Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

The Homeschool Experiment: A Novel

by Charity Hawkins (Goodreads Author)

4.12 of 5 stars 4.12 · rating details · 60 ratings · 19 reviews

Julianne Miller feels God nudging her to homeschool her three children. The only problem is, she has no idea what she’s doing. Julianne was her high school valedictorian, graduated from college with honors, and had a successful career in the business world. How hard could first grade possibly be?

Her plans and schedules all look so good on paper. But when it comes to avoid...more

Paperback, 260 pages

Published March 2012 by Familyman Ministries

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 131)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Jun 16, 2012 Michele rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Homeschool Experiment is the story of Julianne Miller and her three young children Daniel, Joy and Michael as they navigate their first year of homeschooling together.

If I did not know better I would swear that The Homeschool Experiment was written about me! Those where my first thoughts when I started reading this book! Really.

Of course this book is not entirely like my life, I only have two children and I have never once been to a homeschool convention. *gasp* I have poured over curriculum...more

like 1 like · see review

Apr 10, 2012 Amy Bradsher rated it 5 of 5 stars

I LOVED this book.

If you’ve ever homeschooled (I’ve only homeschooled for preschool thus far), thought about homeschooling, wondered what it might be like, then you MUST read this book. Not only does Charity write about homeschooling adventures in a completely realistic (I’m assuming much of this was real) fashion, but she does so with humor and Biblical wisdom thrown in.

It’s rare that I want to take notes when reading fiction, but this book made me want to pull out my highlighter. Charity pond...more I LOVED this book.

If you’ve ever homeschooled (I’ve only homeschooled for preschool thus far), thought about homeschooling, wondered what it might be like, then you MUST read this book. Not only does Charity write about homeschooling adventures in a completely realistic (I’m assuming much of this was real) fashion, but she does so with humor and Biblical wisdom thrown in.

It’s rare that I want to take notes when reading fiction, but this book made me want to pull out my highlighter. Charity ponders the homeschool vs. public school vs. private school debate openly, honestly, and logically, giving fantastic advice to others who might be struggling with this decision. The mentors from whom Julianne seeks advice do the same: they are able to help Julianne find strategies and resources to solve the problems that she’s having, providing valuable insights to any of us reading the book.

In the back Charity includes a study guide for homeschool groups, making this a fantastic possibility for your next book club meeting or Mom’s Night Out get together. My favorite part of this was that along with questions, she includes resources relating to issues in the book, so if something resonates with you, you are then able to seek out more information on that topic easily.

Charity shares about how the decision to homeschool is about more than academia:

If I teach my children nothing else, I want to teach them to recognize true treasures – not jewels or palatial mansions, but this amazing world God created, the precious people around us, and His eternal Truth. For where my children’s treasures are, there their hearts will be also.

Though this computer addict hates to admit it, technology now plays a major role in most people’s lives – and that’s drastically changed the way that families relate to each other and to the outside world. After being around others who are more “connected” than her little family is, Julianne decides that:

I want to raise children who know how to be still, how to sit, how to think. I want my children to have hearts for people, not things, and to live to serve, not to be entertained. And, ultimately, I want them to learn to listen: to family and friends, to their own hearts, and to that Voice that doesn’t beep and flash, that doesn’t always thunder in a whirlwind or burn with fire, but that comes in a gentle Whisper. (p. 116)

Of course, along with being a voice of wisdom and experience, this book is flat out funny. From fire trucks and hotel visits to who-can-amass-the-most-McD’s visits per month, Julianne’s story will definitely tickle your funny bone.

And who doesn’t need some more of that?

To read my complete review and possibly win your own autographed copy, visit my blog at www.anestintherocks.blogspot.com.(less)

like · see review

Apr 08, 2012 Sanz rated it 4 of 5 stars

I read The Homeschool Experiment this weekend.

It was light and fluffy.

Fun and delightful.

And just what I needed.

It is a novel about a mom with three children. 6, 4, & 1. (Same ages as my kiddos!)

The mother is in her first year of homeschooling.

