Tuesday's Top Ten [Top Books of 2018]

I was quite a few books shy of my reading goal this year. Despite that disappointment, I can't say that overall the books I did read were disappointing! Minus a few here and there, I enjoyed them all. (Visit my Goodreads Year in Books to see more of what I read.) In the mean time, here are my top ten reads of 2018... (in no particular order)

1. Footprints of a Pilgrim by Ruth Bell Graham is a book of poetry by Ruth that her daughter encouraged her to publish and a few stories interspersed throughout of Ruth and her life with friends, children, and as a wife. Read it! You'll be inspired, convicted, and encouraged. You'll laugh, cry, and oooo and awww.

2. Katharina and Martin Luther by Michelle DeRusha is like reading a very interesting text book. It is so packed full of information, but it is so good. I appreciated DeRusha's efforts to remain as factual as possible, while giving a new understanding and perspective of this famous couple in history. It was one I checked out from my local library and one I want to make part of my personal library.

3. Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot is a must read for every Christian. This story is powerful and will change the way you think about evangelism, life, and death. To see my entire review, go here.

4. The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul blew.my.mind. I believe that if you call yourself a Christian, you have to understand who God is according to what HE said about Himself. Sproul was a master theologian who studied this well and I am so incredibly thankful he took the time to write about what he learned about the holiness of God - the central aspect of God's character. I am eternally changed as a result. Sproul once said that the number one problem people face is that they have no idea who God is according to His word therefore they have no idea who God created them to be. This book helps establish a foundational and mind blowing understanding of who God is, helping you understand who you are because of your Creator! Read.it.

5. J.R. Tolkien's The Fellowship of the Ring is a book that we read as we travel. Since we grocery shop once a month in a city forty-five minutes away, this was one we savored slowly. Since Tolkien is a literary and linguistic expert, it is impressive. More than that, Tolkien is a master story teller and I thoroughly enjoyed reading and discussing it alongside my hubby.

6. What Really Matters for Struggling Readers by Richard Allington is a must read for every teacher in any subject, in any grade level. Reading is a foundational subject where many students struggle, causing issues for education for the rest of their learning lives. We cannot make life long learners without first teaching students how to read well. This book is incredibly helpful for teachers as we sift through the plethora of curriculum available, the so called research that goes along with this curriculum, and the researched strategies that are proven to work. I highly, highly recommend adding it to your professional library.

7. Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix by J.K. Rowling was the first book in the Harry Potter Series that I actually enjoyed from beginning to end. I seriously dragged through the first books, trusting a few of my literary expert friends that they were worth reading over and over and over again. It wasn't until reading this book that I began to understand that statement. (Also, I know, I know, don't judge. I'm 34 and reading them for the first time! Haha! Better late than never can apply to books too.) With that out of the way, I will admit that the next two were equally as enjoyable...

8. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling

9. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

10. The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict was actually an infuriating book if what Benedict researched and wrote had an ounce of truth. While it's historical fiction, I imagine that there is some truth to the life of Mitza - Albert's wife. Einstein may have been a brilliant scientist, but his marriage failed. Why didn't he work as hard on that relationship as he did in his learning science? He may have been a genius there, but it's obviously lacking in other areas and this book brought that to light by revealing the spider webs in the darkest corners of the Einstein home. Every home has its secrets, but my goodness, my respect for Albert dropped significantly if he did what was claimed. If you want to be anything like Albert, do not mimic his "husbandry".

Tuesday's Top Ten [Favorite Childhood Books]

Some of my favorite childhood games revolved around the book and movie I read and watched as a child. There are many examples beginning with the fact that I used to dress up as Mother Goose (even making my own glasses to sit at the tip of my nose) so I could fly around reading stories to children.

The photo evidence.

My siblings and I grew up playing like our Barbies were Borrowers, or that we had a Secret Garden, and we thoroughly enjoyed dressing as the ladies in Little Women or Little House on the Prairie (that game we titled, "Old Timey"). If I wanted to play alone I pretended like I was the little orphan Mandy who found an abandoned cottage to make my own.

Books have a significant influence in the life and imagination of children. If my life isn't example enough look to my own children! Briella Bean, for example, chose to dress up as Stellaluna for Halloween because of her all-time favorite story. One librarian happened across a stuffed Stellaluna bat at some library convention and she couldn't pass it up. If any of her toys could be "real" like the Velveteen Rabbit, it would be her beloved Stellaluna - who is missing half an ear and has some stuffing falling out (which reminds me I need to do some repairs).

I swear that the only reason my Ele-monster was even remotely interested in potty training was because her favorite book was "Bye-Bye Diapers" with Miss Piggy as the main character. Each due-date stamp has been because we checked it out - over and over and over again. When the library hosted a "dress as your favorite book character day" my children did not hesitate in deciding what their costume would be...

I am so excited that my children's memorable moments in life revolve around books - or at least that's what I hope. I may not be able to afford a trip to Alaska for an adventure of a lifetime, but I can provide opportunities to create memories and go on adventures centered around books and the places those stories take us. Growing up, my fondest memories are because of books. My family couldn't afford to take vacations either, but we did go on adventures. I went to many, many places and participated in crazy, fun adventures - all because of these books - which I cannot wait to read with my girls...

1. Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingall's Wilder is an all time favorite. We read all the books and watched every Little House on the Prairie episode - I could easily do this again! I have the books my mother read to us, can you tell they are well loved?

2. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is another favorite - not just because the book is wonderful but the movie is also worth watching over and over again (which we did quite often growing up). Did anyone else cry over Beth?

3. Polyanna by Eleanor H. Porter whose influence changes the way an entire town views life!

4. The Borrower's by Mary Norton was one my siblings and I used time and time again as the plot to our playtime. The Barbies became borrowers and when things disappeared it was always blamed on those little people!

5. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery was easy to fall in love with - Ann(with an e) was smart, witty, dream-filled, daring, dramatic, wonderful - a bosom friend character. (Also, who wouldn't love Gilbert Blithe?!) By the way, I was always amazed (and still am) at how well the movies follow the book! Definitely a favorite.

6. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls - I still remember my mother sobbing at the end of the story - book and movie!

7. Mandy by Julie Edwards is well worn (which = well loved). This story is all about a little orphan girl who climbs over the wall and finds an abandoned cottage that she makes her own. There were many times I pretended I found my own little cottage to call home.

8. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett inspired many secret garden quests. I loved the movie more than the book - it was eerie and wonderful. As an adult, however, I was quite disappointed rereading this story, but the idea behind a secret garden is one I do not want to keep from my children.

9. The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks - how often I wished that I could make a toy real with my own magical cupboard!

10. Heidi by Johanna Spyri was another I fell in love with as a child. Little Heidi and her adventures around the mountains, her energy and love for others, captured my imagination in so many ways.

I had so much fun pulling these books off the shelf. They conjured up so many childhood memories!

I have many more that I can't wait to read with them, like C.S. Lewis' The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe or any of Gary Paulsen (which my husband has many memories attached to his stories of adventure and survival) or Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine or Shiloh by Phylis Reynolds Naylor or or or or or... (this list could be endless, which means I should stop typing and start reading with my girls...) I encourage you to do the same. As a reading teacher for 7th and 8th graders who had over half of my students entering the 7th grade at or below the 4th grade reading level, I cannot even begin to tell you the difference it makes when children have one-on-one time each day reading with an adult. When I surveyed these struggling readers, over 90% of them had no memory of their parents reading to them. It is so easy to pick up a book and read it - you'll never know the difference it makes in their life until much later in life - so take the time, because it is well worth the time.

Book Review [Katharina & Martin Luther: The Radical Marriage of a Runaway Nun & a Renegade Monk by Michelle DeRusha]

Katharina and Martin Luther: The Radical Marriage of a Runaway Nun and a Renegade Monk by Michelle DeRusha
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Katharina was quite the inspiration! Although this book was not what I expected, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I wasn't expecting to learn so much on the difficulties women faced during this time period. I wasn't expecting to learn about Katharina's tremendous work ethic! I wasn't expecting to fall in love with the Luther household. And I truly wasn't expecting conviction upon reading of Katharina's work ethic. But these aren't the only unexpected, wonderful results of reading this book, which I encourage you to do as well! You will be thankful for it, I can promise you that.

I cannot even begin to sing my gratitude for living in the 21st century. The view of women in general has changed significantly. We have citizenship rights, for example, and if our spouse passes away (or if we choose not to marry at all) we will not be condemned or feared to be a witch with extreme sexual passions that cannot be tamed. Documents like Malleus Maleficarum (known as the Hammer of Witches) is now considered ludicrous for statements such as, 

"a woman was a liar by nature; vain in gait, posture, and habit; and insatiable in carnal lust, as well as wicked: "a foe to friendship, an unescapable punishment, a necessary evil, a natural temptation, a desirable calamity, a domestic danger, a delectable detriment, an evil of nature, painted with fair colors! A woman either loves or hates there is no third grade. When a woman thinks alone, she thinks evil. All [witchcraft] comes from carnal lust, which is in women insatiable." (p. 171) 

When I read those lines my jaw dropped to the ground. I was more than shocked and appalled for these women! My sympathy for their extreme adversity ran so deeply that my head was overwhelmed by my shaking it. With that, I thanked God for our equality in Christ. That before Him I am no better than a king, the president, a man, or any human in history - no matter the race, nationality, or physical disposition - like everyone I am a sinner in need of a Savior. And because of my faith in Jesus Christ's death, burial and resurrection I am like any other believer - whether king, president, man, or human - no matter the race, nationality, or physical disposition - I am righteous and holy because of the work of Christ in my life. Hallelujah!

I am also incredibly thankful modern appliances that only require me to walk up and down the stairs and not to the river to wash my clothing - even in the dead of winter! Or the ability to vacuum my rug rather than beat the dirt out. Or my dishwasher, crockpot, &etc. that have essentially made me lazier than the women during 1500's. Katharina woke at 4am and hit the floor running. Her 17 hour work day included being a brewmaster, house manager of the many guests who lived in their home, wife, and mother. She raised her own livestock, slaughtered them, and prepared them for meals. She tended her own garden and bees. She was also a nurse whose son, Paul (a doctor), commended her for her knowledge of the medical profession. In fact, when the Black Plague hit their town, she tended to the sick in the cloister where they lived. Still, that isn't the part that struck me - she tended to the sick and gave birth to a child right in the middle of it!

This woman!

