The Victorian language and the length of the book was initially daunting, but I am very glad I chose an annotated version that included definitions ofThe Victorian language and the length of the book was initially daunting, but I am very glad I chose an annotated version that included definitions of old English words as well as references that are lost in the current culture (old books, poems, and research that are not well known). I have read several books based on Charlotte Mason's educational philosophy (A Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola and For The Children's Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay are my two favorites) and listen to several podcasts and YouTube channels that focus on it as well (The Commonplace Podcast and YouTube, Simply Charlotte Mason video podcast are favorites), so I have a pretty good grasp on the philosophy, but after reading a ton of quotes by Charlotte Mason from these and other resources, I wanted to go straight to the source. It was great to read her own words, many familiar to me, in the context of the whole collection of this first volume, which is intended for children under nine. Topics included habit training, early years of education (learning to read, write, geography, history), the importance of narration (telling back what a child learns instead of being tested by the teacher's pre-made questions), nature exploration (including nature journaling, scouting, and other fun outdoors topics), spiritual formation, and so much more. I will most certainly return to this book as a resource over the years since I follow a lot of the Charlotte Mason philosophy in the young years before formal education (which she encourages to start at age six). The rhythm and overall atmosphere in our home has been transformed and enriched by a deeper understanding in the last year of her teachings about education being an atmosphere, a discipline, and a life, all under the submission and leading of God.
Aside from being a talented author, Stratton-Porter was also a nature photographer and naturalist, and her books, brimming with beautiful descriptionsAside from being a talented author, Stratton-Porter was also a nature photographer and naturalist, and her books, brimming with beautiful descriptions of nature, are such a delight. From the rugged California coastline and the intricate art of beekeeping (Keeper of the Bees, my favorite novel of hers) to the lush Midwestern woodlands and intricate art of growing and harvesting medicinal herbs of this story, she has a wealth of knowledge about the natural world that brings so much depth to her books. The plot itself was also intriguing: David enjoys his solitary life in the woods growing his herbs, but after a dream of a beautiful girl, he is convinced his Dream Girl is out there and prepares for her arrival by building a dream house in the woods. He eventually finds her, but things are a lot more complicated than he realizes. The first part of the plot felt idealistic and far-fetched, but then it became so raw and realistic later on. It's a story of the healing power of love, compassion, and being surrounded by nature as the girl struggles with her identity as well as deep-rooted hurt.
Riveting memoir of Virginia's experience in Communist Romania in the 1980s when she, as a lawyer, defending Christian clients who were being persecuteRiveting memoir of Virginia's experience in Communist Romania in the 1980s when she, as a lawyer, defending Christian clients who were being persecuted for their faith. She endured all sorts of challenges, from being beaten, kidnapped, under house arrest, and even (as the title suggests) ordered by be killed by an assassin. Throughout the book, she constantly points the praise to God's power and faithfulness rather than her own courage and integrity to stand up for the truth, yet her character stands out like a shining light in the darkness of a terrible time in Romania's history. As a Romanian who immigrated as a toddler to America a mere three months before Ceaucescu was assassinated by a firing squad for his decades of atrocities, I didn't experience it first-hand, but my parents did. I love reading books that give me a clearer picture of the experiences of people during this time. I had to keep reminding myself this was a true story because it just kept getting more and more crazy, yet it is all true! A quick YouTube search will get you many interviews with this phenomenal woman if you want to hear her story before reading the book.
