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Scholé Every Day: How to Be a Thinking Mom
As a busy mom, it's easy to think you don't have time to read. What if you didn't have time
not
to read? The time will quickly come when your children need you not to be the kisser-of-scraped-knees, but the counselor and sounding board. When that time comes, you need to have wisdom to share. You need to be grounded in truth and unintimidated by contrary ideas. Your kids need you to grow with them. They need you to be comfortable exchanging ideas. We prepare now for the teen and grandma years by reading widely, thinking deeply, and applying faithfully.
274 pages, Paperback
Published November 24, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 24, 2025
Originally posted on https://ladydusk.com/book-review-scho...
I had the opportunity to read this book before it was on GoodReads because it was officially pre-publication.
You can see from the flags, that I loved it. What did I love?
I loved that it’s super readable. Don’t get me wrong, they are building a strong argument for and guiding the reader on a path to better reading and, through that, living. The Sisters use clear, readable language, sentences, and structure to help the reader along while making the argument that reading and interacting with texts is good and necessary.
I loved that, though having blogged for years themselves, it doesn’t read like a blog. I remember my disappointment with Lit! lo those many years ago (2012!) and have shied away from many blogger’s books since. This is not that. This is a book written in book form. Each of the three chapters in each section is an essay on an aspect of scholé. They start with the basics and grow the argument – what is scholé, why do you need it, how do you practice it, why it’s imperative, and its fruit. It’s seedling to flower and a beautiful progression.
I loved that, though I have swum in many of the same reading waters over the years, they clarified the books quoted and introduced me to new books. Footnotes are vastly superior to endnotes, and the sisters know that and practice it 🙂 Sertillanges (which I admittedly enjoyed despite the sandwich-making) is clearer after reading this and Watts moved way up my TBR.
I loved that the book is steeped in the scriptures, particularly Abby’s chapters, quoting scripture after scripture about how reading and learning grow our love for and dependence upon the Lord. I love that it’s eminently quotable. I love that I was convicted more than once about picking up, dusting off, and starting again. I love that I was given very specific helps as to how to “Think Deeply” about reading material, which has often been a weakness (Abby challenged me to blog my book reviews more often, so here’s a good start). I loved Karen Glass’ Forward – I read it in her voice. I love that Mystie has a section where she firmly plants the flag of scholé in the woman’s (mother’s) sphere – that section may be strong tea for some readers.
Likely because it was the newest idea to me, my favorite chapter was Brandy’s about the festal nature of scholé; that the overflow causes us to rejoice and true scholé is not miserly but generously abounds to others:
Mothers, homeschool mothers, mothers-to-be, teen women – this book is for you. It says that you not only can – but must – love learning because in that effort you learn more about your faithful God and the work he has for you. It helps you trust Him and begin the process of gaining”… strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:18–19) Scholé, in reliance on Christ, bears wisdom.
Scholé Every Day doesn’t give you a command without walking with you down the way, though. The sisters move the weeds and clear the overgrowth to get you started and help you pack the tools you’ll need. Brandy, Mystie, and Abby have become philosopher, guide, and friend for you in Scholé Every Day; I hope you will take them up on the offer.
I wrote this on October 13. 5 Stars. I was honored to be allowed to be one of the (if not the) first to read it between October 8-11, 2025 and be given a copy for free by my friends. It’s not like I won’t be purchasing copies, though …
I had the opportunity to read this book before it was on GoodReads because it was officially pre-publication.
You can see from the flags, that I loved it. What did I love?
I loved that it’s super readable. Don’t get me wrong, they are building a strong argument for and guiding the reader on a path to better reading and, through that, living. The Sisters use clear, readable language, sentences, and structure to help the reader along while making the argument that reading and interacting with texts is good and necessary.
