September Book Reviews

 

(Source)

For the Children's Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay ★★★★★

First published in 1984, Macaulay (daughter of Frances and Edith Schaeffer) explains how Charlotte Mason's educational principles (developed in the late 19th century) can be employed in any setting, from home to school, from the wealthy to the impoverished, from those living in farms to those living in the inner city. She brings it home by sharing examples she and her husband have adopted many of these principles in raising and educating their own children. From the importance of allowing children ample time to explore nature, to the tool of narration instead of stressful quizzing, to following a child's tempo rather than rushing them to learn new skills before they are ready, to including children in daily activities and conversations (thereby treating them as persons rather than helpless babies), she explores what Mason's methodology looks like for a modern family, without giving a specific, rigid how-to manual. Susan doesn't just focus on homeschooling, she also looks at how a parent can partner with schools to help promote a gentle, well-rounded, meaningful education. She looks at the role of education from a Christian worldview, but makes it very accessible and practical rather than merely philosophical.  I read this book back in March on audio format and knew I would revisit it soon in hard copy so I can underline portions I loved and take more time to ponder the writing. 

Rating: G

The Diary of a Provincial Lady by E.M. Delafield ★★★☆☆

As you can assume from the title, this classic novel (published in 1930) is written in diary format from the perspective of a moderately wealthy woman living in a British countryside. It is humorous and full of wit, but it was hard to take her seriously since she was a frustrating character to me, particularly in her obsession over material things even when she was getting a little low on finances (and not telling her husband about it). It was a glimpse into the lifestyle of the rich and famous, with a haughty tone. 

Rating: G 

'Classics Club' Reading Challenge:  - 29th book (out of 75). See my whole list HERE

The Smell of Other People's Houses by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock ★★★★★

This fascinating novel is about four teenagers in Alaska during the 1970s. They are all struggling with different serious issues, and in some way are all longing for a loving home. Each of the main characters has heartbreaking stories, yet they grow in strength and courage throughout the novel as their lives are intersected with one another. The writing was powerful with each of the stories fleshed out incredibly and atmospheric descriptions of Alaska's snow-capped beauty where I aaaalmost felt the frigid weather (except that it's still in the ninety's here in Texas).

Rating: PG to PG-13 (language and a quick sex scene)

Bible and Breakfast: 31 Mornings with Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu ★★★★★

Insightful, encouraging, and sometimes challenging devotions that used a lot of methods of the inductive study method (like making observations after reading the particular Bible text several times, comparing and contrasting, re-writing passages in your own words, imagining yourself in a passage, looking up cross-references and definitions, etc). It took me three months rather than thirty-one days to get through it because I often needed a few days per devotion, but I am glad I didn't speed through it. Every day's devotion is focused on a different Bible text, so you're jumping around the Bible rather than focused on one particular Bible book, which I initially didn't know if I would like (I prefer studying one book at a time), but it worked well for this particular Bible study/devotional tool. Asheritah started each day's devotional with a breakfast recipe since she encourages women to use this devotional alongside a hearty breakfast that will energize them for the day's needs. There was only one recipe I made because the rest had foods I cannot eat right now, but it was still really cool to have thirty-one new recipes for my use!  I highly recommend it if you're looking for a devotional that doesn't feel like a light, superficial reading, but rather, one that invites you to dig deep in the Bible as well as apply what you've learned for your life. 

Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher ★★★★☆

Nine-year old, pale and frail Betsy was raised by two aunts who treated her like she was fragile porcelain, sheltered from any possible injury or unhappiness. Then she has to move in with distant relatives when her aunt is sick, and her life is turned upside down when she has new freedoms (like pets sleeping in bed with her) and expected to help with chores (the horror!). She learns how to live in the country and grows stronger everyday with this different, less restricting life. But when her aunt returns, she is torn between the two lifestyles. This classic, first published in 1917, was sweet and appropriate for middle-graders and up. It was fun to see Betsy learn new skills and grow more confident in herself rather than feeling like a frail little girl that cannot risk the slightest thing. 

Rating: G  

'Classics Club' Reading Challenge:  - 29th book (out of 75). See my whole list HERE

Save Me the Plums: My Gourmet Memoir by Ruth Reichl ★★★★☆

I enjoyed Ruth's other foodie memoir, Garlic and Sapphites, so I had this memoir on my to-read list for a long time. She chronicles her experience as an editor-in-chief of Gourmet magazine (before it shut down). She was a food writer and restaurant critic before reluctantly accepting the high-profile position, and she had a ton to learn in the coming years. Sometimes shocking (the expenses that went into wining and dining advertisers, photographers, potential partners), other times hilarious (blunders she makes as a newbie), and overall an enjoyable read. Just don't read this book when you are hungry because there are too many delicious meals they mention that would drive you crazy --- or raiding your pantry.

Rating: PG (I think I remember a bit of profanity)