Reading Recap 2025 (Quarter 2

I’ve finished up the second reading quarter by reading 25 of books from April-June, meaning that I have read a total of 59 books towards my goal of 100!

Home, Parenting, and Family

The Lifegiving Table: Nurturing Faith through Feasting, One Meal at a Time by Sally Clarkson

This was a sweet follow up to The Lifegiving Home. I was a little unsure about what could be perceived as an over spiritualizing of a table, but the other side of the coin is that Sally Clarkson wants you to take advantage of everything God gives you—to be lifegiving with it. The recipes shared look amazing and now I really want to plan my own Christmas tea party.

Little Habits, Bit Faith: How Simple Practices Help Your Family Grow in Jesus by Christie Thomas

This book makes a solid case for why parents should start small, spiritual habits with their kids. It almost felt like the book was encouraging parents to do “less”, but I realized the emphasis was simply on making the most of little habits rather than doing nothing at all. The parts about pronouncing blessings over your children seemed a little too prosperity gospel for me, but I do like the idea of simply sharing scripture with your kids.

This book would be most helpful to parents who are new believers or feel insecure about teaching their kids spiritual things.

The Lifegiving Parent: Giving Your Child a Life Worth Living for Christ by Clay and Sally Clarkson

I really enjoyed this, but unfortunately had to rush through it due to a library deadline. However, this is a book I would certainly read again, and even purchase to savor and reference the content. I found it most helpful in connecting an imaginative, story-focused childhood  (I love that the Clarksons promote this!) with a biblical and spiritual character focused upbringing. It’s philosophical more than practical, but that’s because they believe parents have that responsibility and opportunity to apply it in whatever ways they need to.

Caught Up in a Story: Fostering a Storyformed Life of Great Books and Imagination with Your Children by Sarah Clarkson

The book was a balm for my heart! In describing how (and why!) to create a story formed life, the author described many elements that were common of my own literature rich childhood which made me immensely grateful to my parents. The book recommendations for children were wonderful (I added many to my own reading list, though I’m an adult!)

I was a bit hesitant at a few points when the author seemed to say that she turned to literature for help and encouragement over the Bible. Of course, her point is that literature brought her back to the truths of Scripture; but that was a point that I just can’t agree with. Scripture is elevated above all literature and writings; we must be sure to clearly differentiate that to our children even though God may use other writings to reinforce the truths of Scripture.

The Opt-Out Family: How to Give Your Kids What Technology Can’t by Erin Loechner

I have mixed feelings about this one. First of all, the subject is extremely important to address in today’s culture. The book was well backed by research and varied sources showing the concerning issues with social media, especially in how it affects children and families. It was sobering to read and reinforced my beliefs and convictions in this area for my kids.

My critiques: this book could have been a lot shorter—there too much repetition. I guess it’s supposed to be a “Christian” book because there is a verse at the beginning of each chapter, but there was basically no spiritual discussion or application. I would have loved to have topics included like what the Bible says about technology and social media, as well as underlying issues or results surrounding those programs (anxiety, identity, loneliness, etc). Also, I could have done without all the wild-and-free style parenting suggestions. If you don’t want to give me your kid a smartphone, that’s a great idea. But some of the alternative suggestions were too idealistic.

Tending the Heart of Virtue: How Classic Stories Awaken a Child’s Moral Imagination by Vigen Guroian

I listened to the audiobook and found each chapter fascinating. I’ve already had the desire to expose my kids to fairy tales, classics, and quality fiction from an early age but the author gave me even more reason to do so! I did feel like the author over spiritualized some of the stories, but the book gives a strong argument for the benefit of fairy tales (what we call fantasy) in a child’s moral development.

Fiction

Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry

I wanted to cry a lot while reading this. Not because it was sad (it was) and not because it was beautiful (yes, it absolutely was). Hannah’s story is a quiet, simple, and gave a perspective of what it means to have a life well lived. I gave it four stars instead of five only because I don’t like language in the books I read. Other than that, the writing was absolutely gorgeous. This was my first Wendell Berry book.

Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson

This book didn’t quite live up to my expectations; I struggled to get into the story because I couldn’t figure out the intended audience (young adult? Children? Adults?) l know it’s a stand alone novel but I felt that if I had read other books in the cosmere universe, it would have maybe made more sense from the beginning. There’s also a few instances of curse words and the main character lies quite a bit. Still, it was a funny and whimsical read and I enjoyed the twists and turns in the story. The author shares at the closing that he was inspired by The Princess Bride, which I totally see and love that connection. It had the same type of odd universe. I probably wouldn’t read it again but it was entertaining!

The Strength of His Hand (Chronicles of the Kings #3) by Lynn Austin

Wow. SO hard to put down and definitely the best book in the series! I was moved to tears in several parts. A beautiful story of redemption and trust. Like the first two, it is very graphic at points, but I didn’t find it as difficult to read as the second book in the series (I had to skip whole sections there). Also, a few instances where the word choices didn’t seem appropriate to the time period (I don’t think an Israelite official would have said “shut up!”)