I loved that, though having blogged for years themselves, it doesn’t read like a blog. I remember my disappointment with Lit! lo those many years ago (2012!) and have shied away from many blogger’s books since. This is not that. This is a book written in book form. Each of the three chapters in each section is an essay on an aspect of scholé. They start with the basics and grow the argument – what is scholé, why do you need it, how do you practice it, why it’s imperative, and its fruit. It’s seedling to flower and a beautiful progression.
I loved that, though I have swum in many of the same reading waters over the years, they clarified the books quoted and introduced me to new books. Footnotes are vastly superior to endnotes, and the sisters know that and practice it 🙂 Sertillanges (which I admittedly enjoyed despite the sandwich-making) is clearer after reading this and Watts moved way up my TBR.
I loved that the book is steeped in the scriptures, particularly Abby’s chapters, quoting scripture after scripture about how reading and learning grow our love for and dependence upon the Lord. I love that it’s eminently quotable. I love that I was convicted more than once about picking up, dusting off, and starting again. I love that I was given very specific helps as to how to “Think Deeply” about reading material, which has often been a weakness (Abby challenged me to blog my book reviews more often, so here’s a good start). I loved Karen Glass’ Forward – I read it in her voice. I love that Mystie has a section where she firmly plants the flag of scholé in the woman’s (mother’s) sphere – that section may be strong tea for some readers.
Likely because it was the newest idea to me, my favorite chapter was Brandy’s about the festal nature of scholé; that the overflow causes us to rejoice and true scholé is not miserly but generously abounds to others:
“That it results in celebration which “The ultimate result of reading widely, thinking deeply, and applying faithfully is a deep affirmation of life and creation.” (pg 202)
“Every celebration runs to excess–excess of food, excess of drink, excess of song, excess of time and energy expended– because our God is excessively good.” (pg206-207)
“This is about using our resources to give richly to our family and community. In our daily scholé, we receive bountifully, which means we have much to give. Our cups runneth over.” (pg 207)
Mothers, homeschool mothers, mothers-to-be, teen women – this book is for you. It says that you not only can – but must – love learning because in that effort you learn more about your faithful God and the work he has for you. It helps you trust Him and begin the process of gaining”… strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:18–19) Scholé, in reliance on Christ, bears wisdom.
Scholé Every Day doesn’t give you a command without walking with you down the way, though. The sisters move the weeds and clear the overgrowth to get you started and help you pack the tools you’ll need. Brandy, Mystie, and Abby have become philosopher, guide, and friend for you in Scholé Every Day; I hope you will take them up on the offer.
I wrote this on October 13. 5 Stars. I was honored to be allowed to be one of the (if not the) first to read it between October 8-11, 2025 and be given a copy for free by my friends. It’s not like I won’t be purchasing copies, though …
November 30, 2025
Read wisely, think deeply, apply faithfully… because I’m human, because it honors Christ, because it equips me to serve others & because rest is good. thank you, Schole SIsters &, bravo- well done!
I especially loved the encouragement that schole isn’t selfish. It equips us to serve others & delight in God!
I especially loved the encouragement that schole isn’t selfish. It equips us to serve others & delight in God!
January 23, 2026
"Scholé isn't about achieving a narrow definition of material success, resume credentials, or usefulness. It is about knowing, and knowledge touches all of life."
Excellent encouragement and exhortation as I continue my own journey of self-education.
Excellent encouragement and exhortation as I continue my own journey of self-education.
April 7, 2026
I really enjoyed this book! I haven’t ever read a book about why taking time to read and contemplate is important for the soul, especially for people who are already very “busy”. There is so much quality philosophical, spiritual, and educational discussion in this book that I see myself recommending it a lot to all sorts of different women. This book is NOT just for moms or homeschoolers. I did find parts of the book repetitive and really had to work hard not to merely scan the conclusion (which is sad because it is very good! Might have been a better introduction?). I also really enjoyed the novelty of getting to read three different women’s ideas throughout the book. Overall, highly recommend.
February 9, 2026
This book came out just when I needed it. A wonderful reminder of the practicalities of Proverbs 31:26 “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”. Will read again. Recommended for the classically homeschooling mom.
