"I probably read one or two [books] a week," my mom says. "Non-fiction books mostly but historical fiction and mystery too." She pauses to think. "I'm really enjoying all of Bill Bryson's books—he's an Iowa guy, you know." 

My mom is from Iowa. This is important. Iowans tell it like it is. If it's not a good book, well, it's just not. I like to think my mom has her finger on the pulse of the American-Reading-Mom. I know this because any time a friend's mom tells me what she's reading, 95% of the time—my mom's already read it. 

Here's some recent books my mom liked: 

Many moons ago, Amanda first worked as a bookseller at Buffalo Street Books Co-Op in Ithaca, NY. She’s thrilled to be back among the books, especially here in Easthampton where she’s lived for two years. Amanda holds a B.M. in Music Composition and a minor in English Lit. from Ithaca College. She enjoys all kinds of books but is especially partial to anything involving science fiction, speculative fiction, feminist/LGBTQ themes, and writers of color. She’s a nerd’s nerd and loves being a part of this amazing community of book lovers. Come talk to her about her strange taste in music (jazz fusion, anyone?), books, artsy films, and the Fermi Paradox.