Another fact that struck me was that Martin tried to pay her for reading the Bible through in a year. She refused, but he wrote of her that she knew the Psalm's by heart better than anyone he knew (including himself). Amazing.

Katharina is a woman I cannot wait to meet. Although this was a book about her revolutionary marriage (she was a nun and her husband a monk) and despite my joy in reading about their marriage and how they faced adversity together or reared their children (which was one of my favorite parts because of statements like, 

"Luther understood parenting as nothing less than a holy calling. "The greatest good in married life, that which makes all suffering and labor worthwhile, is that God grants offspring and commands that they be brought up to worship and serve Him, he wrote in 1522, before he was married or had children of his own. "In all the world this is the noblest and most precious work, because to God there can be nothing dearer than the salvation of souls." ... [Luther] considered there no greater or nobler authority on earth than that of parents over their children. Yet the comments and stories sprinkled throughout Table Talk, the ender letters Luther penned to his wife, and the portraits depicting Luther and his family also reveal something obvious yet not often mentioned: Luther and Katharina had fun with their kids and enjoyed spending time with them. They delighted in their children's antics and their innocent comments and expressions. Love and joy were obviously abundant in the Luther household." p.233-234) 

My favorite pieces to learn were that of Katharina and how Martin - despite what the world at that time said about women - had a deep and abiding love, trust, and respect for his wife. Even after he passed away, his trust for her was immense when you read his will which was revolutionary for that time. What he gave her and entrusted her with was unheard of which caused a lot of heartache for Katharina. Still, when her husband died she proved her resourcefulness, her intelligence, and her innovation. I am still amazed and inspired by her and how she came alongside her husband - a man who changed history by standing up for truth!

View all my reviews

Because I can't help myself (seriously, it's that good!) I had to share one of my favorite quotes, 

"[Martin Luther's] understanding of grace-based faith versus works-based faith was more than a personal revelation; it informed his entire rebellion against the church. After all, if human beings couldn't possibly earn salvation by their good works, if human beings had no righteousness of their own and were entirely dependent on Christ for their salvation and hope, where, then, did that leave good works like pilgrimages and fasting? Where did that leave the notion of purgatory? Where did that leave the monastic vows of poverty, obedience, and chastity? Where did that leave the pope, with his sales of indulgences, and the priests, doling out penance in the confessionals? Luther came to believe that the church to which he had dedicated his life was built on sand, and each abuse, each indulgence, added an unsustainable weight to the structure. In his eyes, Romans 1:17 obliterated the very foundation of the Roman Catholic Church." p.91-92

Tuesday's Top Ten [Favorite Places to Read]

Yesterday snowballs fell from the sky. Literally. Giant snowflakes straight from the sky and all I wanted was to enjoy it from my window seat, coffee and book in hand. Rainy or snowy days are best spent in a place where I can see the outdoors and enjoy it without being in it. Unfortunately it was a busy, busy morning that didn't allow for that luxury, but it was a wonderful idea. This is one of my favorite places to enjoy a book on crummy weather days...

When the weather is sunny and warm my favorite place to read a book is lounging on a hammock or blanket letting the sun warm my bones. If I wasn't allergic to every type of grass in existence I'd enjoy laying on the grass directly, but because hives and itchy, swollen eyes are zero fun I opt for blankets and hammocks instead.

Where the sun is. During the winter the sun streams through the giant living room window, hitting the end of the couch directly - and that is where I like to sit and read while the girls finish breakfast. I'm usually freezing so any place where the sun is streaming in, is my favorite place to be.

In bed, under the covers, cuddled next to my hubby (who is also reading a book). There's not a better way to ready my head for the pillow.

Next to my husband. It doesn't really matter where, but if I'm reading a book next to him and then stopping to chat about it every once in a while - it's a wonderful place to be. One of our favorite places to read together began in the car as we drove the long trek to my sister's home for a visit. I opened page one of J.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and began reading out loud as my hubby drove. It took a while to finish it, but (some of the time) it kept me awake and kept him entertained as he drove down the boring interstate. 

Soaking in the bathtub. Especially if it's a jacuzzi, next to a view and a fireplace (This has never actually happened, but a library with a jacuzzi, view and a fireplace is on my bucket list. I may never come out - which is probably a good reason to never have this dream come to fruition, lol.) A book in the bathtub, however, has happened and is quite delightful - so I can only imagine how much more enjoyable a place it would be if all those things were included!

Quiet places. One year I heard one of my favorite book lovers express her one Mother's Day wish: an hour or two in a quiet coffee shop, enjoying every last sip and reading without interruption. As I listened to her reveal her Mother's Day hankering, it became my own. Just give me a quiet place to read without interruption. Despite the love and delight little people bring into the life of a mommy - we still need quiet places every once in a while to refresh and refuel the soul.

With my children. Sometimes a break is needed, but most of the time, one of my favorite places is wherever my girls are enjoying a story. Having them in my arms, listening to a favorite children's book, makes my heart content and happy.

One of the things on my bucket list is to read a book - from beginning to end - on a beach. That sounds like an absolutely refreshing, delightful, amazing, best of the best vacations ever. Since I have two crazy kids who enjoy water more than land, this relaxing endeavor will have to wait.

