Here's to a good year of reading! Completed the RA Challenge in 2021 and hope to also do it in 2022, although it will definitely challenge me with all the new categories.
1. BiblioStyle: How we live with books by Nina Freudenberger An eye candy book of libraries in private homes. Some amazing collections, some unique storage, and just generally people who are also obsessed with having a lot of books!
*2.The Immortal Nicholas by Glenn Beck A novel that follows Agios, a man who loses his wife and unborn child, then eventually loses his other son too. He is a frankincense collector, which is how he connects with others that need it (the Wise Men), which leads him to the stable at Bethlehem, and eventually to the crucifixion. Along the way he takes in a former slave who is has physical deformities and is very simple, but connects with Jesus and dies just after Jesus does. Agios feels completely lost and punished and tries to kill himself, but finds he can't die. Eventually he meets Nicholas and learns what it is to be a believer. His habit of making toys and gifting them, with Nicholas' influence and his immortality leads him to become the St. Nicholas, because people think he is Nicholas' uncle, also named Nicholas. A story of finding faith and meaning in suffering.
*3. Village School by Miss Read This is the first in the Fairacre series and is such a sweet read. Everything is so charmingly written, but not sappy. We are hearing the story through the eyes of the teacher, and see all of the terms of school. We meet the other teacher, she has to retire, we see the sub and the new teacher...and all of the things that go with that, including a romance! The vicar and his wife are around, the parents, the students, the nature study, the events, field day, and more. It is really a great light read and hope that I can make my way through this village series!
*4. Around the Table by Martina McBride This book is about 8 years old, but it is a great little entertaining book. I had no idea she was so into entertaining, but it is full of ideas for parties, decor, menus and it is all very doable and fun. Really enjoyed perusing this on a cold Jan day.
*5. The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary A novel with a quirky heroine, Tiffy, who works at a publisher of DIY books. Her most recent author involves crocheting clothes and it becomes an internet sensation, which gets involved with the rest of how the novel unfolds. The premise is that she takes a flat that she gets on nights and weekends, while the main renter gets it during the day, as he works nights as a hospice nurse. Tiffany needs a place because she is finally really getting out from her controlling boyfriend, Justin, who promptly gets engaged to someone else, but keeps popping up and 'keeping watch' over her. Of course, she and Leon (her flatmate) end up falling in love over their post it notes, but the abuse of Justin keeps rearing it's head. Mix that with a friend who is a lawyer, a brother in jail, and the work of trying to get him free and the lives of other Londoners and it makes for a quick, compelling read with some serious heat in their love story.
*6. Magnolia Table Volume 2 by Joanna Gaines A great entertaining/cookbook by the wonderful Joanna. It is a beautiful book, great photography, and the recipes sound delicious. It is very focused on the simple, every day type of things we want to eat every day. Unfortunately we can't eat pretty much all of them. :) It was worth looking through it, and the Honey Garlic Chicken is one that gets close to what we can eat and it sure sounds delicious!
*7. Bookgirl by Sarah Clarkson What could be better than a book of book lists? :) Actually, the essays she write to introduce each type of book list are wonderful! The lists are good and definitely showcase her favorite authors over and over again (Lewis, Tolkien, Berry, etc.) I enjoyed the book very much and made note of more than a few books to add to my TBR pile.
**8. We Were The Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter There are so many WWII historical fiction books out, but this is the best I've ever read. It reads like a novel and is the story of Georgia's family. It talks of the Kurc family (Georgia's great grandparents, grandfather and his siblings and a few of the next generations, including her aunt.) They lived in Radom, Poland, which had 30,000 Jews before WWII and less than 300 survive. This books is so engaging and absolutely worth the read.
*9. Village Diary by Miss Read I loved this one even more than the 1st! This follows Fairacre for an entire year, as it moves month by month. SO many charming scenes of the school, but also a lot about the adults in this one. Miss Jackson, the new teacher, has to live with Miss Read, but it is a bit grating on them both. Thankfully the doctor figures out a way to make it better for three people by moving Miss Jackson in with Miss Claire. The town tries to set up Miss Read, but she is glad to escape it when the gentleman moves to buy a house and bring his wife to town. Just sweet, lovely books!
*10. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir I'm not normally a sci-fi type of reader, but this one hooked me in and kept me going through all 475 pages! Earth is dying due to astrophage, an organism that absorbs the sun's energy. Earth pulls together to launch a craft with three people to go out and find a solution on a star that isn't fading due to astrophage. Dr. Grace wakes up on this craft, we learn the story as he remembers it and we meet Rocky, from Erid, another planet that has the same issue. Rocky, the metal, spider-ish, non seeing, singing for talking, engineer extrordinaire alien and Grace become friends, and work through a myriad of problems to save their planets.
