10 Books I’m Reading in 2013

It’s been awhile since I talked about books I’m reading so I thought I’d give you my list (so far) … maybe you will get some good reading ideas. And maybe you have some for me?

Many of these are re-reads either because I read them too fast the first time, or because they contain so much information I need a second round. Surprisingly, they are all non-fiction!

And, I thought there was no rhyme or reason to my book choices, but now that I stack them up, there’s a theme of Parenting and Education running through many of the choices I have in front of me!

Top to Bottom:

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle – Barbara Kingsolver – A memoir about a family who live a locavore life for a year. A YEAR! Told by Kingsolver and her husband and daughter. Not only an interesting and thought-provoking read, but full of gardening tips and recipes. Definitely want to re-read this spring!

One Thousand Gifts – Ann Voskamp – Such lovely writing (okay sometimes a little over the top for me, but still lovely). Always gets me focused on the minute gifts of daily life. I tend to paint more with broad strokes so I need to re-read this book!

Making a Good Brain Great – Picked this up at the beach house like two summers ago and never read it – seeing as I am always forgetting something maybe I should crack this one open. It sits on the nightstand.

Intentional Parenting – I’m three chapters in and saying “AMEN!” to every line so far. I’ll let you know more about this book on how to create the story you want your family to remember twenty years from now.

The Mother At Home – Written like two hundred years ago (well, almost). You’d think this would be all staid and stern, but it’s actually tenderly written with advice about how to draw out the best in your children. I was stunned AFTER reading to realize the author was a man! (How did I not catch that?). Stunned because the tone sounded motherly. So – an old book, but with great advice for parents. Definitely a re-read.

The Power of a Praying Wife – I thought I had read this book, but turns out I haven’t, just the cover is similar to another book I have. Can’t hurt to learn more about how to support my hubby with prayer!

mended – Angie Smith – Much like One Thousand Gifts, this book is beautifully written and gives hope to people who feel like they can’t pick up the pieces. Whether that means big, huge crushing life disasters, or simply the day to day pieces of life toddled on by little feet. An uplifting read I want to enjoy again.

The Read-Aloud Handbook – Jim Trelease – Have not read this except for exerpts but always highly recommended in all my teaching circles. I figure I can brush up on my educator skills.

Raising Lifelong Learners – Lucy Calkins – I started out reading this in depth last year (and referred to it in a book post here). But then I got busy so I kind of skimmed through – I need to go back and immerse myself in this narrative about how to create inquisitive, independent thinkers.

The Well-Trained Mind – Have not read yet, but comes highly recommended by a lot of homeschooling friends.

I’m hoping to get through these books by summer and start a fresh list! Last year I didn’t read enough so I am committed to reading more. And I’d like to get my GoodReads account more active!

What’s on your bedside / reading table? Do you use Goodreads?