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 promise you all I will finish this book this week! 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 Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen
Track star Jessica is involved in a horrific car accident that kills a team member and takes her own leg. Now an amputee, Jessica must relearn how to move, walk, fit in at school, and find hope. This my new audiobook for my commute, and I am loving it! A fantastic book for children grades 6-12 which explores strength, friendship, special needs, and empathy.
Peak by Roland Smith
Fourteen-year-old Peak comes from a family of climbers. When his habit of climbing skyscrapers lands him in juvenile detention, his estranged father takes him to Nepal. There Peak discovers that he is going to be a publicity stunt for his father’s new climbing expedition company, as he attempts to become the youngest climber ever to top Mt. Everest. Peak was filled with action, adventure, and family dynamics If you have a teenage boy who does not like to read, this book may tempt him! Recommended for both boys and girls grades 6-12.
Links I Love
Faith
“The Young Person’s Guide to Getting More Involved in Your Parish” by The Orthogals
Looking for ways to help out your parish? This is a great resource!
“How To: Using a Prayer Rope” by Adventures of an Orthodox Mom
Curious about what a prayer rope is and how it is used in Orthodox spirituality? This is a fantastic explanation.
Family
“My Favorite Fictional Mothers” by Modern Mrs. Darcy
In honor of Mother’s Day, Anne at Modern Mrs. Darcy selected some of top fictional mothers of all time. This list included two of my favorites!
“15 Steps to Raising a Good Traveller” by We 3 Travel
Thinking of taking a trip this summer? Wanting to incorporate travel into your family culture? Take a look at these ideas.
Frugal Living
“Save Money on Groceries With a Price Book” by Simple Joys of Home
This is one of my favorite money-saving tips. Learn how to create a price book to help you identify rock-bottom prices at the grocery store.
“How to Save Money at Target” by Humble in a Heartbeat
If you are like me, you do a fair amount of shopping at Target. Check out these great tips that will help you save money every time that you shop.
What are you reading this week?
(Linked to Pintastic Party, Quick Lit at Modern Mrs. Darcy.)
That second book you recommend for boys sounds quite an exciting plot. Keep up the good reading.
Kathleen
As a teacher, there is nothing I love more than finding and recommending great books! This is one of my favorite posts to write each week 🙂
I can remember my son reading Peak a few years ago and really enjoying it! I bet his younger brother would like it even better. Thanks for reminding me of it. I’m in the middle of reading Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Page for myself. And I’ll probably share it with my 8th grader (soon to be freshman, yikes!) if he wants to read it as well.
So fun that you get to share books with your kids! Mine are little too young right now 🙂
I look forward to following your picks for teen books!
#pintastic pinterest party
I really liked Gretchen Rubin’s Better Than Before about habits; so, I think I need to try Duhigg again. I don’t think I had enough time via my electronic library loan before I could finish it! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
I am reading Gretchen Rubin’s “Happier at Home” right now! I absolutely love it. I’ll have to check out “Better Than Before.” Thanks for the suggestion!
I just reviewed Power of Habit this month as well. Like you I really enjoyed it, but it took me forever to finish. I wonder if that is a common experience.
Funny! I found that I could only read it in small chunks. There was a lot of great information and some really interesting case studies and stories, and my brain wanted to be able to process each individually. I’m glad you liked the book!