All week we have been talking about books for our children and the best books to read aloud as a family. As moms we should be taking a bit of time for ourselves to fill our own cup with good books! Plus, our children need to see us reading. It sends a good message that reading isn’t something that’s just done during school hours, but as adults we never stop learning and never stop reading.
I usually make a point during our quiet time to be away from my computer and phone and be still with a book. I almost always read at night before bed as well. The only problem with only reading at night is that often we are in bed after the kids are asleep and they don’t see us reading! Of course, wait until you have teenagers and then you will most likely go to be before they do 😉
I also think it’s a good idea for the children to see us picking out our own books at the library. I know that’s easier said than done with little ones. I request books for myself as well as the kids and it’s pretty normal for me to say “I have to stop by the library while we are out to pick up books”. Now my older kids can even run into the library for me, grab our hold books and check out. Nice!
Favorite Books for Mom
Hannah Coulter – I recently read this book (I think I’m the last person to learn of Wendell Berry?!), and it quickly went on my most favorite ever book list.
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Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand – A humorous, slightly sad book about an aging gentleman trying to find his place after his wife passes away. The humor comes when he is dealing with his son who is a bit of an idiot. He also navigates a budding romance with a woman in the neighborhood.
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A Tree Grows in Brooklyn – The story of a young woman and her journey growing up in extreme poverty in the city.
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The Night Circus – This book is a perfect example of why I love being in a book club. You get the opportunity to read books you would never pick up on your own. This is one such book! It took a bit of time to get into it, but the perseverance was worth it, what a fantastic read. I can’t really even explain it, you’ll just have to read it for yourself!
The Kitchen House – This follows the story of a young Irish girl who was orphaned and then claimed as an indentured servant. She goes to work on a plantation in the South where she is under the care of the slaves but ultimately is treated differently because of the color of her skin. A book that is hard to read at times, but one that is important.
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To Kill a Mockingbird – I read this again over the summer with my husband and teenager. We read it and then watched the movie. The book was just as good as I remember from high school, even more powerful now. I believe this book is a must read for everyone. Have you read the sequel yet? I’m not sure I want to read it, I don’t think it will live up to the first one.
Further Book Lists for Moms
Books for Adoptive Moms
Complete 5 Day series:
1. Favorite Board Books – Monday
2. Favorite Picture Books – Tuesday
3. Favorite Chapter Books – Wednesday
4. Favorite Books To Be Read – Thursday
5. Favorite Books for Mom – Today
Amy says
I have really enjoyed this series! I love booklists! Thanks for sharing!
Jen says
Thanks Amy, I appreciate your comment 🙂
Jamie says
I loved Kitchen House! Now I’m adding Hannah Coulter to my to-read list! 🙂
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Jen says
Be sure to let me know what you think!
dianna@thekennedyadventures says
I haven’t read Wendell Berry yet either, but he’s on my list, since Martin Cothran highly recommends him. I know he mentioned Jayber Crow as a favorite,too.
Great lists, as always!
Jen says
I’m reading Jayber Crow right now! So far it’s very good.
Jen recently posted…5 Favorite Books Just for Mom
ElizabethClare says
I love a good book list! I can see you like to read fiction. I’m much more of a non-fiction gal although I do like to read a good fiction every now and then. Just stumbled upon your site today. Wonderful to see another Catholic homeschooler on the web. I would love to see us create even more of a Catholic homeschool community online. You have a beautiful family!
Jen says
Thank you!