Remember my summer reading list? Well, I've been working hard on it all summer long. I admit that it was somewhat ambitious, but I like a good challenge.Since August is almost gone and we start back-to-homeschool in a little over a week, now is as good of time as any to review my list.
Books I finished:
- Before Green Gables, by Budge Wilson~As skeptical as I was about a different author adding to the Anne stories, I really liked this book. I thought that Wilson stayed with the spirit of L.M. Montgomery's writing very well. I think this story gives great background for the original series and it's worth the read.
- The Glass Castle, by Jeanette Walls~What can I say? This book was amazing--and unbelievable--but it's actually an autobiography. Even thought there is a little bit of rough language and the story is heartbreaking, I definitely recommend it. It's quite eye-opening.
- Hinds Feet on High Places, by Hannah Hurnard~This is an allegorical book (think: Pilgrim's Progress) and I have to say I had a hard time getting into it. By the end I was enjoying it somewhat though and there were definitely great lessons woven into the story. I haven't been able to convince myself to start the sequel yet though.
- The Red Pony, by John Steinbeck~This was my first Steinbeck novel (I know, I know, shame on me). While I enjoyed his writing, the story was completely depressing and unresolved. Call me shallow, but I hate unresolved stories. Especially when they're depressing. I'm wondering if I'll enjoying any of this other, more well-known writings...
- The Wright and Wingold trilogy, by Lisa Piper~I actually know this author in real life and these are her first three novels. I enjoyed reading them and plan to share more about them soon in a separate post.
- The Well-Trained Mind, by Jessie Wise and Susan Wise Bauer~I loved this book! It helped to solidify some of my thoughts on homeschooling and give me some direction. It also has great resources listed inside! I really want my own copy since the one I read was from the library (Christmas hint, anyone?:).
- On the Shores of Silver Lake and The Long Winter, by Laura Ingalls Wilder~We are nearly through this entire series. We have really enjoyed them! It'd been so long since I'd read them (and I don't think I ever actually finished the series) that they've almost been like new to me.
- A Movable Feast, by Ernest Hemingway
- The Ministry of Motherhood, by Sally Clarkson
- A Thomas Jefferson Education, by Oliver Van de Mille
- The Little Town on the Prairie, by Laura Ingalls Wilder (with the kiddos)
How about you? Did you read anything wonderful this summer? I want to hear about it!!
Comments
Also, I felt the same way about The Well-Trained Mind ... *had* to have my own copy!! ;)
A friend just recommended The Glass Castle tonight on FB ... maybe I should check it out!! Thanks!
I too think that Budge Wilson really did a great job of keeping the spirit of Montgomery's writing alive.
I did read a Steinbeck novel this summer, "The Moon is Down". It was actually used as allied propaganda during WW2. It is not overtly about Germany and any other allied or occupied country, but all involved knew that it was. It was illegal in any German or occupied country. It is very short and not as depressing as many of Steinbeck's books are.
I attempted to read the Grapes of Wrath, but ugh! it was slow and depressing and boring. East of Eden is better than Grapes of Wrath, from what I remember, although it isn't a happy story.
I'll be posting about my favorite summer reads soon :)
I love Sally, too! Her books are so inspiring!
Glad it's not just me when it comes to Steinbeck:)
I have to admit, I haven't done much reading recently :( I hope to get back into the habit once our lives are on a better schedule with school starting soon.
Before Green Gables looks interesting and we are reading Little House here too.
Amy @ Missional Mama