What's on My Nightstand in March

It's time once again to share the books I've been reading this month with What's On Your Nightstand (the fourth Tuesday of each month).  Unfortunately, my children and I have been rather sick this month and I have not had time to write reviews...or even read much.  I know I am very sick when I am in bed and have no desire to pick up a book!


Fiction
A Room of My Own, by Ann Tatlock.  Virginia's world is changed when her uncle loses his job during the Depression and moves the family into her home.  Over the summer, she grows up quite a bit as she learns to think of others before herself, especially those living in "Soo City" where her father often goes to look after the medical needs of the homeless community there.  Tatlock paints a realistic view of the Depression...and had me wanting more.  I've read several of Tatlock's books, and this ranks right up with I'll Watch the Moon, which was a 2012 favorite of mine.  I definitely recommend it for those who like historical fiction.

Emily of Deep Valley, (linked to full review) by Maud Hart Lovelace.  This was my second time reading this book, and I chose it for the Reading to Know Book Club for March's selection.  We meet Emily upon her high school graduation in the early 1900's.  Instead of going to college, she plans to care for her grandfather.   I loved seeing how Emily fought off her depression with activity and focusing upon others.  Not only that, but the insight into the Syrians of her town was so touching.  I really enjoyed spending the year after Emily's graduation with her.  This is probably my favorite children's book of all time, though more for the young adult audience, though content appropriate for younger.

Non-fiction
Schaeffer on the Christian Life, by William Edgar.  I am not well-informed about Christian theologians which is why I chose to review this book from Crossway.  I went in knowing nothing, other than the name, of Francis Schaeffer.  This was a bit of a biography, but focused more on the Christian views of Schaeffer (and a bit on his wife, Edith's views).  Edgar was a personal friend of Schaeffer, and it shows throughout the book, though it is also balanced with an occasional criticism (or at least an objective concern).  I definitely recommend it and am curious to read Francis's own books!

Audio
Secrets at Sea, by Richard Peck.  Children's fiction.  Four orphaned sibling mice follow their humans to England upon a sea voyage.  Enjoyable, but I prefer Peck's work with human characters.

Though I have a couple more books in the works, that was all I completed since my last book update.  Schaeffer took a bit of time to read, though it was less than 200 pages.



~ Annette {This Simple Mom}

7 comments

  1. Since you've enjoyed Tatlock so much, I grabbed two of her books when they were free on Kindle. I'm hoping to get to them soon, since feeding time provides great Kindle reading time. :)

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  2. I've always wanted to read a book by Francis and/or Edith Schaeffer.

    I know what you mean about not really feeling like reading. I've had bouts of that during this pregnancy.

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    1. How Should We Live Then is the Schaeffer book I think I want to read, Amy. :)

      Bluerose, my Tatlock books were free, too!

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  3. I have a couple of Tatlock books, that one included, I think, in my Kindle app that I need to get to.

    I've always been intrigued by Schaeffer but haven't yet read anything of his. That sounds like a good resource. I did enjoy his wife's The Art of Homecoming.

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  4. Oops -- that was supposed to be Homemaking, not Homecoming. :-)

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  5. You really have done very well for what ended up being a crazy month for you! Good job!

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  6. I want to read Emily. I've never read it and everyone I know loves it! I'd also love to read the Schaeffer book.

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