For the past few months during our Morning Time, our family has been slowly working our way through Billy Graham: America's Pastor. It was one of two missionary biographies I had set aside at the beginning of the year for our basket loop.
This past weekend after turning the final page, we celebrated both the conclusion of the story and the life of the man himself by hosting a movie night at our house. We invited some friends over for pie and ice cream and watched the newly released documentary Billy Graham: An Extraordinary Life. Both the book and the movie kindled quite a lot of conversation around our house.
As is the case with almost all the missionary biographies we've read over the years, I've no doubt we'll continue to talk about the eternal impact of Dr. Graham's ministry for days to come.
Sharing books together unites us in a way that few other things can. Stories, both real and imaginary, are like threads that help us weave a family language and shared memories. Creating an experience around the books--like hosting a movie night for friends--allows us to welcome others into that language and those memories.
Now that we're done with our first missionary biography, we'll be moving onto the next one, as well as these other titles.
Here's what we'll be reading this month:
Read Aloud- everybody
Sweep- We are only a few chapters into this story of a young Nan Sparrow, an orphaned and outcast chimney sweep who forms an unusual friendship with a soot monster.
While I can't yet give the story a glowing endorsement, I can say that we've really enjoyed the character development and basic plot so far. To be honest, I'm always a little leery of new and/or "trending" books. But so far, this one is quite clean and has all the makings of a powerful story with poignant themes.
While I can't yet give the story a glowing endorsement, I can say that we've really enjoyed the character development and basic plot so far. To be honest, I'm always a little leery of new and/or "trending" books. But so far, this one is quite clean and has all the makings of a powerful story with poignant themes.
Jamie- that's me!
The Spiritually Vibrant Home- This short infographic-filled book is a compilation of several years' worth of Barna research on faith-filled homes and the three common factors that they all seem to share: messy prayers, loud tables, and open doors. While none of the study findings have been all that surprising, the book is filled with several interesting nuggets that have served as shot-in-the-arm reminders for me to keep opening my door and extending the table of hospitality to others for the sake of the Gospel.
The Promise of Jesse Woods- I'm three-fourths of the way through this one and can not wait for it to be done. I'm too far in to turn back now, but I just can't seem to find any real reason to keep slogging through it. In the vein of so many current best-sellers, this coming of age story toggles from the past to the present, but in a way that feels overworked and unnecessary. While the plot (the unlikely alliance and eventual estrangement of three Appalachian teens in the early 70s) holds much potential, the execution misses the mark and plods along for the middle 200 of the 409-page book.
Sweetie Pea- 11th grade/college freshman
The Best Yes- I've read this one twice and have even hosted a class at church centered on its principles. When my daughter asked to read it, I was happy to pass it along to her. As her college, volunteer, and work schedules fill up, she's finding it necessary to learn a new skill--determining her best yes and building the courage to give a gracious "no thank you" to all the rest. This book is giving her some tangible tools to help her do that.
Super Boy- 8th grade
Aerospace Booklets from Civil Air Patrol- My oldest son is in between fiction books at the moment. In the meantime, he is spending much of his free reading time reading through the booklets he's been assigned to in CAP. He was recently promoted to a leadership position within his squadron and wants to do his job well.
Blonde Warrior- 7th grade
Inheritance- This is the fourth and final book in The Inheritance Cycle, a best-selling series by a former homeschooler. Don't let the scary-looking cover fool you. While the books are fantastical, they are not frightful or menacing. They tell of the adventures of Eragon, a poor farm boy turned dragon rider and how he saves his entire civilization from the enemy.
Greased Lightning- 5th grade
The Trumpet of the Swan- We enjoyed this E.B. White classic as a family several years ago. Now in the Purple Book for LLATL (his grammar curriculum), my son must read it himself. He just told me yesterday how much he's enjoying the story of Louis, a mute Trumpeter Swan who learns to use a brass trumpet to communicate with the rest of the world.
The Dude- 2nd grade
Tornado- This book has been enjoyed by all four of my older children and now it's their younger brother's turn. He's really excited to be able to join the ranks of Tornado fans in our home. But honestly, what boy wouldn't love a story about a lost dog that finds its way to a new home after surviving a terrifying tornado?
Since this has always been one of the first chapter books my learning-to-read kids have read aloud to me, I'm trying not to show my sadness as my youngest son nears the final chapter. Once the last page is turned, there will be no more Tornado for me.
Since this has always been one of the first chapter books my learning-to-read kids have read aloud to me, I'm trying not to show my sadness as my youngest son nears the final chapter. Once the last page is turned, there will be no more Tornado for me.
That's what we're reading in March! How about you?
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