FROM SARAH:

Alan Jacobs is one of my very favorite nonfiction writers. I feel smarter after I've read them, and like my soul has been spiffed up, too. Don't miss my conversations with Alan Jacobs on the RAR Podcast: #145 The Importance of Reading at Whim and #163: A Reader's Guide to a More Tranquil Mind.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In recent years, cultural commentators have sounded the alarm about the dire state of reading in America. Americans are not reading enough, they say, or reading the right books, in the right way.
In this book, Baylor University Professor Alan Jacobs argues that, contrary to the doomsayers, reading is alive and well in America. And the best kind of reading of all is reading at whim.

FROM SARAH:

If you love The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones, you'll also love this one... because it's essentially the same thing! This text-only version reads more like a chapter book, but contains Sally's evocative and inspiring language and reminds us to keep looking for Jesus, always. Highly recommended for older kids, teens, and adults.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It’s an adventure story about a young Hero who comes from a far country to win back his lost treasure. It’s a love story about a brave Prince who leaves his palace, his throne—everything—to rescue the one he loves. The best thing about this Story is—it’s true! And at the center of the Story, there is a baby. The Child upon whom everything would depend.

FROM SARAH:

I reread this book every few years, whenever I feel hungry for a slower, saner pace. It always inspires me to slow down, make life beautiful, and delight in the world just as it is.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Drawing inspiration from the the shells on the shore, Lindbergh's musings on the shape of a woman's life will bring new understanding to readers, male and family, at any stage of life. A mother of five and professional writer, she casts an unsentimental eye at the trappings of modern life that threaten to overwhelm us -- the timesaving gadgets that complicate our lives, the overcommitments that take us from our families -- and by recording her own thoughts in a brief escape from her everyday demands, she guides her readers to find a space for contemplation and creativity in their own lives.

FROM SARAH:

A little like Jane Austen, a little like Mitford, a little like Anne of Green Gables. I listened to this while walking my dog and lost count of how often I burst out laughing. The characterization alone is enough to keep you riveted! Highly recommended for mamas who need to get swept up into a good story. (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Barbara Buncle is in a bind. Times are harsh, and Barbara's bank account has seen better days. Maybe she could sell a novel . . . if she knew any stories. Stumped for ideas, Barbara draws inspiration from her fellow residents of Silverstream, the little English village she knows inside and out. To her surprise, the novel is a smash. It's a good thing she wrote under a pseudonym, because the folks of Silverstream are in an uproar!

FROM SARAH:

The most reading fun I've had in ages! This utterly hilarious historical rom-com was a joy to read, start to finish. For fans of Jane Austen, who need something light and easy and unputdownable. Excellent for teens, as well. I highly recommend you listen to it on Audible. Eleanor Tomlinson is an exquisite narrator. (LibroFM)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Kitty Talbot needs a fortune. Or rather, she needs a husband who has a fortune. Left with her father’s massive debts, she has only twelve weeks to save her family from ruin.

Kitty has never been one to back down from a challenge, so she leaves home and heads toward the most dangerous battleground in all of England: the London season.

FROM SARAH:

This is (easily) my favorite book so far by Laura Vanderkam. It's full of practical solutions for choosing how to spend your time that I think many homeschooling mamas will appreciate. "Going to bed early is how grown-ups sleep in" might be my favorite line from the whole book!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

To make time for what matters, you need a resilient schedule, not a perfect schedule. Based on a time diary study of over 150 people, Vanderkam shares nine strategies for building opportunities for joy, nourishment, and fulfillment into your week, such as:

• Three times a week is a habit
• One big adventure, one little adventure
• Effortful before effortless

This is more than a time management book about “how to do it all.” It’s a look at how real people changed their lives using Vanderkam’s nine rules, and how you can do the same.

FROM SARAH:

This is Gary Schmidt's best yet (do I always say that? It's always true!). Hercules is about as lovable as they come, learning how to be here and how to be okay after the tragic death of his parents. This book will make you want to read Greek myths, listen to Vivaldi, and watch the sunrise on Cape Cod. The audio version is especially well done (Audible I Libro.FM).

Highly recommended for ages 14+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

From award-winning author Gary D. Schmidt, a warm and witty novel in the tradition of The Wednesday Wars, in which a seventh grader has to figure out how to fulfill an assignment to perform the Twelve Labors of Hercules in real life—and makes discoveries about friendship, community, and himself along the way.

FROM SARAH:

The inspiring and heartwarming story of Norvia, an Ojibwe girl making her way through upheaval in her family life. A book full of sweet sibling relationships, soda shops, and literary references that will make you smile. I loved it. (Pssst... this book was written by an RAR Premium member!)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Despite a move, family upheaval, and the looming threat of world war, Norvia and her siblings—all five of them—are determined to make 1914 their best year ever. Norvia is certain that her future depends upon it... and upon her discretion. But how can she have the best year ever if she has to hide who she truly is?

FROM SARAH:

First published in 1917. Utterly delightful and totally readable. I think it should have been titled The Revolt of Helen McGill, As Told By Herself. One of the best reads of the year, easy. It’s only 75 pages long. I wish more books were like this one! (fiction)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Helen McGill lives with her older brother Andrew until one day, when Roger Mifflin shows up on their farm. "When you sell a man a book," says Mifflin, "you don't sell him just twelve ounces of paper and ink and glue; you sell him a whole new life." And just like that, Helen treats herself to a long-overdue adventure of her own.

FROM SARAH:

A collection of essays, articles, letters, and passages from the works of C.S. Lewis reflecting on the delight and depth that reading gives our lives. My favorite chapters were “Why Children’s Stories Are Not Just for Children” and “On Encountering a Favorite Author for the First Time.” (nonfiction)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The revered teacher and best-selling author reflects on the power, importance, and joy of a life dedicated to reading books in this delightful collection drawn from his wide body of writings.

FROM SARAH:

Oh, to write like Mary Laura Philpott! Mary Laura is one of my new favorites, and in this memoir she tackles the biggest questions we face as mothers in a way that'll make you both laugh and cry. Heads up: there's some bad language, and one slightly annoying essay that you'll know I didn't like when you read it. 😉 The rest? Gold.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Hailed by The Washington Post as “Nora Ephron, Erma Bombeck, Jean Kerr, and Laurie Colwin all rolled into one,” Philpott tackles the big questions of life, death, and existential fear—not to mention the lessons of an inscrutable backyard turtle—with hope, humor, and joy.

FROM SARAH:

Our lives are full of anxiety, but what might we experience if we truly understood that we were safe all along? This book (by the author of Kisses from Katie and Daring to Hope) is balm for a weary mama's soul. It's the kind of book you need when you want a big sister to tell you the truth you knew all along, but forgot.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Rich in biblical explorations of lament and praise, forgiveness and hope, service and surrender, Safe All Along asks, What practical choices can we make to experience the peace Jesus promised amid disappointment and uncertainty? How can we live with joy and confidence even when we’re pulled into the rapids of life?