Ah May Reads. Two thumbs up for summer reading. Our library actually pays adults in library cash to read. Translation: If I spend lots of time reading this summer I won't actually have to use real American currency to pay those pesky library finds. If I actually return my books on time (I usually don't) then I can spend it all at the used book sale. It's a fabulous win win either way. Here's a look at what I read in the month of May.
The Read Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie: I have enjoyed listening to Sarah Mackenzie's podcast "The Read Aloud Revival" for years. When I found out she was writing a book on reading aloud to your children I jumped at the chance to read it. I loved this book. Mackenzie's book was such an encouragement and just a plain delight to read. Not only does reading aloud have the power to change your family, but it also has the power to change the world. Reading remains a high priority in our family and I hope to continue the tradition even when all of our children can read on their own.
The Road Home by Beverly Lewis: This was just the book I needed to jump start my unofficial summer reading. When a tragedy strikes her family, eighteen year old Lena is sent to Pennsylvania to help in her Mimi's sewing business. As a fellow seamstress I always love when Lewis includes a bit of sewing in her books. Lena continues to dream of being reunited with her siblings in Michigan all while her long distance relationship with Hans starts to fizzle. This book was just like watching a Hallmark movie unfold on the page. I found it very hard to put this book down. Once again I am just amazed at the output of Beverly Lewis. I'm pretty sure she releases not just one but two fiction books per year. (My mother and I had the privilege of hearing her speak a few years ago which was such a neat experience.) Please note that I did receive a copy of this book from Bethany House. All opinions are my own.
Learning Contentment by Nancy Wilson: This book was amazing and yet so soul piercing. I found it so helpful that I took the time to record notes in a journal since this was actually a library book. The chapters are short and very manageable. The end of each chapter includes 5 questions which are so helpful. I also took the time to journal these and that is saying something since that usually only happens a few times a month. This would also be a great book to read in a small group. I highly recommend this book.
With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin: This is the story of Lt. Mellie Blake, a flight nurse who begins writing to a man she has never met as part of a morale-building program. Lt. Tom MacGilliver jumps at the opportunity to correspond anonymously. As fate would have it they develop an actual real life friendship before they connect the dots with their letter writing to one another. This book was fascinating and another page turner. I look forward to reading more from Sundin in the future.
The Power of Play by David Elkind: I had a lot of high hopes for this book. I agree with the importance of play and how crucial it is for parents to actually make free play happen. Unfortunately this book was just so boring. I plowed through about half of it before deciding to abandon the book. I took my kids to the creek instead of finishing the book.
Case for Life by Scott Klusendorf: I enjoyed reading Klusendorf's book which encourages Christians to really take a stand for life and for truth. The book is clearly laid out into four parts. The first part helps Christians to simplify debates over abortion and embryonic stem cell research. The second section shows how moral neutrality is really impossible. The third section helps Christians to answer common objections. This section was so good as it really tackled some hard cases. The final section addresses questions related to pastors including whether or not it is okay to join hands with other religions to protect life. I wholeheartedly agree that yes it is okay to join hands with others for the sake of saving lives. The book also talks about how to give hope to post-abortive men and women. I love the author's grace filled approach. Overall this book was clearly laid out and really helped me to think about hard issues that I honestly don't think about enough. I highly recommend this book. Please note that I did receive a review copy of this book from Crossway Publishing. All opinions are my own.
What have you been reading this summer?
Do you find yourself gravitating towards a certain genre of books in the summer?
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