Which books are piled on your nightstand / bookshelf / desk these days?  These are the titles I’ve been reading this month…

7 Books I’m Reading 

1. Real Food for Mother and Baby

Very similar to her previous book Real Food, this one contains Nina Planck’s specific thoughts and recommendations for conception, fertility, pregnancy and growing a healthy child.  As a former journalist and the founder of various farmer’s markets and such, she brings well-researched and well-written opinions to the table.  Incidentally, she also grew up in the very county where I now live, on a vegetable farm of all things!  And her husband is sort of a famous cheesemonger in New York City.  Isn’t that fun?

2. Eat That Frog!

This how-to-get-more-things-done-in-less-time book was recommended by one of my personal heroes–or should I say “heroines”–Crystal Paine, aka Money Saving Mom (see #5 below).  It’s a short, easy ready, and provides lots of good tips for streamlining your time and to-do lists.

3. Glimpses of Grace

Grace has been a major theme for me this year and this book by Gloria Furman was a welcome addition to my reading list.  I’m impressed by any mother-of-littles who can crank out a book, let alone one on the topic of theology for housewives.  Gloria’s solid and candid examination of how God’s grace applies to the mundane minutia of everyday life was a breath of fresh air!

4. How to Grow a Young Reader

My affinity for books-about-books amuses Mr. Native Texan to no end, but it truly is one of my favorite genres.  (Have you read Honey for a Child’s Heart?  It’s one of my favorites–I highly recommend it for all parents and friends of children!)  This title provides lists and descriptions of wonderful children’s books, many of which we’ve already enjoyed and many more which I hope to add to our repertoire.

5. Say Goodbye to Survival Mode

Like countless others, I’ve learned so much from Crystal Paine over the years.  She truly inspires me as a homeschooling, money-saving, blogging, book-writing mom.  I don’t see eye to eye with her on all things, but no one can argue with the fact that what she does, she does well.  Her book has been out for months now–I’ve been wanting to read it, and Mr. Native Texan bought it for me when we happened upon it at a book shop in Georgetown on our recent getaway weekend.  The book is filled with practical tips and refreshing candor from Crystal’s own life.

6. Inspired You

This is my new favorite decorating book!  I sort of feel like I could have written it myself–except for my major lack of skills as compared with the amazing Miss Mustard Seed, aka Marian Parsons!  In other words, I completely identify with Marian’s decorating philosophy: creating a beautiful, practical, unique home through budget-friendly and slightly unconventional methods, while reflecting the glorious creativity of our own Creator.  She’s got mad skills as a seamstress and all around DIY-er, neither of which are true of me, but I can definitely relate to her affinity for turning junk into treasures.  I’ve followed her blog for some time now, and it was fun to hear more of her story in this book.  If you love to decorate, or could use some decorating tips, I highly recommend Miss Mustard Seed’s book and blog to you.

7. The Early Years

This preschool hand book is filled with practical applications of Charlotte Mason’s gentle approach to educating young children.  I love all the modern-day examples from two seasoned, real-life, Charlotte Mason moms.  While Older Brother has exited the preschool stage, Little Brother is smack dab in the middle of it, and we’ve got Baby Brother on the way.  I’ve found it helpful to be reading through excellent reminders like this one that keep me grounded in what (and how) we’re trying to accomplish in our homeschooling and family life.

What are you reading these days? 

Check out other books I’ve enjoyed recently:

• 7 Books I’m Reading
• 11 Books I’m Reading
• 5 Books I’m Reading This Month
• Honey for a Child’s Heart
• Last Child in the Woods
• Real Food

• Save