The Awakening of Miss Prim by Natalia Sanmartin Fenollera

 I found this book delightfully intriguing and stimulating. Prudencia Prim applies for a job as a librarian in small village, where the inhabitats are hospitable and sequestered from the modern world. As she interacts with her employer, "the Man in the Winged Chair", she is challenged with her thinking about religion, worldview, and education. She falls in love but realizes if she does not accept his God, he won't accept her.

A very philosophical book.  Although the conversations were deep, I did not feel like I knew the characters that well. A lot of lectures were included (I agreed with a lot of them (I wanted to copy whole pages because she aptly expresses some of my beliefs) but not effective writing). I did not always understand the conclusions to the debates. The ending required inferring.

-Borrowed from the library.

Snow Horses by Patricia MacLachlan illustrated by Micha Archer*

 After a day of snow fall, Jenny leads her "snow horses", Tim and Tom, Percheron horses, out into the winter wonderland. As they glide across the snow, they pick up various individuals to enjoy the winter evening. . .and to welcome in the New Year.  

Not many picture books are available that celebrate the New Year, so this is a welcomed addition!

Ms. Archer illustrates the wintery scenes with stunning collages. I like the art even better than the words/story! The book is over-sized.

*Highly recommend (mostly for the art).

-Borrowed from the library.

Maya's Song by Renee Watson illustrated by Bryan Collier

 Through poems, Ms. Watson relates Maya Angelou's life, from a toddler to a woman. Very creative method to present a biography. 

Mr. Collier's collage and watercolor add to the mood and atmopshere.

Warnings/Discuss: worldview "believe in yourself, trust you are enough". Maya becomes pregnant at age 16. She keeps the baby, but the rest of the poems never mention him. When she is seven-years-old, her mother's boyfriend "hurts her body, hurts her soul". A few days later he dies. She blames herself for his death and stops talking for years.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Secret Adversary A Tommy & Tuppence Mystery by Agatha Christie*

 I read this aloud to my teenage boys. All three of us loved it. Ms. Christie is truly the queen of myster! She had us guessing until the end. We love her twists and cleverness. My boys said they enjoyed this one better than The A.B.C. Murders & Death on the Nile. This book was different as there was more humor and likable characters.

After serving in the war, Tommy and Tuppence, childhood friends, find themselves together in London searching for a way to make money. They decide to post an advertisement stating that they will do anything and call themselves the "Young Adventurers". Adventures truly begin. Too late, they realize they are involved in an international conspiracy with expert criminals!

Warning: Not for elementary age students-recommended for teens and adults Since I read this aloud, I could skip what I deemed unnecessary.   Some swearing, a character is killed, guns are shot/used/violence, suspense, a bit of romance, drinking alchohol

*Highly recommend (but see warnings)

I own this book.

The Birds of Killingworth by Robert D. San Souci illustrated by Kimberly Bulcken Root*

 Based on a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Our poem for the month of December is "Christmas Bells" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. In preparation for our study, I discovered this picture book based on Longfellow's poem "The Birds of Killingworth", originally published  in his Tales of a Wayside Inn. 

Almira Case's father, Squire Case, is determined to save the village's crops. Birds are destroying them. Almira, however, loves their songs and is equally determined to stop her father. She and the schoolteacher, Master Arden, attempt to deter Squire Case and the village people from killing the birds but are not successful. The villagers soon realize their mistake as insects destroy their crops more than the birds ever had. Will birds ever return to the village?

A sweet romance is depicted. Although the author followed Longfellow's poem closely, he illuminated the tension between Almira and her father and also the romance between Almira and Master Arden. He also created a explanation of the birds' rescuers.

The poem is based on an actual contest in the town Killingworth, CT in Colonial times. 

The illustrations are exquisite. The borders are detailed and beautiful and enhance the plot. In fact, I liked them so much, I requested more books illustrated by Ms. Root.

Warning: sensitive readers may be upset about the villagers shooting the birds.

-Borrowed from the library.

*Highly recommend.

Andy Warhol text set by James Warhola*

 A retired art teacher recommended Uncle Andy's to me the other week. When I requested it from the library, I noticed a sequel and requested it too.

James Warhola, Andy Warhol's nephew, relates in two different picture books the interactions he and his family had with Andy Warhol. The subtle humor, the character depiction, and expressive illustrations create a faabbboulous read! The stories and illustrations are entertaining with gobs of facts seamlessly integrated.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

I liked Uncle Andy's the best.

The 23rd Psalm for the 21st Century A Jewish Shepherd's Story by Lon Solomon

 Mr. Solomon expounds on each section of the 23rd Psalm with sound theological explanation and personal stories. Very easy to read and understand. 

I especially enjoyed the section where he shares his childhood experiences and  how he came to Christ during his college years. He also dedicates a chapter on how to surrender one's life to Christ.

My friend gave this book to me.

