Mid-Summer Reading: Saints and Rules and Stories
One great thing about finally settling a bit, and summer’s simpler days, is the abundance of time for reading. We’ve been to the library, we’ve been through our own books, we’ve read through poems, and books on Kindle. I’m reading about women in the gospels, creating a spiritual Rule to guide my days, and even a fantasy (which isn’t usually my genre). Tell me what you’re reading that I should add to my list! Here’s my current stack.
Who Does He Say You Are: Women Transformed By Christ In The Gospels by Colleen C. Mitchell
This book, it’s beautiful. Each time I sit down to read and journal with this one, I can’t help but be moved to the core. God’s working through the women to bring hope and joy and grace into the world is both subtle and amazing. This is a read that I’ll go back to over and over, share with my girls as they grow up, and would be perfect for a small group, too.
A Mother’s Rule of Life by Holly Pierlot, which you know I’m reading.
Give Your Child the World by Jamie C. Martin
This is one I’m using as a resource for books to read for fun and learning through the summer and all year. Filled with book suggestions for every part of the world, and grouped by age, this a (in my opinion) a must-have for any family. Take it to the library with you to search for suggested titles, use it to put books on hold before you go, use it to explore the world in your homeschooling…it’s a winner.
A Little Way of Homeschooling by Suzie Andres
I’ve read part of this before, and I’m continuing through it now. The stories of other homeschooling families help me keep perspective, see the bigger picture, and relax before we dive into a new year. I mostly love homeschooling, and starting the new year almost always brings out all my love and all my fears into a big jumbled mess. Reading this gives me peace and encouragement to do things with the spiritual goal in mind as well as academic.
Eyes in the Water by Monica Kennedy
This is the second in a three-book series, and it’s the fantasy book I’m reading. I read the first one, and was surprised to enjoy a fantasy book. It’s just not my first or second interest in books. Monica–a friend of a friend–tells the story of two worlds, one in which the land can speak to the people, and it is threatened by an unknown evil. It’s my fun-read on my Kindle app. I pick it up when I’m nursing Small Fry for naps.
My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett
We just finished this as a read-aloud. It was so fun. Younger readers (say, 5-8 years old) really enjoy this silly, short chapter book. It’s also great for those just starting to read chapter books on their own. I definitely recommend it.
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
Our good friend and Godfather of Small Fry started reading this aloud for us after dinner one night. I’m so glad, because not only was it fun for me to not read, it got us started on this book which had been sitting on the side table for too long. I realize that it’s taken us too long to finish, but we’re back at it and enjoying the silly story, the adventure, and the play on words.
Will Wilder and the Relic of Perilous Falls by Raymond Arroyo
I picked this up on a recommendation from another mom, and this book does not disappoint. My oldest says she doesn’t like it, but it’s been our read-aloud and she laughs at funny parts. Also, yesterday, she read ahead 3 or 4 chapters, so I think she’s appreciating it. If you have a child who likes Percy Jackson, get this. It’s similar in the adventure aspect, but much better. Raymond Arroyo’s writing is fabulous. I’d recommend this for ages 10 and up.
Now tell me what is on your list, and what I can’t miss!
I have read A Mother’s Rule before, though it’s been some time- it had an impact on me, not so much so that it caused me to overhaul my methods, but it did show me the messiness of my soul, and that I needed to do more to get myself in order. Also on your list, I checked out Will Wilder from the library to read it before handing it over to my oldest, who’s nearly 11 and a voracious reader. However, after a few chapters I put it down- though I did enjoy some of it, I wasn’t sure I wanted my kid to read about things dealing with the occult- I don’t know exactly what happens at the end, though I did skim through the ending a bit, but I just don’t like the idea of introducing kids to those subjects. Any thoughts? I know it’s the beginning of a series, so who knows where it will take the reader, just wondering what you thought about it.
Maria, good question about the Will Wilder book. I will let you know when I get through the end.
Have you ever read “In This House of Brede”? It’s about a Benedictine convent in England and SO good. I wasn’t expecting to like it so much, but am devouring it and dreading coming to the end.
No, I haven’t! Thanks for the suggestion!