February 21, 2026
This book is a reminder and encouragement to me that I am not alone in the books I read and the ideas I'm contemplating. I am part of a larger community and there is such a great sense of both camaraderie and a spur to press on in this good work. Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, and a life.
April 8, 2026
This was very good. An excellent read in community. It presented some fresh ways of looking at things and really gave me some new thoughts, especially in the first part of the book. There are some phenomenal chapters, though every chapter is certainly good.
I enjoyed all the references to other books. You can tell these women are really living the lives they are encouraging us to live. And it was enjoyable to read the connections they are making to their own readings.
This book made the topic of self education (and just being excited about learning things from books) so approachable and friendly. I thought it would be hard to pull off the argument they are presenting in a humble way but they did it very well. It is not preachy, not showy, but walking side-by-side, sharing their passion. It was approachable, readable, friendly, and inspiring. I am glad to have read it and have some wonderful quotes saved from it.
(I read this with an online book club and it makes for great discussion. I highly recommend that route, if possible.)
I enjoyed all the references to other books. You can tell these women are really living the lives they are encouraging us to live. And it was enjoyable to read the connections they are making to their own readings.
This book made the topic of self education (and just being excited about learning things from books) so approachable and friendly. I thought it would be hard to pull off the argument they are presenting in a humble way but they did it very well. It is not preachy, not showy, but walking side-by-side, sharing their passion. It was approachable, readable, friendly, and inspiring. I am glad to have read it and have some wonderful quotes saved from it.
(I read this with an online book club and it makes for great discussion. I highly recommend that route, if possible.)
April 15, 2026
A great starting point if you want to explore why it matters for moms to read consistently and widely.
December 30, 2025
If you want a book that will help you feel the importance of personal reading and study and encourage you to keep plodding in it as a wife and/or mom, this book is for you! Brandy, Abby and Mystie do an excellent job of conveying the importance of “Schole” and how it’s vital for a Christian woman to be a reader and thinker so it comes out in our caring for our people. I appreciated their humble use of Scripture and good literature to inspire women to make better use of our time for the blessing of others.
I also appreciate that this book is specifically for women. The cover art of the homemaker on a stool gives the impression of a hardworking woman taking a few moments to improve her mind. There is no pretending like they ought to be teaching men.
If I could ask for one thing to be discussed, it would be the role of the husband in his wife’s learning, and some thoughts on how to honor him as her head.
I also appreciate that this book is specifically for women. The cover art of the homemaker on a stool gives the impression of a hardworking woman taking a few moments to improve her mind. There is no pretending like they ought to be teaching men.
If I could ask for one thing to be discussed, it would be the role of the husband in his wife’s learning, and some thoughts on how to honor him as her head.
February 13, 2026
A good primer on the benefits of self education for adult women, and reading to grow as a person.
It's aimed at moms but I think any person who intentionally lives in community with others would benefit from it too.
I would recommend it to someone who says they want to read more but is struggling to be motivated to get on with it.
If you're alreading on the reading bandwagon, I would recommend Cindy Rollins' Beyond Mere Motherhood instead.
Although I didn't learn much that was new, the book was full of good reminders and it connected some ideas in ways I hadn't heard before. So it was still an edifying read.
It also added to my TBR list, as any good book on reading should. Although I do wish they had given a longer list of recommended reads.
I would have given a 3 1/2 rating if I could.
I love and wholeheartedly agree with the message of the book (and I admire the Schole Sisters), but I was a bit dissapointed with the execution of the book.
I'm sympathetic though because it can't be easy to write a cohesive book by three authors but ladies are wise, seasoned readers, and I'm sure their contribution will be encouraging (particularly to moms in the trenches).
It's aimed at moms but I think any person who intentionally lives in community with others would benefit from it too.
I would recommend it to someone who says they want to read more but is struggling to be motivated to get on with it.
