For Ashlee

I know that many of you are screaming for more posts of the kids.....but not much I can do until I get my camera fixed. Sorry folks. In the interim, I'll fulfill a special request from my BFF Ashlee. My dear friend was interested in a book review of things I read last year. To be honest, I wasn't too good at keeping track until the last half of the year, but if I can't remember it, it wasn't really all that noteworthy right? Or I just have a "mom" brain. Take your pick. So without further ado, I will list each book read with a star rating, (out of 5) and a quick "whadyathink?":

• Wives & Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskill - **** If you like Jane Austen, you'll probably like this. Not quite up to par with Austen in my opinion, but still a good read. And if you don't want to find yourself angry like I did, note that the author died before finishing the book.......so get over it and make up your own ending.
• The Absorbent Mind by Maria Montessori - **** A bit of stuffy reading.....much science, some of which is a bit outdated, but overall an interesting read. A big insight into why kids' brains work the way they do; and how we as parents, (or other influencers......like that vocab?) can work with them, instead of against them to unlock their potential. Definitely worth a read. Skip the science if you must.
  
• Brave New World by Aldous Huxley - **** Weird. And a bit disturbing, but VERY thought provoking. If you don't think our society is headed to hell in a handbasket, you will after reading this, (or you'll just think I'm nuts for thinking we're not terribly far off from this). Interesting that the author had the insight to write this almost 70 years ago.
• The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis - ***** Wish I was quite smart enough to understand all of the symbolism. It's one to read more than once. Who doesn't love C.S. Lewis? To read further thoughts on this book, read this post here.
• The Mommy Manual by Barbara Curtis - ***** This book is exactly what it boasts to be. One I like to read each year. Not so much a "how to" guide as a "how to figure it out" guide, because really, what two kids are alike? Also a very uplifting read. You're going to finish this book feeling warm and fuzzy and enthused to try more and do better, not feel like crap. One section I particularly enjoy talks about how to pick good reading material for your kids. Ever noticed how many kids books are just crap? It also gives reading suggestion lists based on age group.
• A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens - ********** THE BEST BOOK EVER. The end. You want drama, romance, action, comedy, the whole works without the sleeze of today? Read this. And read it again and again.
• David Copperfield by Charles Dickens - ***** Another good read by the Chuckster. You just can't go wrong with Dickens. And you will laugh, I promise. And fall in love.
• Little Britches by Ralph Moody - ***** Loved it. The author was just so good at getting you into the mind of a little boy. I could totally picture my brother or my little boy doing and thinking everything Ralph did. I laughed and I cried. That usually gives a book 5 stars for me!
• Pride & Prejudice - ***** Another annual read. If you like the movie, YOU WILL LOVE THE BOOK. So much more. The only line that is better in the movie...."You have bewitched me body and soul. And I love....love.....I love you." That gets me every time! I swoon actually. But every other line in the book is soooo much better.
• The Book Thief - **** I'm going to give it four stars only because the ending left me hanging a bit. I'm not sure why......I just felt it was missing something. But I loved all the rest.
• The Proper Care & Feeding of Husbands by Dr. Laura - ***** I know I'm going to get hate mail from the female population reading this, but I love Dr. Laura. I mean really, her attitude of "you can only worry about what you can do to make a situation better" is so right. Plus really, doesn't our belief system advocate a man/woman relationship like the one she describes? I know things work better for us that way, so I pledge my allegiance to Dr. Laura. Hate me if you must.
• The Twelfth Angel by Og Mandino - **** Okay Ash.....I know I'm letting you down with this one, but I do like cheesy. And I'm a bit surprised that you don't. I sobbed like a baby through most of this book. And I liked it. In fact, add another 1/2 star up there. But know that Brandon sides with you on this one.
• The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan - * Picture me blowing a big fat raspberry. Harry Potter has so been there and done this. And about a thousand times better. I'm glad that Greek Mythology is getting a little limelight, but it could have been done without ripping off another story.
• Persuasion by Jane Austen - ***** Notice a theme yet? When I don't have anything to read, I pick up my dear friend Jane. This one is super romantic and I like it.
• The Blithedale Romance by Nathaniel Hawthorne - **** Another kind of weird book. I wasn't sure where the author was going with this one until the end, and then I still kind of went, "huh?" But maybe I'm just not smart enough for Hawthorne. It was entertaining though. I like the way he writes. Remember reading The Scarlet Letter in school? I haven't read it since, but I remember really liking it then; which seems to be contrary to most others I talk to.
• Weapons of Mass Instruction by John Taylor Gatto - **** Could have been written/referenced a little better, but good, good info. I've heard his earlier book, (sorry, too lazy to get a title for you.....google it) is better. When I read this I was already looking into the advantages of homeschool, and this sealed the deal for me. I know, I know, I should walk around with a stamp on my forehead letting everyone know how weird I am. But you still love me, right? (Ash.....this means you....I'm sure you're the only one still reading.)
• The Successful Homeschool Family Handbook by Raymond and Dorothy Moore - **** A bit of a yawn....in some parts. But a pretty good manual for homeschool parents. It gives you a heads up for what you're really in for and some excellent advice on everything from organization to curriculum. And not just about school, but family life in general.
• In Praise of Stay-at-Home Moms by Dr. Laura - ***** Really, most women should start out reading Dr. Laura with this book. It feels more like she's on your team. And she is!! Oh, she is! Another book to leave you feeling on top of the world, and ready to do better.

So that's my two cents for what it's worth. Know that I would recommend anything on my sidebar for this year so far to anyone still reading and interested. (Book of a Thousand Days is definitely directed for a younger audience, but still good brain candy reading.) Click on any of them to see my GoodReads rating.