*11. The Magnolia Table Volume 1 by Joanna Gaines
*12. Browsings by Michael Dirda A book about books :) Actually, a group of weekly columns that were compiled into a book. Lots about his favorite books (fantasy, sci-fi and other oddities are his jam) as well as lots of obscure references and intellectual type chatter. Overall I enjoyed the book and there were definitely some great quotes. It just shows that those of us who love book stores and finding book treasures come in all types!
*13. Queenie Peavy by Robert Burch A great little YA/middle grade novel book about a girl named Queenie. She's a whip smart, dead aiming, firecracker who has a tender heart, but finds herself constantly in big trouble due to her temper, mostly centered on getting frustrated with teasing about her father who is in prison. We see her sweet side, her strengths, and challenges and in the end we see her realize it will take good choices to move beyond the man her father is.
*14. Henry and the Chalk Dragon by Jennifer Trafton A wild, imaginative ride with Henry, his friend Oscar and a host of characters at their school. Highly recommended by others, enjoyed by me, but not my favorite. Good for the imaginative, or the child who needs to know that their contribution is valued, even if it is different.
*15. Juan Ponce de Leon by Nina Brown Baker A really good midlevel biography of Ponce de Leon. It talks of some of the atrocities that happened, but also portrays him as a man who was in favor of peaceful settlement of Puerto Rico, other islands and Florida. He didn't found St.. Augustine, which I thought he did. He served his King and Queen, but he was an explorer with a bent towards agriculture when everyone else (including royals) were focused on gold, gold, gold. Very readable, definitely glad to own.
*16. Constance by Patricia Clapp A story about one of the early girls in Plymouth. It is set during her teen years, so we see a lot of discussion of men to marry, her flirting, and even some behavior I would have though would be shocking in those times (she kisses her father's indentured servants and multiple other men.) I think a teen could get a fair amount of history from it, but a boy crazy girl would definitely love this book, even if it wasn't great for her.
*17. James Edward Oglethorpe by Ruby Radford and Charles P. Graves One of the Colony Leader books. Written for elem/MS readers, a good description of his life, focusing mostly on his time in Georgia and Florida. He was the only founder of a colony (Georgia) who lived to see it free from British rule and this book makes it seem that he was very happy for them, even as he was a loyal British subject.
*18. A Fortunate Grandchild by Miss Read A sweet story of the early years of Miss Read. She describes her grandparents and their influence in detail, particularly her grandmothers. Stories of her childhood in London and their holidays by the sea, mixed with many specifics of the different personalities of her family members.
*19. A Time Remembered by Miss Read A follow up to A Fortunate Grandchild, where she describes their move to the country, her enrollment in a school that would later inspire her Village books, and much of her childhood after age 8.
*20. Storm in the Village by Miss Read The next in the Fairacre village series. Miss Claire is continuing to decline, Miss Jackson falls in love with a lout of a man, and village life continues to be described in such detail and with such charm that the series continues to be wonderful!
*21. The Bookshop of Yesterdays by Amy Meyerson Miranda is the heroine, and she comes home to CA when her Uncle Billy passes. He had been a huge part of her life until she was 12 when there was a big fight and he disappeared. Now he has left her Prospero Books and one of his famous treasure hunts. Very quickly it was easy to see that there was a deep family secret and I guessed early that he was her father. The book felt way too drawn out and predictable (the boyfriend wasn't right for her, she'd fall in love with the manager of the bookstore, they'd save the store.), but it was still enjoyable overall.
*22. Mini Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella I believe that I've read all of these before, and they are funny in a brainless shopper kind of way. This one centers on her, her husband, her parents and their 2 year old. Most of the story is surrounding her attempt to throw her husband a surprise birthday part on a budget, and as usual it all works out.
*23. Raising Catholic Kids For Their Vocations by John and Claire Grabowski A book about developing a family environment and culture, which helps children figure out their vocation. Some ideas like family game nights, severely limiting technology/tv, and things of that nature. I was hoping for more, honestly, but it was a good read.
*24. Jamestown The beginning by Elizabeth A. Campbell A good elem/MS level book that discusses many aspects of Jamestown colony as it began.
*25. Something Needs to Change by David Platt Written by a pastor, it walks us through a trip he took to Himalayas where he faced extreme poverty, horrible trafficking, and almost no Christianity. He details his extreme overwhelm and asks us to come to face to face with what it means to live such an easy life as Christians when there is such extreme need for the Gospel and for humanitarian aid in the world. It is a good wake up call overall, but it isn't the same as what he experienced face to face and the questions ring a bit false when you are reading in your cozy living room. Some of his thoughts on churches aren't in line with my experience as Catholic, but it is a good book and has great points to be praying about and to take action on.
