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My Summer Reading in Review

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?:).
With the kiddos:
  • 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.
Currently reading:
  • 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)
So I guess I haven't done too badly, even if I didn't quite finish my original list. Frankly, I never want to run out of books to read and I'm pretty sure I won't {grin}.

How about you? Did you read anything wonderful this summer? I want to hear about it!!

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