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As we wind down another year of homeschooling, my month has ended up with a lot of school books & more novels than my usual reading habits these days.
Here are my May reads...
Technically an April book, this one is a book that's been on my shelf for way too long. The author's prompting for writing this book was after a friend posed this question to her. Zasowski had been on an often-discouraging battle with infertility, including the loss of pregnancies. These experiences had led her to hold a cynical view of the good gifts God placed in her life. She held things at arm's length, scared that the happy times would get ripped away for more heartache. But a friend's question (& her own work in therapy) prompted her to realize that God is a good God Who wants us to celebrate the blessings, inviting people in to join the party. I often hold a pessimistic, cynical view & this book challenged that thinking, reminding me that, no matter the outcome, I can enjoy the goodness that God brings into my life.
Remember the City of Ember series I started last month? This is the third book, but it's a prequel. A whole new cast of characters enter the story, giving us a bit more of the history behind Ember & Sparks. The feel of this book is quite different with perhaps a bit of a heavy hand on the political commentary. In a juvenile level novel, usually these things can be a little less in-depth. Also, the main character, a young girl, writes a wishlist that includes "falling in love." I'm not sure what the point of including that was because it really wasn't necessary for the plot. Not my favorite of the series, but maybe after I read the next one, it will make more sense.
My oldest son & I read this book over the past school year. At times it dragged and we almost gave up, but we knew that it's considered a classic for a reason, right? We enjoyed some of the characters, their connections & complexities & humor. Some chapters seemed less necessary than others. As the novel drew to a close, a few plot twists seemed a bit contrived. (Apparently, contemporary critics of Scott's thought the same thing.) Maybe Sir Walter was getting tired of his novel & just started wrapping it up as fast as he could. Or he realize he had dragged a bit in the middle. Not our favorite, but we managed to enjoy it in spurts!
A sweet little book that was read with my middle son (a great rabbit enthusiast). The plot is pretty simple--woodland animals who live on the edge of a country estate are set astir when news comes that a new family has purchased the property. Will they be lazy like the last owners or will it be a return to the good old days of plenty? The "new folks" end up being quite compassionate & willing to share the abundance of their garden with the little animals. I'm sure there's a deeper level here, but we enjoyed this short little novel together.
I've watched a movie version of this book from the time I was a little kid, but I had not read the book. Overall, the book & movie are the same. Changes that were made are probably good changes. The titular character is just as bright & sunny. Her aunt is just as stuffy & strict at first but softens under the influence of Pollyanna. In fact, this little girl touches the whole town with her kindness & authentic interest in everyone. Such a sweet novel to read with my daughter!
I have followed Hannah Anderson for years, but this is the first time that I have read one of her books. The basis of the book is Philippians 4:8 where Paul gives believers guidelines for knowing what things to "think on." From these ideals, Anderson takes the time to encourage critical thinking about what we consume, watch, spend time on, engage with, worry about, etc. It's a short book & a good read.
Another school book, this one explores the topic of Richard III from the perspective of a detective. Richard was the last Plantagenet King of England & has been often cast as a villain due to his alleged role in the disappearance of his young nephews (often called "The Boys in the Tower"). Everyone from historians to playwrights have painted him as one of the worst characters in English history. The main character in this novel is a detective convalescing from a duty-related injury. (It's a different time--smoking in the hospital, broken legs landing you in the hospital for weeks, telegrams!) He becomes intrigued by a portrait of Richard III, seeing something in the face that counteracts his villainous reputation. His friends run errands for him, procuring various history books in order for him to investigate the evidence of Richard's involvement in the mysterious loss of the 2 princes. It's a strange read--dragging at parts, using lots of old British slang. No idea where the title comes from. Historical fictions fans might find it interesting & this book is part of a detective series, so mystery might be interested.
Haymitch's story! Remember when you first read Hunger Games & thought Haymitch was just an anti-social alcoholic? As the original series progresses, Haymitch becomes more endearing & interesting. But his story still needed to be told. We meet teenage Haymitch, his family, his girlfriend. We get glimpses of familiar District 12 last names. We even meet a young Plutarch, Effie, & Caesar. So, why is Haymitch the way he is? This book finally gives us some answers & does him justice.
OK - this is such a history nerd book, but it was so helpful! When I saw this title come along on NetGalley, I was very curious! (I didn't manage to finish it before the publication date, so I had to wait for my library to have it.) One book cannot hope to cover such a long & varied history, but the author traveled to meet with a number of scholars who are experts in the history of different regions or peoples or time periods. From the very earliest of civilizations to the introduction of Islam which led to the Indian Ocean slave trade. The kingdoms that rose & fell, traded their resources, built monuments that still stand--just barely scratching the surface of some of these stories! Also, there are mentions of legends that connect the Queen of Sheba (who visited King Solomon) becoming pregnant by the legendary Jewish King & giving birth when she returned to her kingdom in what is modern-day Ethiopia & that eventually that son was given the job to take care of the Ark of the Covenant. Makes me want to read a bit more on these things!
As the mother of a rising tween girl, I am always happy to see Biblically-rich books that I can recommend to her. This short devotional book is full of wisdom that Christian moms want their daughters to know. The book starts with a poem Kristen Wetherell wrote for her daughters. Then, each day explores a few lines along with a verse or 2 from Scripture. Journaling pages along with prompts wrap up each day. While I’m not always excited about books that focus so much on the word “beautiful,” I also have to acknowledge that we need to get the Biblical definition of beauty down before secular influences taint our discernment. I feel like this is a great devotion for younger preteens, but it might feel too light for a teenager. It’s beautifully bound & illustrated, making it a lovely gift. Thanks to Crossway for giving me a chance read this book ahead of publication in exchange for a review! These opinions are all my own.
I'm ready for some summer reading time! What's on your summer reading list?
Cheering you on!
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