Each week I share books I’m reading for my Read 100 Challenge, as well as podcasts I’m listening to and links I love from around the blogosphere. I love to get recommendations, so please let me know what you are reading!
Books I’m Reading
Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay
I actually read this book in one sitting and stayed up until one in the morning just to finish it! If you enjoy a clean, well-written romance and some good Jane Austen allusions, you will definitely want to read Dear Mr. Knightley. Sam is a young woman who has been in foster care for much of her life. When an anonymous donor offers to pay her expenses to graduate school in order to study journalism, she can’t say no. The only catch? Sam must write “Mr. Knightley” letters about her experience and progress. I can’t wait to read Reay’s other books–Lizzy and Jane and The Bronte Plot!
That Summer by Sarah Dessen
I teach 7th grade reading, and several of my girls have gotten into Sarah Dessen lately. I hadn’t read any of her books, so I decided to read That Summer so I can relate to those students. I found it very readable, thoughtful, and insightful. With a strong plot, hints of romance, and well-written teenage characters, it’s no wonder my girls love Dessen and her books.
Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson
One of my favorite book bloggers, Anne at Modern Mrs. Darcy, mentioned Dead Wake about a month ago, so I knew I had to read it. Erik Larson presents the story of the sinking of the Lusitania in such a gripping manner that it almost reads like fiction instead of the well-researched nonfiction book that it is. I am realizing more and more how woefully inadequate my understanding of history is, so I found the story fascinating. I am adding other books by Larson to my library hold shelf.
Links I Love
Faith
The Mother of God If you’ve ever been curious about the Orthodox understanding of Mary and the rationale behind it, take a look at Abbot Tryphon’s informative post.
12 Things the Normal Orthodox Christian is Doing An inspiring reminder from Road to Emmaus of the richness of the Orthodox faith and experience.
Family
9 Great Books That Will Give Your Kids Giggles I’m always up for a good book recommendation, and Medium Sized Family shares some great ones.
5 Reasons Mom Shouldn’t Feel Guilty Moms, do you ever feel guilty when you take time for yourself? Guilty Chocoholic Mama explains why you shouldn’t.
Frugal Living
Fit on a Budget If you are wanting to get in shape, Funky Jungle gives some practical advice for doing so without spending a lot of money.
$200 a Month Menu Plan for Our Family of 5 I love to see how other families plan their menus and shop on a budget. Thrifty Frugal Mom shares some great tips.
What are you reading this week?
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(Linked to Quick List.)
Deep South by Paul Theroux (This has gotten so much better as we get into it! We are both Southerners and he hits us right on.)
The Soldier’s Wife by Margaret Leroy (I have this on my Kindle and it is going to have to wait while I read the library book which I finally worked my way up to the top of the hold list to get.)
The Last Founding Father by Harlow Unger (Very interesting. I knew nothing about James Monroe, except the Monroe Doctrine.)
The Nature of the Beast by Louise Penney (Just getting started but all her Armand Gamache mysteries are great.)
Happy Reading!
Aw, I’m flattered that my menu plan made it on your list. 🙂 And I keep hearing how about that Dear Mr. Knightley book. I’m kind of thinking it needs to go on my “to-read” list.
You definitely should read it. Good, clean, engaging fun!