84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff*

 I could have read this book in one sitting! It is witty and unique.

Ms. Hanff, a writer who lives in New York City, spends twenty years corresponding with Frank Doel, a book seller for England's Marks & Co. book store in London, England, requesting rare or specific books. She wants to own beautiful books. It is easier for her to write to London to buy books than walk blocks to a bookstore in her own city. Eventually other employees from Marks & Co. and Frank's wife and daughters write to Ms. Hanff over the years. This book contains the letters that were exchanged over the twenty years. Surprisingly, the reader feels like they enter the world  of  Ms. Hanff and her correspondents and are rooting for them through these simple letters. 

*Highy recommend (a couple of swear words, I don't agree with her political affliliation; it's not focused upon nor belabored.)

The sequel is only available via interlibrary loan. A movie was made based on this book!

-Borrowed from the library (although my local bookstore is selling it and its sequel, The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street, in one book. . .maybe I will purchase it!)

Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh*

 Anne Morrow Lindbergh, the wife of Charles Lindbergh, writes a reflective book about life and relationships. While reading it, I felt that Mrs. Lindbergh knew exactly how I have been feeling lately and provided much needed encouragement. She spends a week on an isolated island, by herself, to reflect and write. As she slows down her pace, she gathers shells and writes how their different shapes and functions serve as reminders how to live and embrace life. Although I did not agree with all of her surmises, I found myself nodding my head often and saying, "Exactly!". 

Essays are a favorite "genre" of mine. They usually showcase superb writing.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Big Picture Story Bible by David R. Helm illustrated by Gail Schoonmaker*

In Gospel-Centered Teaching Trevin Wax  recommends reading the Bible chronologically each year to maintain our focus on the "big story" with Christ as the center and the Hero. He lists suggestions. One of them was this book for children. I read through it over one week for my Bible reading. Mr. Helm shares God's story in chronological order with continual reminders that God is King and that we need a Savoir. Each story points to Christ. Mr. Helm does an excellent job of selecting which stories to include and of summarizing the main points. He also engages the reader with age-appropriate probing questions. The only downside was Caucasian-heavy illustrations. People from that region were probably not fair-skinned. 

This may be a book I am giving to young parents when they have their first child.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via inter-library loan. My county library system does not own this book.

The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder illustrated by Garth Williams**

Award winner-Newbery Honor Winner 

This novel was RAR's winter selection for the family read aloud novel. My dad read aloud this entire series to me when I was in early elementary school. I loved this series and am so thankful that he read aloud quality literature to me at a young age. I wasn't sure how my thirteen-year-old son would respond to this novel. I was pleasantly surprised. He looked forward to hearing it and would ask for me to read it (my sixteen-year-old son would even listen in occasionally, incredulous of what the Ingalls family was enduring). We also listened to some chapters on audio/CDs while driving to appointments.

Laura relates how her family survives an seemingly endless winter in the Dakota territory in 1880-1881. Blizzards tormented the settlers from October through April. Trains could not come through until May! As a result, the people in her town were starving. Almanzo Wilder (her future husband) and Cap Garland save the town by traveling in a blizzard to buy some wheat from a settler rumored to have a store of wheat. 

Mrs. Wilder immerses the reader in the winter and the hardship with her descriptive language and use of imagery. This book makes an impression. I could not believe that the only food they had in the house was a handful of grain to make flour. When I glance around our house with freezers, fridge, pantries and cupboards full, I cannot comprehend knowing that all I have to make a meal is a bit of flour and no sign of finding/purchasing food in the near future. People were tough and optimistic "in those days".

Discuss-Some of the settlers are prejudice vs. Native Americans and spoke unkindly about them.

**Highly, highly recommend.

-I own this book.

Brother Hugo and the Bear by Katy Beebe illustrated by S.D. Schindler*

 A bear ate the abbey's copy of St. Augustine's letters while in Brother Hugo's possession. The consequence? Brother Hugo must copy it during Lent. Readers will be immersed in the process of book-making during the 12th century as they enjoy a delightful, humorous story. Based on notes found in a 12th century manuscript. A helpful historical note and a glossary are included. The illustrations are exquiste.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Mockingbird by Allan Ahlberg illustrated by Paul Howard*

 Mr. Ahlberg (author of the The Jolly Postman series) rewrites the American folksong to depict a story about a baby's birthday. The detailed, engaging illustrations really make this book wonderful. They actually more add a lot more to the storyline than the words! I loved looking at the Victorian era depictions from houses to clothing to toys. The character's facial expressions are priceless.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library

The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman

 Sally's father, Matthew Lockhart, part owner of a British shipping company, is dead. Sixteen-year-old Sally wades through mysterious messages and combats evil individuals as she discovers the corruption and sinister dealings within the company. As she boldly investigates, she forms friendships with a photographer and his actress sister, a messege boy, and an abused young girl.

