Each week I share books I’m reading for my Read 100 Challenge, as well as podcasts I’m listening to and links I love from around the blogosphere. I love to get recommendations, so please let me know what you are reading!
This week has been one focused on rest and self-care. Because of that, I have read several young adult fiction books, as they tend to help me relax the most. What do you usually read when you want to rest?
Books I’m Reading
Bread and Wine: a Love Letter to Life Around the Table by Shauna Niequist
I am only beginning this book, which was highly recommended by several bloggers whom I trust. The subtitle sums it up nicely–life around the table. A mixture of essay, recipe, faith, and memoir.
Adrift by Paul Griffin
Matt is a teenager from a working class neighborhood earning some extra money as a life guard for the summer. He and his friend John meet Dria–a beautiful, rich girl–and her two friends. A simple night at a party turns into a life and death struggle for survival on the open sea. Five teenagers adrift in a boat. Not all of them will make it back. I had to finish this book in one sitting just so I could see what happened next! If you have a teen who is resistant to reading, Adrift will certainly reel them in! Recommended for grades 6-12 (or adults who love YA like me!).
Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper
Melody is an extremely bright young girl; however, no one knows because she has never spoken a word. Melody has cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheelchair, unable to share her thoughts with others. Most people assume that she has little intelligence and treat her accordingly. When Melody reads about Stephen Hawking and his computer, she persuades her parents to get her her own. Now that Melody is able to show the world who she is, will people treat her differently? I had Out of My Mind on my list of books to read for years and am so glad that I read it this week. A fantastic book for helping children gain empathy for people with special needs. Highly recommended for grades 4-12.
(By the way, this is an absolute STEAL right now on Amazon–only $4.50! Get it fast. I haven’t seen a price this low before. A great Christmas present for a tween or teen in your life.)
Spindle’s End by Robin McKinley
I have been a huge Robin McKinley fan for years. The Hero and The Crown and The Blue Sword are two of my all-time YA fantasy favorites. I also love her fairy tale retellings, especially Beauty. Spindle’s End is a retelling of the Sleeping Beauty story, like you’ve never read before. Filled with magic, fairies, talking animals, yet maintaining a sense of reality, the novel has completely captivated me. I don’t feel as attached to the characters as I have in other McKinley novels, but it is certainly a great read.
Links I Love
Faith
Make Your Own Prayer Binder Adventures of an Orthodox Mom has a very practical and inspiring post on making a prayer binder.
Pray for Me Nearly Orthodox writes a beautiful reminder of the honor of asking for prayer and praying for others.
Family
4 Super Simple Healthy Desserts for Toddlers Favored Mom shares ideas for some sweet treats for the little ones (and the grown ups who love them!).
10 Quick Tips for Helping Your Baby Learn to Love Fruits and Veggies My friend Carissa from Creative Green Living provides some great tips for parents as they raise healthy eaters.
Frugal Living
Natural Homemade Cleaning Recipes Making your own cleaning solutions is a great way to save money and go green at home. Early Bird Mom has a nice roundup of easy recipes.
The Best Things to Buy in October We all know that shopping in season call help save money. But, I bet you didn’t know some of the things that will be on sale this October. Frugally Blonde gives a great list!
On The Orthodox Mama
Start a Blog Right Now in 6 Easy Steps
5 Things We Choose to Splurge On
What are you reading this week?
(This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.)
This week is much a continuation of last week. (Long books!)
Few Eggs and No Oranges by Vere Hodgson
A Pattern of Lies by Charles Todd
Deep South by Paul Theroux (We are taking turns reading this aloud to each other each evening.)
Florence, I love hearing your recommendations. Keep them coming! I also love that you are reading a book out loud together. My husband and I love road trips for that reason.
Thanks for the love!! : ) I am always so inspired by your posts!!