Reading Challenge Update: What I Read in March
Welcome to my monthly Book-ish post where I share what I’ve been reading and what I’ve been reading aloud to my children. If you missed it, check out my Reading Goals for 2018 and the 2018 Intentional By Grace Reading Challenge.
This month was a great reading month. I didn’t read as many books as I hoped to read, but I read some really wonderful books.
All of the books I read made me think a little more deeply about life and love and compassion. For that I am grateful and humbled.
What I Read in March:
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Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
I read this children’s fiction book to screen for my oldest reader. I try to read ahead of him in reading level, so I can be ready to suggest books as he grows in his reading abilities. He’s a voracious reader so keeping up with him is hard!
I really enjoyed this book. It tackled some difficult topics while highlighting the character of a boy who fought to overcome difficult life circumstances. I loved that there was an evident love and respect for all the words of wisdom his mother passed on to him before she passed away. I will be recommending this book to my boys when they get a bit older.
What’s Best Next by Matt Perman
This book is hands down my favorite book on time management and intentional living. Matt Perman saturates the topic with gospel-driven motivation, and I’ve personally never seen someone make the connection I feel I’ve tried to make here at Intentional By Grace. Intentional living is NOT about being a better person. It’s about glorifying God and serving others. I am currently sifting back through my first read of this book, and I’m certain it will be a resource to me for years to come.
The only downside to this book is that it is heavily focused on men in the work force. It’s hard to make the jump to application as a stay at home mom. It’s not impossible, but there just aren’t a lot of examples that he gives to help me make the connection clearly. However, it’s not impossible to do the work myself, and the principles I took from this book far outweigh the one downside to it being written primarily for men.
The Life Giving Table: Nurturing Faith Through Feasting, One Meal at a Time by Sally Clarkson
Sally does it again. My husband surprised me with this book, and I think this might be my favorite book of Sally’s to date.
I love the fact that no matter how many books you read of Sally’s you receive the same core message, but you layer back just a little further each time. You are hearing some of the same things woven throughout her books, but you never feel like you’re reading the same book. I’ve often thought it would be difficult to write so many books about similar topics without just repeating yourself. But Sally is a master storyteller and teacher.
This is another book that I will keep on my resource shelf to reference for years to come.
What I Read-Aloud in March:
Billy Graham: America’s Pastor by Janet and Geoff Benge
Billy Graham’s is a story I never really knew. At his passing, I pulled this off the shelf and decided to make it our next family read-aloud. We all were fascinated with his life story, and the discussions we had around this simple little biography were truly life-changing. I’m nearly certain my oldest will be an evangelist one day. 😉
In all seriousness, it has been fascinating to watch my son work out what he learned reading this book, and affirmed for me the power of story. It opened to me a window into my son’s heart, as I’ve watched him seek ways to share his faith in his own child-like way, and as I’ve watched him look for ways to befriend people not like him. He’s a defender and a courageous leader, which I knew before we read this aloud, but something about this book just lit something in him that I think will be interesting to watch unfold in the coming years.
This biography of Billy Graham was a great refresher on the last 100 years of American History, as well as an introduction to a life lived for the glory of God. We may not agree with all of what Billy Graham believed, or even the movement of televangelist, but you have to respect the fact that he was bold for Christ. He was highly innovative, and he labored tirelessly to share the message of the gospel with as many people as he possibly could. I’m really glad we read this book.
Ellie Ever by Nancy Ruth Patterson
This one was part of the Tournament of Books Reading Challenge. It was nominated by some of the participants, and we read it aloud together during lunch time over the course of a few days.
Yet again this was another book with an inspiring story of kindness, compassion, and love. Ellie had to overcome some pretty tough circumstances that we hope our children never have to deal with. But this is life and life is hard. I loved this story because it conveyed hope after great loss.
It’s great for a short read-aloud or independent reading. Either way, it’s a must read for sure.
2018 Intentional By Grace Reading Challenge: Breakdown & Favorites
Goal: 12 books
Current Books Read: 3
Number of Books to Go: 9
Note: Below are the books I have read so far for each category. In parentheses beside each book, you will find a link to the post where I share my thoughts on the book.
- A biography: George Mueller: The Guardian of Bristol’s Orphans , by Janet & Geoff Benge (above)
- A book about prayer:
- A book about worship:
- A book about Christian living:
- A book about the Holy Spirit: The God I Never Knew, by Robert Morris (January list)
- A book about the Cross:
- A Christian classic:
- A book about discipleship:
- A book about Church history:
- A book about holiness:
- A book about evangelism: Billy Graham: America’s Pastor, by Janet & Geoff Benge
- A book about relationships:
- A book of your choice:
Want to take the Intentional By Grace Reading Challenge? Click here to get the details! (Plus I share my recommended reading list for each category on that post.)
What about you? What have you been reading this month?
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