Content rating: PG to PG-13 (nothing super graphic, but it does mention violent acts)...more
I've read a lot of WWII fiction and always learn a lot about that difficult era through the context of fiction based on true events. When I found out I've read a lot of WWII fiction and always learn a lot about that difficult era through the context of fiction based on true events. When I found out the sister of a close friend recently published a WWII novel for middle-school age, I was interested and brought it up as a possibility for our book club. A few months later, we were able to have the author join us for book club, which was such a treat! This novel was thoughtfully researched and written, with an engaging and intriguing plot that had me rooting for the main character, Sylvia, through all her challenges, as well as including history I wasn't aware of. I appreciated that Meara was very intentional in the amount of pain and suffering she exposed the reader to, since it's a book that targets a younger crowd. For example, she didn't want the reader to step foot in a concentration camp, so there weren't scenes in one, though there were several people who were sent to them, so the reader can still learn of those atrocities without the extreme heaviness of all the details. I also loved how the book focused on the many different people who helped Sylvia along the way to help her survive as a Jew in occupied France. There are illustrations in the novel that may help a middle-schooler to better connect with the story and imagine the scenes. This would be a fantastic book for a parent to read with their middle or high-schooler as they discuss WWII, though I enjoyed it as an adult and didn't feel it was too simple or juvenile at all. I am adding it to my list of favorite WWII novels since it impacted me so much and hearing about the writing process from the author made it such a rich reading experience.
Content rating: G to PG (alludes to certain violence against Jews but very careful not to share too much)....more
I love reading books by the Sally Clarkson, but for a few months, I read this book by her husband. It was a dense book, so it took my a long time, espI love reading books by the Sally Clarkson, but for a few months, I read this book by her husband. It was a dense book, so it took my a long time, especially since I journaled what I liked and what I wanted to apply from each chapter. Mr. Clarkson focuses on three areas of discipline in raising children: directive discipline (guiding a child to live a life that honors God through encouragement, sympathy, nurturing, and instruction), corrective discipline (spiritual, verbal, and behavioral correction) is re-directing when a child has veered off the path, and protective discipline (discerning how to protect them from unhealthy desires, relationships, media, and influences). He also spends a few chapters discussing why he doesn't believe the rod verses in the Bible are about spanking children. There was a ton to think and pray through, and I can see myself returning to this book as a reference. It was mostly high-level or a birds eye view to this way of parenting that honors God and honors children as they are pointed daily to Him rather than practical tips, but I was still able to apply several things to my discipline toolbox to try out, and save other things for when the kids are older.
I love learning about artists and the stories behind their masterpieces, so I was sold on this book as soon as I saw it recommended by a friend on InsI love learning about artists and the stories behind their masterpieces, so I was sold on this book as soon as I saw it recommended by a friend on Instagram. Russ Ramsey is the author of Behold the King of Glory, which I enjoyed, so I was excited to read another book by him. I loved how he extrapolated Christian truths from each artist's lives, even when their stories included brokenness, loss, loneliness, and plenty of bad decisions (Caravaggio, I am looking at you and your countless tavern brawls and public outbursts). Each chapter focuses on one artist and one specific masterpiece. From Rembrandt's The Storm on the Sea of Galilee (which sadly has been stolen and never recovered!) to Van Gogh's The Red Vineyard (the only painting he sold in his lifetime) to Henry Ossawa Tanner's Annunciation (my favorite rendition of Mary) to Michelangelo's enormous David statue (at least two other artists tried and failed the project, and decades later, he finished the job from limitations in the stone and created a masterpiece recognized around the world). The appendix has useful tips for appreciating art, though I wish there was more! This book reminded me of the much heftier (and more textbook-ish) 75 Masterpieces Every Christian Should Know, but it was definitely more approachable for someone who is curious about how art and the Christian faith intersect.
I have read different children's versions of this classic, most recently the phenomenal Little Pilgrim's Big Journey, which made me want to read the oI have read different children's versions of this classic, most recently the phenomenal Little Pilgrim's Big Journey, which made me want to read the original story. It was more readable than I expected for a book written in 1678. A Christian allegory about sanctification or the way towards heaven, it is made of two stories or books, the first of which is the most well-known, focusing on Christian, and the second book on his wife and their children. They all embark on the journey to the Celestial City when beckoned by the King through a letter. They meet various challenges on the way, almost perishing many times, from people who want to confuse and derail them to the beast called Apollyon, who is the enemy of the King. Along the way, they all learn important truths about the King and his way, which help them on their journey. This was a powerful book that explained so many doctrines of the Christian faith in understandable ways through the allegory.
