Each week I share books I’m reading for my 2016 Reading 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!
Books I’m Reading
The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe
I just finished reading this book, which had been recommended to me by a friend of mine who is a nurse in palliative care. The End of Your Life Book Club tells the story of the author and his mother, who share conversations about books they have read during her treatment for pancreatic cancer. Through the books they read and the conversations they have, he comes to learn more about his mother as a person and to admire her even more. I love books about books, and this certainly fits that genre. I came away with a dozen books that I want to read soon. I also was inspired by Will’s mother, Mary Ann–her amazing life of service and her perspective on death and dying. A beautiful book about the love between a mother and son.
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
When I was a new teacher (and before I was married and with kids!), I decided to read every Newbery Award winning book. I managed to read all but two that I couldn’t find in print anywhere. I really enjoyed the challenge! However, over the last seven years (now that I am married and have kids), I’ve gotten behind on the newer award-winners. I’m trying to remedy that now. The One and Only Ivan is a sweet story of a gorilla in captivity who tries to save his young elephant friend from a small-cage life. A wonderful book for kids grades 3-6.
I also reread the second and third books of the Lockwood & Co series: The Whispering Skull and The Hollow Boy. I just love those books!
Links I Love
Faith
Holy Orthodox Mothers: St. Emmelia, Mother of St. Basil the Great Sylvia at Adventures of an Orthodox Mom shares the story of St. Emmelia. So inspiring!
Family
Do You Need a Technology Time Out? Is your technology out of control? Tickling the Wheat has some ideas for a technology time out.
Frugal Living
What is a Debt Snowball? Are you wanting to get rid of your debt? Stay at Home Yogi shares her family’s story using the debt snowball method.
What are you reading this week?
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Looks like The One and Only Ivan will be a book my boys really enjoy. Adding it to the To Read list.
I’m so glad! I have found that Newbery Award winners have often skewed “girl” in their target audience. However, The One and Only Ivan definitely appeals to both!