I tried. I really did.
Narrow down my must have books list to only 10. I couldn’t do it.
If I had chosen to write about only homeschooling books, I could have done it. Or only Christian walk books. Or cookbooks. Or….
But, I’m all of those things. I’m a Christian, a homeschooler, a foodie, a wife, and a Mama.
Instead, here’s my list-
My Must Have Book List:
1. Educating The Whole Hearted Child by Clay and Sally Clarkson
This was the first book I read on home education. While it’s not solely for homeschoolers, it certainly gave me hope and inspiration!
2. Ignite the Fire! Freedom is Real Education by Terri Camp
I love Terri’s enthusiastic energy for freeing homeschoolers from the doldrums of the public school model at home. Seriously, if you need a boost and inspiration for a great school year next year, read this book!
3. Everyday Matters Bible for Women
I had long desired a new Bible, specifically this one. The cost was just a bit out of reach for too long. Imagine my glee when this Bible was available for review, meaning I could get it for free in exchange for my review! I do love this Bible and it’s become my favorite version!
4. Created to Be His Help Meet by Debi Pearl
While I do not agree 100% with all that Debi wrote in this book, I believe much of it to be true and helpful. (I can’t say that I agree 100% with any author so don’t take that comment as any sort of disparagement towards Debi Pearl!)
5. Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy by Barbara Johnson
Barbara Johnson has an infectious humor. She’s no stranger to pain and suffering, so her admonition to pick the flowers instead of the weeds seems even more important.
6. Keep a Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot
Elisabeth Elliot is my favorite author ever. I very much enjoyed her newsletter and radio show when they were available. This book is a collection of some of her best newsletter articles. When life gets too busy or just too “big”, a few chapters of this book help to return the peace to my heart.
7. A Path Through Suffering by Elisabeth Elliot
This book has a very, very special place in my heart. I don’t even know when I bought this book. It was on our shelf for years and I hadn’t read it. When I was in the depths of despair and grief after the loss of our 5th babe to miscarriage in 2007, this book helped me navigate the path back to “living”. I can’t say enough about this book. If you are suffering in any way, read this book!
8. I’m Going to Be The Greatest Mom Ever, Even If It Kills Me! by Terri Camp
With her trademark humor, Terri gives me a big ole dose of encouragement in this thing called Motherhood. It’s an older book, but one that should be on every Mama’s shelf.
9. Praying God’s Will For Your Life by Stormie OMartian
I like all of the books in the Praying series by Stormie. This was the one with the biggest impact on me.
10. More Hours In My Day by Emilie Barnes
Another older one. It helped me to see that I am in control of my day. Me.
11. Give Them Grace by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick & Jessica Thompson
This book was available for review and I almost passed it over. Am I ever glad that I didn’t do that. Of all of the parenting books I’ve read over the years, this one tugged at my heart the deepest. Give them grace. What a simple, yet profound idea.
12. Shepherding A Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp
I think most all of us homeschoolers have read this book. It’s gentle, encouraging, and straightforward. My kind of book.
13. Homeschooling From a Biblical Worldview by Israel Wayne
I like how Israel keeps it “real”. I hadn’t thought of a worldview prior to reading this book. Reading it showed me how my worldview affects everything I do. Homeschooling from a Biblical worldview is what we do, and why we do it.
14. The Way They Learn by Cynthia Tobias
This was the second book I read about homeschooling way back when. It hadn’t occurred to me yet, at that stage, that I might have to teach differently depending upon my children. This book is an easy read, but one packed with information. If you’re wondering how to reach your child in your teaching method, this book will help you get there.
15. Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon
Reading this book takes time. LOTS of time. I read it first as a story, ignoring the recipes. Then I went back to read through the recipes. We bought this book after attending a grazing conference and hearing Sally speak. While I agree with much of what she says and wrote, I don’t follow all of it. I do like how she challenges the “diet dictocrats”.
16. Home Cheese Making by Ricki Carroll
I included this book because it helped me expand my knowledge in the kitchen. I have a LOT of cookbooks, but this one gave me the basis to create on my own. We used to have a dairy cow and had a refrigerator full of milk just waiting to be turned into some sort of dairy goodness most days of the week. When I read how simple mozzarella cheese was to make, I was ready to try. Once I made it the first time, I was hooked. I didn’t follow Ricki’s method completely. I created my own method through her book, Food Network tv shows, and trial and error. Let cookbooks be your guide, but not your master.
That’s my list. I could have added oh so many more books to it. What about you? What are your MUST HAVE books that inspire you??
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