Callapidder and Viking Spring Reading

Welcome to the virtual Viking Hus! My little pillagers and I are out and about today but I wanted to make sure I jumped in with Katrina and her Spring Reading Thing which kicks off today!

As I started to think about my list for this challenge, I tried to balance out my fiction and nonfiction as usual and diversify the types of nonfiction into a parenting book, a Christian-themed book, etc.

But, as I went through my wish list (now at over 150 possibilities at Paperbackswap.com), the same types of books started jumping out at me. So, I'm dropping my usual fiction/nonfiction set-up to jump in with a tandem-themed list.

The first thing I noticed about my wish list was the number of history and fiction related the my great home state. So, to honor my poor strugglin' Michigan, I have four possibilities about the Great Lakes state:

Guiding The Way From Middle Neebish by Edward T Cook (interlibrary loan)
Isadore's Secret: Sin, Murder, and Confession in a Northern Michigan by Mardi Link (interlibrary loan)
Lake effect : two sisters and a town's toxic legacy by Nancy A. Nichols. (LT library)
Pandora's Locks: The Opening of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway by Jeff Alexander (SJ library)

Then, I happened to notice that many of the books on my list were ones put there at Dave Ramsey's recommendation. Now, obviously, I didn't exactly talk to him personally about this but Dave does keep a well-stocked and fairly diverse list of books he recommends beyond his own.

So, in honor of Dave and with DaHubby's graduation and "new life" and career just 6 weeks away, I'm going with the following Dave Ramsey recommendations:

More Than Enough by Dave Ramsey (home)
48 Days to the Work You Love by Dan Miller (home)
The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard (home)

Now, that's seven nonfiction books in 12-13 weeks. While it may appear to be a reasonable goal, I've NEVER done one of Katrina's challenges without at least ONE fiction book. LOL So, I'm hoping I don't get bogged down too badly.

If you are interested in what everyone else is reading or maybe just looking for some good ideas for some summer reading, stop by Katrina's place and check out the sign-up list here.

Spring Reading Thing 2009

Happy first day of Spring!!

And, no March 20th would be complete without Katrina throwing down the gauntlet again - just as the weather here in Michigan is FINALLY improving, she's challenging us to hunker down and tackle a stack of books! LOL

Her Spring Reading Thing challenge starts today! And, she wants to know what we'll be figuratively chewing on the next 10 weeks. In the interest of balance, I tried to pick a mix of fiction and non-fiction this time....so here goes:

NONFICTION
Underground History of American Education by John Taylor Gatto
A Charlotte Mason Education by Christine Levinson
Jesus Take The Wheel: 7 Keys to a Transformed Life with God by Stuart Migdon
Grace Based Parenting by Tim Kimmel
The Girl's Like Spaghetti: Why, You Can't Manage without Apostrophes! by Lynn Truss

FICTION
Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber
The Heretic's Daughter: A Novel by Kathleen Kent
Magi by Daniel L. Gilbert
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

Ambitious? OH, yea! But, we'll see! Stop by Katrina's (I'll put in the direct link when she puts up her post) and see what everyone else is tackling. (I ended up changing my list at least twice when I see what the other participants have chosen! LOL) And, good luck!

Spring Reading Thing wrap up

I just can't believe that it's been over 10 weeks since Katrina started her 2008 Spring Reading Thing. It just doesn't seem possible. And, as a former book nut who had time to devour multiple books a week, I'm kinda embarrassed how this challenge turned out! LOL

But, since one of my New Year's resolutions for 2007 was to read ONE book a month, I guess by that standard I did all right! LOL

In my initial post, I set a goal of nearly all non-fiction - a change that provided a large challenge. My original list included:

The Real Mary: Why Evangelical Christians Can Embrace the Mother of Jesus by Scot McKnight which I am one chapter from completing.

Healing for Damaged Emotions by Davids Seamands which I completed.

Debt-Free Living by Larry Burkett Did not start this one yet.

Fear of the Lord by John Bevere Did not start this one yet either.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Nope - didn't start this one either.

Either a Maria Montessori biography OR The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court The good news for this two? I'm in the middle of a Montessori how-to book called The Mommy Manual PLUS I completed the doorstop that was the one about the Supreme Court.