Faith of My Fathers (Chronicles of the Kings #4) by Lynn Austin

I found it difficult to put this one down- it’s very fast paced! The character development was more stilted and awkward in this one, so I only gave it 3 stars. It seems that this story was more fictionalized than other books, but it was still eye opening to consider a possible motive as to King Manassah’s evil deeds. The story is very graphic in parts so I had to skip several depictions of violence.

Among the Gods (Chronicles of the Kings #5) by Lynn Austin

This is a beautiful story of forgiveness. However, the plot seemed disjointed and all over the place, so it was hard to know which characters or events the reader was supposed to follow. Still, it was a moving conclusion to this series.

A Gentleman’s Reckoning by Jennie Goutet

This was a light, fun read, which I have come to expect from this author. The story mainly focused on the romance, which was too bad because there was so much potential with the background mystery and underlying storyline. There could have been much character development beyond the romance. The other thing I didn’t care for in the writing style was that the author tells you what the characters think all the time, instead of describing or showing with her words. This makes it for a very easy read that you don’t need to think too hard about, but too underdeveloped for me to read again.

Mitford Years series by Jan Karon:

At Home in Mitford

A Light in the Window

These High, Green Hills

In a word: these books are charming. I was given a few of these books last year and finally got around to reading them. The series is set in a small town in North Carolina and follow the life and exploits of Father Tim, an Episcopal priest. I usually find sequels “less” of everything that made the first book great, but not so in this case. The writing is excellent and Karon is a great storyteller. It looks like there are many books in this series, so I’m not sure how far I’ll go, but I’m enjoying the journey so far!

Cordelia Underwood: Or, The Marvelous Beginnings of the Moosepath League by Van Reid

This book started out charming, humorous, but a little confusing—I wasn’t sure where all the storylines were leading and how they would converge. I was about to give up hope when, about 60% into the book, everything connected and I was DRAWN IN. I loved how it ended and will certainly be continuing with this series! I also enjoyed this author’s writing style and funny characters. There are a few suggestive jokes scattered in the book, but nothing inappropriate beyond that.

Persuasion by Jane Austen

I greatly enjoyed this (and I’ve finally read all of Jane Austen’s novels!). The characters were hysterical, yet so real life (we all know a Mary). I think Anne Elliot has become one of my favorite Austen heroines. We can learn many admirable lessons on true character from her.

Nonfiction

Do More Better: A Practical Guide to Productivity by Tim Challies (audiobook)

This was quick, straightforward, and Biblical. It was also one of the only Christian productivity books that I’ve read that encourages people to “do good” and serve God and others with your time/actions. Usually, Christian productivity books encourage people only to put up boundaries and be self-centered with your goals. It was a great listen via audiobook, but I think I would have gotten more from a physical book.

Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions by Gregory Koukl

Books like this are a gift to the church. This book is one of the most practical and equipping of any book on apologetics that I’ve read so far. One of the most helpful takeaways I had was the importance of reason—you can and should be able to reason with many of the arguments against Christianity. However, you must do so in a graceful and winning way. Many people make that statement but Greg puts much thought and effort into showing you how to have this in your approach. This was immensely helpful to me. I borrowed this from the library but plan to get my own copy so that I can study it more in-depth and reference it in the future.

The only part where the book is lacking would be to use more Scripture in the actual apologetics process; I say this because I appreciate Presuppositial apologetics, but the author brings several other approaches into his method.

Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Cal Newport

This book was extremely thought provoking. Though I only have a very small “side hustle” of writing, this book gave me several ideas on how to apply a slow productivity mindset to what I do. There were a few curse words and an evolutionary mindset in some chapters, but both of these things were minuscule. I’m also mulling over the concept of “slow productivity” as presented in the book as being a bit self centered. Can this philosophy truly work for a genuine Christian? Still, there are some good ideas that might be applicable; including his obsession with producing quality work over quantity (this can fit with “do all to the glory of God”) overall, some very interesting ideas here. This is one of the more helpful productivity books that I’ve read.

Organizing for the Rest of Us: 100 Realistic Strategies to Keep Any House Under Control by Dana K. White

Short, simple, to the point, and very realistic. Each page contains a suggestion for a simple organizing task, and the author also shows how they all work together. There was nothing that was completely brand new to me but it was overall a helpful starting point for home organizing and order.

Breaking Free from Broke: The Ultimate Guide to More Money and Less Stress by George Kamel

I found this to be very motivating and encouraging! I recommend for anyone who needs a mindset shift on money or is tired of running the rat race in life. As a bonus, the author is pretty funny and did a great job making complex concepts simple.

The Pastor’s Wife: Strengthened by Grace for a Life of Love by Gloria Furman

This book was less practical than I had hoped, but it ended up being exactly what I needed for a perspective shift! It was a great reminder to be humble and rely on the Lord for strength as we serve him.

The Money-Making Mom: How Every Woman Can Earn More and Make a Difference by Crystal Paine

This was an easy read, informative, and practical. I appreciate the author’s biblical conviction on topics like debt in business, prioritizing family, and being generous. This would be a helpful resource to any woman looking to develop a side hustle or find creative ways to bring in income.

Have you read any of these? I would love to hear your thoughts below!