*26. The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson The story of the last 'blue' in the hollers of Kentucky, who also serves as a Pack librarian in the WPA program. She is ostracized by the majority of the town and is treated worse than blacks, as she is considered colored, but also a freak. Many of the people on her route love her or come to trust her over time, as she is always sharing whatever she can with them and reading to them. Her pa wants her get married and she does, against her will, but her husband dies within days. After a lot of time she does find love, and is given a baby to raise when the parents both die...a Blue,who she and her new husband will love and raise, but he is beaten and thrown in jail. The ending is hopeful, as they work to be together, but they will have to leave KY to do so.
*27. De Soto Finder of the Mississippi by Ronald Syme In typical Syme fashion this is a highly readable, adventurous book for elem/ms readers. De Soto came from Spain, into Tampa Bay and then explored NC, SC, TN, AL, GA, and more, including the first exploration of the Mississippi. At time peaceful with the Native Americans, at time in battle. He never found the gold everyone was after, but he seemed to understand that the soil was going to be more than enough, he just couldn't get the exploration bug out of his system and died before he could really settle a colony.
*28. Miss Clare Remembers by Miss Read Continuing to read through the FairAcre series and this one was very sweet. Miss Clare (the retired nursery teacher) is preparing for a visit from her best friend, Emily. As she does she remembers her entire life and we learn of all the village changes, of her fiance who died in WWI, and so much more. Dolly built a wonderful life and it was great to see her whole back story.
*29. Over the Gate by Miss Read I'm on a roll with Fair Acre! This one focuses back on the village as a whole in a bit of a gossipy way...like you were hearing things over a gate from a neighbor. We see Miss Read become a little restless and consider leaving Fair Acre for a bigger school. In the end she sees the joy in staying where she is and our story is safe to continue.
*30. The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Such a good book...a classic is a title well deserved! A young boy, Jody lives in the hammock in Florida. A very poor, hard scrabble existence for his mom, dad, and him, after the loss of multiple babies before. There is only one other family in the area and they are the opposite...lots of full grown boys, living with their older parents. Jody has befriended their handicapped boy, who dies in the story. The families struggle between having to help each other because of their poverty and distance from other neighbors and warring over many things. Jody eventually has a young deer (whose mother was shot to save his dad's life after a rattle snake bit him) and raises him up. SO much joy, so many hijinx and total devastation when the inevitable has to happen...the deer eats the crops, which will starve the family and has to be destroyed. So much nature study detail, such a good description of Florida wildlife, so many hard relationships to navigate. (A terrible description, but a wonderful book.)
**31. The Matheny Manifesto by Mike Matheny SO GOOD! A huge gut check about how to coach and how to parent a parent in today's world. It is focused around baseball, but applies to everything, including robotics. Basically, shut up and support your kid by being there, not cheering; respect the coach and umps; character above all things; work hard and enjoy the process; etc. Really good, should reread often!
*32. Troublesome Creek by Jan Watson A Christian debut novel that is really well written. Copper is 16 and is coming into her own, even as she is finally learning her history. Her dad was the 'hillbilly' type who came to the city and took her mother away, where they were happy until the night she was swept away by the waters. Her sister comes to help raise her and demands a marriage, which eventually turns into love and twin boys. We see the albino girl who she befriends, the doctor from the city who she falls in loves with, the push/pull of city and education vs. country and lifestyle.
*33. The Catholic Catalogue by Melissa Musick and Anna Keating They subtitle this A Field Guide to the daily acts that make up a catholic life. It is a book that has short chapters on all parts of Catholic faith. They cover things like picking a name, all the sacraments and what gifts to give, the liturgy, and on and on. Really nice resource.
*34. The Catholic Story of Wisconsin by Fr. Benjamin J. Blied A small book, almost like a pamphlet that relays the history of Wisconsin as it relates to the Catholic church. It starts at the very beginning with the first missionaries and explorers and goes through 1948, when WI turned 100 years old. Lots of timeline type information with the different priests, bishops, how each diocese came to be and more. Great little, very old resource.
*35. Still House Pond by Jan Watson One of the sequels to Troublesome Creek, but one that is later in the series. Copper is all grown up, has been married to the Dr, had a daughter, he died and now she is back at the creek, married to John and has twins with him. She is a midwife, struggles with sending her oldest daughter (Lilly) back to see her aunt (the Drs sister) because she is such a different person, so perfect and such a city person. In the end Lilly shows how capable she is, we see a terrible situation for a parent to be (thinking Lilly died in a train wreck and then not knowing where she was) and all of this is done with a strong emphasis on faith, family and community.