Maybe a Lynn Truss Nope didn't get to this one either.

I also received Girl Meets God by Lauren Winner via PaperbackSwap.com which I had been waiting on for a while so I read that as well even though it wasn't on my original list.

So, for my final tally: 3 completed, 2 in progress/nearly done, and 4 "misses". *sigh* But, it's a lot more reading than I was doing from Christmas 'til March! LOL The Nine held me up for a while - it took nearly a month but it was fascinating.

For some better success stories than I was able to relate (LOL), go to Katrina's Mr. Linky today and see how the other participants did!

Spring Reading Thing

Katrina runs some GOOD reading challenges. Seasonal. Relatively short. Non-competitive. Leisurely but accountable. I love 'em! LOL And, today begins her Spring Reading Challenge for 2008! For the next 12 weeks, we are to tackle a reading goal set entirely by our own whims and love of books.

Normally, I would stick to fiction for most of this. Easy for me. Quick reads, brain candy since my brain power is so taxed lately keeping the Vikings from escaping from the house or going into a sugar coma. However, I'm stickin' to nonfiction this time around and we'll see how it goes.

I'm estimating about 2 weeks per book...thus 6 books. (The first two count as one since I'm halfway through each! LOL) And, here is my list:

Finishing The Real Mary: Why Evangelical Christians Can Embrace the Mother of Jesus by Scot McKnight

Finishing Healing for Damaged Emotions by Davids Seamands

Debt-Free Living by Larry Burkett As a mentor of sorts to Dave Ramsey, I'm hoping this complements our recent get-outta-debt attitude.

Fear of the Lord by John Bevere I've been trying to read this for several years and feel like I may finally be far enough along in my walk with Christ and "mature" enough in my faith to give it another try.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen A classic, I know. But, my interest was rekindled by my re-introduction to it by PBS.

Either a Maria Montessori biography to complement some homeschool research OR The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court which just sounds juicy- depends on my local library

Maybe a Lynn Truss - maybe this one or this one

So, stop by Katrina's place today and see what else everyone's reading this Spring. And, as Katrina says:

"...if you want to focus on non-fiction this spring, go for it. If you'd rather use the challenge to structure your family reading time, do it. If you only have three books on your list, don't worry about it. If you get half-way through this spring and decide to change your whole list, that's no problem. The point of the challenge is to give you a chance to set goals that you want to set. There's no pressure, there's no "minimum number of books." Make a list that suits you and your current situation and goals, and join in!"

So, do what she says...JOIN IN! *wink*

In Like A Lion; Out Like A Lamb! *wink*

Today is the last day of Katrina's challenege: Spring Reading Thing. And, she's asked those of us who participated to give a wrap-up. Here is where this post's quirky title comes in! LOL

My original list was very different from what I accomplished. Of the four books I set out to read, I completed two of them: Bringing Up Boys and Obsession.

However, I completed another five: When You Rise Up, Kingdom Come, Gone, Homeschooling For Dummies, and the book I won from one of Katrina's awesome giveaways, Lightning and Lace.

On the plus side, I completed all seven of my books in the first 8 weeks of the challenge. Which means...I haven't completed any more since mid-May. *sigh* I really pooped out after the fiction ran out! LOL While completing that many books in that short of time after not reading for so long felt AMAZING, once I got to some of the non-fiction which needed full concentration and brain expansion capabilities - I got "de-motivated'! LOL

But overall, it was a VERY positive experience! THANKS KATRINA! You rock!

SRT#7: Lightning and Lace by DiAnn Mills

OK, I'm just being transparent here. Not only was this book NOT on my list of books to read for the Spring Reading Thing challenge, but normally Christian "chick lit" is NOT my thing. LOL

The familar historical novels with struggling women overcoming some life-altering thing and mending relationships with significant others while learning to trust God more have always been a little too "Harlequin" for me. And, no, it doesn't help if it's set in modern time because it's usually in a big city that I can't (or don't want to) relate to. LOL

So, while I was THRILLED to have finally won something from a contest, when I won this book from one of Katrina's awesome giveaways, my expectations were not high. How wrong I was!

