In My Book Bag | April
Looking for your next new favorite book to read? I have book reviews and recommendations. I’ve made several trips to the library this month and selected armloads of books. Many I started and discarded, but I’ve ended up with several I think you’ll enjoy. I’ll be sharing Children’s books, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Non-Fiction and Christian Non-Fiction; something for everyone!
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Children’s Books
How to Tell a Story by Daniel Nayeri is a learning activity/game that would be super for teachers, homeschoolers, and writers who would like a brainstorming boost. It consists of a paperback book full of instructions, activities, and games, and twenty story blocks with pictures representing parts of speech. I’ve already enjoyed playing with my set. If you see a picture book about a shy ostrich who gets lost in a maze on his way to eat tacos, I may have succeeded in publishing a story inspired by my story blocks!
But the Bear Came Back by Tammi Sauer and illustrated by Dan Taylor. This delightful books answers the pressing question: what if an adorable and very friendly bear will not stop coming into your house, bringing chaos and confusion with him? You’re curious, aren’t you?
Fiction Books
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah pulled me in and stayed with me long after I turned the last page. I finished it within two days, because it wouldn’t let me rest. Take a traumatized, mentally ill, and increasingly abusive Viet Nam War vet, his enabling wife, and their conflicted teenage daughter into the wilds of a tiny remote Alaskan village…well, you’re probably sensing that things could go very wrong. Of course, I loved the ode to beautiful and brutal Alaska and her independent and strong-minded people. I have to admit that there was a point at which I felt the story jumped the shark, but it was thought-provoking to see the effects of family dysfunction on a child. Caution: this book contains language, violence, and triggering events.
A Portrait of Emily Price by Katherine Reay. In case you’re feeling traumatized from reading the above selection, here’s a light-hearted gentle and clean romantic romp. This is my favorite Katherine Reay book to date; she’s known for her spins on classic literature, predominantly Jane Austen. It contains art, fine dining, Italian living, and numerous literary references, including recommendations for other fun authors to read. It’s full of love, mystery, family secrets, and angst. As all good love stories should be.
Christian Fiction
Here Burns My Candle & Mine Is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs. This gorgeous series is a retelling of the Biblical story of Ruth and Naomi set in 18th century Scotland. This author never fails to amaze me with her masterful retellings. How she could take a story of Bonny Prince Charlie, rebel armies, moon worship, and divided loyalties and weave it into a story of two bereft widows in BC Israel is a mystery to me. However, she did it deftly. Each book contains questions for thought and discussion, as well as Biblical application. I highly recommend this two-book set.
Non-Fiction Books
A Book That Takes Its Time: An Unhurried Adventure in Creative Mindfulness by Irene Smit and Astrid van Der Hulst. My sister loaned this book to me to look through, and it was all I could do to restrain myself from writing in it and using the consumables! This is intended for people who enjoy journaling and small creative projects. In addition to articles about mindfulness, relaxation, creativity, and slowing down, there are numerous beautiful illustrations and “treats”: mini journals, postcards, colored craft papers, and tiny cards. It would be like a mini retreat to brew up a pot of tea and meander through this book for an afternoon.
The Art of Dressing Curves by Susan Moses is a down-to-earth and practical guide to dressing in a flattering manner. Although all the models are Plus-size, it seems to me that this book is for everyone. There is a section to help you understand your body type, and then concrete suggestions for which styles will flatter your shape. I had an “aha” moment of understanding as to why a certain style of dress makes me look twenty pounds heavier. The book guides you through selecting classic pieces to form the backbone of your wardrobe, as well as helping you understand your fashion “style”.
Christian Non-Fiction Books
The Measure of Success: Uncovering the Biblical Perspective on Women, Work, & the Home by Carolyn McCulley and Nora Shank. This book was fascinating. I particularly enjoyed the beginning, which discussed at length the history of work in the home and outside the home for both genders, followed by the theology of work. The final section details the life cycle of work: things to learn and consider in each season of life. I especially enjoyed the final section, what they call the “Open Nest”. They discuss the value of work in the more mature, post child-bearing years.
Adorned: Living Out the Beauty of the Gospel Together by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth. This book wasn’t at all what I expected, but it did not disappoint. I assumed it was a marriage book (living out the gospel together); instead, it’s a book about women mentoring, encouraging, supporting one another and building community for the glory of God. It does touch on marriage and children, but from the perspective of both single and married women. This is really an in-depth treatise on Titus 2:1-5, 10. My copy is liberally highlighted and flagged with sticky notes. It would be a profitable study to do with a group of women. Highly recommended!
What good books have you read recently? What’s next on your “to-be-read” pile? Who are some of your favorite authors or genres of books? Please share! Would you like more book recommendations? Here are some links!
Great reviews !! Glad that I found some good children books 🙂
Thank you! I love children’s literature!