A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote, illustrated by Beth Peck - This book, like A Child's Christmas in Wales, is a short story of love and joy. It's a bit bittersweet as it's the last of his lovely joyful Christmas memories, but I think it's worth reading to the children even with the bit of sadness. It's beautifully written. (library copy)
The Twenty-four Days Before Christmas by Madeleine L'Engle - This little story tells of the days of December leading up to Christmas from the point of view of seven year old Vicky as she anticipates both the birth of her sibling and her appearance as the angel in the Christmas Pageant. I think the children will understand her feelings and enjoy the story, so it's on our list as a potential read-aloud for Advent 2018. (library copy)
The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science by Joyce Sidman - link to my post. (library copy)
The World Wars (an Usborne book) by Paul Dowswell, Ruth Brocklehurst, and Henry Brook - link to my post (purchased copy)
A Shepherd in Combat Boots: Chaplain Email Kapaun of the 1st Cavalry Division by William L. Maher - link to my post. (purchased used copy)
James Herriot's Favorite Dog Stories by James Herriot - I listened to this collection with the three younger children. It's a collection of stories by Mr. Herriot focused on dogs, revisiting canine friends over time. We all enjoyed it, and it didn't contain any references of concern for younger ears. (purchased Audible book)
A Tree for Peter by Kate Seredy - link to my post. (library copy)
All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot - link to my post. (purchased used copy)
Heroes and Legends: The Most Influential Characters of Literature by Professor Thomas A. Shippey (from The Great Courses) - link to my post. (purchased audiobook)
Books in Progress (and date started)
- Norton Anthology of English Literature Vol. 2 (sixth edition) (August 2014)
- A Century of Sonnets edited by Feldman and Robinson (May 2017)
- The Power of Silence by Robert Cardinal Sarah (December 2017)
- In the Steps of the Master by H.V. Morton (February 2018)
- History's Great Military Blunders and the Lessons they Teach from The Great Courses (February 2018, listening with the older two or three)
- Ember Rising by S.D. Smith (March 2018, listening with Kansas Dad)
- Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen (March 2018, with my book club)
- Quite Early One Morning by Dylan Thomas (March 2018)
- 1917: Red Banners, White Mantle by Warren H. Carroll (March 2018)
The italic print: Links to Amazon are affiliate links. As an affiliate with Amazon, I receive a small commission if you follow one of my links, add something to your cart, and complete the purchase (in that order). Links to RC History and PaperBackSwap.com are also affiliate links to their respective stores. Other links (like those to Bethlehem Books) are not affiliate links.
These reports are my honest opinions.
