Glimpses of God

Before going to see Rebekah on Tuesday, I had this notion to ask her to join me in a practical exercise in "practicing the presence of God." She was all for it, and she termed it "Glimpses of God." I like that!

I saw a glimpse of God in Rebekah's lovely daughter's smile and giggle. We played peek-a-boo, and she warmed up to me. It was fun.

I saw a glimpse of God as I saw Rebekah respond so openly regarding making peace.

I saw a glimpse of God when the very thing that Rebekah and I talked about on Tuesday afternoon was discussed in a Peacemaker email the next morning!

I saw a glimpse of God in the turning of the leaves on the trees and the way the sun hit them just right.

I saw a glimpse of God as I got a "groove" in homeschool and was able to feel the peace and joy of His presence in the midst of the hours of investment in my children's lives.

I saw a glimpse of God in watching The War. I know one see much of man's inhumanity in a war, but one can also see much of man's humanity that is the image of God.


I saw a glimpse of God in the hike up to the top of Chip Ross Park. To look on the valley below and the mountains in the distance is to acknowledge that God exists.


I saw a glimpse of God as I led my small group in Peacemaker Wednesday night. The talk was deep and good with Belinda and Cheryl.

I saw a glimpse of God in the way that Belinda prays. I do believe she has a gift of intercession.

I saw a glimpse of God as Kim, Nancy, and I met around the doctrines in Romans. The discussion was deep and hopefully it is a portent of a wonderful year of studying with these women.

I saw a glimpse of God as Michael and Paul are finally "getting" it when it comes to writing.

I saw a glimpse of God in a kiss blown and an "I love you" from Nancy as I drove through her shop for celebration ice cream with the boys.

I saw a glimpse of God in the "Lake of Shining Water" at Adair. It was peaceful walk after a great day of work in school.

I saw a glimpse of God in the strength of a family facing a terminal illness.

I saw a glimpse of God in studying the resurrection with Sherry.

I saw a glimpse of God in studying Creation with Nourieh.

I saw a glimpse of God in hearing eight boys making movies, laughing, praying tonight.

I saw a glimpse of God in pictures that capture the joy of my day.

I saw a glimpse of God in hearing of our answer to prayer regarding Sherry's son.

I saw a glimpse of God in a telephone call from Beth in a personal invitation to her Thursday night Bible study.

I saw a glimpse of God in the sunshine and the rain of this week.

I saw a glimpse of God in answer to prayer for a person in which Rebekah can invest her life.

I saw a glimpse of God in knowing that C is praying for me.

I saw a glimpse of God in Kim's affirmation of me and my priorities.

I saw a glimpse of God in Teala's relaying the story of how her brother died on Tuesday morning.

I saw a glimpse of God in him giving me peace and the ability to "overlook the offense" of a snub earlier this week.

I saw a glimpse of God in how he has healed and restored and removed the pain of my affliction.

I saw a glimpse of God in listening to The Iliad this week.

I saw a glimpse of God in the insomnia I suffered last night due to Dr. Pepper at Mary Beth's house. I read in the quiet and loved His presence.

I saw a glimpse of God in my ability to finally "relax" about this Biology class. :)

I saw a glimpse of God in Him speaking to me through the book The Cross and the Switchblade. I am challenged to pray, pray, pray.

I saw a glimpse of God in the care for others that I see in the life of C. Her asking me to pray for her regarding some tought things is a privilege.

I saw a glimpse of God in my time with A over our break-out session. We are one in how we are going to do it, and the meeting went so well.

I saw a glimpse of God in a day where the wash is done, the house is clean (from top to bottom), and my shopping is all done!


Many glimpses. Too few here to count. I want to see Him in the ordinary.

Monday Morning

I woke up with a hot flash at about 5 a.m. this morning. So, I rolled out of bed and went to my first Group Power Class since I fainted and sprained my ankle. It was good. I worked out next to Lisa, and I enjoyed it immensely. I got snubbed by someone there, but I am chosing to "overlook the offense" according to Proverbs 19:11 and just let it go. :)

This is our third full week of schooling, and I think I am finally relaxing! This COOLSchool is not what we expected. I think I will go ahead and evaluate all the things that I wrote about for school when we first started. Let me find that post . . . .

Biology 1.1 - http://www.coolschool.k12.or.us/

This is an online COOLSchool class in which the school district pays.

Michael completed the first module, and I just don't like the clunky software that makes you have to reenter your password everytime you enter things. He completed a table and submitted it only to find out that the software made you enter it all again. THANK THE LORD that we had printed off the copy of the web page so that he didn't have to do all the calculations over again. BTW, I found the exact same table and experiment on line, and the COOLSchool teacher did NOT attribute it to the teacher that she got it from.

Also, Michael was instructed to submit a 300-400 word essay, and the teacher specifically instructed the students to NOT go on and post it to the discussion board until she had turned it back with her suggestions. We waited nine days, and Michael politely asked if she had gotten around to correcting it. She curtly replied that she had done so and please put the Module number and activity on each inquiry. She never turned back the paper, but we got the impression that Michael was just supposed to go on anyway.

The activities for the first week were a ton. It also involved going back and forth among many different websites. All that to say is: we will do the second half of Biology using the Bob Jone Biology book I picked up at the homeschool used book sale. If it weren't too late, I would drop the class. I am impressed with most of her fun activities, but I am not impressed with her communication and the clunky software. I will use her activities for Biology 1.2 though when I used the Bob Jones book.

One a brighter note, A'Beka Science has been a blast for Paul! He really likes the colorful books. I do too! I am so enjoying having him read and relate to me what he is reading! It has been a joy. When we first started I was just letting him fend for himself while I helped and encouraged Michael in Biology, but we all three had a "heart felt" talk about homeschool this year and Paul confessed he was a little lonely while Michael did his work. We are all three so used to doing science together. So, I make the time for Paul to relate to me what he is learning. It is a "cozy up on the couch and let Paul blab" time!

Algebra I and Fundamentals of Math - Good Ol' Bob Jones!

These are both going very well. Again, my only caveat is that I may forget how to teach Algebra when the year progresses. It is nice to know that I have Teaching Textbooks as a backup though. I may order it anyway since I will probably switch Paul into them if he is still homeschooled in high school. http://www.teachingtextbooks.com/


Classical Literature - http://www.thelmaslibrary.com/

Now, this is what I am talking about: a teacher who is PASSIONATE for her subject and her students. Thelma is a dream. I can't wait until her lectures and her class can go national so that other homeschoolers all over the country will be able to have her as their teacher! She sends out OODLES of emails that help with the study guide questions. She responds to emails super quickly, and we aren't even in her "official" classes! We only paid $115 dollars for her lectures, answers to questions, study guide, and a 350 page notebook PACKED with history, bible, and literature background. Such a deal!

The nice thing about this class is that George has pretty much taken over sole responsibility for it. I am reading along with them. I heard Thelma reading The Iliad last night, and all three of my men were down there listening and interacting on it. I love this. George reads the history portion during one of their read-aloud times each week too. He is also going to the classes. I have access to her lectures on the internet though, and I also have the VanDiver DVD's.(See the Link HERE ) So, I am getting an education right along with them.

Michael is new to the class though. It appears to George that all the other homeschoolers in the class know each other. They are mostly North Albany people. So, Michael is the new kids on the block there. So, I am praying for relationships to come out of it.


World History - http://www.k12freehomeschool.org/

I like it, and you can't beat the price. I am the teacher, and I am basically "borrowing" their books. The CD-roms that I got in the mail never work though. So, I am eliminating them from the curriculum. I like the software that they have to log hours of PE and extra-curricular stuff too. The history is sound, and the "free responses" that you submit are great writing practice for my kids. Overall, I like it. If they charged, I wouldn't pay for it though.

They are also getting an extra .5 credit in World History for the Classical Lit class. There is a ton of reading from the study guide that covers Greek culture to the nines!


In His Image Art and Joyful Sound Music for 9-12th Grade - http://www.k12freehomeschool.org/

I had said it was boring, but it has gotten better. I decided to just read when we covered that part of history. So, we will be going through it very slowly since it has very little information about Ancient Art. I won't sign up for it again, but I also realized that Sister Wendy can come along next year.

I did get a replica of Grecian Potter through Art in History. It was cheap, and it has a Greek lesson. Since we are really emphasizing Greek literature through the classical lit class, I thought this would be a nice and fun addition.

Writing

I am using this really fun book called Four Square: The Personal Writing Coach for Grades 7-9! It has thirteen different fun writing activities using the Four Square Method. I also have the Four Square Writing Method for Grades 7-9 (ISBN: 1573101907).

