The Month of Joyful Substack Recommendations
Let's celebrate with 31 days of great reads
One “silver lining” of recovering from shoulder surgery is that I have really gotten to spend a lot of time as a reader on Substack. It has been nice to immerse myself in the writing of others, catch up on past pieces, and be introduced to some new Substacks. I don’t recommend shoulder surgery but there are many great Substacks to recommend.
For the month of December, I am sharing great Substacks each day on Substack Notes1 to celebrate the gift of words. Words make great gifts—one less thing to hide under the bed or in the hall closet.
The list of recommendations will live here as well just in case you don’t participate in Notes or miss a day or two. It’s a living document and it will be updated every couple of days, so make sure to come on back from time to time. I hope you find some good reads!
December 1
Today, I recommend Book Party written by
.It feels right at this time of celebration to choose a recommendation that highlights a Substack that brings festive energy to reading all year long.
“It's a different kind of newsletter for parents/caregivers about reading! We go beyond the book recommendations and inspire you to make reading and talking about books part of your daily family life during and (well) beyond the picture book years.”
December 2
Today, I recommend CREATIVE.INSPIRED.HAPPY with Evelyn Skye.
Talk about full of joy, the community that Evelyn has created is unique and delightful for anyone looking to support their creativity.
“Join our warm community of writers & curious readers to get the resources and education you need to turn your hobby into a fulfilling career or to simply add a little creativity to your life! Led by New York Times Bestselling author Evelyn Skye.”
December 3
Today I am recommending three Substacks by two people? I am recommending The Mother of It All Podcast hosted by
who writes Momspreading and Miranda who writes Mommy Blog.If you read A Wonderful Mess, you know I love a good podcast and especially this podcast.
“Taking on culture through the lens of motherhood and motherhood through the lens of culture.”
And their written Substacks are great as well. This is a delightful bundle here.
December 4
Today I am recommending Knott, A Newsletter written by
Laughter is very important to me. So with Andrew, you get humorous dad writing. It’s a joy.
“Writing by Andrew Knott. Parenting, humor, and a little bit of randomness.”
December 5
Today I am recommending The Mindful Librarian written by
.I can’t even tell you how many of Katy’s recommendations make up my TBR. I smile whenever I see her posts in my inbox.
“Join me while I read and muse my way through midlife in Wisconsin ~ book recommendations, comments on the reading life, and roundups of things I love, delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning.”
December 6
Today I am recommending What Moves You written by
.What can I say about Naomi, she writes in such an authentic and moving way about movement, motherhood and beyond. I know when I see her essay land in my inbox, I want to sit and really take it in.
“Writing about what moves me. Focusing on motherhood through the lens of movement and with a critical eye aimed at diet and wellness culture, as well as how we are impacted by the greater culture we all move within.”
December 7
Today I am recommending Techno Sapiens written by Jacqueline Nesi, PhD
During a time of year when we often talk about peace, how about some peace of mind around parenting and technology?
Jacqueline Nesi, PhD brings together the research in an accessible, realistic and nuanced way.
“Psychologist and professor Jacqueline Nesi shares the latest research on technology and the people who use it, plus practical tips for living and parenting in the digital age.”
December 8
Today I am recommending Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents Blog written by
.Kate and I connected early on in my time here on Substack given our shared passion of supporting parents of neurodivergent kids. I’ve had the privilege of being a guest on her podcast and she in turn contributed to one the of the most popular posts on A Wonderful Mess. Her writing is full of wisdom and compassion and she is a dedicated advocate for families.
“A community of parents of neurodivergent kids who want to feel more connected, calm, and present. Paid subscribers get access to coaching and a private podcast.”
December 9
Today I am recommending Write More, Be Less Careful written by
.Nancy brings together inspiration and practical guidance along with compassion for how hard writing can be. Nancy also has a book coming out soon—The Good Mother Myth coming out in 2025, which I personally am so excited to dig into.
“why writing is hard & how to do it anyway”
December 10
Today I am recommending Readable Moments written by Sri Juneja.
Sri provides wonderful book recommendations on all the things of life. She thoughtfully selects titles on the many topics kids and parents encounter in their day to day. I have also had the privilege to collaborate with Sri on both our Substacks. We are both passionate about reading, supporting parents, and building community.
“Find the perfect children's book for those important, teachable moments to help you bond and learn together.”
