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
I am going incredibly slowly through this book. However, I am enjoying it greatly. 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. 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 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 Prisoner’s Dilemma by Trenton Lee Stewart
You know how you feel when you get to the end of a series? Simultaneously satisfied and sad? That’s exactly how I felt when I finished this book. I have loved the entire Mysterious Benedict Society series. They are the perfect blend of adventure, wit, humor, and heart. If you have any children between 4th and 7th grade (or ones reading on those levels), you should definitely recommend the series to them! Or, if you are an adult who enjoys good children’s literature–like me–then you shouldn’t pass up the chance to check out this book.
Forest Born by Shannon Hale
This is the final book in the Book of Bayern series. (What is it with me finishing series this week?) I love Shannon Hale’s writing–so beautiful and magical. Each book in the series contains a character who can speak to and through some aspect of nature. Forest Born introduces Rinna, who is able to speak to trees. Through her encounters with trees and people, both good and evil, Rinna learns more about who she is and the power for good that she holds. Lovely book for girls grades 4-8.
Links I Love
Faith
The Epic Search for an Orthodox Christian Curriculum Jennifer at Illumination Learning discusses the deep need for catechesis in Orthodox Churches–teaching of both children and parents.
For Such is the Kingdom of Heaven I was literally weeping by the time I finished reading this article from The Orthodox Christian Network encouraging parents to bring their children to church. It is a bishop’s reminder that children should be in church, and no one should prevent them from the entering the kingdom of heaven.
Family
Easy Craft for Mother’s Day The Multitasking Maven gives a tutorial on a Mother’s Day craft that I think even I could do. If you’re wanting to make gifts for grandmothers or godmothers, give it a try!
30 Ways to Have an Old Fashioned Summer With summer just around the corner, The Robin’s Nest Designs shares some great ideas for helping your kids have a relaxing, fun summer.
Frugal Living
Freezer Cooking–When Cooking Doesn’t Come Naturally My blogging friend Amanda over at Everyday Domestic has a great post about freezer cooking. Not sure what it is? Curious about finding ways to make your meal planning easier? Head on over and find out!
5 Tips to Save $60 a Month on Groceries Groceries are a huge expense for most families. Find 5 easy ways to save on your grocery bill!
What are you reading this week?
(This post contains affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.)
(Linked to Small Victories Sundays.)
Thank you very much for linking to my page! I’m glad it could help so many people. =)
Thanks for a great post!
Wow. I’m impressed. I wish I was fast enough to read two books a week. I am lucky to get through one a week. Are you on Goodreads? If you are, hope you will friend me at momssmallvictories. I love talking about books and always need recommendations for my middle schooler who is a faster reader than I am. Thanks for sharing with Small Victories Sunday linkup.
I do read quite a bit each week, but it helps that I am a middle school teacher. I start each class period with 15-20 minutes of independent reading–and I read, too! So, I get at least an hour a day in at school. I want to lead by example in my classroom, and studies have repeatedly shown that the best way to improve students’ reading test scores is to let them self-select books. I haven’t gotten onto Goodreads yet, but I will definitely look into it! Thanks for the suggestion.
I love to read and look forward to summer break when the night stand stack gets dwindled down.
Are you a teacher, too, Shandra? I definitely get more read during the summer time (though I do teach summer school). What books are you looking forward to this year?
Thank you for sharing my post about freezer cooking! I am impressed with how much you read! I am going to check out The Power of Habit!
You’re so welcome!