I still love this! It has really given me some structure for teaching the kids! I can't believe I just picked it up on a whim and it has made teaching writing very fun!


Grammar/English

Michael was doing College English and Communication by Stewart, Lanhan, and Zimmer for grammar review. I realized I don't have the answer key! So, in order to correct, I really have to sit down and go through each exercise, and this is too labor intensive for me. I have Easy Grammar purple book and Nitty Gritty Grammar. So, I am just going to cover grammar through Michael's writing and touch on points he needs to grow in. I will definitely use this as a reference, but I won't make him to all the exercises. He has enough with is writing and classical lit class to cover grammar as we go!

Paul still flies with Daily Grams. Katrina, is there a Daily Grams for high schoolers? I might use it next year for Michael if they do.

Field Trips

These have been my "saving grace" in terms of my sanity. We went to homeschool days for Gilbert House Kids Museum in Salem and the Oregon Gardens. It is just nice to be around other homeschoolers for the day. We had a blast at both places, and there was much learning that took place. This Wednesday, our group takes a hike up to the top of Chip Ross park. Reminds me why I homeschool!

Bible

Pleasantly surprised at how great the devotionals are on the k12free site. I like them. Paul is reading 1 Cor and Michael is reading Job (for his classical lit class too). Paul is journaling, but Michael is not, and I am just fine with this.

Well, I have to go. It is time to start this thing I have been blogging about for the last half hour!

Continued because I have a short break from school:

Reading

There was a study between a group that was taught in-depth grammar and a group that was given that same time to pleasure read. In the end, the PLEASURE READING group had more grammatical writing in the end. So, I am still setting aside time for pleasure reading every day with these kids. Michael is reading Oz books and Paul is reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Fifteen Months Out

I visited with Michelle today, and I really and truly believe that I am out, out, out of the vortex. I think July and my days of prayer were such a turning point.

It is nice to really believe that I have moved on. :)

Reflections at 5:20 a.m. on a Sunday

Well, I came home from teaching the SHAPE class Spiritual Gifts and Personality Type sections up for the Suburban College Leader's Retreat, and I went to watch the introductory lecture for The Iliad with Vandiver, and I fell FAST asleep. George just came in and said, "Why don't you just go to bed?" I planned on waking up again. So, I attempted to watch it again. Well, I don't know what happened but I ended up in bed with the comforter over me. I slept from 7 p.m. on. and woke up bright-eyed and bushy tailed at about 3 a.m. I slept eight hours and felt ready to get up. (Not to mention I had terrible night sweats). So, here I sit.

It think it went well yesterday. It was hard to do two sections in one day. I like doing them one day at a time and let people stew on it for a while, but I guess it worked OK.

Well, we start another week of school. The Biology class is going well. I like the coursework, but we are at her mercy as far as being able to continue, and she has not returned Michael's essay to post on the discussion board. So, we can't really move on until she does that. So, it is hard to meet the deadlines when the teacher is the reason you can't meet the deadlines. This is harder for me. Michael also doesn't like the fact that he has more work this year, but he is doing really well at the work that he is doing. I am really proud of the writing that he is doing. The typing really slows him down, but he insists that he can do it.

In reflection though, I had to admit that the biology class would go so much more quickly if we didn't have to play "email" tag with her and post on the clunky software for the discussion boards. Also, there is nobody on the discussion boards. As far as I can see, Michael is the only current member taking the class. So ,there is no interaction with other students which is something in which we had hoped. So, I am reevaluating this being that I don't have any problem with anything related to biology in terms of the content of the course. So, I may glean the great activities that she has from the second semester of the class and do it on my own with him. I would still require the same amount of reading, writing, and projects, but I could also do some LIVE dissections, etc. As it is, this class relies on all virtual things. So, I am pondering this for next semester.

The k12freehomeschool is going much better this week. I like the World History class. We finally got the CD's, and it appears that they are internet-based linked CD's So, you put it in, and they hook up to websites that have videos that The Grace Academy is licensed to show. Many of them appear to be PBS videos, and we have been using these for education for a while. The only problem is that if there is a huge number of people watching the videos as the same time, you can't "log in." So, I am thinking we may have to have some "Sunday viewing" of the CD's in order to keep up. We didn't get the CD's until 7 days into the class, but we are only about two videos behind in the World History class.

The Art History course is getting better. There is not as much "rambling." So, I like that. :) I may stick with it since it is only three days of the week. Actually, I am waiting until we get to that part in World History before we view the things for that time period. So, it will be really slow going. I may do the music concurrently with the history too. So, that would mean skipping ahead to do the second half of the year. The Sister Wendy videos are also available, and I am going to have the kids watch these with me for art. It will add more hours to their transcript in the art area.

The Classical Literature class just gets more cool all the time. Michael listened to the introductory lecture at the class on Thursday night, and he liked it. He is such a good listener that he really did glean much. Thelma seems engaging and funny. Michael likes that so much. We have The Iliad to pick up from the library, and I really think it would be better for him (and George and me) to listen to it on CD. Homer was meant to be heard.

He will definitely be reading it as he goes through the study guide questions (30 this week of short answers and definitions). So, he will get both. I think I will have us listen to the Fagles translation and read in the Lattimore since this is the translation the teach uses. This will reinforce it.

Math is going swimmingly, but I am willing to switch to Teaching Textbooks next year for Geometry. It might be the best thing for us to do since I will probably have more difficulty helping him with problems he doesn't know about. I think I will do OK in Algebra, but I would switch to Teaching Textbooks for this course too. It would just be more difficult mid-year to do so.

Writing. I LOVE this book. The kids LOVE it. I am so excited that I found this as the store going out of business. It was a good purchase at only 5.00 per book. :)

Michael is also in the Intermediate level of his typing course. I may just start Paul on it now so that he isn't struggling when he gets to high school when he has to type more.

Battery low gotta go!

Poetry Post: When I Was Little

This is the poetry the kids wrote today from Four Squares: The Personal Writing Coach for Grades 7-9 (ISBN:1573104485)

Paul

How happy I must have been
Swinging, pretending, and talking
My stuffed animals by my side
In California or Malaysia
Or safe in my big room
Those were the days

Michael

How happy I must have been
Drawing quietly, playing, and pretending
My sketchbook by my side
At Grandma Weaver's house or in Malaysia
Or safe in my cozy, bright room
Those were the days

Week 2

It is going well at The Well. Hey, maybe that should be our school's name! "The Well" Homeschool.

Today was awesome. The boys did some poetry in their 4 Squares Book today, and the frame that 4 Square used didn't rhyme. They said, "How can it be poetry if it doesn't rhyme"? I assured them that much of modern poetry does not rhyme, but they were not convinced. So, I pulled out my secret weapon . . . .

SUSANNE!

I knew they would listen to an expert. So, we had a very nice email exchange back and forth with her about poetry, and she sent us some very nice poetry that she just happened to be copying for her class that she will be teaching! So, we read them during school. It was awesome to have an EXPERT to send an SOS to in the middle of the homeschool day. Thanks Susanne!

Today was more DELIGHTFUL. I think I was just a bit stressed out about all the extra work because of the classes that Michael is taking, but we made it delight-directed, and we even stopped and had a tea time out on the deck in our new table and chairs. It was no "fantasy tea time," but it was just Paul and I talking about many things under the September sun.

It is starting off as a great week!

The New Academic Year

WHEW! Last week was a whirlwind of academics and getting off the ground for the new school year.

I found my previous blog: http://www.tallcarolhomeschool.blogspot.com/

I had lost it when there was a big glitch with blospot in 2004. So, I started this one, but somehow, I accidently found it in August; and as I have been reading it, I realize how I miss those days when the kids were younger and the exploration was so fun.

This week it has been as fun, but I want to regain that even though the academics are a bit more rigorous. I still want to have that "delight-directed" heart of a homeschooler while also challenging and pressing forward in things that will prepare my kids for the real world.

Lord, I don't want them to lose that love of learning! Please give me that balance!

With all that said, I am sure loving learning these days. :) Michael hit high school, and we are ALL involved with a Classical Literature class directed by http://www.thelmaslibrary.com/

Here is what we are learning about right now:

Biology 1.1 - http://www.coolschool.k12.or.us/

This is an online COOLSchool class in which the school district pays. I like it. It is a challenge for Michael in that is requires more writing, and I am not really good at challenging him in that area. So, I like the accountability. He also has to type a ton to his teacher. This is also challenging as he started lessons in June using Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing. If he could hunt and peck, he would be much faster. Also, the software for posting answers on the discussion boards and communicating with your teacher is REALLY antiquated, and it is clunky. You have to reenter you password each time you post something. It really wastes a ton of time.

