Reading Journal - March & April

I had great intentions to post my reading journal every month and I have already failed. In March I had a great reading month and April was pretty dismal, but that's okay. Here is a look at what I have been reading the last few months.

March

Fiction:

• Constable among the Heather by Nicholas Rhea - I am really enjoying this series and am still working my way through it. 
• Constable around the Green by Nicholas Rhea
• Constable beneath the Trees by Nicholas Rhea
• The Game of Kings by Dorothy Dunnett - I read this book for The Literary Life Reading Challenge for the middle ages. It took a while to get all the characters straight, but I did enjoy the story by the end.
• Just Like That by Gary D. Schmidt - I love Gary D. Schmidt and this was another outstanding story by him. Not as good as Wednesday Wars, but still a worthy read.
• A Man Lay Dead by Ngaio Marsh - I listened to my first Ngaio Marsh book in December and then I realized that it was a part of a series. I have a thing about series and like to start at the beginning. I think I prefer reading her books vs. audio and I will dive a little more into this series eventually.
• Munich by Robert Harris (audio) - I saw this book recommended somewhere. It was an interesting read since it dealt with Chamberlain and the beginning of World War II. 
• Murder in an Irish Bookshop by Carlene O'Connor - This is another series that I have really enjoyed. This one was a little more PC than I prefer, but still readable.
• Silas Marner by George Eliot (audio) - I listened to this along with The Literary Life podcast. I have always enjoyed this story even when I first read it in high school. (Of course, everyone else moaned and groaned about it.)

Non-Fiction:

• Elastic Habits: How to Create Smarter Habits That Adapt to Your Day - Stephen Guise - While there a few good ideas in here the system that the author described was so intense that I don't know who would follow it. 
• In Vital Harmony: Charlotte Mason and the Natural Laws of Education by Karen Glass - I will definitely have to re-read this again. I always feel like she talking just above my head, but I'll keep on trying!
• Handbook on the Epistles of Paul by Jeremy Painter - I read this for a class my kids are doing. Reading a commentary from front to back (thankfully it wasn't too thick of a book) is not recommended.
• Nobody's Cuter than You: A memoir about the beauty of friendship by Melanie Shankle - I have read most of Melanie Shankle's books and could never get my hands on a copy of this. I finally found it on Hoopla and let me tell you this book was just wonderful, plus listening to her read made it even better.
• Walking on Water by Madeleine L'Engle - This book has been on my radar for a while. While I wasn't wowed by the book there were a few good thoughts that were worth jotting down.

April: (I had COVID-19 in April so it greatly affected my reading life. Not that I was very sick, but I didn't feel very inclined to read.)

Fiction:

• Constable in the Shrubbery by Nicholas Rhea 
• Constable versus Greengrass by Nicholas Rhea
• Constable about the Parish by Nicholas Rhea
• Constable at the Gate by Nicholas Rhea

Non-Fiction:

• Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee - I heard about this book from a recommendation from a podcast. I didn't really care for it so I won't recommend it. 
• Pearls of Wisdom: Little Pieces of Advice by Barbara Bush - On the other hand this book is a gem! I really enjoyed all the little tidbits that Barbara Bush passed on. Just good common sense advice that our world needs to remember and follow.

Reading Journal - February 2021

Fiction:

• Constable in the Dale by Nicholas Rhea - I am still reading through this series and finding them thoroughly enjoyable.  
• Constable by the Sea by Nicholas Rhea
• Constable Along the Lane by Nicholas Rhea
• Constable Through the Meadow by Nicholas Rhea
• Constable in Disguise by Nicholas Rhea
• Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie (audio) I listened to this for The Literary Life Podcast. This is my second time to read this and at first thought I'd just listen to the podcast, but I'm glad that I did read it again since I forgot big chunks of it. 
• A Final Storm: A Novel of the War in the Pacific by Jeff Shaara (read-aloud) - I've been reading through Jeff Shaara's series with my son for part of an in-depth World War II study. Jeff Shaara writes very compelling fiction which we have enjoyed thoroughly.
• Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier - What a read! I read this for The Literary Life Podcast and finished it early since once I got to a certain point I had to finish it. Highly recommended!
• The Secret of the Chimneys by Agatha Christie (audio) - This book caught my eye last year and I decided to give it a listen. It is part of the Superintendent Battle Series. When the book was finished I felt like I had read it before, but when I looked in my Goodreads I didn't have a record of it. So I guess I'll never know!
• Seven-Day Magic by Edward Eager (read-aloud) - This is the conclusion of the Tales of Magic Series. My daughter has thoroughly enjoyed this series. I was glad to revisit this series.
• The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion #1 by Beth Brower - I saw this book (actually novellas) recommended and it was available on Kindle Unlimited so I gave it a go. This is written in journal format and cover just a few months at a time. I devoured all four books in the series and I enjoyed them so much that I ordered them in paperbacks. They are very clever and extremely funny! Just what I needed when we lost our internet for a week after surviving an ice storm.
• The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion #2 by Beth Brower
• The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion #3 by Beth Brower
• The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion #4 by Beth Brower
• The Well-Wishers by Edward Eager (read-aloud) - The sixth book in the Tales of Magic series. I read some of them aloud to my older kids, but this is the first time I read the whole series out loud.

Non-fiction:

• 84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff (audio) - This is a re-read that I read for The Literary Life Podcast. I loved Hanff's books when I first discovered them years ago, but honestly, the audio book was sheer perfection. I highly recommend this in audio!
• Realign: God-Called Leaders Connecting with Their Purpose by Eugene T. Wilson - This is a book that I read for some classes my husband and I oversee. I had high hopes for it but was disappointed since there were so many ideas that came from other book that it seemed like a book of compilations. A book list might have sufficed better.

Reading Journal - January 2021

 

Fiction:

• Constable on the Hill - Nicholas Rhea - I subscribed to Kindle Unlimited since I could get a free trial. There were some books that I wanted to read. Needless to say I'm past the free trial and am still paying for it since I discovered this series. These books have improved as the series has continued. This are very gentle reads, but he has a great knack for capturing human character. These are in the vein of James Herriot and Miss Read books. 
• Constable on the Prowl - Nicholas Rhea
• Constable Around the Village - Nicholas Rhea
• Constable Across the Moors - Nicholas Rhea
• A Long Road on a Short Day - Gary D. Schmidt - I'm a big fan of Gary D. Schmidt, so when I saw he had new book out I quickly checked it out. This is a simple picture book about a simple (or not so simple) trade deal that I think small kids would really enjoy. 
• The Reader's Room - Antoine Laurain - I'm not sure where I read about this book, but I thought the plot was interesting enough to check it out. Unfortunately, it wasn't my cup of tea.

Non-fiction:

• Breaking Bread with the Dead - Alan Jacobs - I heard an interview with the author about this book. It sounded great, but when it was all said and done I was not impressed. While I agree with his premise, I found his writing hard to follow and his classic literature he draws from is obscure at least for this normal person.
• The Clutter Connection: How Your Personality Type Determines Why You Organize the Way You Do - Cassandra Aarssen (audio) I love reading about personalities and this was an interesting listen. My only problem was that I could never identify my "Clutterbug" style. There is an updated book out that I have on hold so maybe it will be more helpful.
• HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style - Elizabeth Holmes - Overall I enjoyed this book though they were problems with it. The first was that there wasn't enough pictures. I could have done with more pictures and less "thoughts". The thoughts were written like on a blog, which can be really distracting in a book. The section about the queen was the best part by far. Princess Diana was not too illuminating considering that Princess Diana was THE princess during my teen years. Princess Kate could have better coverage, but felt that the author wanted to promote Meghan Markle and her woes more, but honestly, how can we really know what Meaghan Markle's style is since she is----gone from the HRH?
• Notes from a Small Island - Bill Bryson - This was an okay read. If it wasn't for his always bringing up delightful British place names and his monologue on sand I probably would have given it up.
• Through Gates of Splendor - Elisabeth Elliot (audio) - I have a few Elizabeth Elliot books on my bookstand that I want to read, but I had never read Through Gates of Splendor so I decided to rectify that. The biggest thing I took away was their devotion to God--so convicting!
• Welcome Home - Myquillyn Smith - I loved the author's first book, The Nesting Place, but found her second book, Cozy Minimalist Home disappointing. I'm not sure why I read this book since she still thinks the best way to add "cozy" to your home is blankets, pillows, and plants. (I do have blankets in my house, but not for decoration since most people in my house lay them on the floor, pillows also go on the floor, and plants--outside is where they belong!) I did come away with one good tip on entertaining, but other than that we are on two different wave lengths when it comes to decorating! (Which is why she is a published author on the subject, and I'm not.)

