I recently finished reading Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (on my new Kindle
Page after page, I found myself drawing welcome advice from Alcott's wisdom. I almost saw it as a manual for motherhood hidden within a fun, romantic story.
Four daughters are being raised by their mother while their father is away fighting in the Civil War. The family struggles with poverty but tries to make the most of what they have. The sisters and their mother are close and loving as can be as they face trials together.
Here are some quotes that stood out to me...
Marmee (mother) was a "tall, motherly lady with a 'can I help you' look about her which was truly delightful. She was not elegantly dressed, but a noble-looking woman, and the girls thought the gray cloak and unfashionable bonnet covered the most splendid mother in the world." The maid said of her, "Some poor creeter came a-beggin', and your ma went straight off to see what was needed. There never was such a woman for givin' away vittles and drink, clothes and firin'."
-Wouldn't you like to have such things said about you? I would.
The girls often put on plays. What could be better, honestly? "It was excellent drill for their memories, a harmless amusement, and employed many hours which otherwise would have been idle, lonely, or spent in less profitable society." Yes! The value in spending time with our families and amusing ourselves together.
When the girls left the house, "they always looked back before turning the corner, for the mother was always at the window to nod and smile, and wave her hand to them. Somehow it seemed as if they couldn't have got through the day without that, for whatever their mood might be, the last glimpse of that motherly face was sure to affect them like sunshine."<
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Blog: HOMESPUN LIGHT (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: book review, adult, motherhood, historical, classic, coming of age, teen, realistic fiction, review by Emily, Add a tag
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JacketFlap tags: romance, homeschool, coming of age, teen, pre-teen, book review, classic, review by Emily, TJED, Add a tag
Isn't Anne of Green Gables a perfect classic? We just finished listening to it.
Poor Anne has had a difficult life, moving from one house to another, always taking care of children, and then ending up in an orphanage. Although she doesn't pity herself, she longs for a home (with a large scope for imagination, of course).
Finally, someone wants to adopt her, and her little heart can hardly dare to hope it will work out. She almost falls apart when she discovers that Mathew and Marilla of Green Gables meant to adopt a boy and intend to send her back.
But who can resist Anne with her wild imaginings and endearing ways? She is a great character: well-drawn, imperfect but trying to be good, and quite entertaining.
Don't miss this book!
And now for a different kind of review...
We listened to Anne of Green Gables on LibriVox.org. This website has been a great addition to our homeschooling. Books that are in the public domain (in other words, classics published before 1923) have been recorded by volunteers. You can listen to them for free from your computer or download the mp3 and use it however you'd like!
We are now listening to A Christmas Carol while we do handcrafts together.
The only negative that I have found with LibriVox, is that sometimes you won't like the voice of the reader and sometimes different chapters of the same book are read by different readers. But...what do you expect? It's free! The most popular classics have been recorded multiple times, so if you don't like one reader, you can always try another.
Blog: HOMESPUN LIGHT (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: pre-teen, teen, book review, fantasy, romance, review by Emily, Add a tag
Oh! I just finished the best book. You know how I love romantic Young Adult fairy tales? Well, this one fit the bill perfectly.
Evie has always dreamed of following in her parents' footsteps and becoming a doctor. Unfortunately, in her small town, there aren't many opportunities for a girl.
When someone comes and reports that the young, handsome bachelor King is coming to their small town, everyone goes into an uproar, trying to make everything suitable.
The King, impressed by Evie, awards her entrance into the University. But that doesn't mean life will be easy. Bandits, stolen kisses, and theater performers make for a wild adventure. Oh, and one more thing, Evie finds out that she is a serpentina, who is bonded to a sea creature for life.
Like I said, I really enjoyed this fun story. I couldn't put it down. It's a quick, easy read, with unique twists and turns that kept me guessing.
Did you ever read Julie Berry's other book, The Amaranth Enchantment? I gushed over that one too, but I think this one is even better. See my interview with Julie Berry about The Amaranth Enchantment and the writing process here.
Enjoy!
PS. Mrs. Julie Berry--if you read this, I'd love to know if you intend to write a sequel.
Blog: HOMESPUN LIGHT (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: babies, board books, review by Emily, rhyming, book review, picture books, favorites, Add a tag
Are you thinking about stocking stuffers yet? Here are some perfect ones for your littlest listeners! Today we're talking board books. Our current favorites are...
