75 Books...More or Less! discussion

I'm not even going to guess how many books I read this year. It wasn't nearly enough in my opinion! Although, I have been reading more than ever to my three boys. I sit outside their bedrooms most evenings and read from a book that goes along with something we're learning in home school. It's such a thrill to hear them say "Read more, read more!" But, I've realized my inner voice is saying "Read more, read more" since I haven't had much time for my personal reading this year. I'm hoping this challenge will help me find more of my own reading moments as I continue to foster reading enjoyment in my children. It's also exciting to share books with fellow readers. I look forward to getting to know each of you through our reading adventures!

1. Poppy by Avi
I just finished reading this animal fantasy book to my three boys. The characters are engaging with strong, memorable personalities. The story has just enough balance of whimsy, mystery, and adventure. I give it five stars for the way it kept all three interested.

Penny, I just love Avi - one of my all-time favorite authors. I think it's wonderful how he can write great stories for younger readers without talking down to them.

I agree, Kay! This is the first book I had read of his, and I'm looking forward to reading more of his with my kids.

2. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
My oldest is reading this for his mystery genre unit, and I read it to keep him accountable. I can't wait to discuss it with him! Raskin does an excellent job of using clever clues, connections, and characterization. I figured out some of the clues quickly, but I still couldn't put it down. I'm guessing he won't be able to either!

Being a school librarian I love Poppy too and I recommend it to all my students. Avi has several other Poppy books you may want to look for. I liked the Westing Game also...good choices, and I think it's wonderful you read with/to your boys. :)

Thanks, Vicki! Sometimes it's challenging to find books that will keep the attention of three active boys. I may ask you for more recommendations in the future!

I understand, I raised two boys myself, both are still avid readers. Let me know what grades/ages your kids are and I'll give you some recommendations any time.

3. The Chameleon Wore Chartreuse by Bruce Hale: This mystery series featuring Chet Gecko is great for reading out loud. Lots of voice options can be used.

4. Mustard Seeds: Thoughts on the Nature of God and Faith by Lynn Coulter: I enjoyed this spiritual growth book. Many of the precepts are ones I have already studied, but it was yet another confirmation of how God speaks through His Word and through life experiences. I used it along with my daily scripture reading.

Penny, I'm intrigued - - I will check out both "The Chameleon" and "Mustard Seeds."

5. Hard Times by Charles Dickens: I read this one for my Literary Book Club. I was surprised by this one. Often titles can turn off the reader. I know Laura Ingalls Wilder's "The Long Winter" has been on my to-read shelf for years. I live in the land of long winters! I'm not sure I want to read a novel about it. When I saw the title "Hard Times," I wondered if I would have a hard time reading it or if it would describe too difficult a situation. No doubt the circumstances in the book were not easy for the characters. But, I found this to be a very intriguing book with well-developed characters and a smooth-flowing writing style. There are even a few witty moments. I wouldn't rate this as one of Dickens best, but I certainly think it's worth reading.

6. The Mystery of Mr. Nice (A Chet Gecko Mystery): When a twelve-year-old begs for the next book in a series, you know it's a good one! Again another great one for reading aloud and doing all the voices.

7. Loitering with Intent by Muriel Sparks: This is a very intriguing book. If you like novels about writers/writing, this is a good one.

8. Farewell My Lunchbag (A Chet Gecko Mystery): Another four cheers for Chet Gecko!

9. The Witness by Dee Henderson: This is the first Dee Henderson book I've read. I read it for my church book club. The book is very plot-driven, little to no character development. It reminded me of a TV crime/detective show. I enjoy watching those kinds of shows, but not necessarily reading them. I rated it with three stars because it was readable with a good story. It was a bit too simplistic for my taste, however.

10. The Big Nap (A Chet Gecko Mystery): We can't wait to read number 5!

11. A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway: I first started reading this book when I was 14 or 15. I remember blushing and tucking it away. Since then, it has sat on my bookshelf. Every once in a while, I would think about picking it up again. But, no, not yet. Until now. Perhaps there are some books you need to grow into in order to appreciate. And I more than appreciate Hemingway's strong, subtle, and sparse style. I love it!

12. The Good Journey by Micaela Gilchrist: This fictional book is based on letters written by Mary Bullit Atkinson, general's wife in the Missouri frontier during the Indian wars. The historical and character elements of the story make the book readable and intriguing. Definitely a good read!

