. But when Anne’s husband throws her out a couple of days later, the repercussions of the affair reverberate through the four carpool families — and Frances finds herself navigating a moral minefield that could make or break a marriage.

The Secret Life of an Uncool Mom by Serena Terry

Tara Gallagher used to dream of being Beyoncé but suddenly she’s 36 with three kids, a loving husband, a very boring job — and instead of headlining Coachella, she’s in her pajamas on a Friday night, watching cheesy TV. It’s time for a mommy makeover.

MOVIES

You could take Mom to Mother’s Day brunch and wait a couple hours to get seated at that new popular restaurant you found on Instagram. Or you can order in, turn on Kanopy, and enjoy your dinner with a movie. These films highlight the changes that happen in families and how they change relationships with mothers.

Fitting In (2023) directed by Molly McGlynn

This irreverent coming-of-age comedy follows 16-year-old Lindy, who is unexpectedly diagnosed with a reproductive condition. The news upends Lindy's views on womanhood and sexuality and her relationship with her mother. Most importantly, it changes her own relationship with herself.

Before You Know It (2019) directed by Hannah Pearl Utt

A pair of codependent sisters have just found out a huge family secret — the mother they thought was dead is alive. As they discover her current whereabouts, their lives are thrust into a literal soap opera.

The Second Mother (2015) directed by Anna Muylaert

Val is a hard-working live-in housekeeper in Sao Paulo. She’s perfectly content to take care of every one of her wealthy employers' needs, but her daughter Jessica suddenly shows up – refusing to accept these unspoken but intrinsic class barriers, testing relationships and loyalties and forcing everyone to reconsider what family really means.

*Access to books and films may vary by library & region.

This Mother’s Day, enjoy these fresh takes on motherhood along with a laugh or two at the complexities and quirks that come with one of the toughest jobs on the planet.

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