I received it from the author (autographed!) last Thursday and had it read in just over 24 hours! LOL It had a solid story line, a bad guy you loved to hate, a plot that moved quickly, and nothing seemed particularly "hokey". The characters seems honest, possible, and flawed for pete's sake. No glossed over simplifcations or generalizations here - well, not much anyway. *wink*

This is the first book of this type that I have read. And, if all of DiAnn Mills books are this good, I may have a new summer reading favorite!

SRT #6: Homeschooling for Dummies

OK, I'm SO far off my list that I proposed to follow when I started this Spring Reading Thing with Katrina but I AM proud of how much reading I've gotten done! LOL

I got Homeschooling for Dummies and A Complete Idiot's Guide to Homeschooling at the same time via Ebay. Without going into how DaHubby and I REALLY dislike this "Dummies" and "Idiot's Guide" thing, let me say this: I read "Homeschooling for Dummies" cover to cover and probably have 30+ sticky notes working as tabs at the top of the book for things I'll go back and use. That is not the case so far with the other.

There are seven "chapters" or parts: Heading to Homeschooling, Tackling Kids of Any Age, Basic Curriculum Options, Nailing Down the Details, Making Your Year Sing With Extras, the Part of Tens (10 educational games and 10 most common homeschooling fears), and the worth-their-weight-in-gold appendixes on curriculum, resources, associations, and glossary of "education-speak" that drives non-teacher-trained (as well as teacher-trained) folks insane.

The parts that will at first glance help me the most right now are pages on arguments for people claiming my kids won't be socialized, lowering costs, helping me find the proper legal resources so I know my rights and responsibilities, public domain/copyright/fair use issues, and organizational ideas.

This is easy to read, well-organized, and simple to understand. It addresses homeschooling from different perspectives in terms of why you are homeschooling and what you will teach in a way that's inclusive. It covers the spectrum from school-at-home classical curriculum to unschooling.

If you are at the beginning of your home schooling research like I am, I'd suggest picking up a used copy of this book. Don't know that I would have spent $20 for this book but since a "very good" copy can be purchased at Half.com for under $7 not including media mail shipping, I'd jump on it.

If you would like to see some of the books the other 270+ people are reading, there are a list of participants here and some of the reviews here.

SRT #5 - Obsession by J. Kellerman

Am I a glutton for punishment for what? LOL Didn't I just post 15 days ago that I had read a Kellerman book and that I was less than impressed? Well, I'm claiming "library guilt"! I put a hold on it, they told me to come get it, I had it in the house, so I HAD to read it,right?! *wink* It's like the "why climb the mountain? Because it's THERE" argument

Short version - better read than "Gone". Some good twists and turns of plot. Petra Connor, another of Kellerman's characters from another series, appears in this story. Some loose ends here and there. Eventually, Kellerman made the character that initially needed Alex and Milo's help so wimpy and such that you stop rooting for her. And, finally, for once, it's not Alex Delaware caught unawares at the end but someone else. As a side note, we also get to see a bit more into his buddy Milo's life.

Good brain candy. Nothing fancy. I've got one more "the-library-held-it-so-I-have-to-read-it" mystery by Patricia Cornwell and I'm getting back on the "serious" bandwagon! LOL I promise. My brain's starting to turn to mush!

Go over to Katrina's site to see what seriously good-for-them books everyone else is reading!

SRT Book #4 - Kingdom Come (Left Behind #13)

I admit it. I started the Left Behind series reluctantly. My girlfriend since childhood recommended the first one several years ago. We come from different faith backgrounds so I hesitated. I struggled through the first half of the first book bored to tears but then something grabbed me. I spent the rest of that summer devouring all the others published up to that point and have waited impatiently for each release since then. So, yes, I'm a Left Behind convert! LOL

Anyway, I noticed while perusing somewhere online in February and saw that #13, Kingdom Come, was being released in March. So, I emailed one of my trusty local library staff and asked (1) IF they were getting it and (2) if so, could I be put on the hold list? They were a little confused. They didn't even realize it was coming out then. But, they would gladly list me as first to get it. So, 2 weeks ago, I got the brand spankin' new copy in my hot little hands! And, I finished it last night since it was due today to some other lucky reader! *wink*

Anyway, still enjoyed it but it wasn't my favorite. Hard to create conflict initially after Jesus' Second Coming when all non-believers are dismissed from the earth! What's there to disagree about? LOL After taking several (and I mean several) chapters to get the reader caught up with all the characters, what Heaven was like for those that had been raptured and martyred, and what everyone's first impressions of Jesus' initial reign of the Millennium, FINALLY a conflict arose which played out quickly to the end. This book technically covers that 1,000 years. However, it is in 3 different settings: immediately after the Second Coming, a hundred years later (the majority of the book), and then finally at the end of the Millennium.

