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Here we go again! Headed into a new year, with new goals and ideas, fresh insight and decluttered rooms. At least that's the hope, right? I used to make New Year's resolutions, but after I found myself making a resolution to read Gone With the Wind for the third year in a row, I realized resolutions just weren't for me. I do, however, like setting goals for myself. One of the things I've worked hard at this last year is spending more time reading. I really love and adore reading, but found myself making lots of excuses why I just couldn't do it in this stage of life with three small children, keeping a home and homeschooling. When I decided to find a way to make it work, I really outdid even what I thought was possible!
So here's how I did it. I said NO to several things so that I could instead read for a few minutes. I left the laundry unfolded for a few more minutes. I spent less time scrolling instagram. I woke up earlier in order to get in a few chapters before I jumped into a busy day of preparing meals, changing diapers, teaching, cleaning, and breaking up fights. I turned on Netflix less after the kids went to bed. Sometimes it was a sacrifice, but most of the time I was eager to get back where I left off, and I read some really good books this fall! If you're looking for suggestions, I've got some amazing ones for you!
by Sally Clarkson
If I haven't already expressed my absolute adoration of Sally Clarkson, let me do it here. She is so many of the things I aspire to be. This book focuses on the importance of meals shared at home as a way of connecting with your kids and opening up their hearts. I have loved every single thing I have read that she has written (and there is a lot!), but this one just resonated with me more than the others. This was my very favorite passage in the entire book and made me look at my role as a parent in such a different light.
"There is a limit to what I can do to protect them from what the world throws at them. But I can listen to them and help them sort out their thoughts and feelings--if I choose to make myself available when they need me. And so availability became a habit of my life over many years. Making myself emotionally available to them when they needed it was a choice I learned to make again and again--a choice that helped forge a deep connection with each of them. I became the confidant for my children and others, so that as they grew older, they would still have the habit of coming to me. Availability in attitude and time has been the key to opening deeper relationships among us."
This one is a gem, and you won't regret the time you put into reading it!
The Vanishing American Adult: Our Coming-Of-Age-Crisis and How to Rebuild a Culture of Self-Reliance
by Ben Sasse
I quickly became a fan of senator Ben Sasse as I dove into this one. Its focus is on how many of the coming of age rituals that were once pivotal in forming who we become as adults, either no longer exist or are being put off for far too long. I found it alarming and just downright discouraging at times, but also very motivating as Aaron and I strive to teach our children to be responsible and contributing adults to our society.
by Wendell Berry
You guys. I can't even begin to put into words my love for this book. It wrecked me in so many ways and had me in tears more than once. But I will never forget it and I believe it will be one I pick up a few more times throughout my life. I read it as part of an online book club that I am part of, and had never before heard of it or the author. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. It speaks to the loss of community in our current day. I told somebody recently that I believe it changed my life and then quickly wondered if that was just overly dramatic. But upon further reflection, that's exactly what it did. It changed my life. If you choose just one of the books on this list to read, let this be the one.
by Clay & Sally Clarkson
I told you I love Sally Clarkson! This is her newest book and I loved it just as much as every single one of her other books.
by Tana French
This one was soooooo good! I have been wanting to dive into the world of Tana French for quite some time, but have been overwhelmed with all of the choices! So I reached out to a gal I follow on instagram that has shared about her love for this author. She told me to start with this one, and goodness I'm glad I did! If you're looking for a good murder mystery, pick this one up!
by Lisa Jewell
Meh. I didn't like this one. I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't continue a book that wasn't holding my interest because nobody has time for that. But I did finish this one, which I guess says something about it. I found the story taking turns that were annoying and unrealistic and while it isn't one I would recommend, I did finish it, so I wanted to add it to my list. ;)
by Delia Owens
I really liked this one you guys. It was a beautiful coming-of-age story that had me not wanting to put it down. It is steeped in nature and made me want to get out and explore the North Carolina coast.
by Chanel Cleeton
This was probably one of my favorite reads this fall. It was a surprise to me and I nearly missed out on it! Ever have all of your library holds come in at once? Happens to me often and I have to either buckle down and make a more conscious choice to read throughout the day, or I just have to return them and request them again. This one had about four days left before I had to return it and I decided to at least start it to determine whether I wanted to put a hold back on it. It didn't take more than a couple of chapters for me to realize this book wasn't going back until I read the entire thing. I loved it! It moves back and forth between Cuba's political unrest of the late 50s and current day Cuba. I've never read a thing about this time in Cuba's history, and I was so intrigued with it. The story was interesting and full of secrets and was a total page turner for me.
by Maxwell King
Is there anyone more lovely than Mr. Rogers? My children adore him even now! While the book itself was a bit dry and stodgy, I find Fred Rogers fascinating and was eager to learn more about his life before and after Mr. Roger's Neighborhood. He championed kindness like no one else, and I'm more than happy to let my kids learn from him. His life encourages me to be more patient, more gracious, and more kind with everyone I come in contact with.
So there you have it friends! My reading list grows daily and I find myself wishing for more time so that I could whittle away at it a bit quicker. However having a list of reading material that I'm actually excited to dive into is motivating, so I'm also glad it's there. It keeps me reading! If you are looking for a more daily dose of reading suggestions, follow my friend Carla on instagram at @happiestwhenreading. She is an avid reader and is forever making my To Read list longer.
I'll be putting up a post on our first semester read alouds for homeschool in the next couple of weeks so stay tuned! Happy reading!