What do babies love more than...well, babies? This rhyming book is full of fun. Listen to the rhythm. It sounds like a song.
"Bitsy bouncy baby
On a bumpity lap
Mommy's little baby likes to
Clap Clap Clap!
Teeny tiny feet
Tippy toes prance
Daddy's little baby likes to
Dance Dance Dance!"
My little Y is really enjoying this story. He asks for it over and over, saying, "Baby Baby Baby boooook". It's pretty darn cute!
Another big plus for this book, is that it shows a traditional family, which is unfortunately becoming more and more unusual. It shows baby playing with mom, dad, Grandma, Grandpa, and the puppy and kitty.
Yay for family!
This is an endearing story about a duck who is afraid to leave his nest. The pictures are adorable, and the story even throws in some counting. You can't beat this cute story.
Here's a glimpse into the book: "Come, little duckling!" Mama called once more. "Paddle on the water with me."
"No, Mama, no!" cried Little Quack. "I'm scared! I'm just too scared!"
"You can do it," Mama said.
Little Quack looked at the water. He sniffed the water. He touched the water with his foot. Could he do it? Did he dare?"
Find out in the story. :)
2 Comments on Favorite Board Books, last added: 10/27/2010
Blog: HOMESPUN LIGHT (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: book review, clean reads, classic, review by Emily, pre-tween, Read-Alouds, TJED, pre-teen, Add a tag
A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
A Little Princess has always been a favorite book of mine. Though bittersweet, it leaves you wanting to live a more grateful, imaginative life.
Sarah Crewe has lived a privileged life, to say the least. She has always been given everything her heart desired, and been waited on hand and foot. You might think that a girl like this would be spoiled and selfish, but Sarah has a generous heart. She entertains the girls in her boarding school with wild stories of India, befriending even those less popular.
When Sarah's lot in life changes drastically, she becomes a penniless servant, hungry and cold. She pretends to be a princess, and reminds herself to be gracious and share the little she has.
I highly recommend this story for listeners of all ages. Like I said, it was a favorite of mine as a child, and now I realize that it still holds a place in my heart.
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JacketFlap tags: book review, newbery, clean reads, classic, elementary school, review by Emily, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, pre-tween, Read-Alouds, pre-teen, Add a tag
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JacketFlap tags: importance of family, family, book review, adult, nonfiction, homeschool, christian, christianity, review by Emily, Add a tag
I know. This book is all I can talk about lately. I wrote more about it, though, for Latter-day Homeschooling and thought I might as well share it here, too. (Don't forget to sign the petition...See the end of the post! Thanks!)
Stand for the Family
If you've followed Latter-day Homeschooling for a while, you know I'm a serious book-lover. What you probably don't know about me is that I am a rather mellow, laid back kind of person.
There are a few things, though, that I feel very passionate about. Family is one of them, and more specifically, defending the family, as explained in this book.
Stand for the Family has called me to action. Have you ever wondered what it means to 'stand/fight for the family'? I have. I had the desire to do it, but I didn't know how.
Stand for the Family clearly states how each one of us can fight for the institution of the family (and make a real difference!), as well as why it is important.
Speaking of important, there are several books that I consider Must-Reads (The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim
I know. It sounds like I'm bearing my testimony or something. I guess I sort of am.
My husband and I went to hear Sharon Slater speak last week. Before the event, my husband was really dragging his feet. H
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I read this book aloud to my kids today, and let me tell you. I was a blubbering fool. I used to roll my eyes and laugh when my mom cried at emotional stories. Now I'm her.
Except this time, Bubs (nearly 7) wasn't rolling his eyes. He was crying, too.
Are you familiar with this very short chapter book? Here's a brief overview:
Little Willy may only be ten, but that doesn't mean he can't run a potato farm. His grandfather has become very ill. Willy is determined to make everything better by harvesting the potato crop.
When that doesn't help matters, Willy discovers a debt that his grandfather owes for $500.
Against all odds, Willy enters a dog-sled race, where he'll compete against the best racers in the country, including the huge Indian, Stone Fox, who has never lost a race.
Will his determination and courage be enough?
As mentioned, this book is a tear-jerker. However, it spurred great conversation (great enough to make me forget I had an appointment...), and I'm glad we read it together.
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JacketFlap tags: review by Emily, family, book review, classic, cultural, coming of age, Add a tag
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JacketFlap tags: young adult, book review, adult, fantasy, series, sci-fi, teen, review by Emily, Add a tag
Boy, do I have an exciting (if a bit violent) book to share with you today!