*36. A Philosophy of Education by Charlotte Mason Our book club finished it finally :) Such a good introduction to her writings. Our last session ended up with a huge discussion of faith, as we have four different ones represented--Lisa being Calvanist, Robin seeming Armenian, Amanda somewhere in between, with me being Catholic. I didn't even know what those things meant, but after an INTENSE evening I do now :) Now we move on to book two.
*37.The Fairacre Festival by Miss Read The next in the series..a huge wind blows in and ruins a big part of St. Patrick's church. The village needs two thousand pounds to fix it, but that is massive sum to even consider. They hold sales, concerts and more, but then they plan a massive week long festival, complete with a famous singer (a relative.) In the end, things work out and we can all rejoice the village continues to hum happily along.
*38. A Grain of Wheat: A Writer Begins by Clyde Robert Bulla A great biography of a writer for younger kids! Bulla focuses on his childhood and his desire to write, ending when he first won a $1 prize for a story he wrote.
*39. Rescued by Fr. John Riccardo A great 4 section book that encourages us to really focus on the incredible story of the Gospel. We've been rescued by Jesus, the ultimate ambush predator and we need to be sharing that story with everyone. We read this with David, Fr. Andrew, the Jones family and the Lepitri family.
*40. Homeschooling with Gentleness by Suzie Andres A Catholic Discovers Unschooling is the subtitle and it is that and more. She tells the story of their homeschooling as unschoolers, shows why the idea of that fits with the church's doctrine regarding education and shares booklists. It is a good reminder to enjoy the process and savor the days, even as I'd suggest she might be more CM than she realizes :)
*41.Captain John Smith by Ruth Langland Holberg A Guild Book that was interesting to read, even as it was very glowing in its story of John Smith. I learned a lot more about his life before his explorations of America and Jamestown time, but overall it was a little glossy for me. Easily readable, good for kids who love adventure, but would totally not pass the test of modern sensibilities. His adventures in Asia, his time as a slave, and his escapes were all new to me.
*42. Easter Chimes Selected by Wilhelmina Harper This is a very delightful collection of Easter stories and poems. Some great authors, some very sweet stories. This is the revised edition from 1962 and Harper has other books for other holidays. I would love to have them all based on how well put together this one is.
*43. Emily Davis by Miss Read The next FairAcre book...loved it. Focused on Emily, starting out as she dies after a beautiful day with her good friend and roommate, Dolly. So many remembrances and the impact she had on so many lives all over the world, even as a humble nursery teacher. Another great one in the series.
*44. Wisconsin, My Home by Erna Oleson Xan The story of a Norwegian family that had immigrated and settled here in WI. We see so much about their move, their settling, their family life, marriages and more. A good book overall, written by an first time author.
*45. Life is Messy by Matthew Kelly Isn't that the truth? He constantly refers to dark times and hard things that led him to writing this book, but never what they were....I found that annoying at times. But, overall there are some good nuggets and it is a good reminder to focus on the goodness of life, let go of the things that really don't matter, invest in our loved ones and our relationship with God. An easy read that is good for the reminders I need from time to time.
*46. Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen A Newberry winner that was WONDERFUL! Father has returned from the war and things aren't quite right. They head out to the cabin on Maple Hill, where he will stay to work on fixing it up, while the family goes back and forth to the city. After being together all summer, they all stay for the winter and during this year long story we see all the different types of miracles that happen. Lots of nature study, syrup making, and a great story line.
*47. Brown Sunshine of Sawdust Valley by Marguerite Henry Another one of her shorter books, published long after the Misty series. Molly's always wanted a horse and her father finally buys one, but she isn't what she's longed for. That is until she starts filling out and then has a foal! The foal is a mule and becomes all Mollys. Brown Sunshine becomes famous as King Mule and Molly learns a lot along the way too.
*48. Luvvy and the Girls by Natalie Savage Carlson Such a great little story about Luvvy heading off to convent school with two of her sisters. We meet her whole family, including a brand new baby brother and learning of her sister who died. The struggles of making friends, the worry over a sick best friend and the joys of just being a child are all here. Lots of references to Catholicism and the nuns as well.
*49. An Amish Family by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor Such an interesting book! I'm not sure if it is fiction or non fiction. It reads like a first hand account of all things Amish, as if the author had lived with a family for a good while and is telling us everything she learned about the Amish. It is focused on those in Lancaster, PA, but discusses challenges with different sects, the history of the plain people, their customs, education and more. Really interesting, although a bit repetitive and presumptuous as times.
*50. All Thirteen by Christina Soontornvat A really interesting (and emotional) book about the 13 boys from the soccer team in Thailand. It has lots of asides and photos, but the actual writing was really well done The story is amazing, as I didn't remember the details. They headed to a cave for a post practice hike and ended up trapped for 10 days. It took people from everywhere around the world and so many top divers, military people, oil pumps and so much more. Nothing short of a miracle that they all survived. It is written for young adults/kids, but totally good for adults as well.
