We’re Booking It around here. Yesterday we talked about the month’s reading assignment, Mansfield Park. Today is a veritable free-for-all as we share what we’ve read on our own.
For the kids
With six children home all day, we read a lot together. So much so that I go hoarse reading.
Certainly, my oldest three (13, 10, 8 ) can read to themselves. But, sometimes they enjoy hearing a chapter book together, though my teenager is loathe to admit it. Sometimes it’s more efficient for us to go over a history reading at one time rather than have the book passed around amongst the three of them.
We’re currently working out way through The Story of the World, Volume 4, and learning about the world after The Great War. It’s amazing to me how much I’ve forgotten — or never learned — about the things that have gone on before us. And startling to see that past conflicts are still not resolved. History is repeating itself in many ways.
We’re also reading through the Bible using this schedule. I confess to have skipped over some of the R-rated parts in my reading aloud. (Yes, the Bible has an R-rating at times.) But, I’m okay with that. The skipping parts are few and far between. What I’m hoping for is a global understanding of God’s provisions for his people and an appreciation for how much we need Him.
My three younger kiddos (6, 4, 2) love to read stories. I try for 3-5 in a day, though it can be more or less, depending on what’s going on. Some recent favorites (read: the ones that I read over and over and over again) include Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy, Be Nice to Spiders, Mashed Potatoes, and Hats for Sale. My son, aged 6, whose library choices lend themselves to anything Star Wars or Lego, would never say that he likes Fancy Nancy, but he also never walks away.
For me
I’ll admit this month has been hard for me to work in a lot of reading time. I’ve been spending a lot of time in the kitchen for this book, and that means a lot of time cleaning the kitchen when I’m done. So, my reading really has been limited to thirty minutes a day, and often that is spent on homeschool reading.
That said, I thoroughly enjoyed Mansfield Park. I even had a bubble bath and soaked and read. How’s that for pampering myself? Jane Austen really does take me away.
I also started Mere Christianity by CS Lewis and I got much farther than I did the other dozen times I tried reading it. But, truth be told, I keep forgetting where I’m at. Absolute bookmark fail here. And since it’s so meaty, I can’t easily remember what I’ve last read. I really am enjoying it, though. It seems to have filled a lot of holes in my theology, too. More on that next month!
So, read any good books lately?
Tell us about your latest reads or link up your booking it post.
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Mere Christianity has been on my reading list for a long time. I really need to tackle it soon but the thought of C.S. Lewis’s nonfiction is pretty intimidating.
Last month Kelly’s comment that she had been working her way through biographies of all the presidents, inspired me to pick up a biography of George Washington. Last year I read William Bennett’s two-volume overview of American history, America: The Last Best Hope. I’ve been wanting to read more history but didn’t know where to start. Kelly’s comment gave me a jumping off point. I didn’t love this particular biography. I felt like the author kept inserting himself and his viewpoints so I think I’ll pick up another biography of Washington this month and then maybe move on to Adams.
@Rena, I think it’s great that you’re tacking presidential history. My mother-in-law is curator at the Reagan Center and it is fascinating stuff!
I’ve tried to read Mere Christianity as well, and it’s tough. I had CS Lewis fiction for this month and those were tough for me to get through (I’m still working on one!). He was a great writer, though. I’ve never been much of a Jane Austen fan, but I might give Mansfield Park a go.
I read “Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother” this month.
@Morgan, I have heard so much about the author. I may have to check that one out.
A good book for the younger FishKids would be Pete the Cat. A good friend recommended it and my nephew who turns 4 very soon loves.
@micha, thanks for the recommendation!
@Jessica Fisher, If you would like to hear the story there are several videos on youtube one of which is by the author.
I love Mere Christianity… it’s well worth reading (and re-reading!)… I need to revisit that one myself. Thanks for hosting this – I enjoy hearing about everyone’s reads here!
@Beth Stone, yes, I had several epiphanies this morning during my reading.
I am currently read Jim & Casper go to Church. It’s about a long time pastor taking an atheist into churches with him to get his first impression and view of the church.