Paul is doing some of this Biology, and I am supplementing with some Life Science reading from Abeka. There are also comprehension checks; and since ABEKA books seems impossible to resale, I am letting him write the answers directly in the book. He seems to enjoy that. He is just a cute bug when he is over there reading. He got to excited about making a flower pot sill today!

Algebra I and Fundamentals of Math - Good Ol' Bob Jones!

They have been around for a LOOONG time, and they know what they are doing. I am so impressed with their organization, scope and sequence, simple explanations, etc. It is a good course for both the kids.

IF I begin to have problems with the Algebra I in terms of understanding how they got to what they got to, I will turn to George to solve problems with Michael. I don't anticipate this will really be an issue until Geometry. If it becomes too inconvenient to "wait until your father gets home." I will go to Teaching Textbooks. I am ULTRA impressed. It would be dream for someone who isn't math-oriented, but since I have a mathematician on call, I think we will stick with Bob for now. It is nice to know that they are waiting in the wings though.

http://www.teachingtextbooks.com/

They are spendier, but the personal tutoring is SO amazing!


Classical Literature - http://www.thelmaslibrary.com/

He will read Homer, Sophocles, Aristophanes, Aeschylus, Plato, Virgil, Shakespeare, and Augustine. We are getting the audio versions and reading with him. This Sherwood instructor (Thelma) has a study guide with questions and she also reads much through an online MP3. So, it isn't as hard core as it sounds. It is also a 1/2 credit of World History. He meets with the class on Thursday nights. There are study guide questions, short quizzes and exams. I also splurged and ordered The Teaching Company's DVD instuctions with a great instructor from Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA teaching 24 lessons on Homer. See the Link HERE . Some day, I woud love to teach this to a group of homeschool high schoolers or even to Santiam Christian High School.

World History - http://www.k12freehomeschool.org/

Here we go again through the history of the world. The class is small change compared to our previous times through world history in 2000-2001 (Child's History of the World Interactive CD-Rom), 2001-2006 (Story of the World Volumes 1-4 and Usborne Internet-Linke Encyclopedia of World History), and 2006-2007 (Kingfisher World Encyclopedia, Story of the World Volumes 1-2), but it is good to have a "sweeping" overview, and it is also good to be light with literature having much history in it! Most of this class is review. There are quizzes and tests, but I am supplementing by vocabulary reviews and answering questions when we go through a lesson. They are taking notes. I really need to teach them this skill. :)

In His Image Art and Joyful Sound Music for 9-12th Grade - http://www.k12freehomeschool.org/

BORING! I thought this would supplement the World History as we get to periods in history we can study the different art, but they are, sadly, not coordinated even though it is the same online school. This Art/Music course is random, unorganized, and pretty NON VISUAL for an art class! The author went ON and ON about Opera in the Fine Art chapter, and I have no idea why? He also had an introduction about "Plagiarism," and while it was a very interesting internet link (we all learned a TON), I have no idea how it is even related to this course. We write no papers (only quizes and a bit of drawing). So, we didn't need to learn about citing references and not copying word for word out of books. It was bizarre.

I should also add that there are many spelling/typing errors, and it goes into these bizarre bunny trails and doesn't seem to stay focused. It sounds like a person who has ADD wrote it. I have to admit that I have not received the CD's that go with it. I would hope they have pictures and such because the text has no pictures to go along with it.

I miss the Usborne Introduction to Art!

If, when I receive the CD's, it doesn't seem to be any better, I will switch to Sister Wendy's: The Story of Painting book (we own) and her excellent PBS video series. In addition, we hope to make it to the Portland Art Gallery and down to the LA County Museum of Art in June. I also might have Michael take the drawing class offered through COOLSchool next semester and bag the biology course since I can basically take the whole course without getting the credit since it is all online anyway. This way, I can benefit from the accountability for writing and course. The drawing is so much more up Michael's ally another option is to have him take a drawing class right at the high school.

Writing

I am using this really fun book called Four Square: The Personal Writing Coach for Grades 7-9! It has thirteen different fun writing activities using the Four Square Method. I also have the Four Square Writing Method for Grades 7-9 (ISBN: 1573101907). It is a great approach for organizing their thoughts by drawing and even writing poetry. I like it! Last week they wrote about their earliest memories. I am hoping to coach them through writing expository, narrative, persuasive, and descriptive styles using this book. Next week, we will write about their dad, and they already have talked about some fun things! I found it at the education store that was going out of business. It was 55% off of $13, but it is really fantastic.

Of course, Michael also has writing through his Biology (posting on discussion boards, emailing his teacher, writing papers, designing experiments, making a brochure or webpage for a Zoo, etc) and in his Classical Lit class.

Grammar

Michael is doing College English and Communication by Stewart, Lanhan, and Zimmer for grammar review. The exercises are simple. I may switch him back to Easy Grammar Red Book if this doesn't pan out or maybe I'll just have him to the Easy Grammar Purple Book.

Paul is continuing to do Daily Grams.

Bible

They are continuing to read through the New Testament, reading the devotional on the k12freehomeschool site, and journaling their thoughts. We will also have readings in several books of the Bible for the Classical Literature class.

Well that is enough for now!

Vacation Time

I have had great vacation seeing many fun people. I have been able to connect with my cousin Arlene, Liz Boggs, and Betty. I brought them all over to Sterling to spend time with mom, and I think it has raised her spirits considerably to have so many visitors in one week.

We have also seen Susanne for Shakespeare and the zoo (with her kids). We had lunch with Jerome and Terri and a Becoming Jane with Terri and her daughter, Bethany. We also went to the lake for skiing, wake boarding and intertubing with Chris, Holly, and Mitchell.

The highlight was getting to see Bill while George and the boys were at the Science Center. I am sorry that Bill didn't get to see them though, but I liked the one-on-one time.

Today we see Debbie and Jenna and maybe Hayley after she comes home from school. So, we have seen a ton of people, and it has all been very good.

We leave tomorrow morning for my high school reunion. I will see many old friends and faces. It should be really nice to see them all.

Then, it is back home to Oregon on Sunday. It has been a very nice vacation, but I am really looking forward to getting back to my home and preparing for the new school year.

Oh, I have also been doing my Isaac, Jacob, Esau study, and I just have four more days and I am done with the whole book of Genesis! It has beeen so rich to do all these character studies this summer.

I also finished The Rule of St. Benedict and am reading A Generous Orthodoxy by Brian McLaren. It is really good to finally read him. It is very thought-provoking, and I would love to talk to others who have read him too. Maybe Susan and Stephen?

I hope to read The Hound of the Baskervilles and The Cross and the Switchblade on the way back to Oregon. They are both short and quick books, and we have a very LOOONG drive ahead of us. :)

TTFN

Tomorrow is my last day of my summer projects

I got through my reading list with no problem! YEAH! I will read The Hound of the Baskervilles on the way down to Southern California.

I also got through the whole pantry today and will finish the dishes/miscellaneous cupboards tomorrow. I might have a couple drawers too. That is it for project!

YEAH!

I am also doing really well with my physical goals! I am in good shape. The addition of Pilates to my Group Power and Cardio has really helped my shoulder.

I have also about finished Genesis. I just have 3 1/2 lessons of Isaac/Jacob/Esau. I hope to do this while I am on vacation. Meditation and prayer has been sweet.

It has been a great summer. I have really liked most everything about it. :)

2006 Book List

2006 Book List

January

1. Dinner with a Perfect Stranger by David Gregory

This is the novella written by my neighbor. It took me 88 minutes to read (only 102 pages), but it is an interesting book about a man who has a dinner with Jesus. Novel (get it?) idea. It is fun to know him and hope to dialogue with him about the book.

February

2. Eleanor, written and illustrated by Barbara Cooney (Kids)

I am just going to include my kids’ lists on my list too. I used to keep a separate list, but it is too much of a hassle. This book is so sweet. I loved the illustrations and tells a poignant story about Eleanor Roosevelt’s early life. Made me cry, but does that surprise
anyone?

3. Eleanor Everywhere: the Life of Eleanor Roosevelt by Monica Kulling illustrated by Cliff Spohn (Kids)

This was much more detailed and filled in many of the holes from the first book we read. I didn’t realize that Teddy Roosevelt was her uncle, and that she (not her distant cousin and husband FDR) was the one more directly related to Teddy Roosevelt. Learn a new thing everyday!

