2015 in Books :: Top three books of my reading year (not including the Bible or books read for school)...
:: Manzoni's The Betrothed - The best epic novel you've never heard of. This book hits the right balance between sweeping historical drama of war and plague and the concerns (and conversions!) of ordinary and extraordinary people. A grand cast of fully formed saints and sinners, and a message of hope and redemption.
:: Tolstoy's Anna Karenina - Tolstoy draws the obsessive, insecure personality so well--annoying to read but felt very believable. A heart-breaking yet surprisingly hopeful book.
:: Elizabeth Goudge's Pilgrim's Inn - Lighter than the others but both moving and charming. I appreciate the Anglican world Goudge writes about because it often feels like home to me as a Catholic. Descriptive writing--both in lush landscapes and of the human mind and soul--is what Goudge does best, and she's stellar at both types in this book. (It's the second in a trilogy.)
(With an honorable mention to Station Eleven, a dystopian novel I really enjoyed.)
2015 on the Blog :: Top three posts by number of views...
A Very Simple Reading Lesson
Our Weekly Checklist (and a bunch more organizational chat too!)
(with an honorable mention to Inside Our Form II Binder)
2015 in the Outdoors :: Top three moments in nature...
:: Low tide along the cliffs in spring...
:: An afternoon under the redwoods...
:: Perfect fall days in the waves...
2015 on Instagram :: Top
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I just want to say thanks to you all for reading, commenting, sharing, engaging--it's so much fun to be part of such a friendly community of homeschooling moms. I don't take your support for granted!
I'll be back Monday to share a bit about our Christmas and to look forward to what 2016 may bring. Wishing you many blessings in the New Year!
