Alice in Wonderland

                                                                 
                                                                        2 out of 5
                                                  Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Honestly, I think you have to be a math nerd to fully appreciate this classic book. It is a very strange and weird book about the ability to change shape, sizes and figure based on math. During Carroll's day the idea or realization that there could be such a thing as "invisible" numbers didn't sit well with him. This story was his way of showing how ridiculous the possibility of the debatable math theories of his day were.  Kids don't mind the nonsense of the book but for an adult, too strange.

Sense and Sensibility

                                                                          4 out of 5
                                                    Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

I was very reluctant to read this book but I quickly found myself enjoying this pleasant, easy read. Jane did a beautiful job describing locations and developing characters. For me, this was a light read. One to enjoy when there is no one else around to gossip with. Maybe even read it while sipping some tea. ;o)

The Good Earth

                                                                         5 out of 5
                                                      The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck

I absolutely love this book. When reading this book I experienced every human emotion possible which is fantastic since the author is telling the life story of a man in China.The events are so heart pulling and evoked so much emotion that I almost had a love/hate relationship with this story, but in the end I am singing high praises. The Good Earth gives a wonderful glimpse into the Chinese culture.  It is an emotional story about love, partnership, sacrifice and the understanding of where true happiness begins.

The Parenting Children Bible Set

                                                                        4 out of 5
                                                    Punished by Rewards by Alfie Kohn


This was a very interesting and thought provoking read. I do agree that our ultimate goal for raising children is to get them to be self motivated, to do good without always expecting a reward, but this book left me confused. Kohn states that any consequence to a behavior is a punishment or a reward. If we say "Boys that clean up toys get to have a story before bed" is considered a reward for a behavior. Kohn suggests that instead

1. We can talk to the child and tell them what they did was wrong and how to change their behavior.

2. We can examine the behavior and try to find the underlying cause. Is there something we can change about the situation? Are we contributing to it in any way? Is the child trying to communicate to us through their (wrong) choices?

3. Have the child evaluate their own behavior. How do they think they are doing? Are they improving in any areas? What can they work on?

4. What can we change about the situation? 

Kohn calls this approach “working with” rather than “doing to”. And he urges parents and teachers to keep in mind their long term goals for children, such as helping them grow into responsible and caring people, rather than on short-term goals, such as obedience.

Read a great review here http://www.blog.montessoriforeveryone.com/are-kids-punished-by-rewards.html

                                                                          3 out of 5
                                                 Unconditional Parenting by Alfie Kohn


This book left me SO confused. Kohn tells us what not to do, but no "how to."  In theory this sounds fantastic, being able to change a child's bad behavior through calm talk only, but what do you do when they just keep doing the same hurtful thing over and over and over? Is it really wrong to finally put a child in time out to let them know that people don't want to be around others who hurt them?

 For those of you who have read this book please let me know your thoughts, success or failures in an email. I would love to hear. My email is ajapan2003@yahoo.com    

Let me just say that when we applied this technique for two weeks with our young toddler boys they ended up acting out,  taking advantage of us and being more disobedient than ever! They knew there would be no consequences for their actions...just mom and dad "talking" to them.

 To read a great review and explanation of this book read http://www.positive-parenting-ally.com/unconditional-parenting.html






The next three books I consider a parent's "Parenting Bible Set."  I know that there are many different parenting books because every child communicates differently, but these books apply to every child and every adult. As we have applied what we have learned from these books not only has our relationship improved with our children and behavior issues diminished but our marriage relationship has been strengthened. Our life has become simplified and I have found more joy in being a parent. I can't recommend these books enough.

                                                      5 out of 5 for all three books below

The Bronze Bow

4.5 out of 5

The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare

I read this book in November preparing for the Christmas holiday season since it is a story about a young man who has a change of heart through Jesus. Again this is youth literature but it is a very easy, enjoyable and quick read. There is not a whole lot of "busy action" but rather a book that pulls on the emotions of the heart. My testimony of Jesus was strengthened as I realized how beautiful and perfect his mortal ministry was on this earth. Many were waiting for a mighty, aggressive, loud, fighter to save them from Roman control but Christ was calm, mild, meek, and humble. He asked the people do the very thing did they not want to do. To love everyone. Even their enemies.

Here is a review from goodreads.com

"In this Newbery Medal-winning novel, Daniel bar Jamin is fired by only one passion: to avenge his father's death by crucifixion by driving the Roman legions from his land of Israel. He joins an outlaw band and leads a dangerous life of spying, plotting, and impatiently waiting to seek revenge. Headstrong Daniel is devoid of tenderness and forgiveness, heading down a destructive path toward disaster until he hears the lessons taught by Jesus of Nazareth. With a brand new cover, young readers won't be able to pass up this timeless tale."

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde

THE STRANGE CASE OF DR. JEKYLL & MR. HYDE by Robert Louis Stevenson

5 out of 5

I read this book in October. I figured it was going to be creepy enough to get my mind spinning for Halloween and it worked. I am not one who enjoys dark, scary or creepy movies and books but this was perfect for my entertainment.

This book deals with the inner struggle all people have with good versus evil. For some reason there is something appealing and alluring about going with our "animalistic" instincts and desires, but in the end it only brings unhappiness to ourselves and others. The reality is that we all have a bit of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde within us. Part of us who strive to do good and be our best self, but there is also a part of us (whether we let it entertain our thoughts and behaviors often or not) that wants to rebel and not have any self control. Some people can keep the dark thoughts hidden, but in others the dark thoughts start taking over their lives. It is a slippery slope. One which is difficult to climb back up once too far down the slide.

What a good thought provoking short story. Brilliant.

The Hiding Place

The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

5 out of 5 Stars

What a life changing book. Other than the Bible and Book of Mormon, this is the only other book that I have read that truly radiates the love of Christ. Based on a true story, this book brought me comfort and perspective in a time of personal struggles. I highly recommend this book.


“I pray that God forgive them...”

Corrie Ten Boom stood naked with her older sister Betsie, watching a concentration camp matron beating a prisoner. “Oh, the poor woman,” Corrie cried. “Yes. May God forgive her,” Betsie replied. And, once again, Corrie realized that it was for the souls of the brutal Nazi guards that her sister prayed.

Both woman had been sent to the camp for helping the Jews. Christ’s Spirit and words were their guide; it was His persecuted people they tried to save—at the risk of their own lives; it was His strength that sustained them through times of profound horror.

For another great book review with many more inspirational quotes from the book click here.