December 11
Today I am recommending Over the Influence written by
.Jo makes me laugh, which most people know is something I am in full support of. But beyond her humor, Jo is asking important questions in a way only she can about social media and its ripples throught our culture and society. I also had the joy of being a guest on her podcast in the spring, one of the highlights of my year.
“A hilarious and often factual romp through the world of social media, old-school media, publishing and whatever else catches our fancy.”
December 12
Today I am recommending Parent Smarter, Not Harder written by Emily Edlynn.
I often have a lot of quiet cheering and vigorous head-nodding when I read Emily’s work. We share many of the same perspectives on the circulating parenting advice out there. Emily provides helpful, realistic guidance with nuance. And I love nuance, I think many of you do, too.
Plus—she is one the co-hosts on my one of my favorite podcast-Psycholgists Off the Clock.
“I critique modern parenting in the pursuit of a healthier way for families, including how to practice autonomy-supportive parenting. I'm here as a voice of common-sense, sound information, and balance.”
December 13
Today I am recommending Distracted written by
.Kylie writes from the heart and the heart holds all of the mixed-up feelings of motherhood. She shares joy, humor, boredom, frustration and all the in-between. Her weekly essays are a sweet gift when they land in my inbox each weekend.
“A distracted mum writing honestly about life through the lens of motherhood. Come join the chaos.”
December 14
Today I am recommending Rethinking Wellness written by Christy Harrison, MPH, RD.
I found this Substack after reading Christy Harrison’s book of The Wellness Trap which I found so interesting and helpful in exploring how health, wellness, diet culture and social media have gotten so tangled up. Her podcast and writing is incredibly thorough, thoughtful and as the tagline declares—compassionate towards the self and others.
“Critical thinking and compassionate skepticism about wellness and diet culture, and reflections on how to find true well-being.”
December 15
Today I am recommending Made with Care written by
.Elissa’s book, When You Care, was a book that stirred me up but in a good way this year. Elissa has a way of pointing out the “messy middle” of care, which we know how much I love a mess. The questions she is asking are important to all of us…not just parents, because we all give and need care in different ways.
“There are many policy experts on the care crisis -- and I love them all. I'm a culture expert on the care crisis. Join me in unpacking all the ways our culture devalues parenting and caregiving, and what the world would look like if we cared about care.”
December 16
Today I am recommending Middle-Aged Lady Mom written by Shelly Mazzanoble.
I feel honored to be in Shelly’s world. I believe so deeply in my soul that laughter is important to all of us and Shelly brings laughter to so many. I’ve shared before that I am often laughing in the dark of my kitchen when I read her essays. Is there a better way to start your day?
“Humorous, observational, sometimes irrelevant, always relatable parenthood non-advice.”
December 17
Today I am recommending Burnt Toast written by Virginia Sole-Smith.
Virginia Sole-Smith is how I started as a reader on Substack. Who would have known that her newsletter was my first step towards really divesting from diet culture, reading other great writers on Substack and eventually writing here as well. Virginia’s book Fat Talk has been one of the most important books I’ve reading in my parenthood collection (I have a shelf). And besides the very important work she does, she and Corinne Fay make me laugh out loud each month.
“Dismantling diet culture and anti-fat bias, especially in health, fashion, and parenting. (But non-parents like it too!)”
December 18
Today I am recommending Relational Riffs written by
.I first “met” Yael through my ears by listening to the Psychologists Off the Clock podcast. When I discovered she was coming over to Substack, I was so excited to subscribe and add her words to my inbox. Yael’s passion for the science of psychology is easy to spot but the way she delivers the science to readers in a way that is accessible, nuanced and interesting is one of her gifts.
“A newsletter that riffs on the science and practice of relationships. We tackle (and sometimes tickle) the complexities of relationships between people and between life roles”
December 19
Today I am recommending Library Stax written by
.When I first started reading Alexis’s Substack, I wanted to hang out with her. Her humor, passion for reading, and appreciation for the ridiculous act of parenting got me hooked from the beginning. Alexis has wonderful kid recommendations as well her monthly round up of her own reading. Library lovers, you will enjoy.
“Children's book recommendations based on our latest library haul. Find the books everybody loves to read!”
December 20
Today I am recommending Is My Kid the Asshole? written by Melinda Wenner Moyer.
In world of so much parenting advice, Melinda offers science-backed guidance with humor and an appreciation for the complexity of real life. And as important as the science part is, the real life piece is as important to the usefulness of the information for parents who have enough on their plate already. I really enjoyed Melinda’s first book, How to Raise Kids Who Aren’t Assholes, and I am really looking forward to her new one, Hello, Cruel World! coming out in 2025.
