Those of you who follow along on my Facebook page may remember me mentioning my reading goal for 2018 and asking for suggestions. You all gave me great suggestions that I have added to my list for this year. Your suggestions combined with my already long to-read list may stretch over into next year—especially since I am the type of person who also just picks a book on a whim at times instead of following my list.
In January I finished five books which means I’m right on schedule to complete my goal of 52 Books (not including children’s picture books) in 2018.
What I read in January:
The Lifegiving Table: Nurturing Faith Through Feasting by Sally Clarkson
Sally Clarkson once again inspired and encouraged me with her latest. In this book, she shares the discipleship principles she gleaned and cultivated over years of studying Jesus example and parenting her own children. As a mother, I appreciate the rich words of someone who has gone before me and been successful in the marathon of motherhood.
As I read this book, I was inspired to put more thought into the conversations we have around our table. Over the past few weeks, I have incorporated many of Sally’s ideas and seen a difference in the attitudes of my family.
This is a book I would recommend to anyone seeking to point their children’s hearts toward Christ, and one I will be rereading in the future.
Take Joy: A Writer’s Guide to Loving The Craft by Jane Yolen
This was one of those “on a whim” books. My oldest and I watched an author interview for our school work which sparked my interest and led to me adding this book to my list as well as her books How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight and How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food to my children’s bookshelves. My children have enjoyed them immensely and ask to have them read regularly.
As a writer, Yolen’s track record of having over 365 books published in a wide array of genres fascinated me. As for this book, I found parts of it to be motivating and inspirational as I type out my own thoughts. Other parts I felt to be a mere running of her mind on paper which I suppose is exactly what all writers do at times.
This is a book I wouldn’t necessarily recommend to others, but I wouldn’t discourage someone from reading it if they brought it up.
The Way They Learn: How to Discover and Teach to Your Child’s Strengths by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias
This book was recommended to me by a friend who had read it. I found it to be an intriguing perspective on the differences in people and the ways we process information. As I read it, I found myself nodding along as it described me and shaking my head as it described my husband. My main takeaway was that I am indeed a complex person, and my poor husband doesn’t stand a chance in figuring me out.
As my children grow and continue in the education, I can see myself referring back to what I learned from this book and catering to their individual learning styles as I plan our homeschool lessons. I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for an easy read that will help them understand others better.
Finding Selah: The Simple Practice of Peace When You Need It Most by Kristen Kill
Rest. The very word brings longing for those brief moments when rest can be found. We live in a busy world with demands pulling on us from every side. Kristen tells her story of finding rest even while living in New York City, even in the midst of the grief of heart and body breaking miscarriages. Kristen raw writing about her journey to finding what selah means.
This quote sums it all up, “Selah is here. It is among us. We need only stretch open hands and receive. Because after all, it’s not about what we bring. It’s about what God gives.”
This book left me looking for little ways to find rest in our days. It’s not always easy as a mom of three littles, but it is always worth it. This one is worth a read if you are longing for rest that seems to elude you.
Living Side by Side: Serving the People of Cactus, Texas by Jenni Monteblanco
Written by a modern-day missionary who is currently serving on the mission field God called her family to, this book is top notch. I loved the way Jenni communicated the reality of being a missionary right here on U.S. soil. At times my heart hurt for the people she wrote about, and at times, my heart rejoiced in their victories.
The authenticity of Jenni’s writing is what sealed this book’s spot as one to recommend. She shared the disappointment, the grief, and the doubt she and her husband faced at times in addition to the joy of victories found in Christ. She shared the raw moments when they wondered if what they were doing mattered. I found this realistic view a refreshing one in the face of other books I’ve read that only showcase the victories and leave me wondering why I’m not seeing the same results as others in my own ministries.
What have you been reading?