4. All Rivers Run to the Sea by Elie Wiesel

This is a story from probably one of the more famous of the Holocaust survivors. I found his story very engaging and his reflections on God and his Jewish faith in light of the holocaust thought-provoking. I hope to read his book Night too.

5. Emily’s Runaway Imagination by Beverly Cleary (CD with Kids)

Another hit with my kids about a Oregon girl from the 1920’s who wants to start a library in Pitchfork, Yamhill County (the county where dh grew up). Great fun!

March

* Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie (Dh & Kids) – It is an unabridged, illustrated version. They loved it.

6. Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (abridged, Dover Kid’s Edition)

I really enjoyed this Drover Thrift Edition that gets the highlights of the book with some of the great dialogue. My kids loved it, and we watched a http://www.brainpop.com/ movie on Mark Twain that was great. We are on to Tom Sawyer on tape now. I knew they would love Mark Twain.

7. Atonement by Ian McEwan (8.5)

This is SO well-written and just great story telling. I had a hard time putting it down. I am not sure if my book club will like it because they like happier books. J I would read another book by this author. I loved his style.

8. Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan (Kids)

I have seen the movie with Glenn Close, but I had never read the book. We enjoyed it, and my youngest said, “Is that it? It seems like it needs more of an ending.” So, I found out there was a sequel, Skylark, and we are getting the book (and movies) from the library today. I thought it would be too “girly” for my kids, but they seemed to enjoy it.

9. Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner (Kids)

I am proud of the fact that I almost made it through this without crying, but I choked up on the last sentence. A face-paced and moving story! My kids totally enjoyed it.

10. My Only May Amelia by Jennifer L. Holm (Kids)

We got this for free as a reward through our Barnes and Noble reading. It has sat on the shelf, and I pulled it out since we just finished this time period in history and had some read-aloud time to kill at the end of the term. What a delightful story! My kids loved it and were begging for the next chapter. It is about a twelve year old tomboy who grows up in a family with seven brothers and no sister on the Nasel River on the Washington side of the Columbia River. It is based on the author’s great-aunt’s diary. It is written in first person without any quotation marks when a person is talking. It takes some getting used to, but I felt like I got right in May Amelia’s head. The fact that it talked about early settlement in our area only made the story that much more interesting! Plus-Plus all the way around!

11. Hero Tales by Dave and Neta Jackson (Kids)

This is going to be a year of finishing many long term books since we are in 1945 of our five year march through world history. So, this is the first book we are finishing with many more coming in the next couple of months (school ends for us on the day before Memorial Day). I love this book of great men and women of the Christian faith. This book included people like Gladys Alward (Think Inn of the Sixth Happiness movie with Ingmar Berman), William and Catherine Booth of the Salvation Army, Hudson Taylor, D.L. Moody, Mary Slessor, and Amy Carmichael. Delightful book focused on important character qualities of these great men and women of faith.

12. Skylark by Patricia MacLachlan (Kids)

Sequel to Sarah, Plain and Tall. Delightful and an easy read. Perfect for the lazy days leading toward our Spring Break.

13. The Making of a Leader by Robert Clinton

This is my third time through this book and read it while in transit to Baton Rouge and finished it during my “rest time” at Becky’s on Saturday (gotta’ have that closure). This is my favorite book on leadership. His early growth was with the Navigators, and he has missions experience. He is also committed to personal ministry as opposed to just being a distant leader. So, I just identify with his stories and principles. I always get something out of this book when I read it. Discussing it with the women in my class.

14. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain (Tape with Kids)

This is an abridged, dramatization version on tape. We listened to the first half on the way up to the airport and the second half on the way back from the airport when I went to Louisiana. It was a great adaptation. This is the second book we have listened to by this drama company. So, many of the actors were the same. Now, my dh is reading the unabridged version from my grandmother’s copy of The Family Mark Twain published in 1935. It is a precious reminder of my grandmother’s commitment to fine literature and how it “skipped” a generation with my dad (Popular Mechanics was his reading of choice being an engineer.), but her fantastic books are being read once again by her great-grandchildren. So cool. Love Mark Twain. His humor is right up my husband and children’s alley.

15. Abba’s Child: The Cry of the Heart for Intimate Belonging by Brennan Manning

This was my book on the travel back home after Louisiana. It was read by a woman I was counseling with, and she raved about it. It had quite the impact on her life. So, I have always wanted to read it. What is so interesting is he talks about New Orleans because this is where he is living at present. That was sort of cool being that I had just taken off from there! The book didn’t bowl me over like it has others, but I suppose it is because I have been convinced of my belovedness with God for many years and pretty comfortable in my skin. So, I didn’t need the words to convince me of it, but I know that this is a struggle for SO many women I have relationships with. So, I can see why it is such a precious book to so many and will suggest it to some of them.

* The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pene du Bois (Dh & Kids) Read-aloud to the kids. Paul just spent a good part of the morning explaining the whole story (He couldn’t talk to me for four days and is making up for lost time). They both loved it, but of course, Paul is more verbal about telling me that. J


April

16. The Road from Coorain by Jill Ker Conway

A TWEM autobiography about a woman who grows up on a sheep ranch in New South Wales, Australia. I found it fascinating and engaging, and it really helped me understand an acquaintance at my church who was also raised on a sheep farm in Australia. Light bulbs went on all over the place as I read this book. For that reason alone, it was valuable.

17. A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving

I can’t decide whether I liked this book or not. It was incredibly long and detailed. I think it was too detailed, but it had such an unusual plot. Still can’t decide how I feel about this book. It is the most unusual book that I have read this year. Too many uses of the “F” word though. L

18. Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

First time reading this or should I say listening to it. My kids really enjoyed it, but we will probably wait until the summer to read the whole series. It was good to finally hear it though after feeling like I was the last person in the world to ever read it.

19. 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper

My girlfriend read this and loved this, but only one chapter was about heaven and the rest was about his recovery. So, I was a little bit disappointed. L I believe heaven is real though, and I love how his visit changed his perspective on life forever.

20. The Story of the USA: America Becomes a Giant by Franklin Escher, Jr. (Kids)

Our third in the series, we like this and love the questions at the end of each chapter to reinforce our learning.

21. The Land of Sheltered Promise by Jane Kirkpatrick

A little syrupy Christian fiction, but I did enjoy learning more about the history of the Baghwan Rahneesh when he infiltrated my wonderful state back in the 80’s. Even though it was incredibly intelligent writing, it was refreshing to read something without a single “F” word. After read A Prayer for Owen Meany, that was quite refreshing. Also, it deals with the Young Life Camp ministry in which I had a privilege of being a part in the summer of 1987 when I spent a summer at the Young Life Beyond Malibu camp in Canada. In addition, one of the fictional characters was based on the life of the woman who help me immediately following my nervous breakdown in 1983. How is that for fun? It really brought me back to this warm wonderful woman who is now 70 years old, but was my age when she ministered to my life and heart during a very difficult period.

* Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain – (Dh & Kids) He read the unabridged, illustrated version, and the boys LOVED it. I love it when they read good literature!

22. The Allure of Hope: God’s Pursuit of a Woman’s Heart by Jan Meyers

Another book I wanted to read to get an idea of where one of the women in my small group is coming from. It is a precious book saying things very similar to John Piper on Desiring God. I like his style better than her ethereal writing style, but she has a voice in many women’s lives these days. She loves Tozer, Piper, Dostoyevsky, etc. I did find many of her quotes were from other people quoting these people though.

23. The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman

A classic and must read for any Christian IMHO. It is really the the plan of discipleship. Basically looks at the leadership training principles of Jesus. I hadn’t read it for many years and thought that I would read it again.

May

24. Transforming Discipleship: Making Disciples A Few at a Time by Greg Ogden

I really enjoyed this book as a modern day application of The Master Plan of Evangelism. It really made me cement in my mind to not get away from my roots of keeping my ministry small and relational. Helping to evaluate my future in light of this class that is out of my comfort zone but also may be out of my gifting.

25. The Story of the USA: Modern America (Book 4) by Franklin Escher, Jr. (Kids)

His bias comes out in an annoying way. He is obviously a pro-choice, democrat. He was much better in earlier books at not letting his bias come through, but he was over the top in this one, and it made me laugh.

26. The Story of the World Volume 4: The Modern Age by Susan Wise Bauer (Kids)
DONE! Closure! We are concluding our five year journey through history! My closure boy kept pushing for me to read more until we finished!

27. Hero Tales: Volume II by Dave and Neta Jackson (Kids)

Love these true stories of Christian heroes.