Mothering by the Book by Jennifer Pepito

 The Power of Reading Aloud to Overcome Fear and Recapture Joy

Homeschooling mother of seven, Jennifer Pepito, offers strategies to overcome fear via literature and faith in God. Each chapter centers on one novel and then ends with reflective questions and more suggested books to read aloud and for mom to read to herself. Mrs. Pepito is genuine and vulnerable as she shares her own stories as she hasovercome fear and continues to fight fear. As she says, it is a journey and involves peeling off the layers of fear.

A brief summary of the chapter titles-journaling, staying present, fear of failure, balance, fear of children leaving the faith, living for a greater purpose, not complaining, thankfulness, building good habits, running after purpose, forgiveness, knowing scripture, & singing.

-Borrowed from the library.

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris-DVD*

 Mrs. Harris, a London cleaning woman and a new widower, decides she is going to save up her money to purchase a Christian Dior dress from Paris. As she stays in Paris, her determination and her love for life offer refreshment to the upper society, especially those weary of its demands. I watched this with my oldest son and my husband. Unfortunately, we had to fast-forward a part where show girls and men were dancing with hardly any clothing on. I don't know why this backdrop to a dinner outing had to be included.

A sweet, uplifting story how an ordinary person can cause extraordinary changes. It also focuses on valuing people for who they are, not their social class or what occupation they hold.

*Highly recommend for adults. See warning.

Based on a book Mrs. 'Arris Goes to Paris by Paul Gallico.

Warning: minimal swearing, one man has many "nieces"  who visit him (he is married), drinking/smoking, show girls wearing just a bra/underwear-type covering & show men dancing with them.

-Borrowed from the library.

A Song for Lena by Hilary Horder Hippely illustrated by Leslie Baker

 A couple of months ago on her podcast Sally Clarkson recommended this out of print  picture book.

While Lena's Hungarian grandmother makes apple strudel, she hums a specific song. Lena wants to know the words, but her grandmother explains that there are no words. The music is "just feelings from the old country". She then relates the story behind the song. Whenever they would pick apples in their family's orchard, a begger would arrive. Each time they would give him a piece of their apple strudel, and he would play a sweet song on his violin. Seeing him, sharing with him, and listening to him became an apple harvest tradition.

Beautiful, dream-like illustrations rendered in watercolor.

A recipe for apple strudel is included.

*Highly recommend. 

-Borrowed from the library.

Surprised by Oxford by Carolyn Weber**

 This memoir is the most unique one I have ever read! I rarely read books by the same author within months of each other. I have now read two of Mrs. Weber's books in less than a month!! Although it reads like a novel, this memoir weaves in literature, philosophy,  and theology. The writing is beautiful. It is a piece of art. 

Mrs. Weber relates how she comes to Christ while studying at Oxford. She shares her thinking process and her growth in her new faith. When I visited her website, I noticed in 2021 this novel was being made into a romance movie! Oh I hope they keep Christ and His love for mankind at the center of it. Apparently it was released in October, 2022 in the U.S. I totally missed it.

My commonplace book is full of quotes/passages from this book.

**Highly, highly recommend for those readers who love literature, writing, poetry etc.

To consider: One of Carolyn's friends in gay. She does not condone it. She cares for him; he is her friend. They are scholars together. British Christians seem to accept drinking a pint more than American Christians!

-Borrowed via interlibrary loan.

Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott*

 Recently I read some book reviews on Keelia Clarkson's site, Wallflower Journal. One recommended book was Rose in Bloom by Louisa May Alcott. I had never heard of it! When I looked into it, I saw that her book, Eight Cousins,  was the prequel to Rose in Bloom. 

In Eight Cousins, Rose comes to live with her Uncle Alec and a couple of aunts after her father dies. Many other aunts, uncles and seven boy cousins live close by. The cousins delight in her company. When she arrives, she is sickly and weak. Uncle Alec, who is a doctor, treats her with excercise and sunshine. The aunts don't approve. He begs them to allow her to be under his care for one year as an experiment. They assent. 

Delightful stories about a large, loyal family who carries each other through difficult times and relishes in the joys of life. 

*Highly recommend.

Points to discuss: views on the Chinese and the social class (poor vs wealthy), two cousins smoke (Rose makes a deal with them to stop), the oldest cousins (age 17) begins hanging out with a rowdy crowd that encourages drinking and betting, Rose does some things behind her uncle's back

-Borrowed from the library

The Vanderbeekers on the Road by Karina Yan Glaser

 We own this entire series. Each September when the next book is published I buy it for my youngest son's birthday gift. I read aloud this latest Vanderbeeker enstallment to him. 

To surprise their Papa and to celebrate his 40th birthday, the Vanderbeeker children, their mom, Mr. Beirderman , Orlando and pets drive to Indiana to pick up Papa and then travel to CA. Along the way they not only visit magnificent sights, but  they also encounter interesting people and form new friendship. Of course, some of the siblings create a huge mess while attempting to "solve a problem".