13. The Hamsters of the Baskervilles (A Chet Gecko Mystery) by Bruce Hale: We looked at the bookstore and the library and finally had to buy it online. The kids were very excited to start this one!

14. Heaven Has Blue Carpet: A Sheep Story about a Suburban Housewife by Sharon Niedzinski: I read this book along with my mother, sister, and sister-in-law as a Bible study. We live many miles apart, so reading a book together is a good way for us to keep in touch and learn more about God's Word together. While this book does not contain a formal set of questions, it provides many poignant examples through anecdotes about why we are so much like sheep. Many of the stories are humorous, but there is always a connection to scripture and life application. I also learned about sheep and shepherding. I am not in the market for buying sheep, but it was very interesting to learn about them. This is a great book if you love reading zaney animal stories, how we are just as zaney as they are, how God is our great shepherd, and how we can learn from His example.

15. This Gum for Hire (A Chet Gecko Mystery): Lots of great humor in this one!

16. The Shack by William Paul Young: My feelings are divided on this book. I can see how some may take offense to it from a theological standpoint. But, I can also see some thought-provoking points of possibility as well. I am glad I read it for discussion purposes. But, it isn't one of my top books. I was okay with about 85% of the spiritual journey and question the other 15%. I thought the shift from the fast-paced story to the spiritual journey was a bit forced. I can understand why someone may put it down. But, I do recommend reading it all the way through as Young connects both sections in the end. Because of the tone of this fictional story with a real-life author persona, I think many could wonder about the story-behind-the-story and Young's motives in telling it. As a writer, I can guess why he did it. As a reader, it poses a few too many questions. I would be very selective about recommending this book. Without having a solid, biblical knowledge-base, this book could become an ideal rather than an idea. So, even though I did not take offense to the entire book, I feel comfortable rating it with only 2 stars.

Penny, thanks for all your comments . . . interesting take on "The Shack". I've not read it, but I've heard similar concerns from folks I respect - which is why I guess I haven't picked it up to read.

17. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: This book is a new favorite for me! I already added it to my son's reading list for this month. We are studying the Civil War. He'll be reading this one along with Uncle Tom's Cabin and three other novels. I'm asking him to watch for pre-war (Uncle Tom's Cabin), during the war (three novels), and post-war (To Kill a Mockingbird) observations. Challenging, I know! But, I think he needs it!

18. Home at Harmony by Phillip Gulley: If you are looking for a wholesome, heart-warming, funny read this is a great one! I laughed out loud at the antics of this small, Quaker community's characters. I'm looking forward to reading the next one in the series!

19. Morality for Beautiful Girls by Alexander McCall Smith: It's been a while since I have read this series, but it was great to get reacquainted with the characters. I enjoy how the mystery is not all there is to these books. There is always a greater lesson to be learned. Interestingly, I was reading this book at the same time as the Miss USA results. I won't elaborate on further connections so as not to spoil the read. But, it made the read more relevant for me.

20. Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt: I was so excited when I saw this title in our Civil War history curriculum. It is a wonderful fictional account of the war told through the eyes of a nine to thirteen-year-old Illinois boy. I remember hearing it read to me when I was in school and loved reading it my boys. It makes all the battles, generals, and hardships of war click for young people. I highly recommend it!

21. Water Lines by Luci Shaw: This is a re-read for me. But, I enjoyed it again! I love how water flows through each of these poems.

22. Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert: I can see why this book was so controversial for its time! It resembles a soap opera. I was surprised how easy-to-read it was given the time period and era of writing. One of the biggest questions about classics is "What makes this book a classic?" In this case, read the book. Chances are you will have viewed or known these characters and scenarios in some form or another!

23. Abba's Child by Brennan Manning: I read this book for one of my book clubs. The insights and quips balance the theological topics. I had the privilege of hearing Brennan Manning speak several years ago. Even in a room filled with hundreds, it was like having a fireside chat with him. Reading this book was the same. Even better, it reminded me of the greatest conversations of all...those with Abba!

24. Healing Stones by Nancy Rue and Stephen Arterburn: I had a very hard time putting this one down! Nancy Rue and Stephen Arterburn have written a story everyone should read. A modern, fictional version of the story of the woman caught in adultery in John 8, this book reveals the stones we bear in our hearts, throw at one another, and ultimately need to bury. You will not walk away from this read unchanged!

