More books than a body should read….

I’ve been a read-a-holic of late.  I seem  to go in spurts.  There are weeks and months when I don’t make it through even one book.  Then, there are others where I breeze right through a stack.  I understand that book reviews might not be all that exciting for my readers, but this blog serves several purposes:  It is first of all quite therapeutic.  Secondly, it records our days…both for myself and for my children someday.  Third, it serves as a great friendship builder.    This review will be “for the record.”

My book choices have been quite random.  I’ve been on a big biography kick.  I don’t endorse most of these books; but if I do, I’ll make that clear.  I’ve learned interesting things from each one…or I wouldn’t have finished reading it.

I’ll use a five star rating system, with five stars being the best.  This list covers February, March and April.

Never Again – by Former Attorney General John Ashcroft. (*****)   This is an excellent book by a man full of integrity.  There was simply NO place in the book where I found that he compromised his faith nor failed to do his job.  I was incredulous when I read just how bad things were at the Justice Department when he took leadership.  There was a stunning lack of communication systems, theft, disarray, and lack of motivation.  He is a good man who endured much for our country, and really didn’t receive much reward.  If you are against the Patriot Act, you should definitely read this book.

My Grandfather’s Son – by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas (*****)  Another *must read* by an excellent man.  Through Justice Thomas’ book, I was reminded that people of strength and integrity can emerge from EVERY background.  Hard times can serve to build character.  I sometimes hear the argument made that people who are poor should not have children.  I disagree…for who knows God’s plan for an individual, what He will use to make them into the person they are supposed to be.  Thomas was another man who was much aligned because he dared to be “different.”

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle – by Barbara Kingsolver – (*****)  This is a great book.  The author does not state her religious beliefs, but by education she is an Evolutionary Biologist.  (So, in some manner, I guess she DOES…)  She is an excellent author, however, and has much to say that is worth the thoughtful reader’s consideration.  Her writing style is warm and witty.  Who knew that reading about vegetables and home-grown turkey flocks could be so interesting?  It’s a personal story of her family’s journey…but I think almost EVERYONE could learn from this book.

A Midwife’s Story by Penny Armstrong – (*****) – Another excellent book.  I’ve even asked my husband to read it.  It’s not just a bunch of birth stories, it is also philosophical regarding choices in family and lifestyle.  The author is a midwife who practices (and eventually settled down) among the Amish.  FASCINATING!  (Some strong language in the beginning of the book.)

Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe – (***)  Not sure why I’ve never read this before?  It is a good book, and I would imagine that at the time of its writing it was earth-shaking.

Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott – (No stars) – Sorry to give a bad review…but I found this book terribly foul and disappointing.  I’ve never read Lamott before.

Baby Signs – by Linda Acredolo and Susan Goodwyn – (***)  No rave reviews, as a lot of it seems obvious to me; but it IS a good book.  It shares the wisdom and importance of using baby signs to help your child communicate before he can give words to his thoughts.

Mommy Teach Me to Read - by my friend Barbara Curtis – (*****)  Barbara is a mom of 12, with Montessori training and experience.  This book is great!  I’ve taught four of my own children to read so far, and am excited to have some new skills to help as my fifth child begins to read.  Barbara’s book lays an excellent foundation, progresses naturally and easily with helpful hints and incremental phonetic steps.  There are plenty of helpful word and book lists, games, suggested manipulatives to make or purchase, AND it is backed up by a website for more information.  IF you are new to teaching your child how to read (or even if you aren’t,) this book would be a great help.  It pretty much is ALL you need to get your child started.  Not bad for $10.00.

My Life in Orange – Growing up with the Guru – by Tim Guest (***)  This is the sad and haunting story of a boy who was raised in several communes devoted to the Bhagwan Rajneesh.  Through this book, I was reminded of the strong need each child has for a mother’s love.  Maternal neglect, even for religious reasons, damages a child.  Hard Question:  Do we, in the Christian world, sometimes neglect our children to serve in our church?  I have seen a lot, and I would have to answer “Yes.  Sometimes.  And we shouldn’t.”

Leaving the Saints – How I Lost the Mormons and Found My Faith by Martha Beck – (**) Another sad, and interesting expose’ of a religious group.  It deals with child sexual abuse and incest.  Very, very sad.  Can’t say I really liked the outcome.  It left me a little cold.  Although the author says she found her faith, I think she found a New Age religion.  I pray she keeps seeking until she finds the One true and loving Father.

Son of a Preacher Man by Jay Bakker – (*) Yet another sobering story of a child lost as his parents devoted themselves to building a religious empire.  I am reminded of the importance, again, of putting our children’s mental, spiritual, emotional and physical well-being very, very high on our list.  A parent can “find” themselves, give everything they have to be fulfilled, to attain even a level of spirituality – but if they ignore their child in the searching they have lost much more than they have gained.  The child’s life is affected forever.  I think it is important to say that Jay does not perceive that his parents were at fault for any of their troubles (drug addiction, affairs, misuse of donations).  In his eyes, they were all victims.  I pray for Jay, too, as I believe he is still searching for healing.

Louder Than Words – A Mother’s Journey in Healing Autism – by Jenny McArthy – (*) I’ve written about this book before, so won’t take much time now.  In my estimation, this book has one beneficial purpose.  Jenny is a celebrity, and her child suffered from a growing problem that as yet seems un-addressed in the manner it deserves.  As a celebrity, perhaps she will be able to increase awareness for a BIG problem.  Otherwise, the book is filled with profanity and twisted religious worldview.  Read at your own risk.

Next up on my reading list – some classics.

• Mere Christianity – C.S. Lewis
• Surprised by Joy – C.S. Lewis
• Paradise Lost – Milton

How about you?  If you have recently posted a book list or review, why not link here in the comments for others to enjoy?  (Or, feel free to ask questions or comment if you have read any of these books.)