What I Read:
Tea with Elephants by Robin Jones Gunns
Fern and Lily have known each other for 20 years. After spending a summer together on a mission trip to Costa Rica, the girls became fast friends and dreamed of traveling the world together. But life took them in a different direction. Through marriage and babies, career changes and across the miles, the two have stayed in touch, drifting further and further from their plans of travel and changing the world. So when an unexpected trip to Africa pops up, they can hardly believe their luck. But things aren't always as they appear. Underneath the surface, both women are facing challenges and shifts in their personal lives. Will they be able to reconnect and support each other through the ups and downs? And will they find strength to surrender to God's plans for their futures? It's a sweet story of friendship and adventure ... reconnecting friendships and working through life's challenges... this is a cozy winter read without too much drama or heartache. It did read a bit unrealistic as the issues presented in Fern and Lily's lives were too easily resolved. Still it made for a nice light read and escape from reality.
Christian Heroes: Norman Grubb
by Janet & Geoff Benge
Another well-written biography as part of the Christian Heroes series, Norman Grubb is a man with a heart for Africa. He and his wife dream of assisting her father, C.T. Stubb, on the mission field. But over the years, they find themselves back home, helping to stabilize and reimagine the mission organization. As an essential part of Worldwide Evangelistic Crusade, InterVarsity Fellowship, and the Christian Literature Crusade, among other organizations, Grubb plays a key role in world missions. Truly inspiring story about how the Lord used one man's "YES" in the most unexpected ways.
Don't Stop Praying by Matthew West
See my full review here.
Anne of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery
Book Six in the Anne of Green Gables series, Anne of Ingelside follows Anne and Gilbert as they parent their lot of children. This book is made up of all the little stories that go into parenthood and living in a small town. The children behave as young children do, and Anne often steps in with her wisdom and occasionally the imaginative life that she lived as a child herself.
The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner
Ruthie doesn't remember her father. The prophet of the LeBaron Colony in Mexico, he was killed by his brother in a power grab for control. Her mother has since remarried and become a 2nd wife. She grows up, splitting her time between the States where her mother can receive assistance, and Mexico where the family lives in near squalor. Lane, Ruth's stepfather, also presents a threat when he's around. This book is a look into the sad reality that many in this religion face: poor living conditions, low self-esteem, lack of resources and time, financial and physical abuse (among other abuses). It's also the story of one woman who saw through her upbringing and determined to save herself. Emotional, heartbreaking, and revealing... if you're ready for a deeper look into polygamy and its effect on children, this is one to read.
Our Homeschool Read Aloud:
Magnitude by Jennifer A. Nielsen
See my full review here.
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