25. Little House in Brookfield by Maria D. Wilkes: I wasn't sure my middle son would be interested in this series. I've been a fan of Little House my whole life. And I guess he's been forced to be one, too. But, his immediate reaction was postive. I was intrigued because this series features Caroline, Laura's mother. I found the first book very true to the original series in tone, style, and historical integrity. Not to mention it kept not only my middle son interested as well as my youngest while they worked on their spelling and handwriting. Now that's a recommendation!

Penny, By reading your comments, I certainly have found some titles to add to my "to read" list. Thank you!

You are so welcome, Kay! :)

26. The Absent Author by Ron Roy: This is the first book in the A-Z Mysteries. I read it with my youngest. Really fun mysteries for kids. I'm sure we'll read all the way to Z!

27. Little Town at the Crossroads by Maria D. Wilkes: The second book in the Caroline Ingalls Quiner series. Just as good as the first!

28. Silence by Shusaku Endo: This was a challenging read. Mostly because I was trying to read it while on vacation with kids running around me. (As the curator of the resort pointed out, a mother reading a book titled "Silence" is quite the oxymoron!) Because my reading was rather stop and go, I don't think I experienced the full essence of this one. But, it is a very powerful, though-provoking fictional (albeit realistic) account of Catholic missionaries in Japan in the 1600s. Even though it takes time to read, it is time well spent!

29. Jigsaw Jones Super Special #1: The Case of the Buried Treasure by James Preller: Great mystery series for early elementary! Got two more from the library!

30. Sonata for Miriam by Linda Olsson: I did enjoy this book--Olsson's second after Astrid and Veronika--but it wasn't as structurally sound. The book starts in New Zealand then goes to Krakow, Poland and finally to an island in Sweden. It was somewhat difficult to follow the geographical jumps earlier in the book. Another challenge was point of view. A female author writing from a male perspective is very difficult. Olsson does do an excellent job. However, in the latter part of the book, Olsson shifts to first person point of view of the primary character's former lover and the mother of his daughter. While her point of view is relevant, it made for a complicated shift. Olsson makes an effective bridge because the book is separated into sections. But, it is a somewhat tenuous one. What I loved about the book was the historical significance and the journeys the main characters take to find identity and peace with their pasts. It is obvious that Olsson worked painstakingly on her research. Personally, I found it interesting that I recently finished reading Silence by Shusaku Endo, and this book's working title was The Consequence of Silence. This made the book all the more relevant to me even though the books do not share similar plots or time periods. Yet, both do show how silence plays a part in our lives. I do recommend reading Sonata for Miriam.

31. The Elevator by Angela Hunt: I'm more than glad to live a fictional, vicarious experience of being trapped in an elevator during a hurricane!

Penny, I just love Angela Hunt - seems like she can write just about any genre. Elevator sounds quite interesting!

I love Angela Hunt, too. My favorites are The Note and The Justice. The Elevator is very readable and like many of her books, there is an allegorical component albeit very subtle. I can't say it's my favorite Hunt book perhaps because it was more predictable than I would have liked. But, it's still worth the read just because it's by her.

32. The Bell Jar by Sylivia Plath: It is books like this one, which expose the confusion and tragedy of life, that reveal the beauty and fragility of sharing one's story with the world regardless of the end result. Even though Plath's life ended in hopelessness, I call Sylvia courageous for abandoning fear long enough to write her literary legacy.

Penny wrote: "32. The Bell Jar by Sylivia Plath: It is books like this one, which expose the confusion and tragedy of life, that reveal the beauty and fragility of sharing one's story with the world regardless o..."

I'm in 100% agreement with you. Great comment.

33. What the Light Was Like by Luci Shaw: I have to agree with Paul Maraiani's statement that this is Shaw's "strongest book of poems yet."

34. Song of Redemption by Lynn Austin: This is the second book in Austin's Chronicles of the Kings series. It's a very readable, informative historical fiction series about the kings of Judah. I've already started book three!

35-37. Island Trilogy by Gordon Korman: My oldest son and I enjoyed reading this trilogy together. Three-in-one pager turners with a twist!

38. Little Clearing in the Woods by Maria D. Wilkes: I am completely in love with this series! Can't wait for the next book to become available at the library. Apparently others love it, too!

39-41. The Strength of His Hands, Faith of My Fathers, and Among the Gods by Lynn Austin: These are a continuation of Austin's Chronicles of the Kings series. I've enjoyed reading this series for its biblical connections. However, Austin takes more fictional liberty in the fourth and fifth books. Granted the rule of Manasseh isn't covered as heavily as Hezekiah's reign in scripture and additional sources were probably necessary. But, it's important to keep the fictional genre in mind when reading them.