Jackson Free Press

Getting any gift for Mom is always a daunting task. It's either classy or sassy, depending on her style. So why not get her a book? It can appeal to both sides, and do and learn something new on her special day.

"Letter to My Daughter" by Dr. Maya Angelou (Random House Trade Paperbacks, 2009, $15)
Maya Angelou has compiled 28 short essays and poems on life, faith and motherhood. Although Angelou gave birth to only one child, a son, she writes this to the women of the world, taking us all in as her daughters. The lessons she shares are poignant and honest. This is a great read, offering invaluable lessons from the remarkable Angelou, who has led a rich and full life.

"Dress Your Best: The Complete Guide to Finding the Style That's Right for Your Body" by Clinton Kelly and Stacy London (Three Rivers Press, 2005, $19.95)
"What Not to Wear" on The Learning Channel is one of my favorite TV shows. My mom and I can't get enough. Now you can give mom all the tips from Kelly and London in a colorful guide that will be permanent fixture on her bedside table. She'll learn what styles flatter her body type, which in return will help boost self-confidence and improve how she present herself to the world.

"The Power of a Praying Parent" by Stormie Omartian (Harvest House Publishers, 2007, $16.99)
My mother has been praying for my sister and me for as long as I can remember. And although we still face challenges in life, prayer has been a constant and powerful force that has helped us prevail. Omartian offers specific prayers moms can say daily for their children to protect them from harm, help with handling peer pressure, maintaining good health and excelling in education.

"Real Simple: Celebrations" (Real Simple, 2006, $27.95)
Another title from Real Simple will help mom become a rock star at planning parties for any occasion. The book breaks down parties into categories: annual (holidays), occasional (birthdays and BBQs) and anytime celebrations. It leads readers through timelines, menu planning and decorations with checklists and game ideas.

"Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine: Alternative Therapies and Integrative Medicine for Total Health and Wellness" by Tori Hudson (McGraw-Hill, 2nd edition, 2007, $24.95)
Did you know that valerian root can help with stress, anxiety and restful sleep? The earth offers tons of natural remedies that can help alleviate a plethora of medical conditions. The "Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine" can help build mom's knowledge of homeopathic medicine to bring greater wellness to her life.

"Real Simple Solutions: Tricks, Wisdom and Easy Ideas to Simplify Every Day" (Real Simple, 2006, $27.95)
If your mom likes Real Simple magazine, she'll love this book. Do you know the proper way to set a table? I didn't, but I learned from this book. "Real Simple Solutions" offers easy and low-cost fixes to everyday household dilemmas, with ideas for cooking, cleaning, decorating, entertaining, dressing, grooming, working and more.

"The Lucky Shopping Manual: Building and Improving Your Wardrobe Piece by Piece" by Kim France and Andrea Linett (Gotham, 2003, $30)
Who doesn't like the "Yes," "No" and "Maybe" stickers in Lucky Magazine? Armed with the information learned in "Dress Your Best," this book will become mom's fashion playbook to build a better wardrobe. She'll learn shopping tips, how best to care for clothes and how to wear a favorite item all year round.