What We Read and Our Homeschool Read Alouds ll April 2024

 

Daring to Live on the Edge

by Loren Cunningham

Faith and finances are so intertwined.  When finances run tight, it's hard not to question God's faithfulness.  And when finances are plentiful, it's a temptation to feel like we MUST be in his will.  But is that really the way that kingdom finances really work?  This book had a lot of good points in it, lots to consider about how finances can be indicators, tests, temptations, and more!  It was generally a good read.  However, I had two sticking points that stumped me.  First of all, although the book says it's for everyone, whether in full-time ministry or not, I felt like 85+% of the book applied to ministry and missions positions.  Second of all, Daring to Live on the Edge felt very repetitive.  Cunningham tended to repeat himself and beat a concept to death.  Although I loved hearing his testimonies, sometimes it felt over done and a few chapters, I tended to zone out. 

Live Your Truth and Other Lies

by Alisa Childers

We've all heard it... Live Your Truth!  Follow Your Heart!  YOLO!  What if this "sage" advice is actually what's making us anxious and stressed out?  When followed to it's logical conclusion, where does this advice lead?  Alisa Childers tackles some of the most well-known mantras of this generation and examines them in light of Biblical truth, exposing their flaws.  So good, I've already passed it on to my 

16 year old daughter to read as well.

Now and Not Yet by Ruth Cho Simons

See my full review here.

 

 

Christian Heroes: William Carey and

Christian Heroes: Adoniram Judson

by Janet & Geoff Benge

We're continuing through the Christian Heroes with my 7th grader.  This is books 11 and 12 for our year and we've really enjoyed them.  They're inspirational and awe-inspiring.  They're also a great way for my son to be exposed to heroes of the faith.  This Christian Heroes series are well written and very engaging.  We're both loving them.

Here Lies the Librarian by Richard Peck

I just love Richard Peck's work.  He always writes with such delightful humor.  And the title of the one caught my eye with the same whit that's he's become known for.  This story is about two siblings, left to make their way in the world.  Jake, the older brother, is challenged to keep his garage running while trying to raise his little sister, Peewee, into a young lady.  Peewee, for her part, wants nothing to do with being a lady, but would rather spend her time working on cars along side Jake.  This story is an endearing story of a young girl trying to balance growing up with her own daring personality.  So funny.  And I especially loved the fact that no matter what, Jake and Peewee were family and looked out for one another.

Tree.Table.Book by Louise Lowry

See my full review here.

Loving Your Adult Children by Gaye B. Clark

See my full review here.

Gone Away Lake by Elizabeth Enright

Return to Gone Away by Elizabeth Enright

These books are AMAZING!  I'm not even sure where I heard about them, but I'm so glad I did.  Written in a similiar style to The Boxcar Children, they contain just enough mystery and suspense while still maintining a sweetness.  The characters are kind without being overly done, and exhibit the type of relationships we all wish our children to have.  So glad I found them before my youngest child outgrew this kind of story.  If you have elementary students, definitely add these two to your read aloud list.

What are you reading?