What I’m Reading…

Truthfully, my reading has declined since my son learned to crawl, walk, talk, and generally be all over the house! It’s hard to stay in one place long enough to turn the page.

However, I have managed to get into (and even through) a few books lately!

On my bedside table: I recently finished Eat, Pray, Love. I had already seen the movie (which was okay), so this was rare for me to read a book AFTER the movie. The author has strong descriptive writing that make the book easy and interesting to read, and I enjoyed learning more details about each culture she visited. However, I found the author very indulgent in her self-pity… nobody else gets that kind of time or money to have a 12-month pity party to sort out their lives, so her constant wallowing got on my nerves. (The movie did not reveal quite this much self-absorption). Also disappointing (as with most modern memoirs) there are many gratuitous objectionable elements, and of course clearly secular view that marriages are disposable. For these reasons I do not recommend this book.

On my coffee table: I’m still getting through Lucy Calkins Raising Lifelong Learners. This is a book I keep picking up and putting down mostly because I really want to be focused when I read it so I can glean the most wisdom out of it. What I enjoy so far is Calkins stance that parents (not schools) are responsible for cultivating an enthusiasm for learning and a good work ethic in their children. This is NOT an academic, dry book – no, her stories of raising her children are poignant yet at the same time teach parents how to use even missed opportunities as a chance for growth in both the parent and child. She redirects and guides parents to really LISTEN to their children and ask the RIGHT questions that will spur critical thinking from a child.

It’s inspiring to see a parent who raised her children to value language, culture, and be independent thinkers… Oh it’s a rare thing, but Calkins believes in the extreme value of TALK as a primary method of learning for young children. (I know from hearing her speak, reading MANY of her other teacher resources, and using her methods to teach writing that she holds high standards when it comes to children and learning!). I can’t wait to actually FINISH this book and share more with you! Definitely recommended reading!

On my e-reader: I recently finished fellow blogger Susan Barnett Braun’s memoir I Love To Tell The Story. The storyline follows Susan’s developing faith throughout her childhood, but without any “preachy” tone; instead, you’ll chuckle over pleasant anecdotes about her favorite toys, hobbies, peer group issues, and fashions of the day that all tie into her young wonderings about God and faith. I could relate to the humorous memories she recounts of life in a quiet midwestern town as a conservative Baptist kid. I too grew up in Baptist churches, and her child’s-eye view brought back my summers in VBS, or how I wondered what happened under the water during baptism (or if the pastor would drop me!). Susan’s writing is straightforward with descriptive similes and visual passages especially delightful for their foray into the culture of the 70s. Best of all, this book is a positive look at life as a Christian kid, which is refreshing (not everyone ends up bitter!)! A quick read I highly recommend – you can pick up on paperback or your Kindle reader! (And keep up with Susan on her fun blog Girls In White Dresses!).

Other books of note: So this one is from the summer but I had to mention it – The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is an amazing book. Research-based and memoir-sounding this book details the life of a woman whose cells were “stolen” from her without permission. These HELA cells went on to become the most important cells for scientific research, leading to the polio vaccine and many more discoveries about cancer and cell growth. The author is meticulous in her details and the storyline has two interwoven parts – the story of Henrietta Lacks herself, and the story of the author’s search to discover just who Henrietta was as a person. A few gritty elements but subdued presentation of them. I could not put this down – definitely recommend.

Wow, I’ve been reading a lot of memoir and nonfiction lately I see… I’d really like to do more reading this year, AND keep track on GoodReads better than I have. If you’re an avid GoodReads user, please connect with me and we can share recommendations!

What are you reading these days?