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So many books and so little time. Since I love chatting about books, I was thinking I might start sharing what we’re reading around here on a monthly basis. Love the idea? Hate the idea? Tell me in the comments. Here’s a few of the great titles I’ve picked up lately:
(This post contains Amazon affiliate links.)
The Scandal of Redemption by Bl. Oscar Romero:
I started learning more about Blessed (soon to be canonized!) Oscar Romero when my husband Daniel took a trip to El Salvador last year. We learned about how he spoke out against the horrific injustices in his country and was martyred as a result. This little volume has selections from Romero’s diaries and radio broadcasts and his words really are amazing! A great way to learn more about Bl. Oscar Romero before his canonization in October!
The Woman Who Was Chesterton by Nancy Carpentier Brown
I’m beginning a project that will require me to do some research on the Chestertons and I remembered that a former guest on the podcast recently published a biography of Frances Chesterton, G.K.’s wife! I’m not very far into it yet, but it’s already fascinating.
After Virtue by Alasdair MacIntyre
Remember when I shared about taking on a writing project that scared me last week? Well it was for this piece for Notre Dame’s Church Life Journal on Jane Austen and Alasdair MacIntyre. So I had to brush up on my MacIntyre and did a quick re-read of Mansfield Park!
Books I’m Reading with the Kids:
The Catholic Field Guide to the Liturgy by Michele E. Chronister
I love these sweet books that were just released! The Catholic Field Guide to the Liturgy is an illustrated guide to vestments, prayers, parts of a church, vessels, cloths, objects, and books that you might encounter in the Mass. A great gift for godchildren (and helpful to converts like me who don’t know the difference between an alb and an amice!). My First Book of Catholic Pictures is perfect for younger children to become familiar with the objects they will see in the church. (To enter a giveaway to win a copy of The Catholic Field Guide to the Liturgy, head over to my Instagram account: @haleycarrots).
Building the Way to Heaven: The Tower of Babel and Pentecost by Maura Roan McKeegan
This series of picture books that show the beautiful way the Old and New Testament illuminate each other has been a favorite around here. There are now three in the series and I’m giving away a copy of Building the Way to Heaven and Into the Sea, Out of the Tomb! (To enter a giveaway to win a copy of these lovely books, head over to my Instagram account: @haleycarrots).
Catechism of the Seven Sacraments by Kevin and Mary O’Neill
My nine-year-old thought this book was a delight and read the whole thing in one day! It’s set in comic-book format with photographs of LEGO–very well done. It focuses on the Church’s teachings on the sacraments and touches on salvation history. It’s a beautiful hardback and would also make a great gift for godchildren who are too old for simple picture books but too young to gift a copy of the Catechism!
The House at Pooh Corner by A.A. Milne
We’re still finishing this sweet book up!
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
This is the girl’s current read aloud at bedtime. My first time reading it so it’s a treat to all three of us.
Out of the Silent Planet by C.S. Lewis
We’re almost done with this one and it’s also been a first time read for me!
Audiobooks:
I’m currently listening to Anne of Ingleside. I remember not liking it much and it’s certainly not as good as Anne of the Island (the BEST Anne book!) but it’s better than I remember. Of course I haven’t made it to that weird part where Anne has a fit of jealousy so…jury’s still out.
Listening with the kids:
From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
What are you reading and enjoying lately? Let me know in the comments! And DON’T FORGET to head over to Instagram (@haleycarrots) to enter the book giveaways!
I’ve been reading Mary and the Fathers of the Church (recommended by you, Haley!) for several weeks. I need to finish it up because my ILL has to be returned by next Tuesday but that shouldn’t be a problem. It’s really good!
I’m also reading The Beautiful Mystery, which is part of the Inspector Gamache mystery series by Louise Penny.
And I’m reading Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse, which releases next week! It’s urban fantasy with elements of sci-fi (it’s a post-apocalyptic story of sorts) and Navajo myth. I’m loving it.
I’ve been reading the Jasmine Toguchi series by Debbie Michiko Florence with my 4-year-old. They are delightful and we’re both really enjoying them! Highly recommended as a read-aloud for younger kids or an independent read for 6-8 year-olds or so.
So glad you’re enjoying Mary and the Fathers of the Church! And I’ve heard such wonderful things about the Inspector Gamache mysteries! <#
I love this! I follow book blogs, but it’s nice to look at another Catholic lady’s shelf.
And if you enjoy Ella Enchanted, consider reading The Two Princesses of Bamarre! It’s one of my absolute favorite books. It actually centers on a pair of sisters–one bold and reckless, the other reserved and artistic. It kind of sounds like your little ones. There’s a prequel, too–The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre, but it’s not quite as good. Fairest is also pretty good, but not the same caliber as the first two.
