It's a little worrisome to see how long the list of books I am currently reading looks compared to the list of books I managed to finish in January (especially since the finished list includes one middle grade fiction, two young adult fiction, one middle grade biography, and a book of comedy of the six I read). A good bit of my reading time has been consumed by Bleak House which is time well spent. I just haven't finished it yet. No Other Story by Dr. Cuthbert Soup, the third in the Whole Nother Story series was a pre-read for First Son. It's silly and ridiculous and I think he'll love it. First Daughter could probably read it, too. It'll be on their lists for next summer (after fifth grade and after second grade). (library copy)
The Song of the Quarkbeast: The Chronicles of Kazam, Book 2 by Jasper Fforde is the second book in his young adult series. I enjoy everything I read by Fforde and this was no exception. (library copy)
The Joy of the Gospel by Pope Francis (a review for Blogging for Books, found here)
Ben Franklin of Old Philadelphia by Margaret Cousins is a book First Son started this month in our American history studies. It's one of the Landmark books and an engaging biography of Ben Franklin. Even First Son admitted it was more enjoyable than he expected. It's such a shame our modern times have trained us to be distrustful of people who love children. There was one whole chapter that had me squirming in my seat as it described how Ben Franklin would invite children to his house and play with them. Rightfully or not, it all seems so inappropriate now. First Son, however, will read that chapter as it was meant, as an encouragement and inspiration. (purchased copy)
The Giver by Lois Lowry, a book I read and reviewed last year and back in 2011. I was asked to review it for another site and meant to just write a brief review on what I remembered, but I couldn't resist reading the whole book again. If you have not read this book, please do. (library copy)
Food: A Love Story by Jim Gaffigan - review found here. Kansas Dad and I bought this book for my dad for Christmas and I think he'll love it. (library copy)
Books in Progress (and date started)
- Open Mind, Faithful Heart by Pope Francis (January 2014)
- The Education Of Catholic Girls by Janet Erskine Stuart (February 2014)
- Norton Anthology of English Literature Vol 2 (sixth edition) (August 2014)
- The Little Oratory: A Beginner's Guide to Praying in the Home by David Clayton and Leila Marie Lawler (September 2014)
- The Bible Compass: A Catholic's Guide to Navigating the Scriptures by Edward Sri (September 2014)
- The Religious Potential of the Child: Experiencing Scripture and Liturgy with Young Children by Sofia Cavaletti (September 2014, with a book club at our parish)
- Good Poems ed by Garrison Keillor (October 2014)
- Bleak House by Charles Dickens (January 2015)
- Happy Times in Noisy Village by Astrid Lindgren
- Evangelizing Catholics: A Mission Manual for the New Evangelization by Scott Hahn (January 2015, with our adult education class at our parish)
- For the Children's Sake: Foundations of Education for Home and School by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay (January 2015, with my Start Here book club)
