Amanda Witt of Wittingshire has a list of books that her children love to read over and over again. Most of these are old friends, but a couple I’ve never heard of or never read. Rowan of Rin? My Family and Other Animals? And I tried one of the Swallows and Amazonsbooks a few years ago, but couldn’t get into it. Maybe some of these would be good prospects for THE LIST.
Several bloggers are talking about journalist Rod Dreher’s new book, Crunchy Cons, that’s “cons” as in conservatives, not convicts. In case you haven’t already read about it, here’s a Wall Street Journal review by George H. Nash.
AJ of Bittersweet Life in defense of PD James.. She doesn’t need defending to me, but I like reading what Mr. Vanderhorst has to say anyway.
Circle of Quiet asks, “What title would you give to your autobiography–if you were to write one?” Interesting question, but I’m not too good at snappy titles. To This Great Stage of Fools: A Semicolon? (I must admit that I originally got the Semicolon thing from Eldest Daughter—who is good at snappy titles and many other things.)
My children would probably name my biography, “And another thing!” I think Semicolon is a brilliant name all by itself!
I heard about My Family and Ohter Animals from Amanda — a very funny author. And, give Swallows and Amazons another try; maybe it just caught you on the wrong day. They can be addicting, though, and cause your children to want to explore islands that are only accessible by boat.
~Diane
I hadn’t heard about the Crunchy Con book. I think I’ll add that to my reading list. My dad calls me a pioneer woman because I like to make laundry soap, bake bread, etc. If he knew what a crunchy mama was, I’m sure he’d call me one. However, I don’t think I am crunchy: I don’t tote a gun, farm, garden, or free-range. I do wear Birkies, though. 😉
I met Rod Dreher and heard him speak at a Touchstone conference 18 months ago. His talk was heavily in favor of homeschooling and making our homes “the monastaries” of today, in the sense of preserving culture. He got the only standing ovation of the conference. (It was reprinted a few issues ago in Touchstone.) I’ll be eager to read his book. Thanks for mentioning it!