28. American Adventures Part 2: True Stories from America’s Past by Morrie Greenberg

My kids totally get into these catchy stories. Very enjoyable. A highlight in history.

29. The Usborne Internet-linked Encyclopedia of World History (Kids)

From the time of the dinosaurs to the end of the 20th century, we have gone through this book over the last five years for World History. I love this book to supplement The Story of the World. The downloads were great for our time-lines, and the internet-links added much to our understand. Highly recommend this for any family library whether one homeschools or not.

30. The Usborne Introduction to Art by Rosie Dickins and Mari Griffith (Kids)

This book is internet-linked and beautiful with an easy-to-read text featuring art work from The National Gallery, London. My kids really enjoyed it. I read it along with the period of history we were covering, but it didn’t enter my curriculum until about two years ago. It is a great book for any age. Closure – a May theme.

31. The Usborne Internet-Linked Science Encyclopedia (Kids)

This is our fifth year in this good book. I don’t like it as much as the internet-linked history, but it is good. I have no idea what we will do for science next year because this was our “spine.”

32. Hunger of Memory: The Education of Richard Rodriguez (TWEM)

This is an autobiography by the essayist who appears on PBS Newshour with Jim Lehrer. I have always loved his essays, and I loved this autobiography with his soft, slow tone. He talks about how education separated him from his Mexican-American cultural roots. Those interested in Catholicism would enjoy his chapter entitled "Credo." He compares the Latin service with the more contemporary service of today. I don't know if anyone would ever be interested in this book, but I really enjoyed it. It is on The Well-Educated Mind autobiography list.

June

33. Walking As Jesus Walked by Dr. Dann Spader

It is a look at how Jesus went about changing the world! I really liked this book. I felt very invigorated in God’s life calling for me.

34. Night by Elie Wiesel (TDS Book Discussion)

This is an important book that I would recommend everyone read.

35. Born Again by Charles W. Colson (TWEM)

I think I read this back in the 70’s. What an encouraging look at the transformation that Jesus can make in a person’s life. I felt so blessed to read it! It was also nice to read about something I remember happening in history. I understand it much better now that I am older too.

36. Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe

A great read. I loved this.

37. Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

This was a fascinating story that was very well-written. I really enjoyed it. I am a sucker for a good story about Muslims. J

38. How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie

A very practical book. It has stood the test of time. It is old, but it is so helpful and really helped me through the transitions we are making in our life.

39. How to Win Friends and Influence People

Another fabulous book that really helped me with my brother this last vacation. I am lazy sometimes about applying the principles, but I am really seeing that when I do, I am really enjoying my life and relationships more. The principles are very simple.

July

40. The Road to Home by Vanessa del Fabbro

Ho-Hum. It was very predictable, and it had some really boring points. It is set in South Africa after Apartheid ended.


41. Peacemaking Women: Biblical Hope for Resolving Conflict by Tara Klena Barthel & Judy Daler

Fabulous addition to the great book The Peacemaker by Kenneth Sande. I especially enjoyed the “Conflicts Within” section about shame, depression, and fear. This is one I highly recommend for anyone in ministry.

August

42. When People are Big and God is Small by Welch

Excellent book that rereminded me to stay focused on pleasing God and not man!

43. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Had to reread it for my class. The class made the concepts come alive for me. Great book. Life-changing in many ways.


44. How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie

Read through a second time for the class. I have been applying the principles all summer, and it is all common sense, but it is nice to have it in one volume. I am realizing how much I give my power over to controlling people. I just can’t do that any more.

September

45. The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking by Dale Carnegie

This is the last one of the books for my course. It was nice and simple and straight-forward.

46. Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality by Donald Miller (Book Babes)

I really loved this book. I just loved his musings about the difference between Christianity and Christian Spirituality. I loved the “confessional” on the Reed College campus. I think that his thoughts are quite thought provoking, and it is so cool that he is in Oregon, and I can go visit his church. I am going the end of October.

47. Growing a Healthy Church by Dann Spader and Gary Mayes

Since we were looking for a healthy church to join, it was appropriate to read this book and identify some things that make up a healthy church culture. It is written by the same guy that wrote the Harmony of the Gospels study that I did this summer. So, it was a wonderful reinforcement to the study.

48. Gilgamesh The King
49. The Revenge of Ishtar
50. The Last Quest of Gilgamesh, all by Ludmila Zeman

These beautifully illustrated retellings of this ancient tale are favorites for us. We had to revisit them since we are starting all over in history.

October

51. First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers by Loung Ung

This was a fast read, but it was very powerful. Loung was only five years old from a middle-class Cambodian family (mom was Chinese) when her whole family had to flee from Phnom Penn as the Khmer Rouge was taking over the city. It is her journey throughout Cambodia. One of my favorite movies is The Killing Fields which is also an amazing story. So, this gave more details and from her childhood memories. Interesting point of view. Hard to believe that when I was going to my Senior prom such atrocities were occurring at the same time.


52. Spiritual Leadership by Henry and Richard Blackaby

A good read with simple concepts of leadership. I loved his Experiencing God Bible study and this goes right along with what I learned from this study; spiritual leadership is an outflow of a connection with God. After all the stuff that I had to read about leadership last year that I really didn’t enjoy, it was very refreshing to hear this humble, Biblical perspective written by two people whom I respect and havearned their stripes in this area.

53. Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge

I hesitate to make any comments on this book because it is such the “pop Christian” book right now; but overall, I don’t see what the big deal is about this book.
It took me a LOOONG time to get into it. My friend, Kim, said she really liked it, and I read it to identify with her. I think much of what they say has been said before in other similar books that I have read. I didn’t really get into it until about 120 pages in; but at that point, it had some nice things to say. The last five pages had some things I need to hear too. So, it was a God thing even though it wasn’t one of my favorite books of all time. I definitely wouldn’t buy it and borrow it. L

November

54. Body Clutter by Flylady and Leanne

This book could be really helpful for women who have enjoyed the Flylady philosophy of decluttering their home. Both the authors have struggled with obesity for most of their adult life. One was thin until babies. I think this would be really helpful for someone who has been in their boat. There are some good words about anger and what is happening in your mind when it comes to overeating that is similar to what she talks about in her housecleaning books.

55. Growing Your Faith by Jerry Bridges

I read his book The Pursuit of Holiness about twenty-five years ago, and it was life changing for me. I loved this book. It was simple, yet profound. I love this man and had the pleasure of meeting him once. I was forever changed by the experience, and this book was like “coming home.”



December

56. This Beautiful Mess: Practicing the Presence of the Kingdom of God by Rick McKinley

Loved the emphasis on social justice in the way his body at Imago-Dei lived out the principles of the kingdom. That was my favorite part of the book.

57. Desiring God by John Piper

This is my top book of all the Christian books I have read. I listened to it on CD, and I am unabashedly a Christian Hedonist. God is most pleased when we are experiencing pleasure in Him! I just finished it as I had a pleasurably flurry of activity to get ready for a dinner party I am putting on tonight!

58. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

This was a beautiful book about life and death. I really enjoyed this quick and meaningful read.

59. Shepherd’s Abiding by Jan Karon

I received this as a gift two years ago for Christmas and forgot I had it until I was looking at my library for http://www.librarything.com/. So, I took the plunge since it is a Christmas story! A delightful, light-hearted read for the holiday.

60. The Promise: A Celebration of the Life of Christ by Michael Card

This is another Christmas tradition. I decided to just read this and not read Immanuel this year. I love this book; and someday, I would like to make a musical out of it. I need to read it a few more Christmastime’s though! J

More Book Lists

2005 Commentary on Reading List

January
1. My Own Two Feet by Beverly Cleary (Book Club) 7

Somewhat interesting because it was during my parents' "era." Not anything WOW!

2. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad (WEM) 8

I liked it. It was self_reflective for me even though it is difficult to swallow.

3. Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton (Book Club) 9.5

A beautifully written novel set in 1940's Apartheid South Africa. It has some beautiful themes and is written so poetically. I wrote down quotes because they were lovely.

4. Fight Fat After Forty by Pamela Peeke, MD, MPH 9

It is very no_nonsense advice about eating after forty. It addresses the "why" behind having munchies in the afternoon with practical suggestions for how to help that "CortiZone" period of the day. Excellent, sound nutrition.

5. House of Mirth by Edith Wharton (WEM) 9

Lovely. I am an official Edith Wharton fan after this book. Looks at early 19th century upperclass society in New York.

6. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (WEM) 8

I "got" it this time around after not really understanding it as a high schooler. It is not that big of a time commitment, and it is worth the read.

February:


7. Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf (WEM) 6

I think Virginia Woolf was mentally ill, and her mental illness comes out on her pages of this novel. It is such a strange novel, but I liked it in a strange way.

8. The Bounty: The True Story Behind Mutiny on the Bounty by (Book Club) 7

Four hundred ten pages of LOTS of detail about the true story behind what happened on The Bounty. Mutiny on the Bounty didn’t get it right. So, it was fascinating to read how the story got all twisted. Got on the internet and look up Pitcarin Island, and I had a blast. I even emailed a descendant of one of the mutineers! I love it when books become history lessons.
March

9. The Trial by Franz Kafka (WEM) 6 - I know understand what people mean when they something is “Kafkaesque.” It is bizarre, strange, frustrating. It was an education to read.

10. Native Son by Richard Wright(WEM) 8.5 - With all the talk on race, this would be an excellent book to read. The writing was excellent. It is about a black man in 1930's Chicago. Surprised Oprah has pegged it for her classics book club. Important read about the black conditions that lead to social problems. Excellent

11. The Stranger by Albert Camus (WEM) 7.5 - This seemed like an ordinary book that has a twist and a bit of deep philosophy that I found fascinating. Heavy.

April:

12. The Captain’s Dog by (Book Club) 8 - I read this to the kids, but it is also my book club’s book. So, I am including it on my list too.

13. 1984 by George Orwell (WEM) 7.5 - So weird, but it the words and concepts like “Big Brother” and “thought police” have made it in to our modern day vernacular.

14. The Making of a Leader by J. Robert Clinton (WB) 8 - Rereading for the class I will be teaching all next year. I like this guy.

15. Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts (Book Club) 4 - Even though I am a history buff, she jumps around to so many character that it is confusing and doesn’t get you excited about any single woman in history. Boring to read.

16. Leadership Emergence Theory by J. Robert Clinton (WB) 5 - The LOOOONG version of number fourteen. It was too much detail for what I want to accomplish in the class. Felt like it was a waste of time to read.

May

17. The Path by Laurie Beth Jones (WB) 4 - It doesn’t accomplish our goals for the Women’s Development class, but my partner still wants to use it. She can write, but she is not my type of person. I am not in line with her values.

18. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison (WEM) 8.75 - I really loved this authors writing, and the way he makes a social statement about the black man in America through this fictional story. Very valuable reading for anyone wanting to have a better understanding of race in America.

19. Seize the Day by Saul Bellow (WEM) 7.5

I liked it. It was a short novel with a good message. I can’t wait to see the Robin Williams film.
20. The Life of Pi (Book Club) 9

What a quirky, good book. TDS has talked about this since it came out, and I am so glad I finally read it. I really enjoyed his fun style of writing and profound insights. I loved his comparison of Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism. It nailed the differences and similarities so poignantly. The story at sea and twist at the end was captivating. Couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait to discuss it in book club. I am sure some will hate it and others will love it.

21. If On a Winter’s Night a Traveler by Italo Calvino (WEM) 7

Quite a strange book that really is about the interaction of the reader and the novel. I starts the first chapter of ten different novels and never finishes any of the. The real story is the Reader in the story who is on a quest for closure in this crazy “one chapter novel” mystery. It is weird, but I liked it in a strange way.

22. God and Ronald Reagan: A Spiritual Life by Paul Kengor (Book Babes Club) 9

I was very uplifted by this book. It was Ronald Reagan’s spiritual history, and its affect on his political ideology and actions, especially as it pertains to his assault on the “evil empire” of communism in the 1980's. I found it very encouraging. I found out many things that I had never known about Reagan.

June - August

23. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (WEM) 8.5 Done 6/5

What a book. What a story about a family in Latin America. I can see why it is a classic. It is surrealistic in nature and writing that is very alive.

24. Three Weeks with My Brother by Nicholas Sparks (Book Babes Club) 8.5

A memoir of a round-the-world trek that author Nicholas Sparks (The Notebook, Message in a Bottle, A Walk to Remember) takes with his older brother Micah. It is interspersed with their childhood memories. I liked the world wind tour to exotic places! It is a tear-jerker. Some very poignant moments about family. I like Nicholas Sparks as a person immensely.

25. As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner (Oprah Creekside Book Club) 6

Oprah picked THREE Faulkner books for this summer. UGH! This one is slow and depressing, but I can see that he is a great writer and experimental in nature with Point of View. I don’t know if I will make it through all three, but it is an education in American Literature! Not a favorite for me. Can I survive two more this summer? I am not sure I can make it!

26. 19 Gifts of the Spirit by Leslie B. Flynn 8

Book I read concurrently with my bible study of the spiritual gifts. Very balanced if a little bit dated because it was written in 1972.

27. Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison (WEM) 8.5

My first Toni Morrison, and I have to say that I loved her writing style. I was transported on every page. I guess I thought she wrote weird books because of the movie Beloved and what bad reviews that it got. The language was crude at points, but it was part of the culture of the book and is not gratuitous.

28. White Noise by Delillo (WEM). 8 What a hoot! It isn’t at all what I expected. He has satirical humor like Dave Berry only with a bite. I guffawed out loud on several occasions. I noticed there is a comedy in production based on this book. Such an interesting departure from the other Well-Educated Mind books that Susan Wise-Bauer had us read. It is contemporary American fiction with much social commentary on our society.

29. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis 9

My kids and I listened to this as part of our summer read-aloud time. I am including it here and their read-aloud list because it has always been my goal to read these, and they wanted to join in the fun! Dad read these to them, but I was never able to sit in on all the “sessions,” or I fell asleep while he was reading. (He has this calming effect on me!) I loved it. Michael York reads this one. Lynn Redgrave reads the next book. Should be a fun ride. Aslan rocks, and there was a bit of mourning as I listened knowing how much Devon loved these.

30. The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner (Oprah Book Club) 7.5

I liked this much more than the above Faulkner book. It had different points of view, and a bunch of “stream of conciousness” writing, but it got much more coherent and together through the point of view of the last son and the omniscient point of view in the last chapter. I am appreciating his genius with every page and being won over (Can you believe it?).

31. Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis and read by Lynn Redgrave 9

I have to say that I prefer the male readers in this series over this female. Michael York read the first and Derek Jacobi reads the next. It is still a wonderful story though. Enjoying these.

32. Possession by A.S. Byatt (WEM) 8.75

Can you say impressive writing for a modern novel? I can totally see why Susan Wise-Bauer has this book in her canon of “classics” even though it was written in 1990. This woman has an amazing ability to write beautiful prose AND poetry. It is 555 pages of great reading.

33. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis and read by Derek Jacobi 9

Loved this reader! Eustace so reminds me of my children’s own cousin. Sad but true!

34. Matilda by Roald Dahl 8

Listened to it on tape, and I just love Roald Dahl’s sense of humor. Dark children’s comedy is so interesting. The adults are so bad!

35. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens (Book Dames Book Club) 8.75

August: This is the read for my new club for the classics. I love Dickens. He is so clever, funny, serious, and profound all rolled up into one great yarn! What can I say? This made me cry. His writing improved so much between Oliver Twist and this book.

36. The Book of Margery Kemp (WEM-Autobiography) 6.5

It was a little boring for me. I wasn’t drawn into her spirituality and was driven a little crazy by her whining.

37. Agamemnon by Aeschylus (WEM-Drama) 8 - Ted Hughes translation

I was surprisingly drawn in by this Greek Tragedy. It only took me an hour and fifty minutes to read, but it made me want to read the whole Oresteian Trilogy. The theme of vengeance and justice powerful. Nikki, Susanne, and I are reading one drama a month. Want to join in?

38. Agamemnon by Aeschylus (WEM-Drama) 8 - Vellacott translation

I wanted to compare the two, and I like them both for different reasons. I wonder what the original Greek actually says. They are like two different Bible translations with Hughes being more like The Message, and Vellacott being more traditional.

September

39-42. The Silver Chair, The Magician’s Nephew, The Horse and His Boy, The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis.

Jeremy Northam, Kenneth Branaugh, Alex Jennings, and Patrick Stewart round out the narrators for our journey through Narnia. They all did a fantastic job. I love Patrick Stewart’s little mouse voice imitations. What a treat this has been for my family and me. I still want to read them too. I haven’t really appreciated it fully. The am much better at seeing the words on the paper.