2020 Reading Journal

 Another reading year is over. Being 2020 it was a weird year of reading though I did get quite a lot read. When we first went into quarantine I didn't do a lot of reading since I found it hard to focus. I finally came out of that funk and then had to spend a lot of time driving so thus I have a record number of audio books read for this year. My total for this year was 127 books.  

Fiction: 81 Books

• Aiming for Love - Mary Connealy 
• The American Agent - Jacqueline Winspear (audio) 
• Anne of Green Gables - L.M. Montgomery (audio - 2x) 
• As You Like It - William Shakespeare (audio) 
• The Ark - Margot Benary-Isbert 
• The Austen Escape - Katherine Reay (audio) 
• Bayou Suzette - Lois Lenski 
• Blandings Castle - P.G. Wodehouse (audio) 
• Bless Me, Father - Neil Boyd 
• Blue Ridge Billy -Lois Lenski 
• Carry On, Jeeves - P.G. Wodehouse (audio) 
• The Cater Street Hangman - Anne Perry 
• The Code of the Woosters - P.G. Wodehouse (audio) 
• Corn-Farm Boy - Lois Lenski 
• The Corpse at the Crystal Palace - Carola Dunn (audio) 
• Death Has Deep Roots - Michael Gilbert 
• A Father Before Christmas by Neil Boyd 
• A Gentleman of Leisure - P.G. Wodehouse (audio) 
• The Golden Road by L.M. Montgomery (audio) 
• The Gown - Jennifer Robson 
• The Great Divorce - C.S. Lewis (audio) 
• Happy Little Family - Rebecca Caudill (audio) 
• Home to Holly Springs - Jan Karon 
• The Importance of Being Earnest - Oscar Wilde (audio) 
• The Incredible Journey - Sheila Burnford 
• In the Company of Others - Jan Karon 
• In This Grave Hour - Jacqueline Winspear (audio) 
• The Jane Austen Society - Natalie Jenner (audio)
• Jill the Reckless - P.G. Wodehouse 
• Knights Castle - Edward Eager* 
• The Last Holiday Concert - Andrew Clements (audio) 
• Laetitia Rodd and the Case of the Wandering Scholar - Kate Saunders 
• Last Christmas in Paris - Hazel Gaynor 
• Letters from Father Christmas - J.R.R. Tolkien 
• Light from Heaven - Jan Karon 
• The Light Over London - Julia Kelly 
• Madam Will You Talk - Mary Stewart 
• Magic By the Lake - Edward Eager* 
• Magic or Not? - Edward Eager* 
• Magical Melons - Carol Ryrie Brinks* 
• The Man in the Brown Suit - Agatha Christie (audio) 
• Mansfield Park - Jane Austen (audio) 
• Men of Iron - Howard Pyle (audio) 
• Michael O'Halloran - Gene Stratton Porter 
• Murder in an Irish Churchyard - Carlene O'Conner (audio) 
• Murder at an Irish Christmas - Carlene O'Conner (audio) 
• Murder in an Irish Cottage - Carlene O'Conner (audio) 
• Murder in an Irish Pub - Carlene O'Conner (audio) 
• Murder at an Irish Village - Carlene O'Conner (audio)
• Murder at an Irish Wedding - Carlene O'Conner(audio) 
• Murder Most Malicious - Alyssa Maxwell 
• No Less Than Victory - Jeff Shaara* 
• Peace Like a River - Leif Enger 
• Prairie School - Lois Lenski 
• The Reb and the Redcoats - Constance Savery* 
• The Right Sort of Man - Allison Montclair 
• The Rising Tide - Jeff Shaara 
• Rowan Farm - Margot Benary-Isbert 
• A Royal Affair - Allison Montclair 
• Rules of Civility - Amor Towles 
• Scout: The Secret of the Swamp - Piet Prins* 
• The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett (audio) 
• Shepherds Abiding - Jan Karon 
• The Snow Child - Eowyn Ivey 
• Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good - Jan Karon 
• The Steel Wave - Jeff Shaara* 
• The Story Girl - L.M. Montgomery (audio) 
• Strawberry Girl - Lois Lenski 
• Summer Lightning - P. G. Wodehouse (audio) 
• Superfluous Woman - Carola Dunn (audio) 
• The Talisman Ring - Georgette Heyer (audio) 
• The Tempest - William Shakespeare 
• Thimble Summer - Elizabeth Enright* 
• Tied Up in Tinsel - Ngaio Marsh (audio) 
• The Time Garden - Edward Eager* 
• Till We Have Faces - C.S. Lewis (audio) 
• To Die But Once - Jacqueline Winspear (audio) 
• The Unknown Ajax - Georgette Heyer (audio) 
• Venetia - Georgette Heyer (audio) 
• Where the Crawdads Sing - Delia Owens 
• The Winter's Tale - William Shakespeare 

Non-fiction: 46 Books

• The 4 Wills of God - Emerson Eggerichs 
• 12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You - Tony Reinke 
• Abigail Adams: Witness to the Revolution - Natalie S. Bober* 
• Anyone Can Homeschool - Nicki Truesdell 
• Awakening Wonder - Sally Clarkson 
• The Book on Prayer - Ken Gurley 
• The Clutter Free Home - Kathi Lipp (audio) 
• A Colorful Way of Living - Barbara Bradley Baekgaard 
• Dear Bob and Sue - Matt & Karen Smith 
• An Everlasting Meal - Tamar Adler 
• Evaluating Books - Richard J. Maybury* 
• Find Your Weigh - Shellie Bowdoin 
• Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done - Jon Acuff (audio) 
• The Grace Blueprint - Lisa Taylor 
• Growing a Church - David K. Bernard 
• The Handbook on the Gospels - Jeffrey E. Brickles 
• A Higher Call - Adam Makos 
• The Homeschool Experiment - Charity Jenkins 
• House of Dreams: The Life of L.M. Montgomery - Liz Rosenberg 
• How to be a Great Wife Even Though You Homeschool - Todd Wilson 
• Integrity: Principles of Christian Ethics - Richard M. Davis 
• The Lazy Genius Way - Kendra Adachi 
• Lies Homeschool Moms Believe - Todd Wilson 
• A Literary Education - Emily Cook 
• A Love the Laughs - Ted Cunningham 
• Mama Bear Apologetics - Hillary Morgan Ferrer 
• M.O.M.--Master Organizer of Mayhem - Kristi Clover 
• Mother Culture - Karen Andreola 
• My Divine Comedy - Missy Andrews 
• October Sky - Homer Hickam 
• The Ocean of Truth - Joyce McPherson 
• On the Bright Side - Melanie Shankle (audio) 
• On Reading Well - Karen Swallow Prior 
• The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels -Ree Drummond (audio) 
• Rhythms of Rest - Shelly Miller 
• The Second World War: Milestones to Disaster - Winston Churchill (audio) 
• The Second World War: Alone - Winston Churchill (audio) 
• The Second World War: The Grand Alliance - Winston Churchill (audio) 
• Seven Men Who Rule the World From the Grave - David Breece 
• A Simplified Life - Emily Ley 
• The Unhurried Homeschooler - Durenda Wilson 
• United We Stand - Arthur L. Clanton 
• Used and Rare: Travels in the Book World - Lawrence & Nancy Goldstone 
• What Ever Happened to Justice - Richard J. Maybury 
• When Less Becomes More - Emily Ley 
• When Ye Pray - Joy Haney

Reading Journal: April

 

I really struggled in March to get any reading finished, but once I had adjusted myself to the fact that I was going to be stuck at home I finally found a reading groove. Honestly, my list looks long which surprises me because I don't feel like I have spent too much extra time reading. I think most of my reading came from read-alouds that I did with my kids. With everything dropped from our school schedule the read-alouds didn't get bypasses as easily. A good month overall!

