Off the Shelf - May

This is the beach edition of Off the Shelf. I spent more time reading this past month than usual, mostly because my other distractions were not available. I'll probably balance it out next month by reading nothing!

Children's Picture Books



Snowflake Bentley - Jacqueline B. Martin
Wonderful illustrations tell the story of an amazing man with the dream of sharing the Vermont snowflakes with the world.

The Good Garden - Katie Smith Milway
A great story about another culture,  good gardening techniques and how one man made a difference in a community.

Mittens - Clare Turlay Newberry
An old classic story - perfect since we acquired a kitten last week.



The Bear that Heard Crying - Natalie Kinsey-Warnack
The true story of Sarah Whitcher. We love Ted Rand's illustrations.

And we had to read some books about lighthouses after our vacation to Outer Banks...

Birdie's Lighthouse by Deborah Hopkinson
Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie by Peter and Connie Roop
Both these books describe the life of a lighthouse keeper from the perspective of the light house keeper's daughter.

Beacons of Light Lighthouses - Gail Gibbons
Descriptions of lighthouses and the work they do.

Adult Books

Dangerous Minds - Lou Anne Johnson
A teacher of an inner city high school seeks to inspire her students to care about their education. Enjoyable book on the positive impact a person can have by showing love and encouragement. Not from a Christian perspective.

Still Alice - Lisa Genova
A novel that vividly shows the progress of Alzheimer from the perspective of the one who has it. Well written, beautiful story though heart rending. It brought back many memories of my Grandma who died several years ago. Though not from a Christian perspective, I'd recommend the book if you know someone with Alzheimers, especially early onset.
On the same subject, A Promise Kept by Robertson McQuilkin is a wonderful God honoring book on Alzheimers from the caregiver's perspective. Ed and I read it together before we were married and it was a wonderful example of a true commitment in marriage.

Shaking Hands with Mr. Parkinson - Gary Miller
Another book about a terrible disease, this time Parkinson's. The author shares his journey with the disease as well as introduces you to many others who have "shaken hands" with Parkinson's. This book shares the hope and courage that can be found by faith in Christ. I found Gary and his wife Marie's testimony inspiring though the subject is bleak.
If this book whets your appetite to learn more about Gary and Marie, read Awaiting the Dawn. A story of the terrifying night when Guatemalan terrorists took the life of Marie's first husband, John Troyer and wounded Gary.

 

Heart of Anger - Lou Priolo
Did I tell you that I found a lot of good books this month? This is a  practical, Biblical, toe-mashing how-to manual on defeating anger in your children. I've finished reading the book but it will be much longer until I assimilate all the information in this book. This book takes child training far beyond discipline into reaching the heart. Highly recommended.

Together, Growing Appetites for God - Carrie Ward
Have you wanted to teach your children the Word of God but don't feel well grounded in the Word yourself? Carrie had the same burden and decided to do something radical, read the Bible, from start to finish, with her four pre-school aged children. Carrie is very real and I didn't feel that she was a spiritual giant but just a normal mom with a vision. Short but inspiring book.

I would love to hear what you are reading! And maybe add a few more books to my "must read" list!

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