With summer upon us, now is the time to search for some quality books to read. Charlotte Mason recommended that mothers have a few books going at the same time: a stiff read, one that is moderately easy such as non-fiction, and a novel. This allows moms to keep growing in their knowledge and learning, yet relax and enjoy a good story. Sometimes I do this and sometimes I just finish one book at a time. I do enjoy branching out to different genres and reading classic books that I wouldn't normally consider!
What follows is a list of recent books I've read and enjoyed. You'll see that there aren't many "stiff," or challenging, books on this list. I better change that this summer! One of my goals is to work through Charlotte Mason's series, Home Education, written in the late 1800s. This will of course be a bit meatier due to the writing style. These can be read for free here: https://www.amblesideonline.org/CM/toc.html
Or, here is Volume 1:
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Fiction
Any books by Francine Rivers are a wonderful, gospel-filled read!
Two that I've read recently include:
Bridge to Haven: This takes place in small town 1950s and Hollywood, capturing your attention with temptations, grace, and unconditional love.
The Masterpiece: This modern-day book shows the drastic redemption story of a temperamental, wealthy artist after getting to know his new, faith-filled assistant.
Some Wildflower in My Heart by Jamie Langston Turner: This book involved two middle-age, childless women, who meet in a school cafeteria. One cannot give or receive love - the other teaches her to do both. You'll see hearts transformed from the secrets of the past that shaped these women.
The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery: From the author of Anne of Green Gables, you'll enjoy a unique romance set in 1920s Canada about a woman with a terminal condition, who decides to start living her life apart from her controlling family.
The Mark of the King by Jocelyn Green: A midwife in the 1720s becomes branded and imprisoned for life after the death of a client that wasn't her fault. She trades her sentence for exile to Louisiana, a French colony, and is forced to marry on the journey. She searches for her younger brother with the help of a French Officer who knew him. This is a beautiful story of love and redemption.
Homeschooling
For the Children's Sake by Susan Schaeffer Maccaulay: This simple and practical book shows how we can provide our children with a meaningful education. It's also a great introduction to Charlotte Mason's methods.
Pocketful of Pinecones by Karen Andreola: Disguised as a mother's diary, this unique book demonstrates how to incorporate Nature Study into your family's lives. Each chapter is short and features quotes by Charlotte Mason. The sequel, Lessons at Blackberry Inn, continues with Carol, the mother's, story. This was the first introduction I had to Charlotte Mason that I found on the library shelves. I loved it!
The Read-Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie: Learn how reading aloud is an amazing tradition to keep in our families even as our children begin to read independently. Filled with wonderful booklists, this book is a great resource for your bookshelf!
Spiritual Discipline
A Praying Life by Paul E. Miller: This book encourages Christians to pursue a vibrant prayer life and helps build good habit.
What is on your summer reading list?
Let me know in the comments below!
- Morgan
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