When Thomas wakes up, he finds that he has been placed in the center of a giant maze. He's not alone. About 50 or 60 other boys are there along with him in the Glade. None of the boys remember anything about their lives previous to entering the maze.
For two years, one new boy has been placed in the maze every thirty days, so they were expecting a new arrival when Thomas came through the Box. However, the day after Thomas showed up, a girl comes through the Lift, half dead, and bearing a strange message.
This book will appeal to fans of The Hunger Games
As for cleanliness, like I said, this book is a bit violent. You'll probably want to preview it before handing it to your kids. If you've read The Hunger Games or Ender's Game, the violence level is similar to those. There is also a lot of fake swearing. The boys are always using their made-up curses (klunk, shank, slinthead....)
Anyway, I really enjoyed this book...couldn't put it down until I'd read the last word....and now I'm hungry for book 2!
Blog: HOMESPUN LIGHT (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: book review, fantasy, tween, teen, review by Emily, Add a tag
Wayfarer
by R .J. AndersonAre you a faery-lover? If so, you're in luck. Wayfarer by R. J. Anderson is out today, and I'm reviewing it here as part of a big blog tour.
A small community of female faeries live in the Oak, but they are slowly losing their magic. Linden, the youngest faery of all, must travel outside the Oak and seek help from other faeries, by order of the dying Queen.
In her journeyings, she befriends a human boy, Timothy, and they meet many faeries, good and bad.
Together, they discover that a great evil threatens to destroy all faeries.
Will they be able to find anyone willing to help Linden and the faeries of the Oak?
I enjoyed this book for teens and sped through it. I liked the character,s and the plot kept the action moving. Wayfarer is actually a sequel to Spell Hunter
, but I can tell you that it stands alone because I started with Wayfarer.You can find tons more info about the book if you check out some of the other blog stops on the tour. Here are the participating blogs:
Whispers of Dawn, The Book Cellar, The Hungry Readers, My Own Little Corner of the World, KidzBookBuzz.com, Reading is My Superpower, Book Crumbs, Becky’s Book Reviews, Fireside Musings, A Christian Worldview of Fiction, Homeschool Book Buzz, Homespun Light, Book Review Maniac
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Holes by Louis Sachar
I mentioned before that we were reading Holes. Now that we are finally recovering from illnesses (and the whirlwind aftermath of all being sick), I'm ready to write up a review.
Stanley Yelnats is always at the wrong place at the wrong time. And it's all because of a curse that started with his no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing great-great-grandfather. This time, though, he's in some serious trouble.
He was minding his own business one day, when a pair of sneakers fell from the sky, hitting him on the head. Since his father was working on an invention to recycle sneakers, Stanley grabbed the shoes and brought them home.
Little did he know, the sneakers were owned by a famous baseball player.
As punishment, Stanley was sent to Camp Green Lake, where he had to dig a hole a day, five feet across and five feet deep. The counselors say that the boys are digging to build character, but it doesn't take long to realize there's more to it. A mystery.
We had a great time figuring out the clues in this book. Bubs actually made a couple key discoveries before I did.
Louis Sachar did an excellent job weaving this story together one string at a time.
As far as cleanliness, there were a few things I glazed over for my young kids' sake. There are a couple mentions of alcohol and a counselor smoking (and trying to quit). Also, there are times when it gets a little violent. The Warden, who is in charge of the whole camp, is quite vicious. She paints her nails with rattlesnake venom and scratches people. I know. Creepy.
That said, we loved the book, and I'm happy we read it. Stanley is a great character, who tries to make the right choices.
Holes is a Newbery Award winner and a National Book Award winner. Often books that win awards can be boring. Not this one. It's a bestseller (and winner) for a reason.
Blog: HOMESPUN LIGHT (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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JacketFlap tags: book review, historical, bible, christian, realistic fiction, review by Emily, Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther, Add a tag
You know I read a lot. A lot, a lot. This book intrigued me from the get-go, and it was worth all the anticipation. I loved it. It's one of those books that, as I finished, I started thinking of all the people I wanted to pass it along to, so we could talk about it.
Esther is a beautiful, orphan girl, in love for the first time. She spends her days selling lamb meat that she can't afford to taste.
She has her trials, but she is happy, until she is wrenched away from everything she knows and cares about.
King Xerxes desires a new Queen, nevermind that he already has a whole harem of women already at his disposal.
