Back in January I shared a list of books already on my bookshelf that I hope to read this year. I’m happy to share I’ve read three of them, which brings my reading total for the year to seven books!
Of course there are many books I don’t own that I want to read (I started a note on my phone so I can track titles that catch my attention) so I can imagine my reading list for 2021 may be a little long. But that is OK :) I really enjoy reading and all that I learn; all the conversations that bloom from having a well-read mind to draw from.
And, with the hours each week I save by not using social media (I expand on this at the end of the post), I definitely have extra time to read. Or, snuggle into bed early. Getting more sleep is a must!
The curriculum I use with the kiddos (My Father’s World) includes supplemental reading lists for each week, so about 2 weeks in advance I place holds on a whole slew of library books. I am starting to reserve books just for me to read, which feels extra luxurious :) I’m on an Elisabeth Elliot rabbit trail…
Just last week I read to my children in the living room for nearly an hour while they munched on popcorn. We are working through American history with Maxwell’s schooling, so there are many stories which captivate their attention. I have to say, we have used the library more than ever these last 12 months! Are you using your library?
Here’s what I’ve read so far this year.
JANUARY: Searching for Certainty, Writing Down the Bones, Becoming Elisabeth Elliot
FEBRUARY: The Dutch House, Loneliness
MARCH: still reading through The Creative Habit and A Chance to Die (biography on missionary Amy Carmichael)
How is your reading list coming along? How many books do you read at a time? When do you typically read?
xx, Maggie
PS. My answers from above: It’s going great! Usually 1-2 books at a time (this is lower than normal, but intentional). Various times throughout the day (whenever I can grab 20 minutes of time).
Yay for finding more time to read! And my favorite part of the week is when I pick out library books for the kids and put them on reserve :)
To answer your questions: I’m on a reading high right now and want to read everything in sight! :) I don’t really plan for what’s next – it’s usually dictated by what’s up next on my library holds. I’m usually reading at least 3 books at a time – 1) chapter book with the kids; 2) a physical or Kindle book; 3) an audiobook for car rides or work around the house. I read mostly in the evenings while the kids are winding down, but occasionally I can sneak in a bit of time in the afternoon. And if my audiobook is family friendly, I can listen to it in the van when I’m dropping off/picking up my middle child from his treatment center every day. It’s fun figuring out when to squeeze in some time for reading and it almost always feels scandalous if I’m reading when others are awake! (And scandalous is good, in my opinion!!)
Perhaps this is another benefit to our home: my books are always within reach for when an opportunity to read arises :)
What chapter book are you reading aloud to your kiddos?
I have been waiting for my hold for Becoming Elisabeth Elliot to become available at the library! Very excited to read that one! We use our library for 90% of our homeschool books and it has worked great. It helps that we live a block away from the library and can easily run in for holds. I’ve stepped up my personal reading in the past year or so and have had to be like you and read in the little windows I get during the day. I aim to read at least 20 minutes a day and it is surprising how much you can read with just a bit of time everyday. Thanks for your always encouraging words! Currently reading Breaking Bread With the Dead.
1.) how FUN you live so close to your library!
2.) you will love BEE! I heard there’s a “part 2” of her biography by Ellen Vaughn. Which makes sense bc the book doesn’t cover all of her inspiring life.
3.) 20 minutes CAN satisfy the itch to read, esp when it’s truly reading we do ;) not chores or phone use
4.) thanks for your comment, Lindsey!!! xx
Yes, the library being a block away may or may not be what sold me on buying this particular home… my husband probably had other more practical reasons.
I’ll have to keep the second book in mind. I had the privilege of visiting shell mera Ecuador when I was in college and visiting the tribe that killed that group of missionaries! A faith shaping experience! To experience the work God can do in the most remote parts of the rainforest is so impactful!
WHAT? I gotta learn more about this. Please tell me all the details???
My university sponsored the trip. Missionaries with the Mission Aviation Fellowship were our hosts in Quito. Part of the trip was driving hours down into Shell Mera (picture crazy narrow roads on the side of a mountain in the rainforest). Then we took tiny single engine planes and flew further, (no roads) we landed on a grass runway and were greeted by the people of this tribe. One of the men who was alive when the group of missionaries was killed prayed for our group and then they gave us a tour before we flew back to Shell Mera.
Simply fascinating. Thank you so much for sharing these details, Lindsey! xx