Very suspenseful and a tight plot. It will be a book teens who love mysteries will devour in one sitting. Not suited for elementary readers. It is labeled "young adult" for good reason (see my warnings).

Warnings: violence, murder, ruthless, evil characters, a few swear words, opium trade is the center of the plot-readers will witness characters using the drug (details given), Sally even uses opium to resurrect memories to help her solve the case. Mr. Pullman does not condone its use and is very graphic in his description of how addictive and destructive it is. I read summaries of other books in this series. Sally has a daughter with her boyfriend Frederick. 

-Borrowed via ILL

The Real Dada Mother Goose by Jon Scieszka illustrated by Julia Rothman

With a variety of methods, Mr. Scieszka transforms original Mother Goose rhymes into clever, amusing rhymes. He displays the original Mother Goose rhyme and then follows it with a variety of versions. Some methods he utilizes are: morse code, esperanto, pig Latin, spoonerisms, Jabberwocky, Haiku, N + 7  and many more. Readers who like puzzles will find this book engaging. 

Thorough notes explain each of the methods and their histories, and the story behind "Dada", Mother Goose, & Blanche Fisher Wright (illustrator of The Real Mother Goose).

-Borrowed from the library.

Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan

 Ms. Callahan deeply researched Joy Davidman's life and seamlessly integrated facts into a superb piece of historical fiction. This book draws readers into Ms. Davidman's life before she forms a friendship with Lewis and then the years during their friendship and their eventual marriage. I was very impressed with Ms. Callahan's writing, her ability to create an compelling plot, and her ability to bring Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis to life.

I was not comfortable reading parts of it because Joy was falling in love with C.S. Lewis while she was still married. Developing a friendship with the opposite gender usually results in romantic feelings, which can lead to affairs. If this book had not been about real people, I would not have finished it because I do not like reading romance novels. Another struggle I encountered was discerning what was made up and what actually happened. Usually historical fiction books I read are about a time in history, not real people as the main character. Throughout the book, I found myself wondering did this character really do this/say this. 

After reading this book, I admire C.S. Lewis all the more. Also, a lot of sources are not very kind towards Joy Davidman. She was human; she had faults. Like all of us, she was in the process of sanctification. Without her influence and friendship, Lewis would not have written Till We Have Faces, Surprised by Joy, Reflections on the Psalms, and A Grief Observed.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis*

 My son's English curriculum recommended that parents read this book to gain insight for discussions of Till We Have Faces. Lewis discusses the difference between need-love & gift-love and then describes the four types of love-affection, friendship, eros, and charity. This man was brilliant. As I read, I thought about concepts I had never considered. Since my life is full of disruptions, I had trouble concentrating and fully comprehending at times. This book is best suited to be read when one is fully alert and alone.

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

Surviving Religion 101 by Michael J. Kruger*

 Readers gain insight how to combat worldviews being purported at college through the author's letters to his daughter, Emma, as she enters college. Since the author's faith was initially shaken when he attended college, he understands the importance of being prepared for individuals and worldviews that will question Christ, the Bible and God. I first read a review about this book on blog about apologetics. Then my sons' youth pastor recommended it in his weekly parent email. 

Chapters include-smart professors-more likely they are right and I'm wrong?, Christianity the only right religion?, our Christian morals seem hateful & intolerant,gay friends, hell seems barbaric/cruel, how can a good God allow suffering/evil?, science seems to explain everything, why do we need God?, resurrection/miracles, is the Bible really from God, contradictions in the Gospel, a lot more chapters about the Bible's validity, does the Bible advocate oppression & genocide?,handling doubt, & lastly, "Christianity just isn't working for me".

Unfortunately, we don't remember all of the points the author made because we read it over one and half years (parts of a chapter once a week). It may be better suited to read in a short amount of time with lots of discussion or read independently and then dicussed. Thankfully, I own it and we can revisit it. My youngest son wants to reread it when he is older, closer to attending college. Also, it can used as a resource book. Each chapter can be read independently, in any order.

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

Gospel-Centered Teaching by Trevin Wax

 Our children's ministry director gave each of the families/individuals who teach our church's children this book for Christmas. This book is not centered on children but all ages. Mr. Wax advocates centering each lesson one teaches on the Gospel and being passionate about the Gospel. This small but powerful book (in dimension and in length-109 pages) could be read in under an hour.

-I own this book.

Ina Garten Go-To Dinners

 A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

I tried a few recipes from this book: overnight Irish oatmeal, blueberry ricotta breakfast cake, & overnight mac/cheese. She displays food boards for every meal and even dessert! Beautiful photographs for each recipe make this book eye-catching. Some of the ingredients are a bit pricey and not ones you find in your fridge/pantry on any given day.

My favorite recipe I tried was the overnight mac/cheese. I made it for my son's sixteenth birthday dinner. People reacted positively to it.

-Borrowed from the library.