*51. The Story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria Augusta von Trapp The book that The Sound of Music is based on. Definitely written by a non native English speaker, but so interesting to learn more about their life. This doesn't focus on their actual escape, but covers all the parts before, their marriage and then what happened after they walked out of the country. They went back and forth from the US, they struggled to keep enough money, they made some interesting choices, but all in all it was a story of family and faith. Lots of great Catholic references as well.
*52. The Great Cross by Thomas Hollad A older Catholic book about a boy who is taken on a sea voyage to return the Great Cross to its rightful place. He dives down to retrieve it from the harbor where his family's shop is, is then taken on the ship to his mother's homeland, where he meets his grandmother and cousin. They all voyage together to fight the Snakeman Sarpint, and fight him using the power of prayer. Lots of adventure, mutiny, evil and an ultimate triumph of faith and good.
*53. Christy by Catherine Marshall I'm glad to have finally read this book! A great novel that weaves the people of Appalachia with Christianity, love, loss, and becoming your own person while stepping out of ivory towers. Lots of goodness here as Christy serves the people, but finds herself being the one who really benefits. Miss Alice is wonderful, the love plot with the doctor and the minister are pretty obvious from early on, but overall this book is a winner.
*54. The Pope's Cat series (5 books total) by Jon Sweeney These are recently written simple chapter books that involve a stray cat that is adopted by the Pope. Books follow Christmas, the conclave, Holy Week and other facets of life in the Vatican. Cute, some church history, good for building confidence in chapter books type reading.
*55. The Bookshop on the Shore by Jenny Colgan Such a great light read! Zoe and her non speaking 4 year old son Hari move to Scotland for her to be a nanny and take over a book selling van while the owner is on maternity leave. Turns out the kids she is nanny for have been kicked out of school, no one knows what happened to the mother and the van is hers on day 2 because the owner gets put on bed rest. Some of it feels very expected (falling in love with the dad) but a lot of it keeps you guessing. Lots of great nature narrative, some adventure and drama, and absolutely is a worth reading. (One of the kids uses absolutely in every sentence.)
*56. Plain Girl by Virginia Sorensen A good little novel about an Amish family, focusing on the daughter who has to go to school or her father risks jail. Her father doesn't want to send her because her older brother went and has now left the faith and the family. The story focuses on her friendship with an English girl and the reuniting of her brother into the family (we hope...it is how it ends.)
*57. The Secret of the Rose by Sarah L. Thomson Historical fiction novel about the time of Christopher Marlowe with a small part introduced with Shakespeare. Lots of drama in the Catholic vs. Protestant times with Queen Elizabeth killing the Catholics. Our heroine and her brother are trying to find their father, who was killed for being Catholic. The brother starts working in the theater, she disguises herself ass a boy and becomes Marlowe's assistant. Not the best writing ever, but decent and the history and faith elements are interesting.
*58. The Fool and the Heretic by Todd Charles Wood and Darrel R. Falk Such an interesting book. This is one the kids should read in high school for sure. Two scientists who are both incredibly strong Christians and are both focused on evolutionary biology, but have opposite views...old earth evolution after creation vs. young earth creationism. The book is less about their scientific debate and is focused heavily on how to love someone through disagreement.
*59. Lethal Agent by Vince Flynn and Kyle Mills Mike suggested this as it is a book that uses a plot line that seems to be very much like COVID, involving Mexican drug cartels, Middle Eastern terrorists and the hero, Mitch Rapp. When he read it he felt like the authors had gotten lazy, just using COVID as a template for the story line...but it was written before COVID. This disease came out of Africa, and was way more deadly, but it sure seemed like it could have been inspired by events that went on to happen.
**60. Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall Ten maps that explain everything about the world is the subtitle and it is seriously on point. When reading the part about Russia and the Ukraine I kept googling and looking at copyright to see if parts had been rewritten. He basically predicted the war that is happening right now. It was FASCINATING to look at politics through the lens of geography and see why certain countries will always struggle, why some basically ignore each other, and why the US is and should always be a superpower. Absolutely required reading for high school geography in our home.
*61. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury A reread from years and years ago. So interesting to read some of the parts and see how we've continued down the road from when I read it a long time ago. Seashells are awfully like airpods in appearance, if nothing else. The wall TVs. The redefining history. I'm so glad that Garrett read it and look forward to the other kids reading it too.
*62. Tyler's Row by Miss Read Continuing the series, this time about the 4 little cottages that are connected. A couple buys the set, fixes and moves into the middle two and deals with the two tenants, their warring with each other and the challenges of a new place. Eventually Sargent moves out due to his failing health and the other leaves (thankfully) before they get the police involved for her stealing. Another good little read!
