The Noticer

This book is by Andy Andrews. I have read some of his other books, but this is by far my favorite. In fact, I think this is my second favorite book of all time after Heidi. It is a quick, engaging and enjoyable read. It also has depth and wisdom.

A mysterious man named Jones shows up in people's lives to help them in a time of crisis. In this way, the reader gets a different perspective and a bit of wisdom on all types of crisis that may occur. I will read this one again for sure.

Pollyanna

What a wonderful book! I had watched the movie with Haley Mills before but hadn't ever read the book. We listened to this one in the car with all of our children. It was fun to listen to. It was engaging for all of the children. It teaches a great lesson about the power of our attitudes. She plays a game called the glad game. No matter what the circumstance, she is supposed to find something about it to be glad about. She invites others to play with her, and effects an entire town for good, truly changing people and their lives. I also appreciate that there are parts in the book that show how hard it is, even for Pollyanna, to do this sometimes. It doesn't minimize the reality of true difficulties in life. That said, it illustrates the possibility of finding a way to be glad in all of our difficulties.

This last weekend we went hiking in the rain and cold. One of our sons of his own accord played the glad game and he told us how it helped him. I love how this book taught him, and I hope it continues to have a positive influence for years to come.

Time flies

Time flies when you have kids! It has been almost a year since I last posted. I have read lots of books in that time and it has been interesting to see what types of things I have been drawn toward to read. I'll be updating over the coming weeks with books that we have read as a family and those that I have read personally. Hope you enjoy the posts. Happy reading!

What is a classic?

I recently finished reading the book "A Thomas Jefferson Education" by Oliver Van Demille.  I enjoyed it.  There are many thoughts that I will incorporate into the education of our children.  The main idea behind the book is that there are two critical components of a good education, namely mentors and classics, meaning classic books. There are classics for every field, but when people think of classics, generally they think of classical literature.  That said, I think the definition of a classic will apply to all fields.

I think there are books that are classics in the minds of other people that I will not choose to include in my own library of classics. 

My definition of a classic so far is: 

1. Something that will help me teach the morals and characteristics that I want myself and our children to possess

2. Something that will help us appreciate the blessings that we have been given and the incumbent responsibilities that we have.

3. These will usually have stood the test of time, but I won't eliminate things based on their lack of age if they fit the other two criteria.

That is what I have come up with so far.  What are your thoughts?  Would you define a classic differently?

Heidi

I recently finished reading Heidi.  I think it is one of my most favorite books ever.  I love the imagery.  I love getting to know Heidi and wanting to be like her.  She loves to help other people and is so in tune with their communication both verbal and non verbal.  She wants others to be happy and does what she can to help them choose to be happy.  I love the book for the truths it teaches about God, about prayer, about faith and about repentance.  I love the book because it has application for me in my life and has already helped me to see differently and to be better -truly the mark of a great book!