Points to discuss: lying/keeping secrets, sabotage, a man they see at a tourists sight has male partner (probably will go over most readers' heads).

Series tend to continue longer than they are interesting. This one felt a bit more stretched than previous ones. I liked the earlier Vanderbeeker books best. The later ones  are still wholesome, wonderful stories.

-We own this book.

Cliff Notes on Dumas's The Count of Monte Cristo*

 My fifteen-year-old is reading The Count of Monte Cristo for English right now. Instead of reading the over one-thousand page novel, I read the Cliff Notes so I could engage in meaningful conversation about the book. The downside to reading Cliff Notes is not experiencing the author's craft, which is an aspect of reading I enjoy immensely. 

These Cliff Notes summarize the characters and their relationship to Edmond Dantes, summarize chunks of chapters at a time and offer comments. Essay question ideas are also included. 

Helpful hint-Characters abound and their connections to each other and Dantes can be confusing. I would recommend a character list or creating a chart how they are connected for quick reference while reading.

Warnings/points to discuss: theme of revenge, manipulation, extramarital affairs, murder, deception

I own these Cliff Notes.

*Highly recommend using this resource when child reading a long novel.

A Dog Named Doug by Karma Wilson illustrated by Matt Myers*

 Doug, the dog, loves to dig. Despite reprimands, he continues to dig. Adventure abounds! The rhyming make this a wonderful read-aloud.

I love the illustrations. My thirteen-year-old read this book and declared the pictures "clever". The layout is unique (& clever! 😉). 

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Who Goes There? by Karma Wilson illustrated by Anna Currey*

 Lewis Mouse is prepared for winter and snug in his tree home. Yet something is missing. While the wind blows, he hears stritching, scratching, and tapping. Everytime he ventures out into the cold wind, the noise stops and no one is outside his door. A very sweet ending. 

 I love the allusions to C.S. Lewis. The illustrations are expressive and depict the mood well. The illustrator resides in England. . ..British picture book illustrators are distinct. 

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Agressively Happy by Joy Marie Clarkson*

 Weekly I listen to Joy Clarkson's mom's podcasts (Sally Clarkson). Reading a book written by her youngest daughter, Joy, brought . . .well, joy! Each chapter title is an imperative ("Befriend Sadness" , "Flounder Well", "Be Like Mr. Collins", "Believe in God" etc). Initially I was bothered that Ms. Clarkson did not acknowledge that God and a relationship with Him through Christ as being the foundation of joy. Without Christ, there is no hope, there is no joy, there is no point. She, however, accumulates with faith in God and the need for a Savior to have eternal joy, true joy. 

One of my favorite aspects of the book is her list of at the end of each chapter which includes books/poems to read, art/movies/TV shows to see, music to listen to, and thoughts to ponder.

 At times I felt like she was writing to a younger audience (and she is a lot younger than me!).

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

I.Q. DVD*

 Rated: PG, 1994 Starring Meg Ryan, Tim Robbins, & Walter Matthau

I love this movie! We had not watched this movie since we had children in the home.  

Humor, likable characters, romance. We watched this movie as a family. My husband laughed until he had tears! He enjoys clever humor, which abounds in this movie. Some of the jokes and comments had sexual innuendeos, which went over our sons' heads. We loved Albert Einstein and his three friends the most. Their antics made us laugh!!

Ed Walters, an auto mechanic, falls for Albert Einstein's niece, Catherine Boyd. Two big problems--she is engaged to a British pyschologist, and Catherine, a brilliant mathematican, will not even consider an auto mechanic as a potential husband. Can Albert and his brilliant friends bring Catherine and Ed together?

*Highly recommend (for junior high and older)

Warning: sexual innuendos, some kissing

-We own this DVD.

Top Gun DVD

 Rated: PG (1980's PG- I find that PG movies from this time period have more inappropriate scenes/words in them than PG movies produced now!)

Before we watch the latest Top Gun movie, I thought we should watch the 1986 version, starring Tom Cruise & Kelly McGillis. Thankfully my husband had watched it recently and knew when to fast forward through some parts. We enjoyed it and marveled at the fighter pilots bravery.

Warning: A bedroom scene and some sexual talk

Not recommended for children.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Boy, the Bird & the Coffin Maker by Matilda Woods

 Both Alberto, the town Allora's coffin maker, and Tito, a mysterious boy, have experienced loss. Together they learn to embrace life and the promising future.

Interesting characters and alluring setting. A nice mix of realism and fantasy. Tito runs from an abusive father. The author covers the horrors of it with lyrical writing, no details, and almost magical setting. Would kids who have experienced abuse be offended by this way of presenting it? The book mostly focuses on hope and that a good life can exist even though one has suffered.

-Borrowed from the library.