*63. Farther Afield by Miss Read Miss Read breaks her arm at the beginning of school holiday and spends time with Amy recuperating. Just as she feels ready to move back home, Amy gets a letter from James asking for a divorce. The ladies head to Crete for vacation and to give Amy some time to sort things out. This one focuses on Miss Read's feeling about being single (pretty much adores it) but also explores whether she missed out by not marrying, as well as many different relationships of people she is around. Amy, Amy's niece, the couple of vacation, and more all show the ups and downs of dating, marriage and life lived intimately with another human.
*64. No Holly for Miss Quinn by Miss Read Miss Quinn is a very set in her way, keep to herself single woman who moves into the addition on Mrs. Benson's house. Right at Christmas (when she is painting, keeping to herself and mostly not celebrating) she gets the call that her sister in law is in the hospital, her pastor brother needs her help and she'll be taking charge of her nieces and nephew too. Her life is turned upside down, but she handles it as well as she handles the business man she works for, and comes to a deeper appreciation of the work her sister in law does, even as she is glad to return to her quiet little retreta.
*65. effortless by Greg McKeown Same author as essentialism, covers how to live an essential life without anxiety and stress. My biggest take away is to invert thing (completely flip them and see what happens) and "What if this could be easy?" The right way doesn't have to be the harder way, work and play can and should co-exist, say something you are grateful for every time you complain, "What job have I given this grudge?", take the first obvious step, don't simplify the steps--remove them, fail cheaply, make learning sized mistakes, create the right range...I will never do less than x, never more than y, automate as much as possible, invest two minutes of effort once to prevent recurring frustration, and so many more. Honestly, each section could have been a whole book!
*66. Anxious People by Fredrik Backman I love this author (A Man Called Ove) and in the end this book doesn't disappoint either. It isn't my favorite of his, but in its own way, it is genius. The story is very slowly unfolded but the basics are that a group of people are looking at an apartment and a bank robber comes in, making them all hostages. The story is about a bridge, two cops, suicide, prevented suicide, love and marriage, a rabbit, loneliness, relationships and so much more.
*67. The Potlatch Family by Evelyn Sibley Lampman The tale of a modern Pacific Coast Chinook Indian family. The son returns from the military, after 'recovering' from his wounds. He helps convince the local community that the Native Americans are not second class citizens, but rather have a heritage and culture worth celebrating. As they work together to develop their Potlatch (a coming together with food to tell stories) they all become closer and remember their skills and culture. The son passes away, but leaves a legacy for his sister and the whole group.
*68. A Place to Belong by Amber O'Neal Johnston A really good book by Heritage Mom, asking the white homeschool community (and everyone ) to live colorful lives. There is no colorblind in our society and she encourages us to embrace our difference, teach our children to be global citizens and to live with books, communities, friendships and curriculum that is fully colorful and celebrating of our culture and those of all others. It was a good read and should be read over and over as we raise global citizens who love their neighbors well.
*69. The Margaret Rudkin Pepperidge Farm Cookbook A fun book that documents the beginning of Pepperidge Farm, as well as ancient recipes and a lot of family stories. Most recipes wouldn't work for our family, but it is a neat book with great illustrations.
*70. Earth Almanac by Ted Williams A collection of very short essays about different animals and nature observations. They are almost like a nature notebook entry and are arranged by the seasons. Some new to me observations, some that he revisits at different points of the year. A nice read for being able to pick up and read for just a minute or two, as they are so quick.
*71. Lemons by Melissa Savage This is 'modern' book, although it is set shortly after the Vietnam War. Nothing in it feels like it is from that time period, other than one of the dads fought there and is a pretty key part of the story. Big Foot is a huge part of it, which is fun and campy. Lemonade's mother has died and she is sent to stay with her estranged Grandfather. Making a friend, then making other friends, and loving her people who love her back is a big part of the story. For a modern book it definitely is one I'm keeping.
**72. Aggressively Happy by Joy Marie Clarkson Sally Clarkon's daughter Joy wrote this book. Someone tried to insult her by saying she was aggressively happy. Instead of getting upset, she embraced the idea and wrote a book about it. She shares a lot of her struggles with feeling things strongly (the joyful and the hard), shares books, art, and music that ties in with each of her main focus points of the book. Lots of good stuff in here--we can help shape the story of our life through what we focus on and amplify, the world will end so enjoy the goodness of it now, flounder well-become interesting by being interested in many things, and more. I'm already feeling like I should reread the book, lots to glean from it, but highly readable.