Books read in April

Fiction:

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery (audio) - This was the pick for The Close Reads podcast which was so exciting for me since this is probably one of my favorite books. I decided to listen to the Rachel McAdam's narration that Audible put out a few years ago and which everyone raves about. So I am going to go out on a limb and say that while I really liked Rachel McAdam's as a narrator, but I think the Barbara Caruso version is better. Of course, that is probably because that is the version I first listened to. Anyhow, Anne was a great pick especially since we are in quarantine and I it helped me get the reading juices going. 
• The Austen Escape by Katherine Reay (audio) - I have enjoyed quite a few of Katherine Reay's books and decided to download this one from the library. I think I may have enjoyed this more in book form than audio. This was an okay read, but I can't say it was a favorite.
• Blandings Castle by P.G. Wodehouse (audio) - I always enjoy P.G. Wodehouse when life gets weird and have wanted to go through the Blandings books in order. This was book 2 and I didn't realize that it was more short stories than one story. The first part dealt with Blandings and then the rest were other stories most of them Mulliner stories. Again, not one of my favorite listens.
• The Code of the Woosters by P.G. Wodehouse (read-aloud) - When we went under the stay-home order I picked this up and started reading aloud to my older kids. This is one of the best Jeeves and Wooster books and even though we all have read it we enjoyed it again. (My kids probably would have preferred the audio version since my French pronunciation is really, really bad!)
• Home to Holly Springs by Jan Karon - Continuing on with the Mitford series. When I first read this book years ago I was hesitant to pick up the next book in the series since I didn't particularly enjoy it. I am glad to say I did like it better this time around and I think it helped that I have been reading through the books though I feel the following books are better.
• The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde (audio) - I listened to this along with The Literary Life Podcast. A funny read.
• In the Company of Others by Jan Karon - Another Mitford book and totally enjoyable. It happens in Ireland so you can't go wrong.
• The Reb and the Redcoats by Constance Savery - (read-aloud) This was a read-aloud with my youngest daughter. I read this aloud years ago to my older kids. This is such a great book about the Revolutionary War and takes place in England. I great twist on the Revolutionary War. Highly recommended!
• Rules of Civility by Amor Towles - A few years ago I read A Gentleman in Moscow and really enjoyed it. This is the author's first book and most everyone gives it rave reviews so I decided to give it a try. Honestly, I'm glad I read this after A Gentleman in Moscow because I don't think it even compared and I would have never read A Gentleman in Moscow based off of this book.
• Scout: The Secret of the Swamp by Piet Prins (read-aloud) - While reading The Code of the Woosters to my big kids my youngest, Delani, wanted to read about Scout. Again, this was another book I read to my oldest kids and Delani really enjoyed it.
• The Steel Wave (World War II: 1939-1945, #2) by Jeff Shaara (read-aloud) - From my last Reading Journal I had listed the first book that I read aloud to my son while he is studying World War II. Again, we are really enjoying this series. (A side note: There is some language which is one reason I'm reading it aloud.)

Non-Fiction:

• Lies Homeschooling Moms Believe by Todd Wilson - This is a little book that packs a powerful punch. This is addressed to homeschool moms but there is so much truth in the fact that all moms can easily be drawn into lies about parenting, housework, childbearing, homeschooling, etc. that quickly control our thoughts and soon we believe some very wrong thoughts. Some may think that Todd Wilson is over the top in some of his suggestions, but I think it is a necessary since we mom's are so bad at listening. Great read. 
• Rhythms of Rest: Finding the Spirit of Sabbath in a Busy World by Shelly Miller - I listened to a podcast that Shelly Miller was featured on and then a few weeks later I walked into the Christian bookstore and found the book on clearance for $4. I really enjoyed this book. The way she talks about doing Sabbath is very doable and she didn't beat the reader over the head about how getting off our phones will bring peace to our lives. Her scope for having Sabbath goes way beyond phones which I think is very overlooked in self-help books that are being published today. A great read and one I hope to implement in some way shape or form in my life. Probably not perfectly, but she assures her readers that that is okay. Highly recommended!

Reading Journal 2020: January - March

 

Warning: This is a very long post. I have been very remiss in getting my reading journals this year so while I'm in quarantine I thought I would try to get caught up. January and February were very good months for reading while my reading life took a drastic drop in March. I think some of this was at first due to struggling to find something that was catching my interest and then at the end of the month I just had trouble focusing on anything including reading. Thankfully, I have been able to get past that. So here goes:

January:

• Magical Melons by Carol Ryrie Brink (read-aloud) - I read Caddie Woodlawn to my youngest in December and she wanted to read the sequel so I obliged. She really enjoyed this book. I don't think it's as outstanding as Caddie, but still a worthwhile read.
• Death Has Deep Roots by Michael Gilbert - This was a mystery set in World War II. I reminded me a little bit of Rumpole of the Bailey. It was a good read.
• Last Christmas in Paris by Hazel Gaynor & Heather Webb - I'm still at a loss at why I even bothered to finish this book.
• Mansfield Park by Jane Austen (audio) - I read this along with The Literary Life Podcast.
• Peace Like a River by Leif Enger - I read this along with the Circe Close Reads Podcast. I have read Leif Enger's other two books, but had never read the first one. I have enjoyed everything I read by him, but I think this is his best.
• Venetia by Georgette Heyer (audio) - An old reliable read.
• Find Your Weigh by Shellie Bowdoin (audio) - Some great points in this book. I listened to it, but I need to actually read the book and jot down a few things.
• House of Dreams: The Life of L.M. Montgomery by Liz Rosenberg - I saw this recommended in a group I'm in and thought I'd give it a go. I know that Montgomery's life was nothing like her books and was pretty sad and could never muster up the courage to attempt to read about her. I thought maybe a book aimed for younger readers may make it an easier read. So here are a few thoughts--This is a lovely book. The artwork is very sweet and I think Rosenberg does a great job at presenting the material of Montgomery's sad life. That being said I wouldn't hand this book to my 12 year old or even to my 20 year old. They would be depressed and honestly I think this could turn younger readers off from reading Montgomery's books and that would be a tra gedy. I am truly of the opinion that beautifully written books don't require an extensive knowledge of an author's life to truly enjoy a story. Many author's had horrible lives yet in the midst of their pain they still produced something that was beautiful and lovely.
• M.O.M.--Master Organizer of Mayhem: Simple Solutions to Organize Chaos and Bring More Joy to Into Your Home by Kristi Clover (audio) - For me I didn't find much in this book that I haven't heard before. It does have rave reviews though so you may want to check it out.
• Mother Culture by Karen Andreola - This is a beautiful book for the homeschool mama even if she doesn't ascribe to the Charlotte Mason method.
• The Second World War: Milestones to Disaster by Winston Churchill (audio) - My son wanted to study World War II history so we are using his last two years of school being immersed in it. He read the book and I cheated and listened to the audio book. (This audio book goes along with the  Churchill's abridged edition of Churchill's six volume Second World War series which my son is reading since we didn't have enough time for six volumes.)
• Whatever Happened to Justice - Richard Maybury (read-aloud) - This is part of our government study that is pretty much an ongoing subject in our house. Honestly, this has been my favorite of all the Maybury books. He says to start with Whatever Happened to Penny Candy, but if you aren't used to his style he can be a little offsetting and Whatever Happened to Justice just seems a better starting point to me and helps you to understand his other books.
• When Less Becomes More:Making Space for Slow, Simple, and Good by Emily Ley (audio) - Okay, I get that social media is a problem. I think most of us would admit it, but does every book about simplicity and slow have to be about taking it out of your life (not permanently, but way less of it). Honestly, I'm not faulting the author because it obviously worked for her, but it seems like every book that has come out in the last 2-3 years had been the same message--"less technology, more _______" I think we all know we could use less technology and since everyone's message is the same obviously things aren't changing so it may be time to find a new message. The funny thing is as I write this review while I'm in quarantine due to COVID-19 there may be a new market for all these books since I'm most attempts at cutting back went out the window!