October

43. Leota’s Garden by Francine Rivers 7

This is my first Rivers book after hearing about her for years. She is a good writer. It was a sweet story. It didn’t “wow” me, but sometimes it is nice to read a nice story. It reminded me of Jan Karon’s writing. It was a relaxing read, and I have to admit that I really wanted to read to the end, but it was somewhat predictable.

44. The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork: Embrace Them and Empower Your Team by John Maxwell. 7

It was an easy read for the class I am co-leading. My partner picked the book and will be leading the leadership/teamwork section of the course. I liked it more than I thought I would. Yes, he uses a lot of sports analogies, but I am a jock. So, I enjoyed them. I kept thinking that many of the Laws were pretty obvious, but I thought maybe that is because I have played and worked on a lot of teams. So, there wasn’t anything earth-shattering in there. I was reminded of some things that I need to do though as a team leader rather than just a team member. It was good for that reason.

45. Cultivating the Inner Life by Terri White 5

I read this a couple of months ago, and I forgot to write it down, but I had to reread it for my class. It is written by a friend of mine. It is a very basic book on meditation, prayer, journaling. I wasn’t wild about it. Some girls in the class really liked it though. What is my problem?

46. Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence 9

This is another reread of this classic, and it always encourages me. Had many “presence of God moments” this week as I read it. One most profound while playing Spider Solitaire! Go figure. We will be discussing it in our class in a “book club” manner. Should be fun.

47. Life and Death in Shanghai by Nien Cheng 7

A bit too much detail for me during all her interrogations. Overall, it was a good book in that I got an insider’s look at the Cultural Revolution and life under Mao. Chilling.

48. White Bird Flying by Bess Streeter Aldrich 8

YES, all you Aldrich fans, this is the sequel to A Lantern in Her Hand. It is the story of Abbie Deal’s granddaughter, Laura. I read A Lantern in Her Hand too long ago to remember details, but I liked this one even better. It isn’t as long a span of time and not as many characters. I love her writing. It is soothing for me.

November

49. Breathing Lessons Anne Tyler 6.5 (between Okay; enjoyed parts of it and Good)

It just didn’t grab me. I know it won the Pulitzer for Literure in 1989. I just look at another Pulitzer winner, To Kill a Mockingbird, and I think that their standards have really gone down. It was OK, but it was nothing to win a prize over. It was even pretty boring in parts. I didn’t hate it, but it is no Pulitzer.

50. The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown 4.5

I asked my husband what he thinks I thought of the book (since he had to listen to me talk about it every night for a month), and he said, “Well-written blasphemy!” I had to chuckle, but I guess it isn’t a laughing matter. I was totally fooled in the mystery, and he kept me on the edge of my seat with his cliff-hanging chapter endings. He is a gifted storyteller, but his facts were so blatantly wrong even from a “generally-accepted” historical standpoint that I wanted to laugh out loud at some of his ludicrous, inaccurate statements. It is good fiction though, and I was motivated to turn the page with the rest of us. I just am sad that some take it as fact. This is the tragedy of this book.

December - Decided to use my Christmas Break reading those books that people have given me to read, or I have asked to borrow. I had QUITE a backlog! Nine books!

51. Changing on the Inside by Dr. John White 6

From my mentors: I liked the part about meditation. It just didn’t hit me very hard, and it wasn’t anything new. The trick is always following through on things. :)

52. The Classics We’ve Read, The Difference They’ve Made Edited by Phil Yancey 8 (from LauraLiz)

I am really impressed with this book and can’t believe I waited so long. I was more interested in some classics than others, but it was an enjoyable read overall. Musings on Tolkien, Dostoevsky, devotional masters, George McDonald, John Donne, Flannery O’Connor, Tolstoy, Thomas Merton. Solzhenitsyn, etc by famous Christian authors. Very “good for the mind” reading.

53. Raising Children to Adore God by Paterick Kavanaugh 7

From Kim, a girl I have discipled: I just skimmed this one. It was a loan one. It was excellent, but it wasn’t anything earth shatteringly new conceptually.

54. What Paul REALLY said about Women by John Temple Bristow 7

From my mentors: Went over the main passages about women and picked them apart by defining the Greek words. He also went into Greek/Roman attitudes toward women and how they were carried into the Christian culture.

54. The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orcy 8.5

From my ESFJ buddy, Lisa (who knew I would love this book): Totally enjoyable read. A great adventure story from a woman’s point of view. Loved it!

55. Whose Land? Whose Promise? What Christians Are Not Being Told about Israel and the Palestinians by Gary M. Burge 10

From a Palestinian Christian friend, kicked out of Israel in 1948 when he was fourteen years old: One of those books that I just didn’t have time to read, but SO glad that I did. Remember when I was reading book after book about the Palestinian/Israeli conflict about four years ago? I read a ton of books that were poorly written carrying the a more traditional Evangelical line about Israel being the land of promise in the Bible, and how we need to support Israel. I was never really satisfied, but I moved on until I met with the wife of this Palestinian Christian who wanted to talk with me about our church position on Israel. She gave me this book, and I was so busy I wasn’t able to read it until now. I thought, “I am out of this stage of inquiry. I will just skim it.” Well, have you ever had a book that was life-changing? This is one of those books. It is well-written, well-documented, well-informed and not written carelessly like many of those evangelical Christian books about the subject. It is written by a professor at Wheaton College, and it so though provoking. It was the perfect book to end on Christmas Day as we reflect on the Prince of Peace. I pray weekly for the peace of Jerusalem, but I am so much better informed in my prayer now. I am fueled with compassion for the Palestinian plight like never before. Yes, I believe in the Biblical prophecy concerning Israel, but I also believe in the Biblical principles of ruling ethically and morally. An eye-opening book that I encourage others to read.


56. The Promise by Michael Card 10 - Love these Christmas reflections every year!

57. Blood Brothers by Elias Chacour 10

From #55 friend: Perfect book to read as a follow up of Whose Land? Whose Promise. Moving autobiographical account of a Christian Palestinian from 1948 (at partitioning of Palestine) on into adulthood. I think everyone should read this book! Heartwarming and wrenching in one breath.

58. Affliction by Edith Shaeffer 8

From Carrie: This is a good “theology of suffering” course. She is so Trapdoorish. :) Thanks Carrie for sending it to me. I am sending it back to you after having it for a LOONG time!

59. How to be Filled with the Spirit by A.W. Tozer 7.5

Not my favorite Tozer writing, but it was nice to read him after a long hiatus

60. Scapegoat by Daphne DuMarnier (Author of Rebecca and The Birds)

From my friend, Lisa:

Old Book Lists (2001-2004 with a random old list)

I saw someone I used to know on line post many of her books she has recorded reading over the years, and I realized that I should do that too. So, here are my lists:
Key:

BB = Book Babes Book Club

TWEM = The Well-Educated Mind Book List

TDS = Trapdoor Society Book Club

ITC = Invitation to the Classics Book List= 

§ = I think they were kids' books I read aloud, but I don't know why I didn't count them in the numbers because many of the numbered ones are kid read-alouds. Too long ago to remember what that meant.

2004

1. In the Presence of My Enemies
2. Iron and Silk (BB)
3. Swimming Across (BB)
4. It’s Getting Better All the Time: 100 Greatest Trends of the Last 100 Years.
5. Praying God’s Word
6. The South Beach Diet
7. Conformed to His Image: Biblical and Practical Approaches to Spiritual Formation
8. Gulliver’s Travels (TWEM)
9. The Agony and Ecstasy (BB)
10. Pride & Prejudice (TWEM)
11. The Worn-Out Woman
12. Benjamin Franklin
13. The Feminine Mystique (TWEM)
14. Cold Sassy Tree (BB))
15. Oliver Twist (TWEM)
16. A Room with a View (TDS)
17. Five People You Meet in Heaven (BB)
18. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne (TWEM)
19. Anna Karenina (TWEM)
20. Madame Bovary (TWEM)
21. Madame Bovary: C’est Moi
22. The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands
23. Epic of Gilgamesh (TWEM)
24. Moby Dick (TWEM)
25. Emma (BB)
26. Uncle Tom’s Cabin (TWEM)
27. The Good Earth
28. The Salt Garden
29. Winter Wheat
30. History of US: First Americans (Kids)
31. Crime and Punishment
32. Blackbird House
33. Return of the Native (TWEM, 9.5)
34. Portrait of a Lady (TWEM, 9.5)
35. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
36. The Message
37. The Red Badge of Courage



