What I’m Reading This Week #11

Each week I share the books I am reading for my Read 100 Challenge and the links I love from around the blogging world.

Books I’m Reading

The Mother-Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick and Shireen Dodson

I have had this book on my “to read” list since I saw a great review from Anne at Modern Mrs. Darcy a few months ago.  And, the book did not disappoint.  This young adult novel addresses mother-daughter relationships, middle school friendships, identity, and family dynamics in a fun (and often hilarious) way.  As four very different girls are forced to read Little Women by their mothers for a book club, they grow  to understand and respect each other.  This would be a wonderful book to read with a daughter!

Perfect by Natasha Friend

At the end of each year I ask my students (7th graders) to tell me their favorite book they read that year.  I had a few girls mention Perfect, so I knew that I had to read it, too.  Perfect follows the story of Isabelle, who lost her father a few years before and tries to cope with the emptiness by bingeing and purging.  This powerful book deals with eating disorders, body image, and depression without feeling bleak or preachy.  It’s no wonder my students loved it.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

My sister-in-law handed this book to me as my husband and I were leaving on our child-free vacation.  She has flawless taste in books, so I eagerly began it.  I am so glad that I did!  Set in 1946 in postwar England, the book consists of letters to, from, or about Juliet Ashton, author of a popular book.  I can’t wait to finish this treat of a book.

Deep Down Dark by Hector Tobar

I have been on the wait list at the library for nearly six months for this book!  After hearing an NPR interview with the author, I knew that I just had to read the true story of the 33 Chilean miners trapped underground for sixty-nine days.  While they were underground, they all agreed that they would tell their story to a single author (Hector Tobar) so that he could share it with the world.  Do yourself a favor and read it!

Links I Love

Faith

Icons and Christian Worship

Confused about icons and their use in Orthodox worship?  Adventures of an Orthodox Mom has a great explanation you’ll want to read.

Creed of an Autism Mom

Maura beautifully expresses how she, as a mother of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder, sees Christ in her child.  A lovely, helpful website for anyone who has a child with ASD.

Family

Off-Beat Holidays in June: 44 June Bucket List Ideas

If you’re looking for interesting activities to do with your kids this summer, check out The More With Less Mom’s June bucket list!

18 Ways to Raise Your Child’s Reading Level

We all know the importance of reading over the summer to help a child maintain their reading level.  Resumes for Children has 18 practical ways to help your child improve their reading.

Frugal Living

The Easiest Do-It-Yourself Cash Envelope System

The cash envelope system is a proven method to help you budget your spending and reduce your use of credit cards.  Little Girl Designs has a fantastic tutorial for making your own!

7 Financial Habits to Start in Your 20s

Even if you are a little past your 20s, these fantastic tips from Living Well Spending Less will help you reevaluate your financial habits.

What are you reading this week?

(Linked to Modern Mrs. Darcy Quick Lit.)