Each week I share the books that I am currently reading as a part of my Read 100 Challenge and the links that I love from around the blogosphere.
This was the first week of school. For teachers, that means it was Christmas! I love meeting my new students and sharing my love of reading with them. I begin each class period with 20 minutes of independent reading (thanks to inspiration from The Book Whisperer!). For the first couple of weeks of school, I read with them to give them an example. That means I’ve been able to read a lot this week! Woohoo!
Books I’ve Read
The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
I started The Naturals last week as my audiobook on my way to work each day. This is hands down one of the top three audiobooks I’ve listened to this year. The narration was amazing! Granted, the story is a bit creepy, so I wouldn’t recommend listening to it at night if you’re anything like me 🙂 In the novel, Cassie is a 17-year-old girl with a talent for profiling. Her talent gets her noticed by the FBI, which recruits her for the Naturals Program–a program for teenagers with gifts that help them solve cold cases. However, one case quickly turns real, as a serial killer begins stalking Cassie.
Killer Instinct by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
It has been a long time since I devoured a book in one sitting, but that it exactly what I did with Killer Instinct, the second book in The Naturals series. Cassie and her friends are back working on a new case that hits very close to home for her friend Dean. Barnes, a psychology professor, does an excellent job getting inside all of the character’s minds (including the killers), making this series a Criminal Minds for the teen world.
The Astronaut Wives Club by Lily Koppel
Is anyone else addicted to The Astronaut Wives Club miniseries this summer? My husband and I have in-home date nights to watch it! So, I knew that I had to read the book. I really knew very little about the Space Race (I may be showing my age a bit here), and it has been fascinating to learn about the Mercury program, along with the astronauts and their wives. Excellent nonfiction reading that I highly recommend!
Links I Love
Faith
Twelve Things I Love About Orthodoxy Thom Crowe shares his perspective on the Orthodox faith with a list of things (theological and otherwise) that he loves.
An Introduction to Orthodox Worship Space The well-known theologian, Frederica Matthewes-Green, has a short video (the first in a series) about the theology behind Orthodox worship space.
Family
20 Easy Ways to Flirt with Your Husband Of The Hearth shares 20 simple but fun ways to flirt with your husband. I’ll have to do the last one soon 🙂
What Every Mom Needs to Know about Estate Planning Many of us don’t want to think about planning for our deaths, but Ruth from Living Well, Spending Less reminds us that we need to do so for the sake of our family. A very practical post about a real issue.
Frugal Living
10 Apps Thrifty People Use to Save and Earn Do you have a Smart phone? Do you want to save or earn money? Snail Pace Transformations shows you how!
10 Simple Ways to Save When You Don’t Know Where to Start It is easy to become overwhelmed when you start trying to live frugally. Joyfully Thriving helps you find places to start saving.
On The Orthodox Mama This Week
Check out these posts from the past week!
The Worst Marriage Advice I Ever Received
What are you reading this week?
(This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy.)
(Linked to Modern Mrs. Darcy.)
Ah, first weeks of school! I think silent reading is incredibly important. I worked so hard to encourage reading in my 3rd and 4th graders. Now, after 11 years of teaching, I’m staying home…and encouraging reading in my 17 month old! 🙂 Many blessings on your upcoming school year! Thanks for sharing my link of ways to save!
You’re very welcome! I hope that you enjoy your year with your child!
I finished All the Single Ladies by Dorothea Benton Frank. It was a light pleasant read.
I started The Great Silence by Juliet Nicolson. It is about life in Britain in the years immediately following World War I. Very good so far.
The Great Silence sounds very interesting. Thanks for the recommendation!
Thanks for sharing my post on easy ways to flirt with your husband. Honestly, I’ve been having a lot of fun using the ideas. 🙂
Blessings as you start this school year. What an important role you will play in your students’ lives!
You’re very welcome. Thanks for a fun article 🙂