This may sound crazy, but more times than not I opt for our dining room table. I can spread out! Bible - check. Pens - check. Highlighters - check. Prayer journal - check. Study materials - check. Coffee - check. It's my favorite place to study, meditate and respond in writing with plenty of space to accomplish this wonderfully delightful activity. 

Honestly, no matter where I go, I bring a book along and if there is a time and a place to actually enjoy the art of reading it - then it's a good place!

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As a reading and writing teacher, one of my favorite things to discuss was favorite places to read. This helped me determine my readers from my non-readers, while helping those non-readers dream up a place they might actually enjoy a book. This was one of the first steps I took to cultivate the love of reading. Find a drink... grab a snack... pick a book all about your favorite thing to do (for example, most boys picked hunting)... go to your spot... and enjoy. It always amazed me how quickly they got lost in the idea itself the more we talked about it. As the year progressed and the love of reading grew - they were finally able to talk about their favorite place to read! 

If you have a struggling reader be creative in the places you go to read. I read of a mom who made it her goal to go on adventures with snacks, drinks, and a book. They went to ghost towns, picked a hiking trail with marvelous views, the zoo, historical landmarks, &etc. This was a monthly activity that the kids grew to love and became some of their sweetest memories - I want to be that mom! Go on an adventure, learn and see something new, and then take time to read a book! How awesome does that sound?!

Book Review [Rory Feek's "This Life I Live"]

I doubt Rory Feek will ever read my review, so what bugged me most about his book isn't for him, it's for my readers in case you pick up his book.

I encourage you to read autobiographies and biographies like they're going out of style. We have so much to learn from others when you open the page of a book. And I learned a lot from Rory even if there were some foundational issues that I'll address here.

Rory spends a lot of time talking about his past. The guilt, anguish and shame of it all. I admire him for that. It takes a lot of guts to talk about past mistakes with open frankness. He said something that I really like,

"There are chapters in a person's life that you don't want to write. Things that you don't want to talk about. I would've thought for me it would be parts of my past that I am embarrassed about or ashamed of. But strangely, I don't have any problem writing about those things. I can see now where they have led and what they've taught me and how important they are to the bigger story that God has been telling with my life. And my hope is that in my being honest about who I was... who I am... it might encourage someone, the way that my wife's courage in life and in death has encouraged me and others." (p.247) 

That statement was an excellent piece to read after the first 100+ pages where I felt he was still holding on to the guilt, anguish and shame he felt because of past mistakes.

So here's what I have to say about that: if you put your faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ - that He died on the cross for sin according to Scripture, that He was buried, and that He rose on the third day according to Scriptures - do not let guilt consume you. Jesus died for your sin, who are you to remember it? It is the only weapon Satan had against us - sin. He likes to remind us of it, remind us of our depravity, because it takes our mind off the things that are above - on the gift of grace and righteousness given from Jesus Christ, his enemy who defeated Him because He conquered death and sin on the cross!

Do not ever, ever forget that truth.

The second piece of this book that bugged me was this ideal most Christians have about being a Christian: change. True, heart change. For some reason we think we have the power to do so. We forget verses like Ephesians 2:1 where it clearly states that we are dead in our trespasses and that we follow the prince of the power of the air and that we are children of wrath. We forget passages like Romans 3:1-11 where it says that no one, not even one does good, no one seeks for God, no one understands. We glaze over Scripture that deals with the depth of sin, not ever realizing our position before God is hopeless. We are absolutely nothing, nothing without Jesus Christ who (thank goodness) died for those trespasses that made us dead while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). We miss portions of Scripture where it clearly states that this work of redemption "is not your own doing, it is the gift of God, not a result of works so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8) We are so sinful that we want to take the glory away from Christ and give ourselves credit for the change and then we forget who to rely on when the change desperately needs to occur.

You cannot change you. You cannot, with your own attempts, become a better wife, mother, person. You just can't on your own accord. We are ruled by our desires. Our desire is sin. We covet. We lie. We are greedy. Faithless. Heartless. Boastful. Inventors of evil. Envious. Disobedient to parents, or any authority for that matter. And before you stop reading, I suggest you turn to places like Romans 1-3 or Ephesians 2, "And you are dead in your trespasses..." Those things I said are direct quotes from the apostle Paul himself.

We are enemies of God because God is at war with sin, and we are sinners (another truth from Romans). Plus, Ephesians 2 is pretty darn plain, we are dead in our trespasses. And there is nothing more for a dead-man to do than stink.

So I wish Rory said less about what he felt he had to do to be a better man and more time on the gospel. 

We need Jesus. He changes hearts. Through HIM and HIS perfection do we become better from the inside out.

So I wish Rory shared exactly what he believed about the God he serves. Or exactly what his faith was in. Here's why I make such a big stink about this: Satan serves God (Read Job 1:6-12 where we see that Satan is subject to the authority of God. Satan himself must give an account of his actions.) Satan believes in God, he knows he exists, and knows God's word better than the best theologian. I am not saying that Rory's belief in God is fake, I'm just saying that Christians spend too much time saying, I believe in God without a firm stance on the gospel - the only means of salvation.

That's what I did before I was truly a believer. I claimed I believed in God, but the name of Jesus curdled my stomach. I couldn't stand other people sharing His name. I loathed the idea of going to church. I had zero desire to open my Bible. And yet, I said out loud that I was a "Christian" when I was far from it. I slept around. I drank too much. I was lazy. Glutenous. Loud-mouthed. Disobedient to parents and despised authority. I was selfish.