February:

• The Gown: A Novel of Royal Wedding by Jennifer Robson - I really enjoyed this read about the Queen's wedding dress and a story of friendship. One caveat: I didn't enjoy the page of a rape scene (which was probably comparatively mild) which only needed a paragraph. Why do authors think this is necessary. What if that scene was triggering to someone reading it? Head up authors, reader's do have imaginations we don't need everything in detail. I'm off my soap box.
• Laeticia Rodd and the Case of the Wandering Scholar by Kate Saunders - A cozy mystery that I enjoyed.
• The Rising Tide (World War II 1939-1945 #1) by Jeff Shaara (read-aloud) - I'm reading through this series with my son for part of his World War II study. Shaara does such a great job with these books. It's probably the favorite part of our day.
• Shepherd Abiding by Jan Karon - I'm still working my way through the Mitford series. I did enjoy this book better this time around that my first read through.
• The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey - This was an odd book with a sad ending. I don't like sad endings.
• The Tempest by William Shakespeare - The kids and I listened to this (with our books) for our Shakespeare study. I also picked it since The Play's the Thing podcast was doing it also.
• Thimble Summer by Elizabeth Enright (read-aloud) - I read this aloud to my youngest daughter.
• The Winter's Tale by William Shakespeare - Another Shakespeare play.
• Finish: Give Yourself a Gift by Jon Acuff (audio) - I've seen several recommendations for this book so I gave it a go. I will definitely need a re-read since I spent the first listen through dying laughing at Jon Acuff's stories and illustrations.
• Handbook of the Gospels by Jeffrey Brickle - My husband started a Biblical Training program and a couple of my kids are doing it. This is one of the books required and I recorded it for them to listen to since they have been busy working. (Even now two of them are still busy working.)
• Love That Laughs: Lighten Up, Cut Loose, and Enjoy Life Together by Ted Cunningham - I saw a little clip online of Ted Cunningham which I enjoyed so I went looking for his books. I found this one on Cloud Library, This is probably a good read for someone who need to learn to laugh. If you're an old married couple like us you are probably doing pretty well in that department.
• Seven Men Who Rule the World from the Grave by David Breece (read-aloud) - I started reading this aloud to my two middle kids and then my daughter graduated so I read the rest to my son. This book is on the AmblesideOnline list and it is highly recommended in Truthquest History. This was really a thought provoking book that I really enjoyed. I don't know if my kids got much out of it, but I did.

March:

• The Cater Street Hangman by Anne Perry - I was looking for a new series and decided to check this out, but it was not my cup of Dt. Coke.
• Light from Heaven by Jan Karon - Another Mitford book!
• The Light Over London by Julia Kelly - I found this an interesting read.
• Growing a Church by David K. Bernard - Anther book I read and recorded for my kids.
• On Reading Well: Finding a Good Life Through Great Books by Karen Swallow Prior - This was a dense read. I honestly don't know how I feel about this book and I probably enjoyed I think my biggest problem is that it just seemed to take me a long time to read it. I just never felt very compelled to read it.
• On the Bright Side: Stories About Friendship, Love, and Being True to Yourself by Melanie Shankle (audio) - I needed something cheerful not too long after quarantine started. I always enjoy Melanie Shankle and as always she makes me laugh.
• United We Stand by Arthur Clanton - Another book I read and recorded.
• When Ye Pray by Joy Haney - A book by one of my former Bible School teachers.

Books read in 2019

I am ridiculously late in posting this, but here it is in all it's glory! I read a total of 120 books--74 fiction and 46 non-fiction. Of those books 37 were audio books. 

Fiction (74):

• After the Armistice - Catronia McPherson
• Bookends - Liz Curtis Higgs
• The Bookshop - Penelope Fitzgerald
• Caddie Woodlawn - Carol Ryrie Brink
• The Chestry Oak - Kate Seredy
• The Chilbury Ladies Choir - Jennifer Ryan
• The Children of the New Forest - Frederick Marryat*
• The Christmas Hirelings - Mary Elizabeth Braddon*
• Death Comes for the Archbishop - Willa Cather
• Dorothy Sayers: The Complete Stories - Dorothy Sayers
• A Few Quick Ones - P. G. Wodehouse*
• Gaudy Night - Dorothy Sayers
• A Gentleman's Murder - Christopher Huang
• Henry V - William Shakespeare
• The Inimitable Jeeves - P. G. Wodehouse*
• Jeeves and the King of Clubs - Ben Schott
• Julius Caesar - William Shakespeare
• The Kaiser's Last Kiss - Alan Judd
• Little Britches - Ralph Moody
• Little Women - Louisa May Alcott*
• Macbeth - William Shakespeare
• The Magician's Nephew - C. S. Lewis*
• Northanger Abbey - Jane Austen*
• The Odyssey - Homer
• Othello - William Shakespeare
• Pay Attention Carter Jones - Gary D. Schmidt
• Persuasion - Jane Austen
• The Printed Letter Bookshop - Katherine Reay*
• The Quiche of Death by M. C. Beaton
• The Rector of Justin - Louis Auchincloss
• The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishigaro 
• The Road to Paradise - Karen Barnett*
• The Secret of the King's Tomb - Garrett Drake*
• Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen*
• Something Fresh - P. G. Wodehouse
• The Spies of Shilling Lane - Jennifer Ryan
• To Kill a Mockinbird - Harper Lee
• The Vanderbeeker's and the Hidden Garden - Karina Yan Glaser
• The Vanderbeeker's to the Rescue - Karina Yan Glaser
• The Watson's Go to Birmingham - Christopher Paul Curtis*
• Way of the Warrior Kid - Jocko Willink
• Whose Waves These Are - Amanda Dykes
• Wicked Autumn - G. M. Malliet

Amory Ames Series - Ashley Weaver

• Murder at the Brightwell
• Death Wears a Mask
• A Most Novel Revenge
• The Essence of Malice
• The Act of Villiany 

Anne of Green Gables Series - L. M. Montgomery

• Anne's House of Dreams
• Anne of Ingleside*
• Rainbow Valley
• Rilla of Ingleside

Chronicles of Brother Cadfael - Ellis Peter

• An Excellent Mystery*
• The Raven in the Foregate*
• The Rose Rent*
• The Hermit of Eyton Forest*
• The Heretic's Apprentice
• The Confession of Brother Haluin

Mitford Series - Jan Karon

• A New Song
• A Common Life
• In This Mountain 

Miss Marple Series - Agatha Christie

• Murder in the Vicarage*
• The Thirteen Murders
• The Body in the Library*
• The Moving Finger*
• A Murder is Announced*
• They Do It with Mirrors*
• A Pocket Full of Rye*
• The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side*
• 4:50 from Paddington*
• A Carribean Mystery*
• At Bertram's Hotel*
• Nemesis*
• Sleeping Murder*

Non-Fiction (46):

• 3 Seconds - Les Parrott*
• The 4:8 Principle - Tommy Newberry
• About My Mother - Peggy Rowe*
• Adorned - Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth
• Are Women Human? - Dorothy L. Sayers
• Atomic Habits - James Clear
• Becoming a Welcoming Church - Thom Rainer
• Bookgirl - Sarah Clarkson
• The Brave Learner - Julie Bogart
• Building Her House - Nancy Wilson*
• Burnt Toast Makes You Sing - Kathleen Flinn
• The Call of the Wild and Free - Ainsley Arment*
• Checklist for Life for Leaders - Checklist for Life
• Chasing the Horizon - Thomas & Patrick Kinkade
• The Conversation - Leigh Bortins
• Cozy Minimalist Home - Mcquillyn Smith
• Darkest Hour - Anthony McCarten
• Decluttering at the Speed of Life - Dana White
• Doctrines of the Bible - J. L. Hall
• Help, I'm Homeschooling - Tricia Hodges
• Education - Israel Wayne
• The Enchanted Hour - Meghan Cox Gurdon
• An Enemy Called Average - John Mason*
• An Experiment in Criticism - C. S. Lewis
• The Fairy Tale Girl - Susan Branch
• The Gospel-Centered Mom - Brooke McGlothlin
• The Homebody - Joanna Gaines
• Introverted Mom - Jamie C. Martin*
• Homeschool Bravely - Jamie Erickson
• Hope for the Weary Mom - Brooke McGlothin, Stacey Thacker
• Just Do Something - Kevin DeYoung
• Know and Tell  - Karen Glass
• The Library Book - Susan Orlean
• Make it Happen - Lara Casey*
• Make Time - Jake Knapp
• The Next Right Thing - Emily Freeman
• The Path Between Us - Suzanne Stabile
• Placemaker - Christie Purefoy*
• Roots and Sky - Christie Purefoy
• Rythms of Renewal - Rebekah Lyons
• Sold on Monday - Kristina McMorris
• Switch on Your Brain - Caroline Leaf
• To-Do List Formula - Damon Zahariades
• Three Days in Moscow - Bret Baier*
• The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop - Lewis Buzbee
• You Who - Rachel Jankovic

Reading Journal: October - December 2019

 

 October:

• Building Her House: Commonsensical Wisdom for Christian Women by Nancy Wilson (audio) - Uplifting essays encouraging women as they build their house. I definitely want to re-read this but in book form.
• Doctrines of the Bible edited by J.M. Hall - I read aloud and recorded it to help my kids with a Bible class they are taking.
• An Experiment in Criticism by C. S. Lewis - I read this along with The Literary Life Podcast. Lewis can really leave me groping for meaning. I'm thankful for the podcast to help my poor little brain.
• Homeschool Bravely: How to Squash Doubt, Trust God, and Teach Your Child with Confidence by Jamie Erickson - THIS BOOK!!! If you are a homeschool mom, drop what you're doing and go and buy this book. Such an encouraging read. This book isn't about a certain method of homeschooling but speaks more to doubts that every homeschool mom fights as she teaches her kids. Highly recommended!!
• Hope for the Weary Mom: Where God Meets You in Your Mess by Stacey Thacker & Brooke McGlothlin - I had this book in my Kindle and since I enjoyed another book by Brooke McGlothlin I thought I would check it out. An average read.
• Placemaker: Cultivating Places of Comfort, Beauty, and Peace by Christie Purifoy (audio) - This was an okay read--for me. I think this book will speak to other personalities differently so don't resist reading it if it is speaking to you. Emily P. Freeman recommended it so there is that!
• In this Mountain by Jan Karon - Mitford series--what more do I need to say! 
• The Odyssey by Homer, Emily Wilson translator - I read this along with the Close Reads Podcast. This was my first dive into The Odyssey. Since I have never read any other translations I can't really compare the translators, but there were parts that just felt odd or maybe too modern. I read the KJV Bible most of the time so on times that I read another translations I sometimes come across a passage that doesn't seem right and that makes me go look it up in the KJV. This is how this felt in this book. I will probably attempt another translator to see what I think, but it will be someday in the future.
• The Vanderbeeker's and the Hidden Garden by Karina Yan Glaser - The second book in the Vanderbeeker's Series. I know many people rave over them. I think they are good, but not great.
• Way of the Warrior Kid: From Wimpy Warrior the Navy Seal Way by Jocko Willink - The only way I know how to describe this book is a kids self-help book in story form. An interesting read.
• Wicked Autumn by G.M. Malliet - I'm always on the lookout for a new series, but this won't be it. 

November:

• Rhythms of Renewal: Trading Stress and Anxiety for a Life of Peace and Purpose by Rebekah Lyons - There were a few good thoughts in this book. Another book I would like to revisit one day.
• The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald - Don't bother picking this book up. The most disappointing ending that leaves me wondering why the author even wrote the book. Pitiful. (Once I got a drift of where the story was going I skimmed to the end.)
• The Confession of Brother Haluin by Ellis Peters - Another Brother Cadfael story. I picked this story up and started reading and thought I didn't know if I could handle what was going to happen to the main character. After returning the book to the library and rechecking it out I finally dived it only to find out it was a pretty good read.
• The Vanderbeekers to the Rescue by Karina Yan Glaser - The last book in the Vandebeeker's series. Good not great.
• The Watson's Go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis (audio) - I've had this on my radar for awhile and finally got around to it. A good little read.

December:

• Introverted Mom: Your Guide to More Calm, Less Guilt, and Quiet Joy by Jamie C. Martin (audio) - This book has high recommendations even by people who aren't introverted so I decided to give it a listen. I have a big opinion about introverts and extroverts that I'll spare you from, but I do think there are some things (especially as a mom) that are very much the same no matter which one you identify with. I do thing the biggest difference is how introverts and extroverts recharge which this book reminded me that daughter does not recharge like I do. In case you're wondering I do not recharge like an introvert!!
• Bookends - Lizz Curtis Higgs - An okay read. I know I read this years and years ago.
• Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink - I read this aloud to my 11 year old daughter and even though I listened to it years ago I realized I didn't remember everything about the story and there was one point I started crying. If you have kids read it aloud to them if you don't then just read it to yourself. You won't be disappointed.
• The Christmas Hirelings by Mary Elizabeth Brandon (audio) - This was a free book I got on Audible. Even though the story was predictable I thought it was a sweet little story.
• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (audio) - I hadn't read an Alcott book in a while and decided with the new film coming out I would revisit it. This book gets better every time I read it. Five stars!
• The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis (audio) - I listened to the series a few years ago, but for some reason  I never got to this book. Probably not my favorite, but the ending makes it better.
• Northanger Abbey by Jane Austin (audio) - A re-read from years ago and also it was the book for The Literary Life podcast. An enjoyable read.
• The Rector of Justin by Louis Auchincloss - I read this along with the Close Reads Podcast. An interesting read with an odd ending. I hate odd endings. I want nice, tidy, happy endings.

Reading Journal - September

 

Books read in September:

Non-fiction

• The 4:8 Principle: The Secret to a Joy-Filled Life by Tommy Newberry - I liked the premise of this book, but overall I think there are better books on this topic. This had a feel of if you always think happy than you will be happy. 
• The Conversation: Challenging Your Student with a Classical Education by Leigh Bortins - While we are not a part of Classical Conversations, I have enjoyed all of Leigh Bortins books. The strength of this book, especially for non-Classical Conversations homeschoolers, is the beginning chapters that deal with homeschooling in high-school. If you are unsure about homeschooling high-school I highly recommend picking this up. 
• Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave by Joanna Gaines - Let's just say I enjoy watching Joanna Gaines and I loved The Magnolia Story. This would have probably been a better read if my home style at least fell in her 5 different styles, but unfortunately homeschool book style wasn't listed. For some reason this book was more readable on Kindle than in book form. 
• Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God's Will by Kevin DeYoung - Can I park right here and say you need to read this book. Even if you don't struggle with the will of God it will help when talking to others on the topic. Excellent, excellent read!!!!!!
• Know and Tell: The Art of Narration by Karen Glass - I read this over the summer for my Charlotte Mason Reading Group. I am a big believer in narration and it was fun reading and discussing this.
• The Library Book by Susan Orlean - When I started this book I thought I was going to really enjoy it. This tells the story of the fire that happened at the Los Angeles Public Library in 1986. There were some interesting parts, but by the end I was really frustrated with the story. The author jumps around a lot jumping from the fire to the history of the library to the arsonist (though she has a whole section at the end arguing that it may not have been arson????). The author also puts a lot of speculation (hers and others) in the book which is not my favorite thing in a book. I want the author to tell the story and not put their 2 cents in every other paragraph or so. Can you tell this isn't a favorite?
• Roots & Sky: A Journey Home in Four Season by Christie Purifoy - An okay read. I realized I had this book on my Kindle after I heard about her new book Placemaker: Cultivating Places of Comfort, Beauty, and Peace. I recently started listening to her podcast Out of the Ordinary that she does with Lisa-Jo Baker. Her writing reminds me a little of Ann Voskamp which I find a little hard to follow, so I can't say I loved this book. I have enjoyed the podcast. 

Fiction

• After the Armistice Ball by Catriona McPherson - I was on the lookout for a new book to read. This would be considered a cozy mystery, but I wasn't impressed.
• A Common Life: The Wedding Story by Jan Karon - I'm re-reading the Mitford series and this tells the story of Father Tim's wedding day. A light and enjoyable read.
• A Gentleman's Murder by Christopher Huang - For some reason it took me a long time to read this book. I thought it was a good read for a first time author.
• The Heretics Apprentice by Ellis Peters - Another Bro. Cadfael mystery.
• Othello (No Fear Shakespeare) by William Shakespeare - I read this along with The Play's the Thing podcast. 
• Whose Waves These Are by Amanda Dykes - I'm not sure how I heard about this book, but I am sure glad I did. I really, really enjoyed this story. It is set in current day, but the story does flashbacks set during World War II. This is considered a Christian Historical Romance which I don't read much of anymore, but even though there was romance throughout the book the story really shone brighter.

Books I listened to:

• About My Mother: True Stories of a Horse-Crazy Daughter and Her Baseball-Obsessed Mother by Peggy Rowe - I have watched a few of Mike Rowe's Returning the Favor and he is always talking about his mom and her book so I decided to check it out. It's sweet and there are some funny laugh-out-loud moments.
• The Call of the Wild + Free by Ainsley Arment - I'm not sure where I was when the Wild + Free Communities started, but I started hearing about them about 3 years ago. I have heard a couple of interviews with Ainsley Arment plus I'm always up for a good homeschool book so when I saw this was available on Hoopla I went for it. I could see if you were a new homeschooler and felt like curriculum was restricting that this book would appeal to you. As a veteran homeschooler I found much of the material very redundant--curriculum styles (though only those that were appealing to this style of learning) and love languages (honestly, does this need to be covered in every.single.book?) I still wasn't too sure exactly what the Wild + Free method is and I'm sure everything discussed in there has been said before in a different way. I don't mean to offend anyone who loves Wild + Free because many of the speakers are speakers that I personally love to listen to, but I honestly don't think this book has much to offer to a homeschool mom who has been able to come up with her own method of education for her family. On a side note: The narrator to this book was NOT a favorite. I did not like her voice or reading at all. On another side note: I also had checked the book out from the library and it is a beautiful book! If this book is high on you list to read get the book and avoid the audio.
• Rilla of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery - Well, after two years or more I made my way through the Anne Series again. Rilla ranks up there as one of my favorites in the series. 
• The Secret of the King's Tomb by Garrett Drake - I was interested in this book since it featured the adventurer and author (The Complete Book of Marvels), Richard Halliburton. This probably isn't the best book ever written, but hey, it's Richard Halliburton and you have to appreciate anyone who enjoys him so much that he writes a fiction series about him.