Esther is chosen as one of many girls to go the palace and be prepared for one night with the King. As a Jew, she believes that sex should be between one woman and one man who have a life-long commitment to each other. Despite this, she feels that God is directing events.
I wouldn't give anything away, except you know this story, don't you? If not, stop reading.
Esther is chosen to be Queen, and she and the King share a love for one another. However, when a decree goes out that all Jews are to be executed, Esther must risk her life, revealing the she is a Jew, to save her people.
This book gave me a lot of food for thought.
In terms of cleanliness, there is talk of preparing for sex. Esther is given sensuality lessons and rubbed with oil daily to prepare for the King's touch. However, the sexuality does not go any farther than that. I consider this a clean read, although I'd only recommend it to adults because of subject matter.
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Blog: HOMESPUN LIGHT (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: family, book review, adult, romance, realistic fiction, review by Emily, Jason F. Wright, Recovering Charles, Add a tag
When Luke Millward discovers that his estranged father was living in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hit, he is hesitant to do anything about it. A stranger calls, saying that his father is missing, but Luke has little desire to help with the search.
His girlfriend and mentor convince him that it's the right thing to do, but, unconvinced, he takes his time to get down there.
While in New Orleans, Luke, being a photographer, takes pictures of the shocking devastation. He meets the people who got to know his father before the hurricane. Through these people, he comes to respect his father and, in the process, he learns a few things about himself, too.
Recovering Charles
Blog: HOMESPUN LIGHT (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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JacketFlap tags: adult, romance, historical, classic, Jane Austen, review by Emily, Pride and Prejudice, Add a tag
This retelling of Pride and Prejudice was an enjoyable read. Imagine a Pride and Prejudice where nothing goes wrong. Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth are free to fall in love without all the distractions. Okay, there are a few complications in it, but they are quickly resolved and you can get back to the developing love story.
My copy has quite a few editing issues, but hopefully they'll get those straightened out.
Recommended for adult fans of Jane Austen.
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Forest Born by Shannon Hale
Book Review by me, Emily
I want to be Shannon Hale. Wow. I love this book. The writing is stunning, powerful, and poetic. Furthermore, the plot is unique and intriguing. I know I'm totally gushing here, but I'm working on a fairytale of my own, and toward the end of this book, I looked up and told my husband, "I want to write like this."
Besides, she's just an awesome human. If you ever get a chance to hear her speak, she's hilarious. Check out my interview with her here.
Okay, I'm ready to get to the story now.
As a little girl growing up near the Forest, Rin always felt comfort from the trees. When the trees stop filling her with peace and seem to reject her, Rin feels lost and lonely.
Her brother, Razo (remember him?) invites her to come to the city to see if it will help, but an unknown evil is threatening the kingdom. Rin follows Isi, Enna, and Dasha to fight an evil sorceress, but will she be able to help? She feels useless, but she'll find her own kind of strength.
All of these books are empowering. They have strong characters that you can identify with, and the unique settings always leave me longing for more.
Here's a short quote that I enjoyed, "No one had ever called her wild before. She was Ma's shadow. But she wanted to be wild now, for him. Wild seemed more enticing than a bowl of berries."
Isn't that cute?
I highly recommend the Books of Bayern for teens and adults who don't want to grown up like me. (There is one scene of kissing in this book-you know, not just a peck, FYI.)
Blog: HOMESPUN LIGHT (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: inspirational, review by Emily, book clubs, Immaculee Ilibagiza, Left to Tell, biography, nonfiction, Add a tag
I have another great book club book to share with you. It has a bit of violence. It is about living through a massacre, after all, but it's inspiring. It's a true, life-changing book like The Hiding Place.
Left to Tell by Immaculee Ilibagiza
Book Review by me, Emily
The subtitle of this book says it all...Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust. While the unthinkable is happening all around her, Immaculee Ilibagiza finds peace in God's love.
Immaculee grew up in a Rwandan paradise. It wasn't until she was ten, that she even learned the words Hutu and Tutsi. When her teacher began taking ethnic roll call, she didn't know which tribe she belonged to. However, prejudices deepened into hatred, and when Immaculee was 24, a massive genocide took place. It is estimated that a million Tutsis were killed in three months.
Immaculee hid in a bathroom with six other women. The space was so small, that they had to take turns standing. When someone needed to use the toilet, everyone had to shift to accomodate her. The ladies nearly starved to death. Worse still, they could her the killers outside looking for them, chanting horrible death songs.