*73. The King's English by Betsy Burton An interesting book about a bookstore, complete with book lists from them and from other independent bookstores. The author stories were interesting, the memoir portions decent, the bookstore talk enjoyable, the politics terrible, and the overall I enjoyed it, but it isn't my favorite book about books or bookstores.
*74. Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen Considered her masterpiece and as I remember parts of the movie, I thought it would be good to read the book. Some of it was beautifully written, some of it made me cringe, as it is definitely a novel of a particular time and outlook. There is so much of the colonization/Native writing in it. The beauty of Africa, the heartbreak of loss of something that she worked to make reality, the connection to friends and land were all wonderful to read. This is a book that has to be understood for the time it was written and appreciated appropriately. It is also a good book for discussion because of so many of the themes and challenges.
*75. Village Affairs by Miss Read This Fairacre books focuses on the rumor (not unfounded) that the school may be closing. The village rallies around,worrying about Miss Read and their whole way of life. The Coggs family teaches her a lesson (while the one son does) as he is so content with their life, even as his father is in jail and they live in chaos and poverty. Such a good series for light reading.
*76. The White Robin by Miss Read An albino robin steals the heart of the village! There is a violent outcome I didn't see coming, but the ending is sweet. I feel like the heart of the village is very evident in this book, especially the children, but in many ways the whole village and Mrs. Pringle.
*77. Village Centenary by Miss Read This one celebrates the school turning 100! The book is written month by month, which is a neat way to see the seasons change, the event get planned (it is held in December) and all the other events of the village. Minnie is back with her brood and drama, the skylight still leaks and there is a massive attempt at a fix (dormer) that doesn't work, there are homes being sold and worries for Miss Read about where she'll live after she retires. Miss Claire ends the story with the most generous gift of her home after she passes, as she, like Miss Read, has no immediate family and is glad to know her family home will be loved after she is gone.
*78. I Dream of Dinner (so you don't have to) by Ali Slagle A book of simpler meals, that are packed with flavor. They aren't necessarily allergy friendly, but there are a few that would work. The One Pan Lentils and Sausages were amazing and SO easy.
**79. Five Days at Memorial by Sheri Fink This book is so gripping and engaging. It is a pretty massive book, but I flew through it as it was so riveting. Memorial is a hospital in New Orleans (was previous and after called Baptist) and the story follows what happened during Katrina. It is heartbreaking to learn how unprepared all the hospitals and other care facilities were, as was the government and basically everyone. For the most part they coped fairly well and there were lots of people trying to get them evacuated, but even that was a mess with people waving off helicopters at times. I had no idea that workers would bring their families and their pets with them during hurricanes and that added to the chaos. The focus is really around what happened on the very last day when many, many patients suddenly died as there were helicopters and boats doing the final evacuations. Two doctors and a couple of nurses took over and were giving injections that sedated people to death. LifeCare, a hospital within Memorial, had moved many of their longer care patients in to their 7th floor facility and they were seemingly forgotten and left on their own. They were the majority of who still needed to be evacuated on day 5, but very, very few of them were able to get alive. Most died, at the hands of Dr. Pou and others. It is heartbreaking to read how challenging things were. It is even more heartbreaking to read that people were not given a chance just as they were about to be rescued. The resulting grand jury and full investigation caused such back and forth in my heart, as I feel for all of them, but these 'mercy killings' were so wrong.
**80. Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry I believe this is my first book by Wendell Berry. What a beautifully lyrical writer. Hannah tells her story, from her first love who was killed in the war as she carried their first child to Nathan, her husband and love for many decades. The way that love and marriage is described, the heartbreaks and love of raising children, such a good novel. I read it quickly, but it is one that should be read again to be savored.
*81. The Gammage cup by Carol Kendall A Newberry book about the Minnipins. They are a funny people living in a village between the moutains. So many fun names for things, a history that seems to intersect with humans, but is also a bit messed up. The book is really about those who don't conform, are then cast out, and how they come back to save everyone and reunite all the Minnipins. Lots of bravery, a humbling of the overly proud and reconciliation for the village make for a good adventure story.
*82. The Whisper of Glocken by Carol Kendall The sequel to The Gammage Cup. Garrett enjoyed this one more and I'd probably agree. I think that I understood the world better and the action is more intense. This focuses on a new set of heroes, who have to go into the desert and find out why the villages have all flooded. They meet a giant group of people who don't have their best interest at heart, they meet the Diggers who are seriously odd creatures, and, while we see all their flaws, we see what makes them called the New Heroes. So many of our downfalls as humans play into these stories. Worth reading and owning.
83. Half Baked Harvest by Tieghan Gerard Mostly it is a lot of cheese, veggies, and meat...repeat into different cultures. She is obviously a food influencer and her family's mountain home is beautiful. These recipes don't really work for us though.