Reading Journal - July & August

 

July:

• Checklist for Life for Leaders: Timeless Wisdom & Foolproof Strategies for Making the Most of Life's Challenges & Opportunities - Thomas Nelson Publishers - I have owned this book for years and finally picked it up to read. I was actually surprised on how much I really enjoyed this book. I wrote down quite a few quotes and found it to be just what I needed for the moment.
• Switch on Your Brain by Dr. Caroline Leaf - I found this a fascinating read about the brain. She does share a 21-day detox plan (second half of the book) which I found a little confusing. Overall, I thought this was a very though provoking read.
• The Chilbury Ladies Choir by Jennifer Ryan - I really enjoyed her new book, The Spies of Shilling Lane, so I decided to give this one a try. There were a lot of things I liked about this story, but the language and other topics were a turnoff. 
• Death Wears a Mask by Ashley Weaver - This book and the next book are part of the Amory Ames Series. They are pretty much cozy mysteries. 
• A Most Novel Revenge by Ashley Weaver
• A New Song by Jan Karon - I've been sloooooly reading my way through Mitford again. Father Tim never disappoints!

I listened to:

• 3 Seconds: The Power of Thinking Twice by Les Parrott - A good listen.
• Make it Happen: Surrender Your Fear. Take the Leap. Live on Purpose. by Lara Casey - The best thing about this book is that Lara Casey is a great storyteller and wonderful narrator. 
• Miss Marple Mysteries by Agatha Christie - I worked my way though this whole series on audio. Miss Marple has been a pleasant surprise. Dare I say I think I may like her a tad more than Poirot? (I'll go hide now.)
• 4:50 from Paddington 
• The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side 
• A Caribbean Mystery 
• At Bertram's Hotel 
• Nemesis 
• Sleeping Murder 

August:

• Education: Does God Have an Opinion? by Israel Wayne - Israel Wayne was one of the speakers at our local homeschool convention. A good read.
• The Essence of Malice by Ashley Weaver - Two more books from the Amory Ames Series. I have caught up in the series. I think so far I have enjoyed the first two books in the series the best.
• An Act of Villiany by Ashley Weaver
• Rainbow Valley by L.M. Montgomery - Another series I've been reading thorough slowly. I always get a kick out of Rainbow Valley. How after writing all her other books can she still come up with crazy things that happen to kids? It boggles my mind.

I listened to:

• An Enemy Called Average: The Keys for Unlocking Your Dreams by John Mason - This was a very short audio book and there were some good little tidbits in it. I plan on giving it another listen in a few months.
• The Road to Paradise by Karen Barnett - I'm not sure what I can say about this book. It is Christian fiction and, oh my, it shows. I coudn't quit rolling my eyes it was that bad.  
• Brother Cadfael Mysteries by Ellis Peters - This is another series I started a while back and have been sidetracked. I found some of these to check out so I dove right in. I really like this series. Ellis Peters does such a good job of showing how people are human whether their are royalty, a servant, a priest, a monk, etc. Good stuff.
• An Excellent Mystery by Ellis Peters
• The Raven in the Foregate by Ellis Peters
• The Rose Rent by Ellis Peters
• The Hermit of Eyton Forest by Ellis Peters

Reading Journal - June

I have to admit that when June arrived I was feeling very depleted in my reading life. I like to listen to podcasts, but decided to download some audiobooks and purposely listen every change I could. I dived right in to the Miss Marple Series by Agatha Christie. I feel quite refreshed now and am going to continue this until life takes a violent shift into high gear. 

I read:

• Are Women Human?: Astute and Witty Essay on the Role of Women in Society by Dorothy Sayers - I read this for The Literary Life Podcast. An interesting read and I was thankful for the podcast to help break it down.
• Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear - It took me several months to get through this book. I started listening to it and then decided I should read it instead and check it out as an ebook from the library and finally had to check the book out. There is some great information in here, but there are so many steps that I don't know how well I could apply it to my life. He does offer a "cheat" sheet on his website but I'm sure I would need to re-read the book to implement it.
• The Gospel-Centered Mom: The Freeing Truth About What Your Kids Really Need by Brooke McGlothin - If you are a mom this is a must read book. Being a mom is hard and you can't do it on your own. The message around us is that "You are enough." but God's Word says "He is enough." Some great tips and reminders for the weary mom.
• Anne of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery - I have been slowly reading through the Anne Series over the last couple of years. Anne's children are still young and this book is full of stories of her children. My favorite part of the book is the end where Anne thinks Gilbert is tired of her as a wife. Such a real story.
• Murder at the Brightwell by Ashley Weaver - A fun fluffy mystery.
• Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen - I read this along with the Close Reads Podcast. I hesitated to read it since Marianne is so over the top, but dived right in. I was pleasantly surprised when I started reading that she wasn't as bad as I remembered, but then I got in the middle of the book and yes, she was over the top. Anyways, I did enjoy this reading and stand amazed at Austen's way with a pen.
• The Spies of Shilling Lane by Jennifer Ryan - I'm not sure why I picked up this book, except that it looked interesting. I really enjoyed this story. It's a story of a mother going in search of her daughter. In the midst of kidnapping and spying they come to terms with their relationship. (Edited: If books had movie rating I would say that this is a PG read.)
• The Thirteen Problems by Agatha Christie - The second book in the Miss Marple series. I couldn't get this one audio so I had to read the book.
• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee - I read this aloud to my 12th and 10th grader for their literature selection for the last term of school. I so enjoy this story and it prompted a lot of great discussions with my kids.

I listened to:

• Agatha Christie's Miss Marple Series: 
• Murder at the Vicarage - This has been my favorite so far. I got such a kick out of the Vicar and his wife. 
• The Body in the Library
• The Moving Finger
• A Murder is Announced
• They Do It With Mirrors
• A Pocket Full of Rye

• The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Reay - This was an enjoyable read. At first I had a hard time following the story since the different characters told the story from their point of view but on the audio the same narrator kept reading. When I finally realized that it helped a lot!

Reading Journal - May

May has come and gone and I feel it wasn't one of my finest months of reading. Yes, I do have a decent list, but it took me quite a while to get through some of these. The last two days of May I sat down and purposed on finishing up my little pile that had collected. So here is my non-impressive pile.

I read:

• Dorothy L. Sayers: The Complete Stories by Dorothy L. Sayers - The Lord Peter short stories were recommended by Cindy Rollins from The Literary Life podcast. I'm not a short story person, but I decided to check these out. This book includes the Lord Peter Wimsey Stories (great stories), the Montague Egg stories (short & fun reads), and other stories (Not my cup of tea at all!). 
• Gaudy Night by Dorothy L. Sayers - I read this along with The Literary Life podcast. This is my second time to read Gaudy Night and I knew that when I first read through the Lord Peter series that I would have to re-read them since they are dense read, especially for fiction. If you have never read any of the Lord Peter books, I do recommend starting earlier in the series, especially the books with Harriet Vane.
• MacBeth (No Fear Shakespeare) by William Shakespeare - I read this along with The Play's the Thing podcast. An intense read!
• The Quiche of Death by M.C. Beaton - I grabbed this title since it looked like a quick cozy mystery. I didn't find the story line very intriguing (it took me two months to read) or the main character very likable.  Even though I did finish reading the book I probably won't be reading anymore in the series. 
• Book Girl: A Journey Through the Treasures and Transforming Power of a Reading Life by Sarah Clarkson - A book about books and filled with book lists--what's not to love? While there are a lot of the recommendations I probably will not pick up I did put a few on my list that looked intriguing. 
• The Path Between Us: An Enneagram Journey to Healthy Relationships by Suzanne Stabile - A few months ago I listened to a podcast (I have no clue which one) and Suzanne Stabile was being interviewed. I love to read about personalities and find the Enneagram a little confusing. This book was filled with plenty of information, but I still have a ways to go to understanding this way of understanding personalities. 