As a Romanian-American who immigrated as a 3-year old a few months prior to the Romanian Revolution in December 1989, I have heard details of how horrAs a Romanian-American who immigrated as a 3-year old a few months prior to the Romanian Revolution in December 1989, I have heard details of how horrible it was to live under Ceausescu’s tyrannical communist government from family, sermons, and a few books I’ve read. I was familiar with some of the details of day-to-day hardships, like waiting in line for hours to get meager rations, and even heard about some of the gruesome violence exhibited by the Securitate (Ceausescu’s secret police), but this book still broke my heart as it opened my eyes to more of the tragedies endured during the three decades under Ceausescu’s rule. The novel follows a teenage boy in 1989 as he is forced to become an informant for the Securitate. Trying to outfox them, he slowly uncovers more about the lies they’ve been fed through propaganda, truths they’ve been kept from because of Ceausescu’s isolation of the Romanian people from the outside world (it was illegal to talk to any non-Romanian, read or watch anything in English, or handle any non-Romanian currency). This book is suspenseful, heartbreaking, and infuriating (the Ceausescus were enjoying the high life in their gigantic palace while Romanians were dirt poor, all the while he was touting the benefits of communism to the rest of the world.) It’s such an important book to read about the little-known history of Romania’s three-decades nightmare.
Content rating: PG to PG-13 (violence, 1-2 cuss words) ...more
A great resource for parents who want to simplify their home and lifestyle to encourage less stress, more connection, creativity, and relaxation. The A great resource for parents who want to simplify their home and lifestyle to encourage less stress, more connection, creativity, and relaxation. The four areas discussed are 1) simplifying the home environment (de-cluttering toys and clothing), 2) creating a dependable rhythm to your day/week, 3) simplifying your schedule (taking a very critical look at whether all the play-dates, sports, music lessons, parties, etc. are necessary or helpful and how to balance it with rest and relaxation and even boredom at home), and 4) the benefit of unplugging children (from TV, social media, the news, consumerism). Lots of great research, anecdotes, and insight from his many years counseling families. I definitely won’t follow his recommendations perfectly, and we have already implemented many of these things prior to ever hearing about the book, but there was still plenty to glean and discuss with my husband about how we can limit unnecessary and unhelpful clutter in our lives.
Ruth is an talented artist (mostly floral and landscape watercolor paintings with Bible verses in elegant calligraphy) and author (of devotionals and Ruth is an talented artist (mostly floral and landscape watercolor paintings with Bible verses in elegant calligraphy) and author (of devotionals and a Bible study) who I have been following on Instagram for years. Even her posts are well-written, thought-provoking, and always pointing followers to God. She digs deep in this book, which is part memoir and part theological exploration of grace. As a young Taiwanese immigrant stuck between two cultures in America, she found her self constantly trying to prove her worth as a young girl and later as a young adult. In Part One, she shares how her quest for self-improvement, perfectionism, avoiding the shame that constantly plagued her, and constant striving in her own strength only left her feeling defeated and exhausted. She explores why these attempts are impossible and even harmful for any Christian woman. Part Two is all about God's grace and how it is the anecdote to striving in and of ourselves, and how it propels us to a different type of striving IN grace rather than FOR grace. Her Biblical insights are solid and grounded in Scripture, and helps unearth unhealthy thought patterns and self-improvement habits that Christian women can easily fall into when they don't fully grasp the whole gospel and power of God's amazing grace. This was an excellent read on audiobook, but I definitely will need to buy it so I can underline and highlight the mess out of it.
