Adventures in Literacy 2009

I'm back! Christmas was great, and I'm thrilled to be back to life as normal. It's a new year! Jim and I have reflected quite a bit on 2008, and it was incredible. Who knows what 2009 holds? I know God is good and every day life is where the fantastic things happen, so I'm hopeful for a remarkable 2009.

As for Adventures in Literacy 2009, I thought I'd share my book list with you. I thought I'd try to think of a more interesting post title than "Megan's Book List", too. I see I thought of a longer, if not better, one.

I read every day. I have running lists of what I want to read all through the house- sticky notes, the margins and back covers of books, Amazon wish lists, everywhere. Until now, I just go with whatever I come to next that catches me. This year, I decided to set a definite goal. At first I thought it might be too ambitious, but I think I've got a nice list here- I can think of at least 20 books I read last year, so after 12 months, I bet these and more will be complete.

Some of them will come from my bookshelf, some will be purchased, many will come from the library. Some I will love so much that I'll buy it after I return it to the library.

Some are heavy-hitters. Some are just fun.

Whether I read more than this or not is up to me and my family of 6 and my life, but I promise myself, I'll go cover-to-cover with these... except for the dictionary of cultural literacy- that one I might not read "cover to cover"... but I love that book nonetheless.

My 2009 Book List:

Crazy for God: How I Grew Up as One of the Elect, Helped Found the Religious Right, and Lived to Take All (or Almost All) of It Back by Frank Schaeffer

Dangerous Surrender: What Happens When You Say Yes to God by Kay Warren
On topic with orphans, HIV/AIDS, and in general the importance of knowing what is happening in the world- and that I can do something about it. I just want to read what she has to say.

*Genesis of a Legacy: Raising Godly Children in an Ungodly World by Steve Ham and Ken Ham

The Sweeter Side of Amy’s Bread: Cakes, Cookies, Bars, Pastries and More from New York City’s Favorite Bakery by Amy Scherber
Can't wait to get this one!!!

The Digital Photography Book by Scott Kelby
If I don't jive with this one, I'll find another- any suggestions??

My Dearest Friend: Letters of Abigail and John Adams by Abigail Adams, et al.
I've been fascinated with her since we saw the HBO miniseries. A conversation over Christmas reminded me to get that book!

Harriet Beecher Stowe: A Biography by Noel Bertram Gerson
What an incredible woman! If this bio doesn't satisfy, I'm finding another one.

The Fourth Bear: A Nursery Crime by Jasper Fforde
I hear these are great. If I like this one, I'll get...

The Big Over Easy: A Nursery Crime by Jasper Fforde

*How Should We Then Live?: The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and Culture by Francis A. Schaeffer

Things We Couldn’t Say by Diet Eman with James Schaap
Pronounced "Deet"- she was a brave christian woman who helped countless people during the Holocaust. Incredible story of bravery and God's faithfulness.

Though the Mountains Shake by Amy Carmichael

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy by Kett, Trefil, Hirsch

Vocabulary Dictionary and Workbook: 2,856 Words You Must Know by Mark Phillips Inspiration to work through this one? I couldn't remember what et.al. stood for. FYI from dictionary.com: "et al.: 1883, abbrev. of L. et alii (masc.), et aliæ (fem.), or et alia (neut.), in any case meaning 'and others.' " There you go.

Summer: Re-read my books on Education
I told myself last year that every summer I'd go back and read all my books concerning the philosophy and practice of education, as they are highly motivating and inspiring, and give fresh perspective every time they are read, as our family grows and matures. (I'm sure I'll get my hands on a few new ones, too.)

*Reading these with Jim

If I feel so inspired, you might just get a book report from time to time.