I listened to:

• Burnt Toast Makes You Sing Good: A Memoir of Food and Love from an American Midwest Family by Kathleen Flinn - I really enjoyed this memoir. I love to get glimpses of other's lives and it helps when the author does a great job of telling their story. (The book claims it has recipes. They were not included in the audio book.)
• Three Days in Moscow:Ronald Reagan and the Fall of the Soviet Union by Brett Baier - I found this story very intriguing. I would consider this to tell a broader story than three days. Baier does a good job of telling Reagan's story and his fight against Communism. Excellent!

Reading Journal - March & April

It's been a busy two months. My reading has been slow, but I'm hoping May will bring better reading time and books.

March:

• The Enchanted Hour: The Miraculous Power of Reading Aloud in the Age of Distraction by Meagan Cox Gurdon - This was a great book! So encouraging. It been hard to keep the reading aloud going here, but I'm going to keep trying.
• Jeeves and the King of Clubs:A Novel in Homage of P.G.Wodehouse by Ben Schott - I should know better than to try to read a book like this. I can't say that I hated it or that the author really failed. I do think he did a good job of catching the spirit of Wodehouse, but when it was all said and done it just wasn't Wodehouse. 
• Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare - This was for The Play's the Thing podcast hosted by the Circe Institute.
• The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop: A Memoir, a History by Lewis Buzbee - There were a few interesting stories in this little book, but overall it just wasn't that interesting, even though it is about books.

Audio:

• Children of the New Forest by Frederick Marryat - I was able to read this book aloud to my two middle kids years ago and actually started to read it to my youngest, but life got pretty swamped so I resorted to the audiobook. We listened to this together. This has been a favorite book with my kids which makes me happy.

April:

• The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschooling, Learning, and Life by Julie Bogart - While not a follower of Julie Bogart I am familiar with many of her ideas. I decided to give her new book a read and while many ideas given wouldn't happen in my homeschool I do believe she has an important message--you can homeschool your kids! Her chapter titled "The Dangers of Idealogical Alignment and True Belief-ism in Home Education" is a gem. She addresses something I don't hear addressed very often in the homeschool world and is a worthwhile read.
• Help I'm Homeschooling: Helpful Habits for the Heart of Homeschooling by Tricia Hodges - I'm always on the look out for helpful homeschool books to recommend to new homeschoolers. Since I used to follow Tricia Hodges' blog years ago so I was familiar with many of her suggestions. I would recommend this for a new homeschooler or someone who only follows a boxed curriculum and are wanting to try something different.
• The Next Right Thing: A Simple. Soulful Practice for Making Life Decisions by Emily P. Freeman - I started listening to The Next Right Thing podcast a few months ago and decided to order the book. While I did enjoy the book much of it was a repeat from the podcast. If I had been listening to her podcast from the beginning I'm sure I wouldn't have found the book so repetitive. Either way,  I do find her writing (and podcast) beautiful and thought worthy. 
• Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather - I decided to dive into this book since you always hear Willa Cather's name talked about when it comes to classics. Well, I have read it. I can't say I was too impressed. 
• Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers by Ralph Moody - On the other hand, you can't go wrong with Little Britches. What a wonderful story. I read this along with the Close-Reads podcast hosted by Circe Institute.
• Sold On a Monday by Kristina McMorris - I liked the premise of this story, but I struggle when authors put things in their books that would have never happened in the time period they set their stories. I'm nit picky. This is just an okay read.
• Tending Roses by Lisa Wingate - This was a slow going story, but I found it a lovely read. When I finished the book and entered it into my Goodreads only to find out I had read it over 10 years ago. I didn't even remember. 

Reading Journal - February

February felt like a slow reading month though I did get 9 books read. I am really struggling with coming up with fiction that is interesting to me. In the meantime I'll keep plugging along and hopefully I will find something to fill the need. 

I read:

• Anne's House of Dreams by L.M. Montgomery - Last year I made it through book four in the Anne series so I decided to keep on reading. Since I have read this book several times I actually was hesitating in reading it, even though I love to see Anne in her new married life and new place to live. Thankfully, the part I was dreading wasn't as bad as I remembered it. I love L.M. Montgomery's creativity. Even though many of the characters reflect earlier characters from Avonlea Montgomery does a great job of still giving them enough of their own personality so it doesn't feel like you're just reading over an old plot.
• The Chestry Oak by Kate Seredy - This was this term's literature book for my older kids. Yes, it is a little bit below their reading level, but I had read really good reviews about it and it was sitting on our shelf. The Chestry Oak starts off very slow and it stays that way for quite a while. We were trying to figure out what the rave reviews were all about. Eventually the story did pick up, though I don't think it lived up to the hype I had read about. Is it a worthy read? Yes, but just be prepared for a slow first half.
• The Kaiser's Last Kiss by Alan Judd - This was an interesting read about a German soldier who watches over Kaiser Wilhelm and a young Jewish servant. The German soldier is determined to be the best German soldier he can be, but while watching over the Kaiser he is starts to see the truth about the Nazi's along with his attraction to the young servant girl. This was a thought provoking book that I enjoyed. (Side note: The soldier and the servant have a relationship in the book, but these are not overly descriptive.)
• Pay Attention, Carter Jones by Gary D. Schmidt - My favorite Gary D. Schmidt book is The Wednesday Wars (with Okay for Now following hard after it). Pay Attention, Carter Jones is another great book. There is a lot of fun along with Carter Jones learning to deal with a major life change--one that any child doesn't want to go through. A touching story. (Another side note: While I really enjoyed this I still think The Wednesday Wars shines a little brighter. The story rotates around the game of Cricket which even though he tried to describe it I was quite lost.)
• Persuasion by Jane Austen - I started listening to this on audio book, but ended up not liking the narrator. I quickly grabbed the book off of my shelf and starting reading it. I know I have read this before, but I honestly had forgotten the first half of the book. While I enjoyed this story I didn't find it as satisfying as the last time I had read it, so I'm not sure if I've been more influenced by the book or the movie. I guess I'll have to watch the film and see.
• The Fairy Tale Girl by Susan Branch - A couple of years ago I read A Find Romance:Falling in Love with the English Countryside by Susan Branch which I loved. Not only was her travelogue a fun read, the format of the book was unique and a lot of fun. She later wrote The Fairy Tale Girl which tells about her early years out of high school--her jobs, her marriage, how she became an artist, her early life, and eventually how her marriage failed. I did find her take about the woman's lib movement in the 70's and 80's to be a very interesting read. Again, she makes these books have a beautiful layout with a lot of pictures and artwork.
• To-Do List Formula by Damon Zahariades - I thought this book made a to-do list a lot harder than it should be.
• You Who: Why You Matter and How to Deal With It by Rachel Jankovic - Rachel Jankovic takes on our culture's ideas of identity (i.e. "Who am I?", "find yourself", "follow your heart") in her typical no-nonsense manner. She is not afraid to say it like it is and remind us all that our identity is found in Christ--not in ourselves. Excellent read! 

I listened to:

• A Few Quick Ones by P.G. Wodehouse - This is a collection of short stories with a lot of different characters from Wodehouse's other stories. An enjoyable listen.