It is easy to lump God's holiness within a list of other attributes of God, such as His love, faithfulness, eternal nature, omnipresence, etc. But SprIt is easy to lump God's holiness within a list of other attributes of God, such as His love, faithfulness, eternal nature, omnipresence, etc. But Sproul argues that God's holiness is central to His being. So, His love is perfectly holy, His faithfulness is perfectly holy, and so forth. He defines God's holiness as not only set-apartness and pure (which is how I always understood it), but a third quality of transcendence (so far above anything else in His creation that it cannot even compare). He explores different areas of His holiness, including His justice (and how it doesn't negate that He is also loving), how His holiness ought to inspire awe and a healthy fear/respect, the dangers of downplaying His holiness when we feel uncomfortable with it (and with ideas like God's anger, and what the Bible verses truly mean to be holy because God is holy. Journal/discussion questions at the end of the book help to meditate and further work through what each chapter highlighted and to take action by worshiping God for His holiness. This was a thought-provoking and eye-opening book that challenged and encouraged me to appreciate God's holiness in a whole new, deeper way. I would recommend this fantastic book to any and every Christian.
Recently, as I have been reading books and listening to podcasts on homeschooling, this book has repeatedly been recommended for those interested in tRecently, as I have been reading books and listening to podcasts on homeschooling, this book has repeatedly been recommended for those interested in the Charlotte Mason method of education. It wasn't until I started listening to it that I realized another thing it its favor: Susan is Edith and Francis Shaeffer's daughter! (I really enjoyed Edith's The Hidden Art of Homemaking and am looking forward to reading L'Abri, which is about her and her husband, Francis' ministry). It soon became apparent why so many homeschooling moms have been inspired by the words of this book, first published in 1984. It is an encouragement for parents to see the vital role they play in their child's life, specifically through education. Susan doesn't just focus on homeschooling, she also looks at how a parent can partner with schools to help promote a gentle, well-rounded, meaningful education. She looks at the role of education from a Christian worldview, but makes it very accessible and practical rather than merely philosophical. She explains how Charlotte Mason's educational principles (developed in the late 19th century) can be employed in any setting, from home to school, from the wealthy to the impoverished, from those living in farms to those living in the inner city. She brings it home by sharing examples she and her husband have adopted many of these principles in raising and educating their own children. From the importance of allowing children ample time to explore nature, to the tool of narration instead of stressful quizzing, to following a child's tempo rather than rushing them to learn new skills before they are ready, to including children in daily activities and conversations (thereby treating them as persons rather than helpless babies), she explores what Mason's methodology looks like for a modern family, without giving a specific, rigid how-to manual. I enjoyed it on audio, but will be adding a physical copy to my own personal library so I can re-read it and mark my favorite parts. ...more
Published in 1955, Amberwell is the fictional estate on the west coast of Scotland, owned by the wealthy Ayrton family for many generations. The storyPublished in 1955, Amberwell is the fictional estate on the west coast of Scotland, owned by the wealthy Ayrton family for many generations. The story focuses on five Ayrton siblings in the years before, during, and after WWII, as they grow from children to adults. They are close when they are young, then they each embark on their own paths, some straying farther than they could have ever imagined from Amberwell as well as relationally from one another. Their parents are cold and distant, focusing on their social class and how to beatify Amberwell much more than on the needs of their children, which was interesting to see the effects as the siblings grew up. I loved the slow-paced and atmospheric writing that brought me into the lush Scottish setting. I enjoy family stories, especially set in affluent British (or in this case, Scottish) homes, since this is an entirely unfamiliar story to my own. Old money of the Scottish gentry, secret gardens for children to play in, and a house full of gossiping servants all weave the setting of the seemingly idyllic environment at Amberwell. I loved Nell, the shy, socially awkward second youngest daughter (and main protagonist), who matures into a leader in the home when everything seems to fall apart during and after WWII. The loyalty and love she has for her family -- even when it is not returned -- was beautiful. If you enjoy shows like Downton Abbey, this may be up your alley. I am looking forward to reading the next two books in the series.
