This list is of books I've completed in 2019, not including the Bible, chapters of Charlotte Mason's series, articles from Karen Andreola's fantastic issues of The Parents' Review, and a magazine I greatly enjoy but have little time to read, Table Talk. I hope you will find some of the titles and descriptions intriguing. Starred titles are ones that my children and I read together.
2019 Book List
A New Song by Jan Karon (1997). Yes, it’s another Mitford series book…only it doesn’t take place in Mitford! I wondered how the author could have the audacity, until I became wrapped up in Father Tim’s interim job as priest at St. John’s, off the NC coast. The Mitford crew isn’t altogether abandoned, and I was surprised to become endeared to the gang in Whitecap so quickly. It seems that delight is found wherever Father Tim and Cynthia go…how could there have been any doubt?!
God is in the Manger by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (compiled 2010). I look forward to reading this book every day, starting at the beginning of Advent, and ending on Epiphany, Jan. 6. It’s a joy to set aside a few quiet moments each day during this time to read Bonhoeffer’s ideas on Scripture, put with excerpts of his letters and sermons.
The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers (2018). Just when I think this author can’t get any better, she does it again! When Grace Moore becomes private assistant to reckless, moody artist Roman Velasco, they never imagine having anything in common. Slowly, both come to realize God’s redemption in healing two painful, broken pasts.
The Radium Girls by Kate Moore (2017). In a word…WOW!! This is the powerful story of women who painted clock dials with radium in two different factories during and after WWI, and the horrific suffering they incurred as a result of poisoning. Told from the points of view of the women, this book reads like a riveting biography, not as a scientific book of research.
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero (2006). I love Pastor Pete’s vulnerability about the religion he had versus a mature relationship with Christ. Through real life examples from his own experience, he encourages readers to pursue spiritual maturity. While an easy read, this is a hard call to deep change.
The Soul of Shame by Curt Thompson, MD (2015). This book is an excellent complement to Scazzero’s book, with a focus on shame. I have never heard shame examined so deeply. Thompson gives neurobiological explanations behind what happens to our brains in dealing with shame, but primarily focuses on what shame is, and gives readers confidence to begin healing from it. This book isn’t for those who can recall traumatic events, but rather for everyone, as shame builds from the slow, daily things that we often ignore or don’t realize. This is one of the most powerful, narrow-road, life-changing books I’ve ever read.
Hissing Cousins by Marc Peyser and Timothy Dwyer (2015). The title is continued as The Untold Story of Eleanor Roosevelt and Alice Roosevelt Longworth. I saw this in the library and it caught my attention. These women were first cousins, brought up very closely, yet complete opposites in personality and politics. I found myself irritated with both for many reasons, yet enjoyed learning about them. I would recommend this as an interesting look into the sad, dysfunctional details of the Roosevelt family.
*Leave it to Beaver by Beverly Cleary (1960). This book is based on the old TV show, which has always been one of my favorites, and now my children and I enjoy watching episodes together. We love the hilarious scrapes that Beaver and Wally get into, and the funny, old expressions they use. I found this and another similar Beaver book online several years ago, and was surprised that Cleary had written them. Reading a chapter of this book aloud together before bedtime is a nice way to end the day.
Beverly Cleary: A Girl From Yamhill by Beverly Cleary (1988). What a captivating autobiography this beloved author has presented! Many events of her childhood mirror situations that happen to her well-known characters of Ramona, Ellen Tebbits, and Henry Huggins. There are many scary, unfortunate parts of her childhood that Cleary also describes. The book only covers her life until age 18, and the end is abrupt; thankfully there is a sequel!
*Carry a Big Stick by George Grant (1996). This biography of Theodore Roosevelt is part of the Ambleside Online Year 5. Its rich vocabulary and description proved to be a challenge not only to my children, but also to me! What a fascinating man TR was, with his love of nature, the books he wrote, his full family life, his friendships, and of course, his life in politics. I especially enjoyed reading about the letters he wrote and journal entries, and how well-read he was. 
*George Washington Carver: Man’s Slave Becomes God’s Scientist by David Collins (1981). This book from the Sower’s Series is a rich, easy read. What an inspiring life Carver led as a learner and lover of God and nature! This living book is an ideal way to teach science and history.
*Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare. What a shame that our schools and society create the idea that Shakespeare is to be dreaded, or is somehow too hard to understand! I read this play in high school and made a 61 on the test. This time around, reading for pleasure’s sake with my children in the safety of our own school, I actually understood and enjoyed it. I’m grateful that my children (who are four and five years younger than I was when I failed the multiple choice test) had a different experience than my first; theirs included small portions of reading, with narration and ideas. This play wasn’t something to “get through” quickly and pass a test, but rather a work to spend almost a whole school year reading and pondering, getting to know the characters and their plights.
*King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table edited by Sidney Lanier (1950). We read the stunning edition from the Illustrated Junior Library over the course of an entire school year. There’s no way to pore over this challenging volume except slowly and deliberately. I was surprised to love this book, with its knights, jousting, damsels in distress, forest hideaways, royalty, swooning, hermits that provide shelter, and dwarfs that give aid. How many people have heard of this tale, yet have never actually read it from beginning to end? I recommend an edition in medieval-sounding English, which is part and parcel to the story.