Quite eye opening.
I’m SO EXCITED that your kids are still enjoying “Mashed Potatoes” – that just thrills me!
Thanks for hosting – I look forward to it each month as it’s great accountability for me. 
I accidentally linked up first with the wrong month’s report on books! My second link is my most current report on the books I’ve been reading.
I agree, it’s definitely hard to find time to read. It seems I fall asleep every night with a book on my lap!
Samantha
We’re HUGE Story of the World fans, although I prefer the MP3 versions, which my oldest listens to pretty much nonstop. I’m fairly certain she has the entire first volume memorized at this point!
So glad I’m not the only one who has started Mere Christianity a dozen times. I love C.S. Lewis, but that one’s tough for me because it is so meaty.
I own Mere Christianity but have not read it. I’d like to now though.
Happy weekend and be blessed!
how funny, we just picked up Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy today! There is a Fancy Nancy tea party at our library tomorrow, but I fear that these coughing girls may not be able to attend, so we may have our own party at home!
Right now I’m reading, “Tender Mercy for the Mother’s Soul” and “The Little Black Book” for my Lenten reading.
I like the idea of shooting for reading 3-5 stories a day…my 8 month old isn’t so into the idea, though! I read her a chapter of a children’s classic (currently Winnie the Pooh) during lunch so she can’t reach and tear the (library book) pages.
I’m slowly reading The Big Fisherman by Lloyd C. Douglas, the man who wrote The Robe. The Big Fisherman doesn’t get much press, but it’s a truly excellent piece of literature: it follows the story of Simon Peter as he is called to follow Christ. I absolutely recommend it!
What is your overall impression of the Story of the World books? We are looking to use that for our history curriculum, but aren’t sure. Have you used all of the “extras” that go with the text as well? I’m assuming if you’re on Vol. 4 you’ve read the first three as well, is that correct? Thanks!
@Kristen, we have used vols 1 and 2. I can’t remember if we did vol 3, because at that point we switched to Tapestry of Grace. but, I had borrowed year 4 TOG, so I needed something for this year, thus SOTW, cheaper and easier in many ways.
That said, I didn’t love the biblical rewriting that she does in vol 1, so those chapters we read straight from the Bible. Other than that, I like the books.
I am reading “The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” with my four year old, and my husband is reading him the Narnia series.
Also we (kids are 4, 2, 1) love “Napping House” by Don and Audrey Wood, “Dig, Dig, Digging” by Margaret Mayo, anything Dr. Seuss, especially “The Sneeches” right now.
I finally managed to read The Happiness Project, and I think it will change my life. I loved it! I’m also reading Real Food for mother and baby by Nina Planck. Next month is Artisan Bread. I’m on queue at the library but I fear I won’t get it on time. Does someone have it? Should I just go ahead and buy a copy?
@LC, I bought a copy because I read rave reviews. But, I can’t tell you if you should since I haven’t read it yet.
We love Fancy Nancy around here! I read One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp this month…definitely put it on your list! It was wonderful…one where I’ll probably go back to it again and again and learn more each time.
I’m very glad you are hosting this Book Club…because I did NOT want to finish reading the book I chose this time. Thanks for the silent encouragement of the deadline to post about what I read.
@Malisa, I give it the 100 page test. If I don’t like it by page 100, I abandon it.
I’m a little late in posting this month, but I am trying to just keep swimming, just keep swimming, I mean, reading.
We are also reading Ammon’s Adventure for Lent and Return to Gone Away Lake as family reads. And I started Farmer Boy with my youngest! Doesn’t leave a lot of time for personal reading, but I’m trying to make sure I do a little each day before bed.
I LOVE Mere Christianity–read it, read it, read it!
Just this week I finished both Heart and Soul by Maeve Binchy and Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo. Both excellent in completely different ways! If you haven’t read Heaven is for Real I highly recommend it for any Christian … or seeker!
Where might a find a book for older teen girls that give them good advice for life? I looked at a couple and checked reviews on Amazon, but unable to really get a grasp. “The Real Rules for Girls” kept coming up…..any advice?
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