If you're alreading on the reading bandwagon, I would recommend Cindy Rollins' Beyond Mere Motherhood instead.
Although I didn't learn much that was new, the book was full of good reminders and it connected some ideas in ways I hadn't heard before. So it was still an edifying read.
It also added to my TBR list, as any good book on reading should. Although I do wish they had given a longer list of recommended reads.
I would have given a 3 1/2 rating if I could.
I love and wholeheartedly agree with the message of the book (and I admire the Schole Sisters), but I was a bit dissapointed with the execution of the book.
I'm sympathetic though because it can't be easy to write a cohesive book by three authors but ladies are wise, seasoned readers, and I'm sure their contribution will be encouraging (particularly to moms in the trenches).
January 5, 2026
First book of the year is... um... in the books? 🤔🤷♀️ And since I can't go out and buy a copy for every single mama in my circle, can I just make a blanket recommendation that you should take the time to read this book?
2025 was not a year of very much nonfiction; what was there, was fairly centered on cancer and grief. Now that I'm starting to feel like I can rub two brain cells together again, this book helped me to remember that even just ten to fifteen minutes carved out of the margins of your day can help you grow.
There is a lot more here to unpack, especially on the topics of schole, acedia, and leisure, but that is the takeaway I can give you for the moment. I may come back to the topic when Josef Pieper's Leisure: The Basis of Culture stops haunting me from my shelves. 😅
2025 was not a year of very much nonfiction; what was there, was fairly centered on cancer and grief. Now that I'm starting to feel like I can rub two brain cells together again, this book helped me to remember that even just ten to fifteen minutes carved out of the margins of your day can help you grow.
There is a lot more here to unpack, especially on the topics of schole, acedia, and leisure, but that is the takeaway I can give you for the moment. I may come back to the topic when Josef Pieper's Leisure: The Basis of Culture stops haunting me from my shelves. 😅
February 16, 2026
“Being a good mother isn’t just about keeping people fed and clothed, it’s about being a fit adviser for whatever life and culture throw at the people we live most, especially our children.”
“Our children need us to grow in wisdom more than we need to scroll on our phones”
This was a great book on the why and how to read more deeply and widely as a busy mom. I would definitely recommend it to many especially those before their kids schooling years to make a habit of reading and self education before life, as it inevitably does, gets so much busier than you think it is now.
It could have been shorter and more concise, some repeating of ideas, so one star from 5.
“Our children need us to grow in wisdom more than we need to scroll on our phones”
This was a great book on the why and how to read more deeply and widely as a busy mom. I would definitely recommend it to many especially those before their kids schooling years to make a habit of reading and self education before life, as it inevitably does, gets so much busier than you think it is now.
It could have been shorter and more concise, some repeating of ideas, so one star from 5.
February 16, 2026
This book renewed my desire to pursue excellence in my calling, investing time, effort, and care for God’s glory and my family’s good. If I want my children to receive wisdom, truth, goodness, and beauty, then I must first be filling my own mind and soul with those things. I cannot pour out what I haven’t taken in.
Highly recommend as a thought-provoking read for anyone seeking to “read widely, think deeply, and apply faithfully”.
Highly recommend as a thought-provoking read for anyone seeking to “read widely, think deeply, and apply faithfully”.
May 3, 2026
"Scholé is a Greek word meaning "leisure," which refers to undistracted time dedicated to studying worthwhile subjects, often in a communal and enjoyable setting. It is the root of the word "school" and emphasizes the pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty in education."