Reading Journal - January

I'm am going back to my Reading Journal format since the What's On Your Nightstand link-up is now defunct. January was a good reading month. I have a lot of non-fiction since I "fasted" reading fiction for 3 weeks. While I survived it amazes me that fiction makes me go to sleep so much faster than non-fiction! Here's January's list:

• Something Fresh - P.G. Wodehouse - The first book in the Blandings Series. There are a couple of classic Wodehouse moments in this story.
• The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro - I read this along with the Close Reads podcast. This is a slow moving story which was an okay read. 
• Henry V - William Shakespeare - This is my first time through any Henry play. I definitely need to go back and read the Henry IV plays. I also find my first time through a Shakespeare play leaves me a little befuddled. 
• Adorned: Living Out the Beauty of the Gospel Together - Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth - The focus on this book is older women mentoring younger women. The author goes through the scripture in Titus and breaks it down piece by piece. Excellent read.
• Becoming a Welcoming Church - Thom Rainer - I found out that we have some things we need to work on for our church. This is a short and sweet little book that is very helpful.
• Chasing the Horizon: Our Adventures Through the British Isles and France - Patrick Kinkade - This was such a charming book with little vignettes painted by Thomas Kinkade. Patrick (Thomas' brother) tells of their trip to Britain and France with their dad. Some of the trip was retracing their father's journey when he fought at D-Day. There are a few funny stories, but overall I felt it was lacking when compared to other books about travel.
• Cozy Minimalist Home: More Style, Less Stuff - Myquillyn Smith - I read The Nesting Place a few years ago and really enjoyed the style and tone and the affirmation that it was okay to go with what you liked.  In Cozy Minimalist Home it felt like the author was giving too many dos  and don'ts which will never be applied in my home. I really had to part ways when she constantly kept saying to add throw pillows. I'm sure there are way that I could improve my home, but I'm pretty happy with how it looks--especially without throw pillows!
• Darkest Hour: How Churchill Brought Back from the Brink - Anthony McCarten - This book passed through my hands at work so I brought it home to give it a read. I haven't seen the movie yet. This was an enjoyable read even though it was written as a movie tie-in. At the end of the book the author shares his opinion that Churchill was on the brink of settling for peace with Hitler. I'm not too sure what to think of this opinion and will probably have to do a lot more reading before I know where the truth lies.
• Decluttering at the Speed of Life - Dana White - I read this book on my Kindle which means I've been reading it for a very long time. One reason I bought this book is that I enjoyed her first book, How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind, and thought she did such a great job of simplifying the cleaning process. In the Decluttering book she does the same thing. her advice is probably just as good as Maria Kondo's and you don't have to thank your clothes, etc. while you are decluttering.
• Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day by Jake Knapp & John Zeratsky - This book is about making more time (as the title suggests). I liked how they set it up with their suggestions, but a lot of it is repetition such most suggestion refer to controlling your social media usage.

I listened to:

• The Inimitable Jeeves - P.G. Wodehouse - When a lot of people talk about Wodehouse they seem to love the Blandings series or PSmith, but honestly, I don't think it gets any better that a Bertie and Jeeves book. This book is in the beginning of the series and are more stories than a continuous novel, but this doesn't feel like short stories. There are enough of the same characters to make the stories flow.

Books Read in 2018

 

This year I set my reading goal at 100. I have had a struggle to even reach 100 books in the last few years so I put it down with the knowledge that I was okay if I didn't reach it. Well, I ended up surpassing it! I read a total of 120 books, 64 were fiction and 56 were non-fiction. I am really happy about these numbers as I have been trying to up my non-fiction reading. Of these books 18 were audio books and 5 were read-alouds.

Fiction: (64 books)

• The 101 Dalmatians - Dodie Smith**
• The Adventures of Robin Hood - Roger Lancelyn Green**
• Anne of Avonlea - L.M. Montgomery
• Anne of the Island - L.M. Montgomery
• Anne of Windy Poplars - L.M. Montgomery
• Arabella - Georgette Heyer
• Aunt's Aren't Gentlemen - P.G. Wodehouse* (listened to twice)
• The Awakening of Miss Prim - Natalia Fenollera Sanmartin
• The Authoritative Calvin and Hobbes - Bill Watterson
• Bachelor's Anonymous - P.G. Wodehouse
• The Bark of the Bog Owl - Jonathan Rogers
• Call for the Dead - John le Carre*
• Cloud of Witnesses - Dorothy Sayers*
• The Code of the Woosters - P.G. Wodehouse
• A Dangerous Place - Jacqueline Winspear
• Dear Mrs. Bird - A.J. Pearce
• The Fall of Marigold - Susan Meissner
• False Colours - Georgette Heyer
• The Floating Admiral - Dorothy Sayers and others
• Frederica - Georgette Heyer*
• A Gentleman in Moscow - Amor Towles
• The Glass Menagerie - Tennessee Williams
• The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - Mary Ann Shafer
• Hannah Coulter - Wendell Berry*
• Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet - Jamie Ford
• How Right You Are, Jeeves - P.G. Wodehouse*
• Howard's End - E.M. Forester
• The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill - Julie Klassen
• Jeeves and the Feudal Spirit - P.G. Wodehouse*
• Journey to Munich - Jacqueline Winspear
• Kate Hardy - D.E. Stevenson
• King Lear - William Shakespeare
• Lady of Quality - Georgette Heyer
• The Ladies of Ivy Cottage - Julie Klassen
• Leaving Everything Most Loved - Jacqueline Winspear
• The Luck of the Bodkins - P.G. Wodehouse
• The Looking Glass Wars - John le Carre
• The Good Pilot Peter Woodhouse - Alexander McCall Smith
• A Man of Some Repute - Elizabeth Edmondson
• Money in the Bank - P.G. Wodehouse*
• A Murder of Quality - John le Carre
• My Man Jeeves - P.G. Wodehouse*
• Out to Canaan - Jan Karon
• The Penderwicks at Last - Jeanne Birdsall
• Pistols for Two - Georgette Heyer
• Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen**
• A Question of Inheritance - Elizabeth Edmondson
• Quick Service - P.G. Wodehouse*
• Owls in the Family - Farley Mowat
• Rip Van Winkle - Nathaniel Hawthorne
• The Rise and Fall of Mount Majestic - Jennifer Trafton
• Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims - Rush Limbaugh
• Silas Marner - George Eliot**
• The Spy Who Came In From the Cold - John le Carre
• These High Green Hills by Jan Karon*
• This Side of Murder - Anna Lee Huber
• Treacherous Is the Night - Anna Lee Huber
• True Grit - Charles Portis
• Uncle Tom's Cabin - Harriet Beecher Stowe**
• Unnatural Death - Dorothy Sayers*
• The Vanderbeeker's of 141st Street - Karina Yan Glaser
• Virgil Wander - Leif Enger
• Where'd You Go, Bernadette - Maria Semple
• Whose Body - Dorothy Sayers*

Non-Fiction: (56 books)

• The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers - Meg Meeker
• The Antelope in the Living Room - Melanie Shankle
• A Basic History of the United States Volume 3 - Clarence B. Carson*
• Becoming MomStrong - Heidi St. John
• Church of the Small Things - Melanie Shankle
• The DIY Home Planner - KariAnne Wood
• The Dog Who Wouldn't Be - Farley Mowat
• The Dyslexia Help Handbook for Parents - Sandra K. Cool
• Essentialism - Greg McKeown*
• Eve in Exile - Rebekah Merkle
• Everybody Writes - Ann Handley
• For the Children's Sake - Susan Schaeffer Macauley
• For Women Who Are Called by Woman Who Have Answered - Kim Haney
• Giddy Up, Eunice - Sophie Hudson
• The Gift of Dyslexia - Ronald D. Davis
• God Has a Waiting Room - Kim Haney
• Happier at Home - Gretchen Rubin
• Hello Mornings - Kat Lee
• Here is Where - Andrew Carroll
• How To Read a Book - Mortimer Adler**
• I'd Rather Be Reading - Anne Bogel
• Keep It Shut - Karen Ehman*
• King Alfred's English - Laurie White
• Know and Tell the Art of Narration - Karen Glass
• The Life-Giving Parent - Clay & Sally Clarkson*
• Lies Women Believe - Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth*
• A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet - Sophie Hudson
• Lion by Saroo Brierley
• Love the Home You Have - Melissa Michaels
• Made to Crave - Lysa TyrKeurst
• The Magnolia Story - Chip & Joanna Gaines*
• Margin - Richard A. Swenson*
• Mere Motherhood - Cindy Rollins
• The Ministry of Motherhood - Sally Clarkson
• A Mother's Heart - Jean Fleming
• Much Ado About Nothing - William Shakespeare
• Murder in an English Village - Jessica Ellicott
• Overcoming Dyslexia - Sally E. Shaywitz*
• A Path Through Suffering - Elisabeth Elliot
• The Promise and the Goblin - George MacDonald
• The Read-Aloud Family - Sarah Mackenzie
• Sparkly Green Earrings - Melanie Shankle
• Spiritual Mothering - Susan Hunt
• So Close to Amazing - KariAnne Wood
• Teaching from Rest - Sarah Mackenzie*
• The Tech-Wise Family - Andy Crouch
• Ten Ways to Destroy the Imagination of Your Child - Anthony Esolen 
• Tending the Heart of Virtue - Vigen Guroian
• A Touch of the Infinite - Megan Hoyt
• Uninvited - Lysa Terkeurst*
• unNatural Mom - Hettie Brittz
• Voracious - Cara Nicoletti
• Wait Till Next Year - Doris Kearns Goodwin*
• Why I Hate Green Beans - Lincee Ray*
• Women of the Word - Jen Wilkins
• Your Best Year Ever - Michael Hyatt