“I bring science and nuance to parenting advice and challenge fear-mongering, shame-inducing content.”
December 21
Today I am recommending Dr. Amber_Writes written by Amber Groomes,Ph.D. (she/her).
I am, of course, drawn towards other psychologists writing on Substack. Amber writes both informative pieces on psychology and personal essays. Amber recently posted that this month marks one year of being on Substack, so this recommendation is a great way to celebrate her thoughtful and generous contribution to this platform.
“Clinical Psychologist who wants to help you feel your feelings. Emotions come naturally, but feeling them takes some work.”
December 22
Today I am recommending My Sweet Dumb Brain written by Katie Hawkins-Gaar.
Katie’s essays are a treat. They span the whole range of life’s many complicated emotions while being entertaining, interesting, and kind. Having crossed into my 4th decade this year, I have really enjoyed Katie’s series 40 Lessons (40 essays each with a lesson learned in her 4 decades of life).
“A newsletter about facing life's ups and downs, all while being kind to yourself.”
December 23
Today I am recommending Literary Leanings written by Michelle Martin.
Michelle’s Substack is newer to me but I have been in love with her book recommendations. I really enjoy how she approaches reading and how she catgorizes the books she writes about. Plus, I love the Maine content. I’ve been lucky to have many fond memories myself in Maine over the years.
“Sharing thoughtfully curated book recommendations, reflections and tips on the reading life, and a little bit of my life here in Maine.”
December 24
Today I am recommending Living the In-Between Times written by Marika Páez Wiesen.
.I love to find an essay from Marika in my inbox. Her essays have a wonderful mix of humor, lovely advice (but not feeling like too advice-y) and a sprinkle of real life. She writes about such good stuff amongst all the real, not always great stuff of life.
“Experiments to uncover the delight, awe, ease & worth-full-ness available to us in the in-between times of life.”
December 25
Today I am recommending Culture Study written by
.There can be something for everyone in Culture Study. The topics covered are interesting and sometimes unexpected. Unexpected can be a good thing. Also, the Culture Study Podcast is amazing, too.
“Think more about the culture that surrounds you.”
December 26
Today I am recommending Nebula Notebook written by Heidi Fiedler.
Heidi’s Substack is such a great resource for creative moms. Her Mothers Who Make series is wonderful and will certainly inspire others. I have also had the privilege of getting to talk with Heidi at the Mental Health and Motherhood Virtual Conference this past fall and was so excited to connect in conversation about shared passions around mothers and mental health.
“Get inspired, join a warm community of writer moms, and learn how to write a picture book, even when life is bananas.”
December 27
Today I am recommending Be Where You Are written by Emily Mohn-Slate
Emily explores how to blend together mindfulness and writing and how both practices inform each other. There are interviews (I was lucky enough to be interviewed this year by Emily) and essays that any aspiring mindful writers will enjoy.
“Be Where You Are is about how to use writing and mindfulness to live more fully where you are.”
December 28
Today I am recommending Can we read? written by Sarah Miller.
I just submitted library requests from Sarah’s most recent post on winter books for kids. Sarah has supplied many a library request for our family. So if you want the benefit of book ideas for your kids plus wonderful pieces on supporting reading in your home, check out this Substack.
“Your weekly guide to children's books, raising readers, and how to build a culture of reading in your home.”
December 29
Today I am recommending The Maternal Stress Project written by Molly Dickens, PhD.
Is it weird to say that I find Molly’s brain amazing? Her work to detangle the complicated web of stressors that mothers encounter is fascinating and examines how many different areas intersect to get us where we find ourselves now.
“Exploring the stress of American motherhood…and what we can do about it.”
December 30
Today I am recommending Think of the Children written by
.Emily shares thoughtful interviews and essays about parenthood and education. I really appreciate reading her interviews and finding new voices talking about the things I find interesting…which I think a lot of you find interesting, too.
“Parenting, education, and why it's all so f*@#ing impossible”
December 31
Today I am recommending It Doesn’t Have to Be This Hard written by
.We find ourselves here on January 31st, often a time for personal resolutions and goals but don’t forget to look outward as well. I know for myself one place I will putting energy in 2025 is supporting parents and Rebecca’s Substack is such a valuable source of information about what is going on in childcare and topics related caregiving in the United States.
“A Substack on caregiving, writing and reporting - and the policies that make parenting in America so hard.”
Thanks for the shout out!!! :D