What I’m Reading This Week #4

Each week I hope to share the books that I am currently reading for my Read 100 Challenge, as well as interesting links related to faith, family, and frugal living.

Books

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

So many bloggers that I respect have mentioned this book as one of their favorites, and I just had to check it out for myself.  I have only just begun, but I am already excited about its premise.  Duhigg has interviewed hundreds of people and companies who have changed their lives by changing their habits.  He also has extensively studied neurobiology and interviewed scientists involved in researching how habits affect the brain.  He says that 40% of our daily actions are done without conscious thought, but instead out of habit.  If we can change our habits, we can change our lives.  I am excited to continue reading this thought-provoking book.

The Mysterious Benedict Society and The Perilous Journey by Trenton Lee Stewart

I recently finished listening to The Mysterious Benedict Society on audiobook and couldn’t wait to read the next in the series.  This is a masterpiece of children’s literature–filled with adventure, intelligent children, dangerous situations, and humor.  I can’t recommend it highly enough for children in grades 4-8, or any adult who wants to remember what makes children’s literature so delightful.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

I spent two years living and working on the Zuni reservation in New Mexico.  Though I only have this limited experience of living and working with Native Americans, Alexie’s book–its subject matter, its tone, its humor, its philosophy–rings true with my experience.  The book is considered controversial because of its profanity, intense subject matter, and sexual references.  However, I am really glad that I started listening to it during my commute because it is thought-provoking and downright funny at times.

Enna Burning by Shannon Hale

This is the second in the Books of Bayern series.  I read the first, The Goose Girl, earlier this year.  I was captivated by its depiction of a girl who can talk to the wind.  The series features different characters who can speak with various elements–in the case of Enna, it is fire.  I was not quite as invested in Enna’s character as I was in Ani in The Goose Girl.  I  enjoyed it but still prefer the first of the series.

River Secrets by Shannon Hale

The third in the Books of Bayern series regained my love of the series.  Razo is an original, funny, appealing character who captured my interest right away.  His friend Dasha can speak to water, and together they help bring peace to two warring countries.  I read this book in one day because I couldn’t put it down!  If you enjoyed Hale’s Princess Academy (which I absolutely love!), then you’ll like this one, too.

Links I Love

Faith

It Matters  Matushka Emma at Charming the Birds from the Trees presents such a lovely picture of a peaceful, faithful Orthodox home.  This post reminds us to live a life that inspires our children.

Come and See   Are you curious about the Orthodox liturgy?  Molly at Close to Home poetically evokes the nature of the liturgy, while reminding us that the best thing to do is come and see.

Family

24 Healthy Breakfast Ideas for Busy Days  Are your mornings busy?  Sarah at Early Bird Mom gives an excellent list of quick, healthy, tasty breakfasts for busy school mornings.

My Kids WILL Be Bored This Summer  With summer fast approaching, many moms are beginning to fill their calendars with activities for their kids.  Jenae at I Can Teach My Child offers an alternate view of activity and boredom.

Frugal Living

11 Habits of People Who Are Debt Free  Would you like to be debt free?  Maureen at Debt Free Stress Free Living gives examples of habits that people who are debt free embrace in their every day lives.

9 Tips for Sticking To Your Budget   Do you plan a budget but then forget about it later?  Manuela at A Cultivated Nest gives helpful hints to help you stick to your budget.

What are you reading this week?