September Reads

I forgot to hit publish a few months ago but I wanted to go ahead and share this post anyway.  I so enjoy getting a glimpse into the reading life of my friends.  


After reading only one disappointing book in August I was determined to make up for lost time in September!  I was much more observant of how I was using small pockets of time and found that I was able to read quite a nice pile of books!  It was very humbling to discover I could read this many books in the amount of time I usually spent scrolling social media.  I made sure to take a book with me on any errand even I didn't possibly think I would have any time to read.  In September we also flew to Texas so I read two of these books on the plane.  

Still Waiting: Hope for When God Doesn't Give You What You Want by Ann Swindell: I loved hearing the author share her compelling story of waiting for healing.  It was both fascinating and incredibly encouraging to see her cling to the cross despite her suffering.  In the book Swindell retells the story of the woman with the issue of blood with keen insights into what life must have been like for her.  This book was honest and Gospel centered.  I look forward to reading more books by Swindell in the future.

Daring to Hope: Finding God's Goodness in the Broken and the Beautiful by Katie Davis Majors: Having read the author's first book Kisses from Katie years ago, I was eager to read her second.  What a beautiful story of what God has done in and through the author's life in Uganda.  Majors moved to Uganda over a decade ago where she founded Amazima Ministries.  Today she continues to serve the people there while also being a wife and mother to over a dozen children.  I appreciated Majors' honesty about the real struggles that she faces on a day to day basis and how the Lord has met her each time.  This book was challenging and inspired me to fully invest in the lives of those around me.  Please note that I did receive a review copy of this book from Blogging For Books in exchange for my review.

Notes from a Blue Bike: The Art of Living Intentionally in a Chaotic World by Tsh Oxenreider:  In a world that's always encouraging us to do more, I appreciated Oxenreider's advice to slow down.  I loved hearing her share about her journeys and her struggles.  I could also really appreciate her love of travel and adventurous spirit.  I've always enjoyed traveling but I think the older I get the more important it becomes.  Most of our traveling centers around visiting family & friends but our family also hopes to add some unique travel destinations in the future.  I so enjoyed the author's book and would definitely recommend it.

The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner:  This memoir was absolutely captivating.  What a touching story of the courage of Wariner's escape from the fundamentalist Mormon cult where she grew up.  Amazingly, Ruth Wariner was also able to rescue and raise her three younger sisters.  The author is a fabulous writer and it was really hard to put this book down.  I finished it the next day as soon as I could steal away some time.  

Alive in Him: How Being Embraced by the Love of Christ Changes Everything by Gloria Furman:  I am so very thankful for each Gloria Furman's books.  This one was no different.  Throughout the book Furman leads the reader deeper into the biblical text of the book of Ephesians.  She shares the mains themes of the book and that the blessings believers have received in Christ empower us to walk in a new way.  I spent an entire semester studying Ephesians in depth with the ladies of my college church and every time I think of the book of Ephesians I get excited.  This book is nice to read alongside the book of Ephesians.

A Charlotte Mason Education: A Home Schooling Manual How-To Manual by Catherine Levison: While I'm definitely a fan of Charlotte Mason education in general I just couldn't get into this book.  The chapters were very short and more of a concise summary.  I really appreciate a little more meat to a book.


Read Aloud to Children:

Sir Gawain and the Green Night by Michael Morpugo (adaptor): My kids really enjoyed this book especially Eli.  What seven year old boy wouldn't enjoy a delightful tale about a knight!  I do think the book would be better suited for children who are slightly older.

My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett:  I read this delightful tale aloud last week to the children.  One was down sick so this was the perfect fantasy tale to lift their spirits.  This is the first in a series and we plan to read the next one soon.

Life of Fred: Apples by Stanley Schmidt: This book weaves together elementary math principles into a story.  Eli & Eva both found it delightful.  I thought it was okay and a fun math supplement.  I love reading so I am always up for adding in some fun living books!

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Currently Reading:

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen

Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul David Tripp

Loving My Actual Christmas: An Experiment in Relishing the Season by Alexandra Kuykendall

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What books are you reading this month?