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Books read February & March 2011

June 22nd, 2011

These months run together (as far as book-reading go).  I know I checked out a bunch of cookbooks these months too… none of those stand out though.  Guess these were the nonfiction months.

5.  Left to Tell:  Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust by Immaculee Ilibagaza.  I checked this out from our church’s library.  Even though I know this Rwandan woman survived, because she wrote the book, I still felt the terror she felt while locked in that bathroom.  The details and statistics she gives are mind-blowing and awesome.. but not in a good way.  Even though the subject matter was difficult, this was real life for these people.  I definitely recommend.  5 stars.

6.  Sink Reflections by Marla Cilley.  If you haven’t heard of The FlyLady, google her Right Now.  This book will change your life.  I saw some email listing about her a lonnnnng time ago but I was glad to find a book at the library.  She writes about home organization and simplifying your life so you can clean a small part of your house every day.  (or maybe all of it!)  I liked a lot of her routines and she makes some really great points.  I used many of these suggestions before I even read the book, but it was nice to know their importance. And that I’m not the only nut making pack lists for out of town trips.  5 stars.

7.  Cinderella Ate My Daughter by Peggy Orenstein.  This book has probably the longest and most vague subtitle I’ve ever heard.  [Meaning, the title was enough to grab me.  Put the anecdotes on the inside of the book.]  The first half of this book was incredible.  The amount of research she did – at Disney, Pottery Barn Kids, The American Girl Store, etc. etc. etc. – was eye-opening, and she did a great job of relaying facts.  She admits she’s a tomboy and as a single mom she didn’t want her daughter to turn out to be a girly-girl.  BUT in the second half she backs off and admits it’s probably not that big of a deal – that girls will be girls, after all.  I did enjoy this book, but I wish she would have been consistent with her pacing.  My favorite thing about this book – she recommends reading the fairy tales to children (gory as they may be – keeping it age appropriate) before they see the movies.  4 stars.

8.  Redefining the Strong-Willed Woman:  How to Effectively Use Your Strong Will for God by Cynthia Tobias Ulrich.   I found this in the church’s library, mostly because it was next to my #9 read.  Not any life-changing information in this book, but it was pleasant and easy to read.  I am definitely the strong-willed woman, in case any of you were worried I was reading it and thinking about you.  3 stars.

9.  You Can’t Make Me!  (But I Can Be Persuaded) by Cynthia Tobias Ulrich.  This author has written a few books about children’s learning styles, but I got this book to read about Carlee, who is not into a learning style quite yet. (Unless “stubborn” is a learning style, in which case she’s “most likely to succeed”.)  Even though this book was an easy read, I was disappointed it didn’t have more info about younger children.  I guess I’m going to have to find The Strong-Willed Child soon.  (Like Mother, like Daughter.)  3.5 stars.

Entry Filed under: Faith, Life