Now, to be honest, I am woefully deficient in my end times knowledge. And, at least for now, I'm having faith that the authors (especially Mr. LaHaye with all his training, knowledge, and study) are following the Scriptures closely. And, I'm obviously aware that this is all a fictional portrayal. That being said...I found this book awakening my awareness of some seriously wishy-washy things in my spirit. LaHaye's depiction of these characters' faith, devotion, and belief in Christ was convicting. And, one thought has been running over and over in my head for several days...

"If I can't defend Him, why would He defend me?"

I claim Him as Lord but do I "put my money where my mouth is"? How does my proverbial rubber hit the road? If for some reason I am NOT raptured, would I be able to repent, get right, and face all that these characters have faced with the faith they've demonstrated? Hmmm...

So, I've found myself more conscious on a daily basis about my faith walk and witnessing. I've never led someone to Christ but what an amazing thing if I could! I find myself becoming defensive when (once again) a friend and fellow believer is told to "ease off" or change something about what she is doing because she is offending a non-believer in our MOMS group. If the group is *really* trying to be inclusive of everyone's beliefs, why do we have to change ours? And, if she (and by association "we") agree to change, are we denying Christ?

"If I can't defend Him, why would He defend me?"

OK, so this isn't much a review...more of a reflection. But, despite some narrative weaknesses, this book made me *really* think. And, I believe that justifies me encouraging others to read it!

Head over to Katrina's to see what others are reading and what they have to say about it!

SRT: Book #3 - Gone

This is another book for my Spring Reading Thing which is being hosted by Katrina. And, like with my #2 book, this book was not on my original list. LOL I wanted to read "Obsession" - another book by Jonathan Kellerman, but this one came in at the library first! *wink*

Kellerman has been one of my "summer brain candy" authors for several years. My step-dad (a masters candidate in psych) got me SO hooked on Kellerman's character, child psychologist, Alex Delaware. So, it is ALL his fault that I've read all twenty (yea, two-zero) of the Delaware stories.

Unfortunately, I found myself bored with this one. Same ol', same ol'. Delaware's independently wealthy, aw shucks attitude. His commitment issues. The back and forth between his old and recently ex- girlfriends. The long friendship with Milo Sturgis, hard-nosed but gay L.A. homicide detective, who gets him all caught up in trouble regularly. The "surprise" attack that always seems to befall Alex in the last 2-3 chpaters and Milo comes riding to the rescue. And,the crimes they investigate just keep getting creepier and creepier. *sigh*

So, if you follow this series, it's an OK read. If you are new to Kellerman or this series, maybe try an ealier one. You'll probably enjoy it more. I guess I've just become too much of a mom with too little time too spend on a book that just doesn't fit what I'm interested in anymore. LOL

SRT: Book #2 - When You Rise Up

As part of Katrina's Spring Reading Thing, I committed to read four books. This was not one of them, however. LOL (I mentioned in my first SRT post that I reserve the right to change my list at will! *wink*) But, since Kari so graciously gave it to me on loan from her online Lending Library a while ago, I felt that I needed to get it done.

But, where to begin? LOL Kari was right that this book, When You Rise Up by R.C. Sproul Jr., was different than any other book I'd read on homeschooling. We are currently in the process of deciding whether to begin this process with Flicka in 2 short years. This book leaves no equivocation. There's no missing how the author feels: "...because there can't be a rational, coherent argument against homeschooling." And, again when he says "...the most grievous error we can make is to send them off to school where Jesus is not plainly, fully, and publicly honored. In that great name may we all hasten the day when no parent at the same time claims to serve the King and yet allows his child to be trained by those who will not name that King."

