Book Review: The Sweetgum Ladies Knit for Love by Beth Pattillo

The Sweetgum Ladies Knit for Love by Beth Pattillo is a sequel to The Sweetgum Ladies Knit Lit Society which I recently reviewed.

Product Description:

Once a month, the six women of the Sweetgum Knit Lit Society gather to discuss books and share their knitting projects. Inspired by her recently-wedded bliss, group leader Eugenie chooses “Great Love Stories in Literature” as the theme for the year’s reading list–a risky selection for a group whose members span the spectrum of age and relationship status.
As the Knit Lit ladies read and discus classic romances like Romeo and Juliet, Wuthering Heights, and Pride and Prejudice, each member is confronted with her own perception about love. Camille’s unexpected reunion with an old crush forces her to confront conflicting desires. Newly widowed Esther finds her role in Sweetgum changing and is surprised by two unlikely friends. Hannah isn’t sure she’s ready for the trials of first love. Newcomer Maria finds her life turned upside-down by increasing family obligations and a handsome, arrogant lawyer, and Eugenie and Merry are both asked to make sacrifices for their husbands that challenge their principles.
Even in a sleepy, southern town like Sweetgum, Tennesee, love isn’t easy. The Knit Lit ladies learn they can find strength and guidance in the novels they read, the love of their family, their community–and especially in each other.

I really looked forward to reading the next book in this series. Alas, The Sweetgum Ladies Knit for Love wasn't as enjoyable as the first. I didn't think the human interest stories were as interesting. I did find that one of the characters, Esther, finally showed a human side and then of course the book ended! The ending does leave you hanging a bit, and pretty much begs for another book in the series. Overall, it was an easy read and readable.

Where did the sun go?

After our record breaking heat wave we have cloud and cool weather. Too cool!! All I want is a little sun and warmth, and to think last week we had to go cool off.

Book Review: How Lincoln Learned to Read: Twelve Great Americans and the Educations that Made Them by Daniel Wolff

Product Description:

An engaging, provocative history of American ideas, told through the educations (both in and out of school) of twelve great figures, from Benjamin Franklin to Elvis Presley.

How Lincoln Learned to Read tells the American story from a fresh and unique perspective: how do we learn what we need to know? Beginning with Benjamin Franklin and ending with Elvis Presley, author Daniel Wolff creates a series of intimate, interlocking profiles of notable Americans that track the nation’s developing notion of what it means to get a “good education.” From the stubborn early feminism of Abigail Adams to the miracle of Helen Keller, from the savage childhood of Andrew Jackson to the academic ambitions of W.E.B. Du Bois, a single, fascinating narrative emerges. It connects the illiterate Sojourner Truth to the privileged Jack Kennedy, takes us from Paiute Indians scavenging on western deserts to the birth of Henry Ford’s assembly line. And as the book traces the education we value – both in and outside the classroom – it becomes a history of key American ideas.

In the end, How Lincoln Learned to Read delivers us to today’s headlines. Standardized testing, achievement gaps, the very purpose of public education – all have their roots in this narrative. Whether you’re a parent trying to make sure your child is prepared, a teacher trying to do the best possible job, or a student navigating the educational system, How Lincoln Learned to Read offers a challenge to consider what we need to know and how we learn it. Wide-ranging and meticulously researched, built mostly on primary sources, this is an American story that begins and ends with hope.

After finally finishing this book I have to admit it doesn't rank up with my favorites. I found this title while browsing Border's bookshelves and of course what home school mom doesn't want to know "How Lincoln Learned To Read"! I found the first couple of Americans that the author covered very interesting. In the end, I have to say it was a very thought provoking book. I have had many discussions with my husband on things covered in this book. When I had finished I had a dislike for today's modern educational system and how it has slowly formed to be what it is. I don't believe that was the author's intent, but that is how I felt.

Books read in July

The Fairy Tale

Fiction
Cheaper By the Dozen by Frank B. Gilbreth, Ernestine Gilbreth Carey (review)
Tumtum & Nutmeg: Adventures Beyond Nutmouse Hall by Emily Bearn (review)
The Sweetgum Knit Lit Society by Beth Pattillo (review)
101 Dalamation by Dodie Smith [audio] (review)
Venetia by Georgette Heyer
Sylvester by Georgette Heyer

Non-Fiction
When Your Child Struggles The Myths of 20/20 Vision: What Every Parent Needs to Know by O.D. David L. Cook

Vacation Flashback #2

We also visited the National Museum of the United States Airforce in Dayton, Ohio. Destini and Delani didn't appreciate this stop, but the rest of us did. There was so much here to see and read about. I didn't even read 1/4 of all the information that was posted everywhere. This is one place I would like to go back and visit. By the way, did I mention that admission was FREE?!

Dip It, Baby!

Delani has discovered dipping sauces. It is for all food--including corn on the cob! Check out her excitement.

Vacation Flashback #1

We have been home for a week now, but it has been very busy. I thought I would post some slideshows of our time spent with my Mom and Dad. The first slideshow is from our visit to the Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky.

I didn't get a picture of the bookstore, but I really enjoyed that part!