It was only when I heard the gospel (for the thousandth time) but finally understanding that I could do nothing for my salvation and I could do nothing on my own accord to become a better person. That is the work of Christ! He did the work when He died on the cross according to Scripture, was buried, that He was raised from the dead on the third day according to Scripture and there are witnesses to prove it (1 Corithians 15:3).

And he gets the glory for it.

So the grace He gives is a gift. And the work He does He does for His glory.

"For we are HIS workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which GOD PREPARED beforehand that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10 (Caps mine.) 

Workmanship can be translated to literally mean, poem. We are His poem. I find that beautiful. With each stanza He is changing us, creating beautiful poetry and He will be get the credit for His work.

I must simply hold fast to my faith. Rest in Christ, know (with every ounce of my being) verses like Galations 2:20,

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." 

I must understand that my old self is gone and I am a new creation in Jesus. While living in Christ, I begin to loathe the sin that once held me captive, but does no longer! Because of Christ I can be victorious and pray that God kill it in me because I know He is capable and He will. And as I read my Bible these truths permeate throughout, helping me rest and draw closer to God as He reveals Himself in it. I pray that for Rory - that He takes his talent for words and makes the message of Christ clear to his readers. That he uses his God given influence to be a witness for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Write "Jesus died on the cross. Jesus was buried. And HALLELUJAH! Jesus rose again!" Nothing else saves. Nothing else changes lives eternally. Nothing.

Don't mince words with a simple, I believe in God. Satan loves that. Share the only defense we have against Satan - Jesus died for my sin and you can no longer hold the guilt and fear against me. And just in case Rory does read this - if that's what Joey believed, that is what you should fearlessly share.  

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One of my favorite parts of the book was that they hit their knees in prayer for everything. The difficulties in their marriage, health, music career, money, everything. And Rory has these amazing truths woven throughout, like this one amazing example on page 167 where the book became hard to put down, 

"[Joey] let the music go. She didn't need it anymore, not the way she did before. She could finally open her hand and give it to Him. Completely.

And I think it was then, and only then, that He could give it to her. The music. The dream she'd always wanted. To sing on a stage and have a million people watching and hearing her. 

He was about to give it to her.

Only because now she didn't need it.

That's when He does it sometimes. And He'll do it in a way that you never expected. 

That's what He did with us, anyway."

Tuesday's Top Ten [Becky's Best Books of 2017]

In no specific order these were my favorite reads from the last year...

The One World School House by Salmon Khan is a must-read for all persons in education. His ideas are unique and inspire creativity, student to teacher interaction, and life-long learning. Reading his vision for education inspired me in my classroom and helped me see how the faults in our current system affect the classroom environment while also inhibiting potential. If you call yourself a teacher - read this!

The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide: How to Declutter, Organize and Simplify Your Life by Francine Jay I've written about this book many times on my blog as I aspire to become a minimalist. She helped me create a minimalist mindset - which was the game changer for me as I declutter and discover who I am, what my purpose is, and what it is I want to do with my life. 

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling - I'll be honest, this was the first of the Harry Potter series that I enjoyed from the beginning to the end. The first two took me a bit to get into and I'm glad I kept reading them! (And no judgement, haha; this is my first time reading them!)

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer - This was another one that took me at least 30 pages to get into, but once I was able to differentiate between the characters and get past some of the literary references I knew nothing of, I could not put it down! There was so much depth to the story and the formatting was so different than anything I've ever read that I fell in love with the author's ability to tell a story through letter correspondence. It was genius! I highly recommend this story that will add to your knowledge of WWII. P.S. DO NOT skip the author's note.

A Bride in the Bargain by Deeanne Gist - I picked this one off a bargain rack mostly as a joke. As a 12 year old I was drawn to the idea of a mail-order bride. I read many books related to this story plot and dug into a bit of history behind it. I wondered how much of my fascination was just childhood fantasy or a genuine interest, so I picked this up. I did not regret reading it. This became one of my favorite books on page 231. It is not that it was a bad book up to that point, but it was at that point the book went from average to phenomenal. All because of one character who helped Anna see how big God really is using my favorite Scripture; a turning point in my own life becoming one for the main character. Despite her being fiction, I felt a connection. She drove me crazy with her nonsensical reasoning behind the biggest moments of her life and was saddened to read the note her father wrote was one that actually existed. Which brings me to my next point: I enjoyed the book all the more when I finished with the author's note detailing her research behind this fantastic historical fiction novel. One that I did not go into with overwhelming confidence but would now recommend as a must read! And one that will stay on my shelf to read again someday.

Oddhopper Opera: A Bug's Garden of Verses by Kurt Cyrus was a delight to my poetry loving, silly self. My girls and I giggled through the whole thing while also enjoying the clever rhymes and word plays.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes was one of those terrible books that I loved to hate. This book revealed so much about the life of a quadriplegic, perseverance, love, suicide, choices, dedication, and so much more. It opened my eyes, made me angry, fall in love with the characters, and admire Moyes for tackling such a major topic. 

After You by Jojo Moyes - It is rare indeed when the second book is loved more than the first. I enjoyed reading about the character's life post "Me Before You" and getting a glimpse into how she coped with grief and lived.