I really enjoyed this book- although I listened to the audiobook and it's a rough narration, since the authors narrated it themselves. It wasn't too distracting; the overall message was great. I've already been wanting to read more classic books and widen my variety when it comes to reading, but this inspired me to do so. Not only for my own education, but for me to then turn around and teach my boys. I'll definitely be referencing this book for years to come. 😊
I really enjoyed this book- although I listened to the audiobook and it's a rough narration, since the authors narrated it themselves. It wasn't too distracting; the overall message was great. I've already been wanting to read more classic books and widen my variety when it comes to reading, but this inspired me to do so. Not only for my own education, but for me to then turn around and teach my boys. I'll definitely be referencing this book for years to come. 😊
February 15, 2026
I wish I could give this book 10 stars!! It was amazing from start to finish. While I almost never agree with 100% of what is presented in a book, I can't recall a single thing that had me in disagreement while reading this one. I love this podcast and always come away with a longer want-to-read list. I believe our culture could be changed so much for the better if we as moms (and, of course, dads and kids) spent more time reading and thinking and discussing ideas. We can learn and change and grow and become better versions of ourselves through self-education.
February 3, 2026
Loved this book so much! These gals are inspiring me to dig deep in seeking rest through thoughtful and diverse reading versus the usual excuses of turning to technology. I was inspired and challenged to take my self-education more seriously this year.
March 4, 2026
Delightful and inspiring, and one of the best arguments I’ve ever read for why reading difficult books is important. I really enjoyed this, and I’m hopeful it will help influence my book choices in the future.
December 15, 2025
An encouraging read perfect to encourage your book list for the new year. Nothing they said was radical, or new—but all put in one place ready to get you reading and thinking. Would recommend to any mom needing extra encouragement in the realm of independent learning.
December 13, 2025
Helpful, accessible and encouraging. The authors did a great job and I appreciate reading each of their chapters. This book will inspire moms to read, to discuss their books with others and to maybe even start a book club.
January 26, 2026
Every mom should read this book.
April 23, 2026
Scholé Every Day is a call to intellectual motherhood.
Reading widely, thinking deeply & applying faithfully is what is required of a mother who can cultivate the growing minds of her children well. The knowledge gained by reading before a woman has children will not be enough to get her through motherhood so we must seek to self educate ourselves throughout the busy life of a mother with littles. Not only does schole improve our intellect it makes us better worshipers as we seek out truth, goodness and beauty.
Reading widely, thinking deeply & applying faithfully is what is required of a mother who can cultivate the growing minds of her children well. The knowledge gained by reading before a woman has children will not be enough to get her through motherhood so we must seek to self educate ourselves throughout the busy life of a mother with littles. Not only does schole improve our intellect it makes us better worshipers as we seek out truth, goodness and beauty.
January 7, 2026
Oh my goodness. I absolutely loved this.
I've long been a fan of the concept of "Mother Culture"- taking care to nurture and grow your brain and heart as you pour into your kiddos, but this book was all the spiritual reasons why it's so important to keep pursuing wisdom and knowledge.
This will probably become a yearly read for me. ❤️
I've long been a fan of the concept of "Mother Culture"- taking care to nurture and grow your brain and heart as you pour into your kiddos, but this book was all the spiritual reasons why it's so important to keep pursuing wisdom and knowledge.
This will probably become a yearly read for me. ❤️
May 5, 2026
“In order to think, we must first read. Reading is how we gather and collect ideas, like bees gather and collect nectar and pollen. Thinking deeply comes as we digest, discuss, and savor the ideas we have encountered. Sometimes a bee visits a thousand flowers to gather enough nectar to fill its stomach. Likewise, time is needed to digest and distill ideas into sweet wisdom.”
February 25, 2026
Absolutely loved this one. Didn’t agree with some theological things, but overall, the book was incredibly enjoyable, interesting and inspiring. Probably my favorite book from this year so far… and now I feel inspired to read and learn even more.
March 31, 2026
Jet fuel on the desire to learn!
April 19, 2026
I loved this book so much! It felt like a delightful encouragement to read and gain in knowledge and wisdom all the way through. And my "to-read" book list just got longer! If you are a Christian mom who reads or who aspires to read, I would highly recommend this book.
March 19, 2026
It was a pleasure to read. I particularly enjoyed the last few chapters.
