Just a reminder that I use The Story Graph to track my reading and you can find me there under the user name mama_mcgoozle. I also do a lot of my reading on Scribd (referral link for 60 days free for you). Cover images link to the bookshop.org listing when possible.
Finished in September…
Crocodile on the Sandbank (Amelia Peabody series) by Elizabeth Peters
audio, Audible
This was a ridiculous, fun listen while painting (and painting and painting).
Keeping Place: Reflections on the Meaning of Home by Jen Pollock Michel
audio, Audible
Another listen while painting but it requires thought and absorption so I couldn’t listen to it for long stretches at a time. I’ve had this book on my “to be read” list for quite a while so I was glad to find it in the Audible Premium section during my accidental month-long subscription. I think I would like to re-read this book in a hard copy and maybe even with friends so I could discuss it. The ideas presented were not revolutionary- I tend to read quite a bit in this genre. But I was challenged and reminded of the importance of homemaking as ministry and the centrality of the body of Christ to my growth and being.
The Cartographer’s Secret by Tea Cooper
audio, Scribd
Yet another one I listened to while painting and working on house projects. Enjoyable historical fiction set in Australia.
Adventures with Waffles by Maria Parr
audio, Scribd
The kids and I started this book together on the way home from the county fair and got about an hour into it. I thought it was hilarious and light. We finished it with Mr. McGoozle while on vacation. I cried through about 45 minutes of the book. And then laughed my way to the end after that. It’s a bit of a rollercoaster honestly but we all enjoyed it very much. The incident with the sled, the chicken, and the ice is talked about regularly. As is the moped incident. You’ll have to read it to find out.
Below Your Belt: How to be Queen of Your Pelvic Region by Missy Lavender & Jeni Donatelli Ihm
paperback, owned
This book was recommended in an online forum I’m part of. I read it in one sitting and then texted all my sisters and sisters-in-law to recommend it. I didn’t always like the “hip girl-power” tone of the book and it’s one I would definitely recommend pre-reading or reading with a young lady in your life. But, I think the information it gives is so important and presented well for the target age range. I even learned some things! I’m glad I’ll have it as a resource to use when my girls get older.
Bible
We are reading through the Bible this year with a group of people from our church. In September we read 1 & 2 Timothy, Esther, Job, Titus, Jeremiah 1-12, Psalm 119-122, and Isaiah 1-14.
Still reading…
The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson
audio, Scribd, 72%
I do not enjoy listening to books with ear buds (I guess I have small ears because they never stay in) but this book has required them around the kids. It’s intense, as any book about race relations in our country can be. It traces the stories of three African Americans who were part of the Great Migration of Blacks from the South to the North between 1915 & 1975 and includes additional historical material on the context of their lives. I feel a connection to Mrs. Gladney, Dr. Foster, and Mr. Starling and I’m learning a lot about history that has present-day ramifications, even for people I’m privileged to call friends. I expect I’ll finish it in October and maybe I’ll write a fuller review then.
Lions to the Rescue! (Tree Street Kids #3) by Amanda Cleary Eastep
audio, Scribd, 58%
Listening with the kids. So far just as good as the first 2 in the series.
Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners by Dane C. Ortlund
ebook/hardcover, Scribd/owned, 29%
I did start over with my hard copy but also made some progress past where I had been in the ebook. Trying to read a little bit every day and really ponder it.
Ourselves: Our Bodies & Souls by Charlotte Mason
audio/ebook, Spotify/Scribd, 81%
I was listening to this read aloud with the Charlotte Mason’s Volumes podcast but that doesn’t have the whole book so I’ve switched to an ebook version. It’s so interesting to me that a book written 100 years ago can be so relevant to life today. I did read a few chapters this month although I’m still focusing on rereading selected segments of Towards a Philosophy of Education for a book study group I joined.
The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
audio, owned, 21%
We’re listening to the new edition narrated by Andy Serkis as a family. So far we’ve only listened while driving in the truck and I’m struggling to hear it well because of the vocal range. But we’re all enjoying it very much. Stubby read The Hobbit and all of the Lord of the Rings series last year or earlier this year so he has the most recent memory of it. Mr. McGoozle and I have read them before but it has been quite a while so it’s fun to reconnect with it.
Parenting is Heart Work by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller
ebook/paperback, Scribd/owned, 15%
Bought a hard copy. Mr. McGoozle and I are trying to read it together which will make for slow going as we try to fit it into our schedule.
School Reads with the Kids
That Quail, Robert by Margaret Stanger- paperback, owned, 26%
Little Pilgrim’s Progress adapted by Helen Taylor- hardcover, owned, 60%- we’re only reading part 2, Christiana’s Story, as we read part 1 last year
King Lear by William Shakespeare- audio, Scribd, 36%
Gladys Aylward: The Little Woman adapted by Christine Hunter– paperback, owned, 25%
That’s all for last month’s reading. I’ll have a day-in-the-life and family update post later this week for you.