School's First Day of School by Adam Rex is one of the most adorable children's books I've read. I definitely recommend this one for every elementary teacher's shelf. You'll fall in love with the main character, "School" who offers a wonderful new perspective on the first day of school.

Dragon's Merry Christmas by Dav Pilkey is one of those easy readers for beginners. Unlike most level 1's, this one was actually enjoyable as you follow Dragon through his Christmas. It was refreshing to read a creative story line of a selfless character inspiring me (and my emerging reader) with the joy of giving to others and thinking of their needs above your own desires. It was one Brielle could read and I actually enjoyed reading it with her! 

Plus One: 

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine was a book I read after watching the movie. I was genuinely impressed that I enjoyed the movie as much as the book despite their many, many differences ('cause that has never, ever happened). Levine has a gift for writing and I found this book hard to put down. The main character is charming, full of wit, and easy to love - as is Char. The antagonist is hated as much as the protagonist is loved. For its originality, this well-written book is a favorite. 

Book of the Week [Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers]

I do not typically recommend love stories. When I wrote a top ten recommending romances, I struggled coming up with 10 worth recommending, but this one made my all-time favorites list (and there are only 7 on that list). I've read many, many excellent books, but there aren't many that challenge my thinking, affect me emotionally, teach me, and entertain all at once. This book is all that and more!

Every woman needs to read this book!

There are not many books I take the time to read more than once. The is one such book. The second time through was even better than the first time. The first time I read it quickly in an effort to find out what was going to happen next; I can hardly stand not knowing how the story will end and this one definitely has a one of a kind ending worth talking about! It is, by far, my favorite part of the book. Without giving too much away, I will just say that it a beautiful picture for believers as we stand unashamed before Christ because of His incredible, never-ending, abounding love for His own.

Read my review here and then read it for yourself.

Book of the Week [If You Plant a Seed]

This book has very few words, but if you pay attention to the message behind it, it will impact your thinking while also being simple and clear enough to discuss it with your young reader. It very clearly reveals what happens if you plant a seed of kindness or if you plant a seed of selfishness. Whatever you plant is whatever fruit you'll receive.

It's a perfect one for this spring season when seeds begin to sprout! There's so much to talk about!

Such great illustrations go along with the phenomenal message behind it - making it doubly worth a look.

Book of the Week [A Bride in the Bargain]

I picked up this book, published back in 2009, on a whim. A Bride in the Bargain by Deanna Gist was in a bargain bin somewhere and I only picked it up because the plot reminded me of childhood readings. At 12 years old, the idea of a mail-order bride during the 1800's fascinated me.

I can't say I had high expectations for this book. I do not know why this particular piece of history was so interesting, but I wanted to see if the plot synopsis was as stupid as it now sounds.

At page 231, this book surprised me and I could not put it down.

Want a love story worth your time? Self-sacrifice? Biblical perspective? A historical fiction written because of an author's excellent research? Read this one!

My Goodreads review:

A Bride in the Bargain by Deeanne Gist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This became one of my favorite books on page 231. It is not that it was a bad book up to that point, but it was at that point the book went from average to phenomenal. All because of one character who helped Anna see how big God really is using my favorite Scripture; a turning point in my own life becoming one for the main character. Despite her being fiction, I felt a connection. She drove me crazy with her nonsensical reasoning behind the biggest moments of her life and was saddened to read the note her father wrote was one that actually existed. Which brings me to my next point: I enjoyed the book all the more when I finished with the author's note detailing her research behind this fantastic historical fiction novel. One that I did not go into with overwhelming confidence but would now recommend as a must read! And one that will stay on my shelf to read again someday.

View all my reviews

Book of the Week [The Jester Has Lost His Jingle]

The Jester Has Lost His Jingle by David Salesman is one of our absolute favorite books in this house. We love the story line of a Jester who tries to make the king laugh, but the king lost his laugh so he banished him. From there the Jester desperately searches for laughter. His journey helps him understand that it's hidden deep within.

But it isn't the story that gets me, or the clever rhyming, or wonderful vocabulary, or even the creative style.

It is the story behind the story.

I recently wrote ten reasons why you should never skip the author's note at the end of a book, here's one example why! I never would have learned that David Salesman wrote this book as a result of some grumpy classmates that ruined his good mood. Or that afterwards he drew a jester and captioned it, "The jester has lost his jingle." According to the note at the end of the book, it was this same drawing that captured his attention moments after learning he was diagnosed with cancer. He realized that no matter his circumstances, he needed to laugh and make the best of life.

The book was born.

It was the continuation of this particular story that made the book for me! I found the author inspiring. Even more so when I read that this book was his senior project at Yale where he graduated Magna Cam Laude of his class. However, it wasn't just his work ethic or intelligence that pulled on my heart strings, it was that this book was published after his death at age 22. A promise fulfilled by his family, so that it's message of laughter would be shared with children coping with cancer and other illnesses.

That is what makes this book phenomenal.

Tuesday's Top Ten [Reasons to Never Skip the Author's Note]

At the end of every book is a note from the author. Here's 10 reasons to never skip it...

