Books, Books, Books

Anyone who has known me for long, knows that I am a complete bookaholic. Unfortunately, I have yet to find a support group for this problem, but rather many friends who will encourage and support me in this "vice". I am a member of a book club. Fortunately, it is the "right kind" of book club, if you know what I mean. We read only classic, high-quality literature. No twaddle allowed.

We are getting ready to read "The Moonstone" by Wilkie Collins which is supposed to be one of the first great English detective stories. I am looking forward to it, as its not a genre I have explored a great deal--other than Agatha Christie's works. One of our next works will be "Lorna Doone" by R.D. Blackmore. I have only read through the first couple of chapters of "Lorna Doone" and I can tell that it is going to be challenge. I am looking forward to it.

Some of our past reads have included: "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen (which has caused me to fall in love with and explore her works for their own merit--not just because it is a popular trend), "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee (which is well-written, but a rather dark story for my taste), "The Dean's Watch" by Elizabeth Goudge (which starts off slowly, but is excellent once you get involved with the characters), and "The Keeper of the Bees" by Gene Stratton Porter (a wonderful book, which makes me want to explore some of her other works such as Girl of the Limberlost and Laddie, which I've heard a great deal about).

I am also reading "Philip and Elizabeth" by Gyles Brandreth, after having just finished "Lillibet" by a different author. I have become obsessed with British history recently because of a "school book" I am reading to my daughter--"Our Island Story" by H.E. Marshall. We have learned so much about British history and am discovering more about many of our famous and infamous ancestors, including Henry VII, Henry VIII and his children Elizabeth I, Mary I and Edward IV--although these were cousins, rather than directly up the ancestral line. Apparently, we are also related to Lady Godiva, which may explain why one of my daughters is obsessed with horses, while the other likes to strip naked in public places. We are also related to the Carmichael clan in Scotland which has several famous descendants including Amy Carmichael and Hoagy Carmichael. The Carmichaels still meet every year at the Carmichael estate in Scotland for a "clan gathering".

In addition to these books, I am also reading Superimmunity for Kids, which is about health and nutrition for children--emphasizing the importance of essential fatty acids(EFA) in the diet. This is probably the best book I have ever read about health and nutrition for children and I am being inspired to make many changes for our family. It will be interesting for me to see if there are behavioral changes in the children, as well, after changing their diet.

I believe I read a quote a long time ago that went something like this (don't quote me!): "If I get a little money, I buy books. If there is any left, I buy food." This sums up my philosophy exactly (although with children I am having to modify my philosophy a little since it wouldn't do to let them go hungry--lol).

I was telling my husband last night that, while I have no problem reading five or six books at a time, I wish that I could read them at the SAME TIME. There are so many things in this world that are interesting to learn about. God is so good. I am hoping that by giving my children a classical/literature based education that I will instill the same love for learning in their lives, that I have in my own life. Although I was an unfortunate product of the public schools, I realize that my love of good literature outside of school, is what has helped me to become the person that I am--a person who loves to learn:-)