This was a fantastic book to discuss in 2021 with a group of moms from church. It brings the truth and power of gospel into the hardest moments of parThis was a fantastic book to discuss in 2021 with a group of moms from church. It brings the truth and power of gospel into the hardest moments of parenting, like when we are keenly aware of our child’s sin and disobedience, and how to respond with grace, forgiveness, and love that reflects Jesus. In each chapter, he reminds parents the humbling truth that we are more like our kids than we realize and only when we see the mercy God has given us can we parent in a merciful way. Tripp encourages Christian parents to see themselves as ambassadors, showcasing God’s character to their kids everyday, by His power rather than our own desire to control their behavior. It’s not a to-do book filled with practical advice, but rather a deep dive into foundational principles that can transform parenting to glorify God. Absolutely recommend for all Christian parents!...more
An incredibly practical and in-depth guide to raising bilingual children. It gave me a lot to think about as I navigate teaching our son my Romanian lAn incredibly practical and in-depth guide to raising bilingual children. It gave me a lot to think about as I navigate teaching our son my Romanian language. She included convincing research as well as anecdotal stories of families who are successfully raising bilingual children. Here are her seven steps, each described in detail throughout the book. Step 1: Building the foundation for your child's bilingualism (what does it mean to be bilingual? What are advantages for a child to be bilingual? Debunking myths about bilingualism). Step 2: Making it happen (defining goals and making decisions, such as how proficient you want your child to be and picking a start date). Step 3: Becoming a bilingual coach (deciding who speaks which language and when. The OPOL, One Parent One Language method is recommended). Step 4: Creating a Bilingual Action Plan (organizing when and how the language will be learned at home, extended family/community involvement such as grandparents speaking only in the second language, school resources such as bilingual schools, online programs and TV shows). Step 5: Leaping over predicable obstacles (mixing languages, parental insecurity that they speak that language well enough to teach their child, what to do if a child no longer is interested in learning the language, etc). Step 6: Reading and writing in two language. Step 7: Adapting to School. I felt like a lot of my reservations about starting this journey were addressed, such as wondering if there is a speech delay in bilingual children (short answer: there is not). I also felt like there were enough suggestions that I could formulate my own Bilingual Action Plan to best suit our family, which I was able to put together after reading the book. Learning a second language isn't one-size-fits-all. There are different ways that work for different families, so I appreciated that she wasn't prescriptive and only recommended one way; instead, she gave many examples of how families are making this work for them. This book was written in 2008, so there are many new technological advances (such as YouTube) that obviously were not mentioned, so parents will need to do their own homework and find newer resources than audio cassettes and other older media that was recommended....more
I grew up loving the film adaptation, but never actually read the book. I am so glad I corrected that blunder because I absolutely adored this classicI grew up loving the film adaptation, but never actually read the book. I am so glad I corrected that blunder because I absolutely adored this classic. Burnett (1849-1924) is the author of another of my favorite children's classics (The Secret Garden), so I had a feeling I would enjoy it. She was born in England, but lived in America for most of her childhood and early adulthood, and then traveled between the two for her later years when her writing became popular. Originally titled, A Little Princess: Being the Whole Story of Sara Crewe Now Being Told for the First Time, it was published in 1905 after first being serialized in 1887 in a magazine as a short story called "Sara Crewe: or, What Happened at Miss Minchin's". Her publishers wanted her to expand it to a full-length novel after she composed a play based on the short story in 1902. It has been a beloved classic ever since, landing on many Top 100 lists. The novel is all about the kind, imaginative, and humble Sara Crewe, who grew up in India and moves into a boarding school in London, while her father continues business abroad. Her life is soon turned upside down, from wealthy child to penniless orphan, so she moves from the largest room in the school to the dingy attack and becomes a servant. But her generosity, kindness, and overall positive outlook withstand all kinds of hardships as she brings joy to the lives of many others. The writing was so endearing and creative. Sara's love for creative stories brought such a colorful dimension to the story. I enjoyed it on audiobook as well as my beautiful Rifle Paper Co. edition! ...more
