Must-Reads for the End of Summer and Start of School
It’s wicked hot in Virginia. I’ve never lived in heat like this before. Ever. I have renewed appreciation for air conditioning (which we only wished we had for about 10 days each year while living on the central coast of California) . . . and staying indoors. The upcoming forecast includes temps in the 90s again for the next week, with 8000% humidity. Instead of a week that we may have spent with picnics at new parks, I’m going to sit and read some of the books I haven’t finished this summer. The kids also picked up reading forms for the local library summer reading program. We’ll all spend quiet time with books, probably some popcorn, and lemonade or iced coffee. Maybe I’ll start a new read-aloud!
We start school in two weeks. Public school, that is. (that story is for another post, but feel free to message me if you’re curious.) I expect the kids will have less time to read for fun, which is why having a family read aloud will be great. Even five to ten minutes before sending them off to bed will offer time to connect and enjoy a new story together. And while they’re in school, I’ll suddenly have a bit more spare time. Small Fry and I will find the preK library programs, explore parks, and I’ll rediscover what it is to parent just one kiddo at a time. haha, what even is that like?
I’d love to know what your best summer read recommendations are, too.
Here are my end-of-summer book recommendations for 2019:
“61 Minutes to a Miracle: Fulton Sheen and a True Story of the Impossible“ by Bonnie Engstrom This miracle story is soon to be released, (September 2019), and it’s #1 on my list because I cannot get over the incredible delight it is to be alive while this miracle and its investigation occurred. Bonnie shares beautifully about the miracle, the pain, the heartache, the hopes and fears her family had while they waited to see how God would act in her son’s life. This book is a must-read for anyone. I’m going to leave my copy (I’ve read an advanced version) out where the kids can read it anytime. It’s short, easy to read, and interesting (what miracle story isn’t?). I think even my reluctant-to-read 4th grader (if his wiggly self will allow him to sit long enough) will enjoy it.
“The Anti-Mary Exposed: Rescuing the Culture from Toxic Femininity“ by Carrie Gress
“A Parent Who Prays: A Journal to Guide You in Praying for Your Children” by Katie Warner I love prayer journals, and this one has 52 special intentions, Scripture to reflect upon and pray with, and pages to include our own intentions.
“Own Your Life: Living with Deep Intention, Bold Faith, and Generous Love“ by Sally Clarkson I have this on Audible, and have listened to it three times now. It’s one I enjoy while I’m running, while I’m cleaning, while I’m crafting. This season seems a great time to listen to it, because life is naturally in a cycle of change and newness. School schedules, new after school activities, new possibilities. And Clarkson’s writing gives voice to the longing in women’s hearts for order and beauty. I find comfort and encouragement in this book, giving me renewed conviction to life my best and lean in to God’s will in whatever the circumstances are.
Clearly I’m not much of a fiction reader. Someone help me find some good fiction! I’m trying to read “Death Comes for the Archbishop”, so there’s that for my list as well.
And one more, for littles. “I Love You, Stinky Face” is silly and endearing. I’ve been reading it with my 3yr old in the last few weeks, and it’s been a long-time favorite in our home. We first read it when our oldest was a toddler!
