My Top 5 Books of 2018

Little Men by Louise May Alcott

This was my first audio book of the year.  I really enjoy Little Women.  My friend Laura talks about how she loves this book even more.  I can now see why.  As a homeschooling mom it spoke to me in many different ways.  As a mom of boys - it was refreshing to hear someone else's take on childhood.   I loved every minute of listening to this book.

Reading Lolita in Tehren by  Azar Nafisi

I can't say that I loved this book but it has stayed with me all year.  I will never read Lolita based on the plot reveals she has in the book.  It was an interesting story of a woman living in Tehran during the 80's and 90's.  It is not a part of world history that I am familiar with. Everything she talked about in her book happened in my lifetime.   It was an eye opening book for what women in other countries are still dealing with. 

Educated by Tara Westover

This book is about a woman who was "homeschooled"  and ended up going to Oxford.  I was hesitant to read the book because of how it portrays homeschooling.  This women wasn't homeschooled, she was self educated.    It gives a heart wrenching story of this woman's path from a rough childhood to where she is now.  It was well written and gives a glimpse into a conservative Mormon family.  

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

I was drawn to this book because it was about a Literary Society.  Since we started our own Literary Society this year I was intrigued.  It is a story that unfolds through letters.  I have had several friends tell me they didn't like that it was written this way.  I loved it.  It encouraged me to keep writing notes on a regular basis.  The story takes place during WWII and is about the island of Guernsey that was occupied during the war. 

My favorite quote from the book, "Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad books."

How to Raise a Wild Child by Scott D.  Sampson

This book is written by the paleontologist from Dinosaur Train. I read several books similar to this one this year.  This was my favorite of the genre.  He talks a lot about our connection to nature and goes over a lot of research on what being outside does to us.  He gives practical ways for us to add nature to our daily lives.  It is a secular book and he does spend some time on evolution.  It is easily read over and not the core of the book.  I took 3 pages of notes from this book.  The two big things I took away after reading it:
1.  Just get outside - it doesn't have to be a formal lesson.   
2. We will be setting up a nature table for the kids to display their latest finds when we start school back up in January.  

One of my favorite quotes:  "Make a conscious effort to expand your awareness and comment on the beautiful things you see - clouds, flowers, trees, birds.  If you lead by example, the kids will follow."



This will be our last book give away.  Let us know in the comments which of my top 5 books you would like to read.  We will pick a winner on January 5th!