Immaculee spent nearly all her time praying in that bathroom. The women couldn't talk to one another because they might be heard, so Immaculee talked to God, who spared their lives because of her prayers.
Each time it seemed that Immaculee's life would end or that there was no way to go on, she prayed "show me" how to do this, and God would literally show her what to do.
I was touched by this story. I think it will make a wonderful book to discuss in my book club.
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Historical Fiction: Healing Water by Joyce Moyer Hostetter and The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
Futuristic: The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins (these are all the rage lately...and they deserve it), Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank, The City of Ember Trilogy by Jeanne DuPrau, The Giver by Lois Lowry
Sci-fi: The Host by Stephanie Meyer, Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
Harry Potter knock-offs that are actually really good: The Erec Rex series by Kaza Kingsley and The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Classic Series: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, and The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis (Narnia is very accessible-not as difficult as most classics)
Quick and Easy: Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life by Wendy Mass
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JacketFlap tags: romance, historical, tween, teen, World War II, realistic fiction, review by Emily, life-threatening illness, Comfort by Joyce Moyer Hostetter, Add a tag
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JacketFlap tags: Beth Pattillo, Mr. Darcy Broke my Heart, adult, romance, Jane Austen, realistic fiction, review by Emily, Add a tag
Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart by Beth Pattillo, author of Jane Austen Ruined My Life.
Review by Me, Emily.
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JacketFlap tags: review by Emily, Bo's Cafe, family, book review, adult, inspirational, christian, Add a tag
Steven Kerner may appear to be successful. He is a thriving executive, after all. But in reality, his life is in shambles. His coworkers dislike him. His wife and daughter are ready to leave him for good. Steven doesn't have anyone to turn to.
He ends up at a run-down old restaurant where he meets an unusual old man. Andy seems to know a lot about Steven and his personal life. Steven doesn't trust Andy but doesn't know where else to go.
Through a series of counseling type meetings, Andy and Steven are able to open up to one another. They discuss faith in Christ, relationships, and allowing others (and oneself) to see the real you.
This book has been compared to The Shack by Wm. Paul Young. Personally, I thought The Shack was a bit out-there. Bo's Cafe reminded me a lot more of Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. It is certainly preachy, but the points are interesting and valid. So, if you are in the mood to be preached to (and inspired), this may be the book for you. Furthermore, if The Shack and Tuesdays with Morrie (both huge bestsellers) are two of your favorite books, you should probably read Bo's Cafe right away.
If you aren't sure yet if this book is for you, check out some of the other reviews:
September 28th
Blog: HOMESPUN LIGHT (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: adult, nonfiction, christian, LDS, review by Emily, Near-death Experience, Add a tag
Have you ever read a book about a near-death experience? I have read two, and they have been life-changing books for me.
The Message by Lance RichardsonWhile in a coma, Lance was able to visit the Spirit World, where he conversed with friends and family who had passed on.
He was also able, at times, to return to the Earth to be near his family. He saw how deceased members of his family were involved in the lives of those he loved.
I have felt the presence and support of deceased loved ones in my life, as well. I enjoyed reading about how it works.
The Burning Within by RaNelle WallaceBoth of these books have helped me have an eternal perspective. They have helped me stop and think about how the things I do influence others. I am grateful to have read them. They aren’t perfect books, and of course they are not on the level of scripture, but they have changed my life for the better.
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This has been one of my favorite books since I was 15 years old...I read it twice that summer. I loved each character as though they were my own sisters. When Beth died, I cried a puddle of tears all over the pages.
Oh and Laurie...was there ever a better male character ever written? Edward Cullen doesn't come close in comparison. The dimensions were written in such detail and color.
Wonderful book!!!
I love Little Women too. My niece (16 yrs old) recently had to read this book. She was bored out of her mind. She is not a reader anyways but I was disappointed she didnt like it.
I dearly love this book! As you said, it absolutely has wonderful gems about motherhood and family. It's one book I've often said I'd like to read once a year. Also, don't miss "Little Men," it is very good too!
I didn't read Little Women until just this past summer (and I am well beyond being a teenager :-)). I really loved it! I've been reading about LMA for many years and just started blogging about her this summer - we'd love to have you stop over for a visit - http://homespunlight.blogspot.com/2011/01/little-women-by-louisa-may-alcott.html. We have a lively community.