April 20, 2026
As a long time listener of Schole Sisters podcast, I also recommend their book. So encouraging! In a world where reading is on the decline, even in homeschooling circles, the exhortation to be learning and growing through reading and thinking so we can be reliable guides for our kids as they learn and grow never gets old. I especially liked the "Apply Faithfully" sections.
This quote from the book "This is Happiness" kept running through my head as I listened to these ladies: "I sometimes think the worst thing a young person can feel is when you can find no answer to the question of what you are supposed to do with this life you've been given.
...I can now say another version of that happens in old age, when it occurs to you that since you've lived this long you must have learned something, so you open your eyes before dawn and think: 'What is it that I've learned, what is it I want to say?' "
Though in middle age, not old age (yet 😜), these ladies know what they've learned, and have the guts to say it. And they fully intend to keep learning and keep sharing. They practice what they preach. I'm so grateful for that!
This quote from the book "This is Happiness" kept running through my head as I listened to these ladies: "I sometimes think the worst thing a young person can feel is when you can find no answer to the question of what you are supposed to do with this life you've been given.
...I can now say another version of that happens in old age, when it occurs to you that since you've lived this long you must have learned something, so you open your eyes before dawn and think: 'What is it that I've learned, what is it I want to say?' "
Though in middle age, not old age (yet 😜), these ladies know what they've learned, and have the guts to say it. And they fully intend to keep learning and keep sharing. They practice what they preach. I'm so grateful for that!
April 28, 2026
This was an excellent, excellent book. It was very timely and exactly what I needed right now. I would highly recommend this to all women, especially ones with children.
January 20, 2026
This book convicted me of my consumeristic intake of books, AKA book gluttony, but before that harsh reality check I was encouraged to rethink how I view books and the need behind reading well.
“We don’t want to get caught up in thinking that the point is a perfect reading plan or having read all the books or attained some superior level of insight. The point of our learning, of our scholé living, is digging into all of life with interest, attention, and energy, investing the talents we’ve been given because God has promised a tenfold return on our efforts in the life to come.”
“We want to be picky, because life is too short to read bad books.”
As moms we need continued education to share wisdom with our kids as they mature and navigate this world. There were so many valid points offered in this book, motherhood is not a prerequisite.
“Another reason we moms teeter on the edge of burnout so often is because we are plagued by perfectionism. Perfectionism says we must deny any progress until said progress is complete. Because our progress will never be complete in this life, perfectionism keeps us stuck in a state of perpetual discouragement and frustration.��
I was encouraged to read widely and beyond my normal genres with easy guidance to get started, and without the pressure that I’m behind. Highly recommend this book and I will be reading it again.
“When we read widely, think deeply, and apply faithfully, we are transformed. Transformation happens when we are living our ordinary lives and carving out time for scholé, seeking truth, goodness, and beauty by reading, thinking, discussing, and reflecting.”
“We don’t want to get caught up in thinking that the point is a perfect reading plan or having read all the books or attained some superior level of insight. The point of our learning, of our scholé living, is digging into all of life with interest, attention, and energy, investing the talents we’ve been given because God has promised a tenfold return on our efforts in the life to come.”
“We want to be picky, because life is too short to read bad books.”
As moms we need continued education to share wisdom with our kids as they mature and navigate this world. There were so many valid points offered in this book, motherhood is not a prerequisite.
“Another reason we moms teeter on the edge of burnout so often is because we are plagued by perfectionism. Perfectionism says we must deny any progress until said progress is complete. Because our progress will never be complete in this life, perfectionism keeps us stuck in a state of perpetual discouragement and frustration.��
I was encouraged to read widely and beyond my normal genres with easy guidance to get started, and without the pressure that I’m behind. Highly recommend this book and I will be reading it again.
“When we read widely, think deeply, and apply faithfully, we are transformed. Transformation happens when we are living our ordinary lives and carving out time for scholé, seeking truth, goodness, and beauty by reading, thinking, discussing, and reflecting.”
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