Read my full review HERE because it is quite long and I go totally fan-girl over this amazing classic!Read my full review HERE because it is quite long and I go totally fan-girl over this amazing classic!...more
After suffering a massive brain stroke while in her early twenties, Katherine endured a grueling journey of rehab, multiple surgeries, and grieving thAfter suffering a massive brain stroke while in her early twenties, Katherine endured a grueling journey of rehab, multiple surgeries, and grieving the losses accompanying her new and challenging difficulties. These included, but were not limited to: a decreased ability to care for her son (who was only six months when she had her stroke), learning to walk again after being told she might never be able to walk again, and having double vision without a cure in sight. Her husband, Jay, was a steadfast rock, encouraging and supporting her through it all. Ten years later, they wrote this memoir of the first three years after the stroke. It was heartbreaking (the thought of not being able to nurse her son anymore even though she wanted to so much), scary (the reality that we are not promised an easy or illness/disability-free life and everything can change within seconds), yet also inspiring and encouraging. Throughout their re-telling (which alternates from each of their perspectives in a fluid narrative), they are constantly pointing to God as their strength and hope. Their willingness to trust in Him despite the most challenging of circumstances was applicable to any reader because we all will have seasons of suffering in some way, either physical, emotional, relational, etc. I highly and wholeheartedly recommend this powerful book!
For full review (its a long one where I am fan-girling big time) on my blog HEREFor full review (its a long one where I am fan-girling big time) on my blog HERE...more
A long, but captivating classic about the lives of different families in the quaint English village of Hollingford during the early 1800s. Our heroineA long, but captivating classic about the lives of different families in the quaint English village of Hollingford during the early 1800s. Our heroine is Molly Gibson, whose father remarries after nearly two decades as a widow, introducing a new mother to Molly. Hyacinth (aka Claire) is a pretentious, snobby, and selfish step-mother, but she is not quite a villain, mainly because she is just so ridiculous and amusing amidst her fluttering and busyness at attempting to be part of the gentile upper society of the esteemed Lord and Lady Cumnor (of whom she was employed years before as a governess for their daughters). Her daughter, who is the same age as Molly, moves in and she brings a whole lot of drama (she and Molly get along, though they are polar opposites). Supporting characters, especially the eccentric and gossipy townswomen, help the story along, with incredibly amusing bits. Gaskell was a fabulous author who deserves to stand head-to-head with other Victorian-era female authors like Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters, though she's unfortunately not as well-known. Written in 1865 and her last novel before her untimely and sudden death, the last chapter was unfinished, though it is obvious what happens (I still wished there were a little more, even after twenty-five hours of the audiobook, so that should tell you how I felt about this charming book). There is plenty of critique and satire surrounding the mid-Victorian society and the roles the men and women, while also a beautiful coming-of-age story with the sweet and respectful (yet also opinionated) Molly. I just adored her for so many reasons (her daughter-like compassion for the rough-around-the-edges Squire Hamley when he was grieving, her willingness to put aside her desires in exchange for the supposed happiness of her her dad and half-sister, her defensiveness of her fellow village folk when Lady Harriet pokes fun at them, her courage to help fix Cynthia's big problem with Mr. Preston even though it drags her own name through the mud, and her loyalty to keep secrets that are not hers to share). I was first introduced and endeared to the story years ago through the 1999 BBC four-part series, which I own on DVD. I finally read the book after choosing it for my classics reading challenges, and am eager to continue reading more of Gaskell's novels (I read and adored both North and South as well as Cranford in recent months and plan on reading Ruth next). If you are interested in the story, but don't have the time to read the book, the BBC series stays very true to the book and is incredibly well done!
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