January Reading...

I have set a goal for myself to read at least 50 books this year.  This is lofty, even though it doesn't seem like it right now.  Right now, it is cold outside and I am reading a LOT...but as soon as the weather turns warm (April-ish) and stays warm (until October-ish), my reading rate drops drastically.  So, I have to get in extra reading during this time if I hope to come close to my goal.  I also hope to write a monthly blog-post reviewing some of what I read throughout the month.  So here goes for January...

click here

This book was given to me by my dad after reading and enjoying several of the author's articles in a magazine.  I have also enjoyed occasionally reading her articles.  She is a very knowledgeable woman and has a lot to share.  This was an easy read with short chapters that allow the reader to feel like they are  accomplishing something.  I finished it in just a few days.  As with most books of this type, there were things that I agreed with and loved and learned from and there were also a few things on which the author and I would have differing opinions.  As a mom, I did find the majority of the book encouraging and did not come away feeling discouraged in my role as a mother.

click here

This was a very intriguing read.  I heard about this book from a magazine and have been wanting to read it for awhile.  The hospitality industry is fascinating to me, and even more so after recently staying at the Opryland Hotel and just thinking through the logistics of operating a place that big.  I cannot recommend this book, though, because it has a ridiculous amount of unnecessary offensive language in it.  I almost didn't finish it because it got so tedious trying to skip around where there wasn't so much, but I ended up skimming a lot of it.  After reading it, I will never look at hotel staff the same way again, will probably take a lot more precautions in hotels than I already do (my germ-a-phobe side almost had a heart attack at a few points), and will probably tip more generously when given the opportunity.

click here

While I did not do the author's recommended experiment while reading the book, I can see the value in doing it.  I began this book at some point in 2013, and finished it in January.  I was not quite halfway through it when I began again.  It definitely makes you take a closer look at social-media use and the effect it is having on relationships.  I think the author must be an extrovert, and my introvert-self found some of his suggestions completely unthinkable...but, that is probably a sign of room for growth in my own life.  Overall, I recommend reading it, if only for the purpose of analyzing your own use of social media. 

click here

This was also given to me by my dad, and is the same author as Woman of the House.  This book also has short chapters and is an easy and enjoyable read.  Obviously the author is VERY pro-homeschooling, so if you are not, then the book will most likely be offensive to you.  It is full of practical tips for home-schoolers, though, and I look forward to implementing some of them in the future.  Again, another encouraging read for my calling as wife, mother, and teacher.

click here

I think I can hear you raising your eyebrows.  And I can imagine your thought pattern right now...why would you READ that book?  why would you ADMIT to reading that book?  why would you BLOG about reading that book?  Because it was a good book.  And I try to be an honest blogger.  This book was part of a bundle of eBooks that I was given as a gift and I'm determined to read them all.  I like 31 books like this where you read a section each day.  Sheila has a great perspective on intimacy for real life and I love the way that she presents the spiritual as well as as the emotional and physical aspects.  Highly recommend this book for all married couples.  There.  That wasn't so bad, was it?

click here

Another 31 Days book, which, like I said, I really enjoy.  This was also part of the eBook bundle.  I always need help when it comes to praying so any book that offers direction is a good fit for me.  The interesting thing about this book though, is that you go into it thinking that since you are praying FOR your spouse (primarily) they are the ones that will be "better built" at the end of the month...but, we all know what happens when we start a project like that, and as I prayed through these topics for my husband, I felt much conviction to pray about and work on these areas in my own life.  I did appreciate the way that this helped me focus on specific areas of my husband that I appreciate and am thankful for.  Highly recommend this one too.