1. It adds depth to the story. When you learn why an author wrote a book it may blow your mind. For example, after reading one of my all time favorites, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, I learned that the original author became ill and asked her niece to finish the story. She died before it's completion, but how the story began is one that I thoroughly enjoyed reading, nearly as much as the book. Plus it helped me to understand the work she did to uncover the history behind this phenomenal historical fiction novel. The niece wrote the author's note as a tribute to a story teller I wish I had the chance to listen to in real life! 

2. You will learn something new. After reading, and loving, A Bride in the Bargain by Deeanne Gist, I found out that the letter she based her book off of was one that a father actually wrote to his daughter during the Civil War (it will break your heart) and that a schemer actually did put an ad in the newspaper for men to purchase brides. THEN he created separate contracts! The women signed a contract stating they were going to work and the men signed a contract thinking they were getting a wife. Can you imagine the chaos when they met?!

3. The story behind the story will inspire you. After reading one of my all time favorite children's book (written in the 80's) titled The Jester Has Lost His Jingle by David Saltzman I was awed by his story. After being diagnosed with cancer (which took his life at the age of 22) he made the choice to be joyful. This book is all about that choice and if I had not read the author's note, I would have missed out on how one man's struggle forced him to find the joy in life, thus inspiring me to do the same.

4. It will make the story come alive! After reading about how Suzanne Collins is an expert on how war affects children, I took her books more seriously. Wow, they are depressing, but they are also eye-opening. She knows what she's talking about and she chose science fiction to tell us about it.

5. You will respect the author that much more. If an author writes a really good story that's because there's a lot of prep to be done beforehand. Research. Reading. Interviews. Travel. Research. Reading. Reading. Reading. So many times the author talks about that hard work and not only does it add depth to their story - making it come alive, but I typically learn something new, and walk away inspired. 

6. You make a friend. Although I have yet to meet my favorite author's face-to-face, I can honestly say I would call each one of them a friend based on their writing alone. Writing reveals a lot about a person - their wit, intelligence, work ethic, etc. And it's usually their note to their reader that makes me like them all the more.

7. It makes the author human. I know that sounds crazy but it's upon learning about their struggles, dreams, hard work... that I realize, hmmm they're more like me than I realize! 

8. It helps you understand the why, the who, the what, the when, the where, the how. The author typically reveals quite a bit about their story and there are so many times that my understanding of the story increased ten-fold because of that little note at the end.

9. The writing is just as good as the story itself. If you liked the writing style of the book, you will like the writing style of the author's note. The same person wrote it. So read it.

10. Sometimes it's like a continuation of the story. If the story is good I don't want it to end, so this is one way of making it last just a little bit longer. I savor every word. Sometimes, just sometimes, the author gives a little bit extra. It's like finding hidden treasure!

Plus One: Sometimes they share their testimony. In Atonement Child by Francine Rivers she tells this incredible story of a young woman who was raped, became pregnant and faced the decision on whether or not to have an abortion. Her testimony sounds very similar. It forces you to respect the content for which she was writing, because she has personal experience, but it adds so much depth, her testimony is inspiring and made her book come alive! Everything I listed was accomplished by reading Francine's note. I'll never forget the story because of this particular author's note.

If the book is good and the author has something to say about it, don't skip it! Seriously.

Great Poetry Reading Day

Today is GREAT POETRY READING day! I'm a big fan of good poetry so I think this is a wonderful day to celebrate. I'll give you some of my favorites...

These are a few in my girls library that we enjoy reading occasionally. One of my personal favorites is from Ghastlies, Goops, & Pincushions by X.J. Kennedy, 

A Giraffe's Laughs Last

When spied on in a zoo, Giraffe

Neglects his tree-leaf diet

To take a look at you and laugh - 

Your short neck! What a riot!

He grins and grins from ear to ear. 

If you've not yet departed,

In several days you'll get to hear 

The throaty laugh you started.

Isn't that a great one?

Another great one from A Child's Book of Poems by Victor Hugo,

One of my favorites since high school, that always made me cry, is The Panther by Rainer Maria Rilke,

His vision, from the constantly passing bars,

has grown so weary that it cannot hold

anything else. It seems to him there are

a thousand bars; and behind the bars, no world.

As he paces in cramped circles, over and over,

the movement of his powerful soft strides

is like a ritual dance around a center

in which a mighty will stands paralyzed.

Only at times, the curtain of the pupils

lifts, quietly--. An image enters in,

rushes down through the tensed, arrested muscles,

plunges into the heart and is gone.

And then there are these gems,

The Valley of Vision is a collection of puritan prayers by Arthur Bennett. I have so many favorites that I cannot share them all, but here are pieces I have written down and scattered throughout my house,

Or these that I've shared on my blog before...

BUT one my all time favorite from this book is the very first one titled, The Valley of Vision (others include Love Lustres at Calvary, Deliverance, and Regeneration)

Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly,

Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision,

where i live in the depths but see thee in the heights; 

hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold thy glory.

Let me learn by paradox

that the way down is the way up,

that to be low is to be high,

that the broken heart is the healed heart,

that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,

that the repenting soul is the victorious soul,

that to have nothing is to possess all,

that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,

that to give is to receive,

that the valley is the place of vision.

Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells,

and the deeper the wells the brighter thy stars shine; 

Let me find thy light in my darkness,

thy life in my death,

thy joy in my sorrow,

thy grace in my sin,

thy riches in my poverty

thy glory in my valley.

