Posted in Reading
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Christian Novels: A Higher Justice by James Scott Bell Sisterchicks Down Under by Robin Jones Gunn Sisterchicks Ooh la la by Robin Jones Gunn Home Sweet Homestead Sketches of Pioneer Life in Interior Alaska by Joy Griffin (highly recommend!) Whos Looking Out for You by Bill OReilly The No Spin Zone by Bill OReilly Daughters of the West by Anne Seagraves (highly recommend!)
Children's books (pre-reading): The Cabin Faced West by Jean Fritz Calico Bush by Rachel Field Florabama Ladies Auxiliary & Sewing Circle by Lois Battle |
Posted in Reading
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We're in the Mountains Not Over the Hill - Tales and tips from seasoned women backpackers by Susan Alcorn - I have a certain friend that I'd like to buy this for; I think she'd really enjoy it.
My Antonia by Willa Cather - a nice novel.
Waiting - the true confessions of a waitress by Debra Ginsberg - very entertaining and informative.
Crossing Over - a Mexican family on the migrant trail by Ruben Martinez - I confess I've only read about a fourth of this. I was really hoping for some insight on illegal immigration, but I'm having to slog through a lot of other stuff to find it. I think I will try to at least skim the rest of the book, or check out certain chapters. The author definately has a left slant. It's interesting how a true story can be told in so many different ways with so many different meanings.
A Greater Glory by James Scott Bell - a Christian novel I just started this, but it looks to be a quick read. I also have on hand its sequel: A Highter Justice.
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Posted in Reading
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The Successful Homeschool Family Handbook by Dr. Raymond & Dorothy Moore - This is a classic homeschooling book written by the authors of Better Late than Early.
Womens Diaries of the Westward Journey by Lillian Schlissel - A history book rich in women's pioneer experiences during Westward Migration.
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer - An interesting account of a rich young college graduate who assumes a vagabond lifestyle and ends up starving to death in the Alaskan wilderness.
Fresh Milk the Secret Life of Breasts by Fiona Giles - A collection of stories and experiences of lactating women. This book is not G-rated. Some of the stories include lactation as a part of sexuality. In fact, it wanders so far afield of my area of interest that I didn't finish the book.
Charlotte Mason Education by Catherine Levison - Not much else to say, except the title.
Recollections of a Handcart Pioneer of 1860 by Mary Ann Hafen - This was a fascinating, but short non-fiction memoir of a Swiss child who emmigrated to the Southwestern US after her parents' conversion to Mormonism. She details her experiences through adulthood, including a polygamous marriage. Details are handled tactfully.
The Parenting Bible by Robin Goldstein - I read only the section on 6 to 9 year olds, as my seven-year-old alternately baffles and frustrates me, at times.
Kids Are Worth It! By Barbara Coloroso - An excellent parenting book! I highly recommend it and hope to get my husband to read it. The author defines three types of parents: Jellyfish (no bundaries), Brickwall (very strict) and Backbone (flexible, but structured), and gives real-life lessons on how to respond to your children in a way that disciplines them rather than punishes or rewards them. The advantage is that a child with internal discipline behaves correctly due to internal motives, rather than being forced to behave as the parent directs. Such a child is more likely to continue appropriate behavior outside of parental influence.
The Shaker Garden by Stephanie Donaldson - a nice coffee-table/how-to book. Lots of great photos and some interesting history of the Shaker movement.
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Posted in Reading
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I'll be editing this post throughout the month and adding additional books to the top of the list.
* The Gift of Christmas Present by Melody Carlson - Somewhat disappointing, as the plot resembles the plot of Armondo's Treasure (below), which I preferred. Not a bad book in itself.
*Nickel & Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich - Very interesting non-fiction book describing a journalist's attempt to live on a 'working wage.' Here is part of what is printed on the back cover: "Millions of Americans work full-time, year round, for poverty-level wages. Barbara Ehrenreich decided to join them...taking the cheapest lodgings available and accepting work as a waitress, hotel maid, house cleaner, nursing home aid and Wal-Mart salesperson...." It reminds a bit of Morgan Spurlocks TV series 30 days, but I read it in less than 24 hours.
* The Quilt by T. Davis Bunn - a short story, almost a devotional, about the importance of giving thanks to God. Enjoyable.
* Three Days by Melody Carlson - an excellent novel, written in the first person, from the perspective of Mary, mother of Jesus. It's set in the three days between Jesus' death and resurrection. It also contains lots of flashbacks that portray many of Jesus' miracles and preaching. The book is written in a familiar, casual style that make me feel like Mary is chatting with me over coffee. A great novel that brings the Bible to life.
* This Organic Life by Joan Dye Gussow - subtitled "Confessions of a Suburban Homesteader" - need I say more?
* Armando's Treasure by Melody Carlson - I really enjoyed this novel about a young fellow escaping a naughty past by helping an elderly woman. Both desperately need God in their lives and find Him in different ways.
* Everyday Cheapskate's Greatest Tips by Mary Hunt - a nice little book of tips and tricks. Many are pretty obvious to me, but may not be to others
* Getting the Most from Your Garden by Rodale Press - an excellent gardening book covering "Advanced Intensive Gardening Techniques." I doubt that this is still in print. My copy was copywritten in 1980. |