Papa’s Wife by Thyra Ferre Bjorn (1955). I love the books about Mama and Papa, but started reading them out of order. In this first book, we meet Pastor Franzon as he and his wife, Maria, meet, marry, and later leave Sweden for America with their children. The reader can’t help but be captivated by the family’s charming antics, and the descriptions of Swedish customs and foods.
What Your Childhood Memories Say About You by Kevin Leman (2007). This is an okay book for someone just starting an emotional healing journey, but those farther down the road may require something deeper. The author spends a lot of time endearing himself to his reader. I wanted more depth and fewer stories about the author. He does a decent job of pointing out the basics of beginning healing, but could’ve used fewer words.
Bob Newhart by Jeff Sorensen (1988). It’s strange for someone my age to have an interest in a guy like Bob Newhart, but I’ve always liked his 1980’s comedy, “Newhart.” As adults, my husband and I enjoy the reruns and appreciate Newhart’s dry wit. When I grabbed this book at a sale, my friend remarked that I was probably the only one who’d picked it up the whole time. She might be right, but others are missing out. Bob Newhart has led an interesting life and career, and the author does a good job of describing the highlights.
Mother Culture for a Happy Homeschool by Karen Andreola (2018). My friend Karen has done it again: Here’s another soothing, uplifting, meaty read for homeschooling moms who don’t want to be bound to the status quo. To say that I love anything she writes is no exaggeration. This book, like her others, provides refreshing guidance and doable, simple ways to create freedom in homeschooling and “mother culture.” I will enjoy going back to this volume again and again. Thanks, Karen!
A Common Life by Jan Karon (2001). There’s always comfort in a Mitford book. This one is about the wedding of Father Tim and Cynthia, and how they and all of Mitford feel about the big event. As with anything in this series, my heart is warmed, and I don’t want it to end.
Village School by Miss Read (Dora Jessie Saint) (1955). I learned about Miss Read’s Fairacre series from Karen Andreola’s Mother Culture, and when I saw that Jan Karon recommended it, I knew it would be good. I admit it took me a couple of chapters to get into it, but as I kept on, I grew endeared to Miss Read, her pupils, and the people of Fairacre in England. This book has the warmth, coziness, quirky characters, and descriptive language that Mitford lovers enjoy. I can’t wait to read the next one, and Miss Read has a long list of titles waiting!
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith (1998). How glad I am that a dear friend told me about Mma Ramotswe, Botswana’s only lady detective! Not only are her capers captivating, but so are the customs of southern Africa. The author mixes heartbreaking details of Mma’s past with interesting tales of her current life, making this a fast, exciting read.
The Burden is Light! by Eugenia Price (1954). This vintage volume was spotted at a book sale, and my interest was piqued from the beginning by the first sentence: “I was born once and thirty-three years later I was born a second time.” Every follower of Christ will appreciate Genie’s story of how she came to know Him personally. I love the old-time descriptions, and the fact that she was from my dad’s hometown of Charleston, WV.
Tears of the Giraffe by Alexander McCall Smith (2000). The second book about Mma Ramotswe and her detective agency is as enchanting as the first. Her cases keep the reader interested, as well as twists in her personal life. The orphan children and Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni are especially endearing.
12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You by Tony Reinke (2017). The author has done extensive research on the effects that the smartphone has on our lives. He writes from a Christian perspective, giving practical insights about the overuse of our phones, and suggestions for better stewardship. The tone is understanding, not preachy, as Reinke himself admits to seasons of phone addiction. This is an easy read that applies to everyone, regardless of smartphone use patterns.
Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey by The Countess of Carnarvon (2011). This book written by the current Lady Carnarvon describes in fascinating detail the time when the 5th Earl and his wife Almina lived at Highclere Castle. Although the series “Downton Abbey” is based on this place and family, there are many differences. I enjoyed the historical events of the time period, especially Almina’s work in running a hospital in the castle during WWI.
A Tree for Peter by Kate Seredy (1941). Utterly charming with twists of sad and sweet, this little book is full of warmth and joy. It is the story of little Peter and how he overcomes the fear and darkness that enshroud the shantytown where he lives. Ideal for older elementary/middle school students, but a treasure for adults, too!
Don't forget The Cloud of Witness, lovingly republished by Nancy Kelly in 2015. I love this volume, but just didn't get to it as much this year as I would've liked. I've been more intentional as the year draws to a close, as this sweet book brings such richness in poetry and verses. If you want to get into poetry but aren't sure where to start, this provides a good daily dose.
Finally, I was grateful to receive several books for Christmas, but found two especially charming. Chiquito y Cola Rizada is second in the Children of the Americas series, published in 1957. It's more than a textbook, putting Spanish words into simple yet rich phrases and dialogues that are meaningful and get beyond elementary Spanish. This series is ideal for teaching my children as well as the students in my homeschool group class. 
And would you believe that this lovable book of West Virginia Stories and Biographies was tucked into my Christmas stocking? My husband has adopted the custom every Christmas of going to the same antique mall and hunting for at least two old books for me. This WV book was published in 1937 for use in that state's schools, and would lend itself wonderfully to narration. I've read some of it by the dim light of my bed at night; who knew there were once herds upon herds of buffalo in West Virginia? Also in my stocking was a small blue leather Ivanhoe, which the girls and I may read next school year.
Happy new year (and much happy reading!) to you!