This book brought out a real love/hate reaction in me that will be difficult to explain. He gave a clear (although repetitive) explanation of how Deuteronomy 6 calls parents to raise up their child in the fear and admonition of the Lord and how he feels that means it is a mandate from God that all parents (since believers are equipped for every good work and what could be more "good"than caring and teaching the babies God gave ya') are to homeschool. He asks the question - which is more important? Godly kids or smart kids? My question: why can't I have both?

He gave a solid explanation of the difference between "state schools", "school at home", and true homeschooling. His argument is if you are just doing a state school curriculum and running around taking your kids to all the state-school-activities-geared-now-for-homeschoolers then you are not really homeschooling - you are doing school-at-home.

He argues that a true homeschool following Deuteronomy 6 should have a curriculum that singularly begins and ends with the Bible and what he calls "The Three G's": Who is God? What has God done? What does God require?

Now, he also mentions that his children (all 6 of them, including one who is special needs) are learning Latin, philosophy, and many things considered a "classical" education. But, he also discusses with his children (in hopefully an age-appropriate way) that it is very possible that a time may come very shortly that they could be martyred for their faith.

What unsettled me the most was his discussion about different curriculum for boys and girls. Now, being a state certified teacher, I have seen much of the recent research about gender differences in learning, single sex classroom pros and cons, etc. And, I am all for God's plan of submission to Him, my husband, and child-to-parents. But, I have some concern with Sproul's plan to withhold parts of the curriculum from his daughters because their role "in the war" is to keep the home fires safe, peaceful, and burning.

"We raise our daughter to be warriors for the kingdom by raising them to be keepers at home...I'm not suggesting that the goal is to have ignorant daughters. I am, however, arguing that we are to train them to be keepers at homes...(in the family) we have one general, one king, and that is the husband. But our daughters are a part of that work, with the central focus on keeping the (home). They should be taught how to be careful stewards of God's provisions in their homes. To bring it down to earth a bit more, they need to learn how to bake bread. They need to know how to sew dresses..."

Now, my pre-saved single working woman attitude was absolutely screaming at this point. But, I'm trying to balance it from a Biblical viewpoint as well. Then, I thought I got to choose to stay home so why shouldn't Flicka? Can one be in Biblical submission and still be learned and working out of the home? Can a young girl be taught Biblical womanhood and its virtues of modesty, a quiet spirit, etc. and still daily be "in the world"? Perhaps you can see my dilemma. LOL

Anyway, the best thing I took away from this book was a chapter of absolutely excellent responses to those who are questioning our interest in homeschooling Flicka and Pojke.

He feels "the number one objection to homeschooling is the one that is never spoken out loud. I believe the reason people begin rejecting homeschool is that they are convinced it is too big a responsibility." He then speaks about the whole "you're not qualified to teach" argument.

He then discusses the "efficiency" argument - isn't it more efficient to teach all same-age kids the same way in the same classroom? He also spends a few paragraphs on the "it's too expensive" argument as well.

He then spends several pages on the "it's the well-being of the child" argument. "I can't teach (pick your subject) and in today's fast-paced economy everybody needs to know (that subject)." He also rails against parents who pick state schools because of their athletic opportunities or extracurricular activities. "If I homeschool, my baby will never get to work on the yearbook, go to prom, be the homecoming queen, etc." Then, "one of the most compelling arguments I've ever heard FOR homeschooling is the one given against it: 'my child will rebel if I homeschool him'." And, the classic objection: the socialization question.

Finally, he discusses the objection that often comes from within the church -that our children are to be light and salt so send them out to state schools. Sproul says (basically) if you are so concerned about reaching the lost, then send your child into a crack house or a brothel. Those people are just as lost. And, at least "those people don't have the authority to make our children sit and listen to their worldview being taught seven hours a day."

This book brought up A LOT of conversation between Da Hubby and I. We've also discussed it with another couple we go to church with. We are slowly digesting it, figuring out what it meant to us and our decision. But, if you are considering homeschooling as well, I'd say read this, let it shake you up and challenge you so you know *exactly* why you will be homeschooling!

