We are on year two of homeschooling and I am realizing that books are such a huge part of our homeschool. The way books can bring us together as a family, creating memories and connections to the world, is truly a gift. Not every book is a good book, but there are plenty of wonderful stories out there to discover and enjoy. Reading isn’t just a subject to teach my first grader, it is a way of living. We read the Word of God in the morning, we share good stories together aloud, we model choosing books to read on our own, we read for pleasure and to learn new things, and all these stories continue in our minds long after the books are shut!
September was a good book month for me! We are still in the middle of the two chapter books we are enjoying with our kids right now so those won’t be showing up in this blog post, but I did finish five books that I am excited to share with you!
The Star That Always Stays by Anna Rose Johnson
5 Stars: This book was simply enchanting – I cannot wait to read it again with my kids! This is a new classic for readers who love the classics (The Secret Garden, Anne of Green Gables, Little Women.) Like a true classic, the characters are captivating and the growth is authentic yet slow but impactful none-the-less. I adored how Norvia uses her new love of reading to help her navigate her world – something I think all us readers can relate to! And I also simply enjoyed the redemption of family and hope throughout the book. I want a second book in this series to continue the world I so enjoyed slipping into!
Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full by Gloria Furman
5 Stars: I am glad I gave Goria Furman a second chance (and honestly didn’t mean to but I realized after finishing this one that I had read her before!) I realllllly did not like her book Missional Motherhood and gave it 2 stars in a pretty scathing review. The only thing I liked about it was that it had a solid Biblical worldview. This book, on the other hand, has that same Biblical Worldview but it also has a conceive storyline, a fitting title, good use and engagement of examples, quotes, and Bible verses, and is written for the audience (mothers!) I highlighted so many passages and was convicted yet encouraged by the Gospel and it’s daily impact in my life as a mother and also a daughter of Christ! Great for new moms and old moms alike – anyone who needs a reminder of our goal in the midst of the everyday pressures of motherhood. We press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus! Amen! Practical yet not kitschy – simply the Gospel.
The End of the Alphabet: How Gen Z Can Save America by Isabel Brown
4 Stars: I enjoyed this commentary on Gen Z by one of there own. As a millennial, I remember all the hate we got as youth/ young adults and now I am old enough to see the blame be passed on to the next generation. Humankind loves to point the figure at others. Imagine a world where we encouraged, discipled, encaged, and championed the next generation instead of blaming them for the state of the world (and leaving them to be discipled and raised by the voices of the world – ex. the left.) I personally was convicted to be bold and engage with those around me – treating young and old with dignity and boldly sharing my convictions. I was also encouraged to hear a different side of the narrative reminding myself that God is at work in all generations and no generation or people group is “too far gone.” I’m inspired and proud of the children who are growing up in a hard political & digital & cultural climate and still hold onto a Biblical worldview. May we all (no matter our generation) be the light to this world and faithful to what the Lord calls us to (even if we get “canceled” for it!) The calls to action are for Gen Z, but I think it is a good read for all generations and a reminder that a kingdom divided only falls.
The Rhythm of Fractured Grace by Amanda Wen
4 Stars: This is the third book in the Sedgwick County Chronicles (Roots of Wood & Stone read July 2023 and The Songs that Could Have Been read August 2023) and also my least favorite ( howbeit not by a huge margin.) Since I read the first two books over a year ago, it took me some time to remember the backstories of some of the side characters (the previous books main characters) but I eventually remembered things for the most part – enough to understand the story. Like with all these books, the historic timeline is my favorite of the two – this one more so. I just didn’t really care for/ engage with the mega church abuse storyline. While I think it is very important to confront and engage with these issues, it just wasn’t my favorite (although I did love the redemption and bravery and truth-telling and forgiveness that happened in this storyline!) The historic timeline was just very captivating and I could have spent the whole book in that world – as a true fan of historical fiction 😉 Overall, I still recommend it! Start with book one for the best reading experience!
Meddling with Mistletoe by Liz Johnson
4 Stars: This is a classic cozy Christmas love story. I enjoyed the book and while the conflict was a bit dramatic (and a bit unrealistic IMO), it was short lived – I simply cannot stand the long, drawn-out, storyline of lies and miscommunication. I haven’t read any of the other Prince Edward Island Dreams books but I didn’t feel like that impacted my enjoyment level at all! It looks like the Christmas books may be standalone books anyway? Whitney & Daniel are both likable characters and it is fun to watch their relationship unfold. If you like Christmas and you like romance, you will like this one!
According to my Goodreads tracker, my current count is 66/75! All books that I have rated 4 or 5 stars are added to my Amazon lists here where you can look for even more recommendations than just this monthly list! Follow me on Goodreads to see what I am reading, what I want to read, some of my favorite books, and every review I write! Any other books I should add to my list? Leave a comment and let me know!