*84. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield What a novel! It started a little slow for me, but picked up dramatically as it went on. Twins are a big theme, as a famous novelist calls forth a sad, young, bookstore daughter to write her story. The young adult is formerly a conjoined twin (find out that part quite late) and her family has never recovered from the loss of her sister shortly after birth. The author is a twin (we think) but it turns out to be a much more twisted story. An abandoned, decaying house, mentally disturbed people, books, medical abuse, family abuse, and more in this book. It is pretty interesting to see how it all comes together in the end though!
*85. The Diary of a Bookseller by Shaun Bythell Literally the diary of a Scottish used bookstore owner. We see his customers and how they drive him crazy, his employees (who are pretty crazy), all the book buying he does, the festival he runs and more. Pretty delightful book about a pretty unique character.
**86. The Rose Code by Kate Quinn This is the author of The Alice Network and it is another really well engaging historical fiction. Very much based on the true people and events at Bletchley Park during WWII in England, it tells the story of three women who work there. They are all involved in different aspects of code breaking and in the end, after three years in a mad house for one of the women, the loss of a husband and daughter for another, they find their way to each other again as they work to find the traitor who was selling information to Russia. Over 600 pages, but it was a fast read for me as I dove head first into it.
*87. The Christmas Camera by Alta Halverson Seymour One of her Christmas around the World books, this one set in Sweden. Erik is 12 years old as his cousin comes to visit from the city and we follow their relationship around the year. We see family struggles (country vs. city), learn lots about Swedish holidays (Midsummer's Eve, St. Lucia Day, Julafton, crayfish finishing, etc.) and we learn how the standoffish outsider can become an important part of their family and the community. Great for elementary and middle school reading.
*88. The Christmas Stove by Alta Halverson Seymour Another Christmas Around the World, this one in Switzerland. Siblings Peter and Trudi (11 and 8) find themselves orphaned and make their way to their poor aunt. Family, friendship, and Swiss traditions feature in this book, as well as kindness to those who are a bit more challenging and how that can make everyone's life better. Again, great for elem and ms readers.
*89. Christmas Everywhere by Elizabeth Hough Sechrist A sweet old book about Christmas in many different cultures and countries. While there are some dated comments, mostly I love that it shows a pretty good take on cultures during the pre WWII time period.
*90. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig A very interesting novel about a woman who is struggling in her life, lots of regrets, feels like she is going nowhere and no one cares about her. She decides to end her life and finds her self in this library where each book is a different version of her life. She gets to work through all the different possibilities, overcoming her regrets. There are lives she loves, ones she doesn't and she even meets someone else who is 'sliding' between lives. Interesting concept, love seeing her find meaning in her life, and reconnect into her family and community.
*91. The Christmas Compass by Alta Halverson Seymour This one is about The Netherlands and involves a bit of sibling squabbling. Karel is a big brother who doesn't give his little sister much credit and Kaatje has to learn to stand up to him and be confident, even when Karel doesn't approve. Another good one!
*92. The Christmas Donkey by Alta Halverson Seymour This one is set in France where Michel really wants to get his grandma a donkey for Christmas. He is so determined and works very hard. In the end he is rewarded, even through the challenges.
**93. A Star for Hansi by Marguerite Vance Such a sweet little Christmas book. I reaalllly hope to own it someday!
**94. The Lion in the Box by Marguerite de Angeli Such a touching story of a widow and her children who have so little, but such a happy life. Their Christmas surprise is such a wonderful celebration of charity! Again, hope to add this to our collection someday.
95. Super Simple Half Baked Harvest--this one felt like there were a bunch of the same recipes. Is it because they were so similar? Or did she put them in both books? Again, not really my cup of tea.
*96. The Coat-Hanger Christmas Tree by Eleanor Estes One of our short Christmas book that is a good one. A girl and her brother befriend a girl at school who lives on a barge and is embarassed by that. They want a Christmas tree, but can't have one (we find out that their mom's mom died on Christmas eve), even after dragging home 8 of them! She builds one out of coat hangers and her mom loves it. Family, dad away in the military, siblings, friendships, lots of real life in this one.
*97. The Borrowed House by Hilda Van Sockum Another great book, this one set in WWII. We see a German family taking over a Dutch family's home. Janna, their daughter and Hitler Youth Member, discovers a resistance member living in a room between houses. Lots of action, lots of realistic seeming interactions. A way to introduce WWII without being over graphic, but still very disturbing.
*98. Stalking Horse by Bill Shoemaker A thriller that is very thoroughbred/race course based. Lots of comparisons to Dick Francis, which is pretty right one. I think this book is a bit more loose with morals and lots more hit men. It was a bit hard to follow as there were so many bad guys, but it was a quick read that is totally escapist.