SRT: Book #1 Review - "Bringing Up Boys"

As part of Katrina's wonderful challenge, Spring Reading Thing 2007, I committed to finishing this book. Luckily, I was 3/4 of the way through when the challenge started last Wednesday! LOL

Well, Dr. James Dobson’s take on how to raise responsible, kind, strong, and God-fearing men became more of a journey for me than for Pojke at this point! LOL Oddly enough, it initially reminded me of a recent “Law And Order” re-run I’d seen. The male shrink had interviewed a male defendant charged with murder and was describing how he had been emasculated and made to feel impotent by women in his life until he suddenly and fatally raged back.

Dobson’s statistics and examples about how men in this country (particularly Christian men) have been slowly demoralized, deconstructed, and devalued hit me hard. It also reminded me of the problems Everyday Mommy’s recent series on “The Knight Inside Every Man” was trying to address.

The data on the biological differences between Flicka and Pojke really stunned me but rang entirely true. And, as a competition-adverse person myself, I better learn to cope quickly because apparently it’s part of a boy’s nature! LOL He cited an example of a mom and her son in a standoff over finishing his milk at dinner. The boy consistently refused. But, the dad simply looked at his son and said, “bet ya’ I can drink mine faster than you” and the milk was instantly gone!

I read the chapters about the profound effect fathers have on their sons and the one about a mother’s influence out loud to Da Hubby while traveling. We both were left in awe. It was like when we brought Flicka home the first time from the hospital and realized the overwhelming responsibility of taking care of this little individual God had given us.

And, as a semi-retired teacher, I was shocked by what a disservice our current model of education does to boys. While Dobson says he sent his kids to an out-of-home school (I don’t remember if it was Christian or public), if he had to do it all over again now with what he’s learned, he’d homeschool no questions asked. He feels boys are simply are ready and/or not mature enough to do what the schools ask of them at 5, 6, and 7 years old.

There’s a section on single parenting and on the effects of divorce on boys. There is also a discussion of Dobson’s beliefs of what causes h*m*s*xuality and whether it can be prevented.

While it took me an entire month due to wonderful lack of organization skills (LOL), it was a worthwhile read.

On Board: Spring Reading Thing

I feel like I've spent a lot of time simply responding to others' posts, contests, carnivals, and challenges lately. Not a whole lot original thinking going on so to speak. Meanwhile, there's a lot going on here that needs to be "journaled" about to make some internal sense to me. So, I'm going to jump into this last one and no more for a while.

Katrina over at Callapidder Days is holding her Spring Reading Thing 2007 from today until June 21st. I had already made a 2007 resolution to get back reading things that were NOT picture books or board books! *wink* I've been gingerly cruising along with the tiny goal of one book a month. But, Katrina's challenge makes me want to "kick it up a bit" and do a bit of a sprint over the next three months.

So, in the interest of frugality, I'm going to start with the books I already own but have not read. And, maybe a couple from the library. I'm going to try to complete this challenge without purchasing any new books. And, with that, here's my list:

1. I want to finish "Bringing Up Boys by Dr. Charles Dobson". It is my book for March - which means I have about 10 days to finish it! Too bad I keep falling asleep in bed each night reading it! *wink* Not getting through it very quickly.

2. I need a "fiction fix" and some "brain candy" so I already started bugging my poor local librarian for the new Jonathan Kellerman book "Obsession" which will be released next Tuesday.

3. I've had a article/blog entry/AC submission/something rattling around in my brain since Christmas about a Catholic-turned-Lutheran-turned-Pentecostal trying to come to grips with the Mary of the God's Word and not what I'd been taught as a youngster. So, I'm adding Scot McKnight's "The Real Mary: Why Evangelical Christians Can Embrace the Mother of Jesus". I do not own this one nor does my library have it. So, this one may not get completed.

4. "God's Armor Bearer" by Terry Nance. Have started this twice and never finished it but I'm feeling that it is important for me to finish now...particularly since I've made a personal connection concerning my ministry at home "behind the scenes" from traditional ministries at church. My work at home for my family reminds me of the "ministry of helps" Nance described in his book.

Those are the only ones I'm "officially" going to pick for now. Too much brain juice at this point to see that far ahead! LOL So, I'm leaving myself the option to alter the list as my attention span sees fit. I've already seen things at Katrina's site as well as others' that look interesting so this list may morph considerably by the time this is over. LOL