Christmas on Jane Street by Billy Romp with Wanda Urbanska illustrated by Robbin Gourley*

 I read aloud this delightful true story about the Romp family who sells their Vermont Christmas trees during the month of December (Christmas Eve at midnight is when they close and head back to Vermont) on Jane Street. Billy and Patti Romp with their three children, Ellie, Henry and Timmy experience a second home in a trailer with generous neighbors. This novel focuses on the December when Ellie challenges Billy. Billy learns a lot about love and Christmas as navigates his selfishness.

I looked online if the Romps are still in business. They are!! Henry, the oldest son, partners with his dad on Jane St. Ellie runs her own lot in Brooklyn but she joins her dad and brother for strings concerts once a week and sends over her children to help Billy. Sadly, Billy and Patti separated in 2008.

An Avonlea Christmas DVD*

 My thirteen-year-old and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing our favorite characters from Avonlea in this  Christmas special. Felix is missing in action during the war. As a result, Janet struggles to celebrate the season or even support the military effort. Hetty feels threatened by the new school superintendent. When she hurts her back and requires surgery, she begins to re-evaluate her life and relationships.

I was disappointed that Gus and Jasper were not part of the Christmas cast. This production seemed more dramatic and more serious than the regular seasons.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via inter-lib loan.

The Twenty-Four Days Before Christmas by Madeleine L'Engle illustrated by Carl Cassle

 An Austin Family Story for young readers

This easy chapter book (perfect for transitional readers) focuses on seven-year-old Vicky who is starring as the angel in the Christmas Pageant for the first time. Mother is pregnant and due any day. Vicky worries that mother will not be at home for Christmas. 

-Borrowed from the library.

Love, Ruby Lavender by Deborah Wiles*

Even though the main character, Ruby, is dealing with guilt and deep sadness over her grandfather's death, I still found this book delightful. The character and setting development, the imagery, and the general writing/sentence structure are superb. I wanted to walk the dusty Mississippi roads with Ruby, converse with her grandmother, pick black eye susans with her, and meet her chickens. This book reminds a bit of Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo.

Ruby loves her grandmother Miss Eula who lives next door in the Pink Palace, and is devastated when Miss Eula leaves Halleluia, Mississippi to visit her new granddaughter in Hawaii. Who will protect from spiteful Melba Jane? New friends and new perspectives allow Ruby to mature and forgive. Many letters between Ruby and Miss Eula assist in the story telling.

Warnings/points to discuss: Ruby's grandfather and Melba's father died in a car accident-Melba Jane blames Ruby, a hateful relationship between Ruby and Melba Jane, death, chicks die after Melba Jane throws rocks at Ruby's chickens

*Highly recommend (but see warnings).

-Borrowed from the library.

Till We Have Faces-A Reading Companion by Christine L. Norvell*

 I listened to Circe Institute's podcasts about this book, discovering that although this is Lewis's most brillant novel (according to scholars), it is difficult to understand. I knew I needed help! As I was searching for materials to teach Till We Have Faces, God led me to this book. I cannot remember the path I took to find it . . .so I know it was Him! 

Mrs. Norvell summarizes each chapter and then offers interpretation and insight from various scholars. She also includes thought questions, themes, and motifs for each chapter. Her introduction explains the four loves Lewis alludes to throughout the book and also explains how to read the book. Her conclusion offers additional insight. I am so thankful she wrote this book and that I own it!

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis*

 A myth retold-Cupid & Psyche

In her old age, Orual, queen of Glome, writes down her story, boldly accusing the gods. We, the reader, must decipher the truth. The gods took her only happiness and only love, her beautiful sister, Psyche. As she wrestles with this injustice, she discovers her true self as she writes her story. 

I cannot review/summarize this powerful, provoking story adequately. It is one that will require me to think about often. . . .over time! Currently, I am evaluating my love for others and how selfishness most often dictates that love. 

My tenth grader will soon be reading this novel. I am looking forward to his interpretation and the opportunity to discuss it with him.

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

Two Old Women by Velma Wallis*

 An Alaskan Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival

Ms. Wallis relates a story her mother shared with her when she was a youth. Ms. Wallis views stories from elders to youth as a gift. In her introduction she laments how television has stolen these opportunities to sit with elders and hear their stories. This book was published in 1993 before smart phones, tablets etc!

The People, part of the Gwich'in band in Alaska, were suffering from malnutrition and starvation during this hard winter. Food was scarce. Sometimes The People would leave behind the weak, elderly people for "the good" of the rest of the tribe. The chief decided that they must leave behind Ch'idzigyaak (in her 80s) and Sa' (in her 70s). The two women are shocked. They are not weak (although they have complained about their age and their inability to do work like they used to) and know they would not hinder the group. 

The women set out to prove The People wrong and discover they are still strong and capable of survival. An amazing story of survival and forgiveness.

A good book to stimulate thoughts about complaining, aging, how to view and care for the elderly, and the importance of remaining physically active.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.