2003

1. The Message: The New Testament
2. The Chosen by Chaim Potok (Book Babes 7.9, 7)
3. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck (Book Babes 5.2, 9)
4. A Town Like Alice by Neville Shute (Book Babes 7.65, 9)
5. Christy by Catherine Marshall (Book Babes 8.57, 9.5)
6. The Count of Monte Cristo (Book Babes 8, 9.5)
7. Faith of the Fatherless by Vitz (5)
8. The Secret Life of Bees (TDS, 6)
9. Holly Rollers by McCracken & Blodgett (Book Babes, 8)
10. Ex-Libris by Fadiman (TDS, 4)
11. Safe People by Cloud and Townsend (7)
12. Oedipus the King (ITC, 9)
13. Prisoners of Hope: The Story of Our Captivity and Freedom in Afghanistan (7.5)
14. The Confessions of St. Augustine (TWEM, 5.5)
15. Ava’s Man by Rick Bragg (Book Babes 7.1, 5.5)
16. Pemberly Continued by Emma Tenant (6)
17. Jane Austen in Boca by Paula Marantz Cohen (TDS, 6.5)
18. Pride, Prejudice, and Jasmin Field by Melissa Nathan (7.5)
19. An Unequal Marriage: Pride and Prejudice 24 Years Later (5.5)
20. The World of King Arthur and His Court
21. The Story of the USA Book 1
22. The Story of the USA Book 2
23. Landmark History of the American People
24. John Adams (Book Babes 8.9, 9.5)
25. The Story of the USA Book 3
26. The Story of the USA Book 4
27. A Lantern in Her Hand (TDS, 7.5)
28. The Bedside Book of Famous American Stories: Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Irving
29. TBBOFAS: Rip Van Winkle by Irving
30. TBBOFAS: Paul’s Case by Cather
31. TBBOFAS: The Great Stone Face by Hawthorne
32. The Paridiso by Dante (ITC)
33. Celebrating America (7)
34. My Antonia by Cather (8.5)
35. One of Ours by Cather (8)
36. Don Quixote (TWEM 7)
37. Queen Victoria by Strachey (TWEM)
38. One Day in the Life of Ivan ?
39. Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners by Bunyan (TWEM)
40. I Heard the Owl Call My name
41. Pilgrim’s Progress (TWEM)
42. The Purpose Driven-Life
43. Jane Eyre
44. Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
45. The Color of Water (Book Babes)
46. The Well-Educated Mind
47. Dreaming Water

2002

1. Rebecca
2. Blue Light
3. Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring
4. Kaffir Boy
5. Islam
6. For Children’s Sake
7. Pride and Prejudice
8. Beowolf
9. My Name is Asher Lev (Book Babes)
10. Gone with the Wind (Book Babes)
11. What Went Wrong?
12. Israel in Crisis
13. The Hobbit
14. Scarlett
15. Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
16. Precious Bane
17. The Corn is Green (TDS)
18. Jane and the Man of the Cloth
19. In Quiet Light: Poems on Vermeer’s Women
20. A Beautiful Mind
21. Has God Finished with Israel
22. In This Mountain
23. Jane and The Genius of the Place
24. Europe 101
25. Inferno by Dante (TWEM)
26. Family Matters: Why Homeschooling Makes Sense
27. The Pursuit of of God by Tozer
28. The Purgatorio by Dante (ITC)
29. Seabiscuit (Book Babes)
30. Skipping Christmas by Grisham (Book Babes)
31. Christmas in Plains by Jimmy Carter (Book Babes)
32. The Brothers Karamazov by Dostoyevsky (ITC)
33. The Bacchae
34. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Book Babes)
35. Celia’s House

Kid’s Read Alouds

1. 100 Dresses

§ Box Car Children
§ Granny Hans Breakfast
2. Alice in Wonderland
3. Peter Pan
4. Twenty and Ten
5. Jame’s Herriott’s Treasury
§ Surprise Island
§ Yellow House Mystery
6. In Grandma’s Attic
7. Johnny Appleseed
§ The Story of Dr. Doolittle
§ Children’s Book of Virtue
8. Richard Scarry’s Please and Thank You Book
9. Capybobby
§ Mystery Ranch
§ Mike’s Mystery
10. Heidi
§ Prehistoric Pinkerton
§ Be A Wolf!
11. The Hidden Jewel
12. Centerburg Tales (On tape)
13. Kindnapped by River Rats
14. Homer Price
15. Oh, The Place’s He Went
§ Prince and the Pauper
16. The Story of the World Volume 1: Ancient Times by Susan Wise-Bauer
§ Fables
§ Leif Erikson
§ Robin Hood of Sherwood Forst
§ Minstrel in the Town
§ All the Tin-Tin Books
17. Follow My Leader

2001

1. Girl with the Pearl Earring
2. Jane Eyre
3. Gap Creek
4. Samarai Garden
5. Snow Falling on Cedar
6. To Kill a Mockingbird
7. Wait ‘Till Next Year
8. We’ll Meet Again
9. A Common Life
10. Detective in Togas (Kids)
11. Founding Brothers
12. Charlotte Mason Companion
13. The Apprentice (Kids)
14. Little Riders (Kids)
15. Scent of Water
16. Chitty-Chitty Bang Bang (Kids)
17. Sister Wendy’s Grand Tour
18. Sister Wendy’s Impressionist Masterpieces
19. American Masterpieces
20. Sister Wendy’s: My Favorite Things
21. A Child’s Book of Prayer in Art
22. A Child’s History of the World (Kids)
23. Usborne World History (Kids)
24. Maps and Globes (Kids)
25. You Can Change the World Volume 2 (Kids)
26. Peter the Great (Kids)
27. Hurlbut’s Story of the Bible (Kids)
28. Revelation
29. 2 Peter
30. 2 Corinthians
31. Don’t Let the Jerks Get you Down
32. The Pre-Wrath Rapture Explained
33. The Hidden Smile of God
34. Sister Wendy Muses
35. Love Life for Every Married Couple
36. War of Words
37. Women as Risk Takers for God
38. Dealing with Difficult People
39. Beyond Recovery (Theophostic)
40. Winter Passion
41. Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamont
42. Letter and Papers from Prison by Bonhoeffer (ITC)
43. A Walk to Remember (Book Babes)
44. Deadline by Randy Alcorn
45. Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan (TWEM)
46. Prayer of Jabez
47. Princess by Sasson
48. The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe
49. Sister Wendy’s Book of Meditations
50. Sister Wendy’s Book of Saints
51. Princess Sultana’s Daughters
52. A Grain of Rice (Kids)
53. Story of Ping (Kids)
54. Gilgamesh the King (Kids)
55. Return of Ishtar (Kids)
56. My Father’s Dragon (Kids)
57. Harry Potter (Book Babes)
58. A Walk in the Woods
59. Princess Sultana’s Circle
60. A Christmas Carol
61. Wizard of Oz (Kids)
62. Five True Dog Stories (Kids)
63. How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk
64. Siblings Without Rivalry

Miscellaneous in Past Years

Zion Chronicle Series
Zion Covenant Series
Codependent No More
Boundaries
Changes that Heal
The Pursuit of Holiness
The God You Can Know
The Cost of Discipleship
Through Gates of Splendor
Knowledge of the Holy
Les Miserables
7 Habits of Highly Effective Families
7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Church History in Plain Language
Anne of Green Gables
Anne of Avonlea
Anne of the Island
Anne of Windy Poplars
Anne’s House of Dreams
Anne of the Island
Jan Karon Series
Immanuel: Reflections on the Life of Christ
Pride and Prejudice
Sense and Sensibility
Mansfield Park
Northanger Abbey
Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secrets
Desiring God
Hind’s Feet on Hinds Places

1993
Through Gates of Splendor
The Making of a Leader
The Body
Savage My Kinsman
1700 Years is Long Enough
George Mueller: Man of Faith
Brunei: Enchantment of the World
Singapore: Enchantment of the World
Malaysia: Enchantment of the World
A Child of Singapore
A Child of Malaysia
A Family of Singapore
The Hiding Place
In My Father’s House
A Thousand Shall Fall
The Way Things Ought to Be
Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home
In Search of the Source
The House of the Lord: God’s Plan to Liberate Your City from Darkness by Frangipane
Susanna: Mother of the Wesley’s
John Wesley’s Message for Today
Fast Your Way to Health
Marriage to a Difficult Man (About Edwards)
History of the Conservative Baptists
Christian Theology in Plain Language
Not Ashamed of the Gospel
Operation World
Living on Less
The Holy Spirit
Sequoia Scout (Thoene)
Say to this Mountain
Man from Shadow Ridge
The Way of the Heart
The Stay at Home Mom