A Gospel Primer is not a book of poetry, but Milton Vincent did write The Gospel Narrative: Prose Version, which I highly recommend reading and holding onto. It's a great one to end on...

Beholding the heavens, I now understand

God measured them all with the breadth of His hand.

He fashioned the trillions of stars in the sky,

The sun and the moon He established on high.

All heaven and earth, which He made in six days, 

Show daily and nightly His merit of praise.

So wondrously caring is God every day, 

Creating, sustaining my life every way.

Each breath I intake, every beat of my heart,

All pleasures well-tasted are His to impart.

Indeed, for such blessings He should be adored

And honored supremely as eminent Lord.

In fact, for this purpose He brought me to be, 

That I might His glory and kindliness see

And cherish Him fully in all of my days, 

Obeying with pleasure whatever he says, 

Fulfilling the calling He's laid upon me

To show forth His glory deliberately.

Yet I could not fail God much worse than I've done.

Ignoring His glory, for mine I have run.

I've spurned a life under His wisdom and care, 

Begrudged Him the throne and pretended me there.

A prideful and lust-laden path I have trod,

Transgressing all Ten great Commandments of God. 

My foolish rebellion gives God every right

To damn me with haste to the miserable plight

Of terrible judgments in His Lake of Fire,

Where wrath is most fierce and will never expire.

With wickedest sinners I truly should know

The worst of Hell's furies for failing God so.

So this is my status and these are my flaws

Apart from Christ Jesus and His saving cause: 

I carry sin's guilt and am gripped by sin's pow'r,

Held fast to its various lusts ev'ry hour,

Deserving of flames, both within and without,

And sliding t'ward Hell as I toss all about,

Too reprobate even to play a small part

In clearing my record or changing my heart

To pacify wrath and be worthy of grace,

To make myself lovely and win God's embrace.

Completely condemned by God's Law in its whole,

I've nothing to offer to ransom my soul.

But wonder of wonders, so great to behold,

My God chose to save me with method so bold.

What I could not render,

God fully has done, and doing, He rendered it all through His Son.

He sent Christ to die on the cross for my sin

To suffer my anguish, my pardon to win.

Amazing it is, when I stop to regard, 

That God would consent to an anguish so hard,

Surrend'ring His Son unto mayhem and death,

To torturous writhing 'til His final breath.

'Why does God forsake Me?' alone Jesus cried;

Yet God left Him hanging until He had died.

That Jesus was willing His life to lay down,

Be scourged and insulted and wear thorny crown

For one such as I who had spited God so,

Amazes and blesses and makes me to know

That greater a lover is no man than He, 

Who laid down His life for a sinner like me.

Now after Christ died

He was placed in a tomb,

Which first was a grave,

But then served as a womb,

Travailing and quaking the day He was raised

And brought forth by God to be handled and praised.

The Firstborn from death on that day emerged He

With power to save to the utmost degree.

At God's own right hand Christ now reigns from on high,

A Friend in high places to sinners who cry

To Him for forgiveness, their evils confessed.

He gives them a pardon and then makes them blessed.

As prince He is Savior to all who believe,

Who come to Him humbly His grace to receive.

Now when my time came and to Jesus I cried,

He gave me the pardon for which I had sighed,

He cleansed me completely from wrongs I had done, 

Released me from bondage to sins, every one.

He shattered sin's chains which had held me before, 

And thus made me free not to sin any more.

A child of the Father He made me to be

And gave me the Spirit as His guarantee

That, being God's child, I will one day obtain

A heavenly treasure that never will wane.

While in me, the Spirit gives power and love

And sweet premonitions of glory above.

In saving, God also did justify me,

Accounting me righteous by His own decree,

Declaring me guiltless of all of my sin,

And bringing His wrath against me to an end.

This wrath Christ appeased in full brunt on the Tree,

When, bearing my sin, He endured it for me.

So now God relates to me only with grace,

The former wrath banished without any trace!

And each day I'm made a bit more as I should,

His grace using all things to render me good.

Yes, even in trials God's grace abounds too

And does me the good He assigns it to do.

And when I am sinning God's grace does abound,

Ensuring my justified status is sound.

No wrath is awakened in God at my sin,

BECAUSE CHRIST APPEASED IT 

(to say so again).

God's heart pulses only with passionate grace, 

Which jealousy wants me back in His embrace.

God does not require even that I confess,

Before He desires His forgiveness to press.

Forgiveness has been in His heart all along; 

And when I approach Him to make right my wrong,

He runs up to greet me and draws to me near,

Embracing and kissing and ready to clear. 

God does see my sins and He grieves at them so,

For when I am sinning, His love I don't know. 

He even will send me some heart-rending pain,

So I'll learn new ways and His holiness gain.

His disciplines always are with love imbued,

A love that seeks ever my ultimate good.

So this is my story; ongoing it is.

How shall I thank God for this gospel of His?

A gift that keeps giving, the gospel confers 

The bounty of heaven each time I rehearse.

Deserve it?

I don't on my holiest day;

But this is salvation, and herein I'll stay.

I can't help myself when I see books of poetry - they are all over my house. They are fantastic books to pick up and read one if I have a few minutes to do so, but they are great books with which to decorate...

Poetry is great for so many reasons - they make me laugh, smile, cry and speak to my soul - it only makes sense that they become an integral addition to my decorating and my life!