What I Read:
The Familiar Stranger by Tyler Staton
See my full review here.
Out of a Far Country
by Christopher Yuan and Angela Yuan
This book has been on my to-read list for a while. The son of Chinese immigrants, Christopher Yuan got good grades, listened to his parents, and dutifully took piano lessons. He seems like the model son... until he wasn't. After coming out to his parents in his early 20s, Chris distanced himself from his family. His mother Angela found herself in a dark place, ready to end her own life. Eventually, she learned to relinquish control and place her son in God's hands. Chris' life takes a different turn... dropping out of college, dealing drugs, and eventually being arrested. There were points in this autobiography that were really challenging to read, times when Christopher Yuan described the drug scene that he was involved in. But overall, Out of a Far Country is a beautiful story of family and redemption. So glad I finally got my hands on a copy.
The Green Kingdom by Cornelia Funke
See my full review here.
Should Christians Support Israel? by Jeff Myers, Ph.D.
Following the October 7th 2023 attack, Dr. Jeff Myers travels to Israel in search of a better understanding of a very complex situation. Through firsthand accounts and historical background, Myers brings light to the Israel-Palestine conflict. More than just a land dispute, this book discusses the worldview through which people groups see the world and their ultimate drive in this conflict. Whether you ultimately agree with Myers or not, this book is full of historical and philosophical information, helping to better frame the Middle East conflict. I learned so much by reading this book. It's a great place to start in understanding the complex times we live in.
Our Homeschool Read Alouds:
Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
Morrigan Crow is one of the cursed children. Everything she does causes heartache for those around her. Even when she's trying to stay out of trouble, she finds herself accidentally cursing someone. Luckily for her district, being a cursed child, she's doomed to die at midnight on her 11th birthday. That is until a mysterious benefactor whisks her away to Nevermoor and makes her his apprentice. Here, she finds that she's not really cursed after all. In fact, she's praised for her amazing gifts and talents. Still, there's something her mentor isn't telling her and it leaves Morrigan wondering if there isn't some dark magic in her after all. This was a fun fantasy fiction that my 13-year-old and I both enjoyed. There are some dark moments, specifically when Morrigan must go through the fright trial for her apprenticeship. She finds herself in a cemetery being chased by witches and spirits. This was definitely the hardest part of the book to read. Although it's marketed to a younger audience, I would probably wait till about 12 or 13 years before reading this one with my kids.
Farewell to Manzanar by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston
& James D. Houston
A firsthand account of the Japanese Internment Camps established during World War II, Farewell to Manzanar follows one family's story as they fight for community, heritage, and being recognized as Americans. Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston recounts leaving her Long Beach fishing community and arriving at Manzanar, a primitive camp set up in the high desert country of California. There she struggles between her Japanese heritage and an emerging American identity. We read this book as part of our World War II study. It's a good book, but there is some indication of men looking at girls inappropriately so I would recommend reading this one with your children to clarify with discussion.
Christian Heroes: Charles Mulli
by Janet and Geoff Benge
Still reading those Christian Heroes books. This one was especially interesting as we read that Charles Mulli rose up from his rough childhood to becoming a successful businessman and eventually reaching out to street kids in his community. This is one of my favorites that I've read in the series.
Children of the Storm by Natasha Vins
Another autobiography this month... Natasha Vins' father was a Baptist pastor in the Soviet Union during the 1970's. This is their family's story of house raids, going underground, imprisonment, and exile... all for pursuing their faith. Very good.
What are you reading?
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