Oh that sounds absolutely lovely!
It’s wonderful. I liked it as much if not more than Ella and that’s saying a lot.
I love Ella Enchanted – I first read it at age 7 and just took my very worn copy from my parents’ house so I could keep it with me!
I’m currently (very slowly) reading Shadows on the Rock by Willa Cather. But I’ve made a resolution to start reading some of my topical nonfiction again (water and the environment, the subject of my masters) since I want to get inspired for some writing projects coming up. It’s fun to get a different part of my brain firing after reading a lot of fiction the past 18 months (though I don’t plan to stop reading fiction!
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I NEED to read more Willa Cather! Thanks for the reminder.
I read all of her Frontier trilogy books (or whatever they’re called) last year and then discovered that O Pioneers! (my fave of the three) had been at my parents house, maybe for my whole childhood, so I took that with me on my recent trip home as well. She can write Catholic characters so well despite not having been Catholic!
I love Ella Enchanted! My copy is worn. out. I’d be interested to hear your take on the movie – they took quite a few liberties.
Right now I’m reading Tearing the Silence by Ursula Heigel and I’m about to start At Home in the World!
Since we’re only a few chapters in, I don’t have an opinion on the changes made for the movie although I definitely like the book better already!
My son just got that Lego Catechism book as a gift and all of us love browsing through it! It’s so neat and well done!
It’s really fantastic! I honestly wasn’t expecting much when I heard the concept but it’s SO COOL!
Where did you find an audiobook of Anne of Ingleside?! I’ve never been able to find that one or Anne of Windy Poplars and it makes me so sad…
I got a 3 month free trial to Scribd with the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle in April and they have so many great audiobooks to stream!! I just listened to Anne of Windy Poplars, too! I’ve also been on the hunt for them for ages.
If this posts twice, I’m sorry – but where did you find an audiobook of Anne of Ingleside?! I’ve never been able to find that one or Anne of Windy Poplars on audiobook and it makes me so sad!
Reading: Beren and Luthien (the new collection of the early versions of the story. I’m not very far, but I prefer the ‘final’ version from the Silmarillion); The Confessions of St. Augustine (first time through, enjoying it very much)
Question: Why not read ‘Ella Enchanted’ to all of your kids? It’s a good story; your son may find it interesting too!
We always do bedtime in two shifts because my son likes to have a little one-on-one time at the end of the day. So on nights when my husband works late hours, I read to the girls while my son gets ready for bed and then once they’re settled we have some special time just the two of us. And he’s very into reading “grown-up books” so he usually chooses something different from whatever I’m reading with the girls. I’m sure he would also enjoy Ella.
I love your book posts, so I’d love to see them become monthly! I’m reading “The Nordic Theory of Everything” and “Mere Christianity”. Two nonfiction books: so strange for this fiction loving girl! Up next is “Pride and Prejudice” for a summer reread, and maybe some L.M. Montgomery. I just listened to a podcast comparing and contrasting “Anne of Green Gables” and “Emily of New Moon”, so I’m in the mood to revisit some of those characters!
Fun!
What was Daniel doing in El Salvador? Tell us all about it! Currently reading Brockman’s bio on Romero and planning to go to his canonisation in October.
Daniel was representing the non-profit where he used to work on a visit to a Catholic agricultural community that had been formerly displaced by the civil war. He had some an amazing experience learning from them and visiting all the Romero sites!
I vote YES for monthly book posts!
I read The Professor by Charlotte Brontë earlier in June (I see why she couldn’t get it published during her lifetime–not my fav from the Brontës). Currently finishing up Anne of Windy Poplars (for the hundredth time) and also reading God is Able by Priscilla Shirer and The Three Lives of James Madison by Noah Feldman. Next up for fiction is The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck.
And I’m reading Little House in the Big Woods aloud with my nieces. Loving being able to share it with them!!
I also vote yes to the monthly book posts! Your book lists have been a blessing to my library-loving family.
Yes, please. I’m reading Georgette Heyer. It’s my project this year to go through my bookshelves, do some rereading, find books by favourite authors that I haven’t read (did you know Noel Streatfeild wrote 90 books?) but I’m stuck in Regency England having the best time!
I’m catching up on my blog reading, but I would love to see more book posts! They give me so much inspiration.
I’m currently re-reading At Home in Mitford, as I’ve been in the mood for something warm and fuzzy after reading so much depressing contemporary fiction. I think it’s time for me to re-read Mansfield Park next.
I vote “Yes” for monthly book posts. I like to see others’ recommendations, even if I don’t get to them all. I am currently reading “War & Peace”, and I can’t believe how enjoyable it is. I was always so intimidated by it!!
It would be great if you could share what you and your family are reading on a normal basis. I so appreciate it.