Friday, July 1, 2011

Five Books that Changed Who I Am

Mrs. Edwards over at Veritas Academy tagged me in a no resist link-up. I just had to jump on this. Especially reading as voraciously as I am this summer!


Wow, how do you narrow that down... but I went to the first that came to mind, minus a few... one always leads to another so I just cut it down to cateories. I own all of these, take notes in them and replace them if I share/give them away. Sometimes putting a good book in someone's hand is more valuable than a perfect library.


1.Food

Barbara Kingsolver - Animal, Vegetable, Miracle This sparked a whole new part of my being. It made sense to me while written for enjoyment. I learned something, and began to appreciate writing in a whole new way. She is an excellent writer although her books are not for every audience.

2.Education

Susan Wise Bauer & Jessie Wise -The Well-Trained Mind I swallowed this one whole. Haven't looked back.

Douglas Wilson's Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning Hammered in the nails after closing the box on ideas that no longer worked. Helped me gather a hammer & nails that fit & will build an education worth having.

3. Faith


Foster's The Celebration of Discipline - the fact that our daily walk really is the fruit of our spirit. The chapter that addressed stewardship was profound. Other spiritual disciplines were made more clear to me. Purpose in action was sparked.



4. Children in the Modern/Post Christian Age


The Plug-In Drug this book actually convicted me regarding television & video games.


Raising a Non-Violent Child John Rosemond - helped me gather the handful of behaviors I couldn't get a handle on. Gave me the tools to address what I hadn't been able to in the past.


Boy's Adrift by Leonard Sax - Profound information, from a secular professional.


5. Novel Category


To Kill a Mockingbird- the first book that made me cry & fearful --just reading a book.

Lfe-changing books I'm reading just now, during mymorning coffee....

Repairing the Ruins, The Classical & Christian Challenge to Modern Education

Ann Voskamp- One Thousand Gifts

Bradley Heath - Millstones & Stumbling Blocks - encapsulates many of the thoughts and questions I've had about homeschooling even after determining I would. It has sparked a fire.

Martin Lindstrom - Buy-ology The American dream has become a phrase I like less & less. As patriotic as I am, it is often driven by the effort of purchasing & consuming. This is an excellent book that really sets off alarms for those who want to be awakened.

~~~~~~~
One leads to another, thanks for encouraging me to take stock, Mrs. Edwards. I am enjoying summer reading quality books. Trying not to settle for adult twaddle. Trying to appreciate the written page, especially none more so than God's Holy Word. I am so thankful for the numerous Bibles I have around. What a blessing to be able to turn to life-giving-words, at the tip of my finger.

Post a a link to your list if you want here! but be sure to visit Mrs. Edwards. Her library of books is so enjoyable & inspiring! Thanks Mrs. E.!


Be blessed~ Laura

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Our favorite list is almost identical! A couple I haven't read, but since you like the others that I like, I'm betting they're great reads as well (since we have girls, some of my reading is in that direction.). I'm reading Surviving Off Off-Grid right now. VERY thought provoking. I may not agree 100% with Michael Bunker, but it certainly has my brain thinking - which is what I like.

Laura at By the Bushel said...

@ Amy, always so glad to see you on the www. Prayers just now for you in your many pursuits. Your thoughts have spurred me on to keep on, keepin on... Thanks HsR!

Mrs. Edwards said...

Thanks, Laura! These sound interesting. I've read Rosemond, but not that one yet. Repairing the Ruins is one I should check out too. What is Millstones and Stumbling Blocks about? I'll have to look into it.

I, too, loved To Kill a Mockingbird.

Thanks for doing this with me!
Amy

Laura at By the Bushel said...

Amy,
I thank you for your thought provoking challenge! I am encouraged to read M & S because it captures many thoughts I've had about homeschooling, but have pressed on in faith. I can see the good, but it answers & states for me what I've been unable to put into words. It actually addresses church in our post-christian world as well, by capturing the entire effort as a person to raise children for and in this next generation. I am tempering my current reading with Ann V's One Thousand Gifts. Profound & artful. She's a beautiful writer inspiring in her gentle way. Cuts straight to it.
Again, thanks.. really.
Laura

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