I laughed out loud and noticed myself in this woman. I felt like parts of this book were me speaking. I could have been writing it myself. I highlighted several passages that really spoke to me right now. They were motivating, beautiful or spoke of som...more

like · see review

Apr 04, 2012 Michele rated it 5 of 5 stars

If I didn't know any better I'd say author, Charity Hawkins, was peeking in my windows and following me around. How does she know so much about my life?! I can so relate to Julianne Miller in this story. We have a similar situation in our household with an older son, 4 yr old child, and a younger one. Daniel reminded me so much of my son.
One of my favorite paragraphs in the book, "Homeschooling is a lot like my garden. It's messy. My method seems haphazard. I am learning as I go. It rarely turns...more If I didn't know any better I'd say author, Charity Hawkins, was peeking in my windows and following me around. How does she know so much about my life?! I can so relate to Julianne Miller in this story. We have a similar situation in our household with an older son, 4 yr old child, and a younger one. Daniel reminded me so much of my son.
One of my favorite paragraphs in the book, "Homeschooling is a lot like my garden. It's messy. My method seems haphazard. I am learning as I go. It rarely turns out exactly as I planned and the results are unpredictable. At some point along the way, I feel like a failure. But somehow the roots go down deep; the tender plants grow strong. And every single spring, every single summer, I am awed by the harvest God brings." This little paragraph really spoke to me. It may be because we are in the process of growing our garden, I don't know. I just really relate to this!
I recommend this book to any and every homeschooling family. You are not alone out there. We all go through some of the same things. This really brings everything close to home.
A little testimony from me: I started doing some child care for a friend and was starting to worry about my son's homeschooling. I decided I would enroll him in a virtual school so he wouldn't fall behind. That lasted a whole 2 months. While I was reading this book I got convicted! Well, maybe convicted is a strong word to use. I just knew I had given up and I was wrong in my decision. I didn't seek God first before I chose to do this. How could I do this to my son? He wasn't loving it after the 1st week because we had so much makeup work to do. I stopped doing the childcare and decided we were going back to homeschooling our way. My son woke up early the next day excited about school. "When are we doing school today?!" That just helped me and confirmed that what I did was the right thing. Thank God for this book that helped me realize my children weren't going to suffer from lack of knowledge if we didn't do "school" EVERY day, or get to every subject I have planned. This is a very encouraging novel. I received at just the right moment. God knew I needed this.(less)

like · see review

Apr 08, 2012 Casey rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-kindle

I think this novel will get a “Yes Ma’am!” fist pump from about every homeschool mom out there. Don’t tell me you can’t pick up this book and not relate to the story just a *little* bit.

It’s the quirky kind of tell-all story that will give the non-homeschooler a peeping-tom view of that first few years of “experimentation” into the concept called homeschooling. And to those who have walked (and ARE walking) the path called home education just might send the author hate mail at telling their fam...more

like · see review

Mar 18, 2013 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars

Title: THE HOMESCHOOL EXPERIMENT
Author Charity Hawkins
Publisher: Family House
2012
ISBN: 978-1937639063
Genre: Contemporary fiction/homeschool

A delightful novel for moms set in the hilarious, hard, and beautiful world of homeschooling. It's the perfect first book for those just starting out on their homeschooling journey, or beginning to consider the idea, and it's a reminder to the verteran homeschooler that you're not alone. It's sort of like living in the house of a homeschool family for a year....more Title: THE HOMESCHOOL EXPERIMENT
Author Charity Hawkins
Publisher: Family House
2012
ISBN: 978-1937639063
Genre: Contemporary fiction/homeschool

A delightful novel for moms set in the hilarious, hard, and beautiful world of homeschooling. It's the perfect first book for those just starting out on their homeschooling journey, or beginning to consider the idea, and it's a reminder to the verteran homeschooler that you're not alone. It's sort of like living in the house of a homeschool family for a year. You see the daily challenges, but also the rewards.

With refreshing humor and honesty, Hawkins offers moms encouragement in their noble work at home, a chance to laugh at the moments only a mom would understand, and a reminder to cherish those gifts right under their roofs- those wild, irrational, precious people-their own children. Though the book deals with homeschooling, it also addresses the larger question, "What happens when you feel called to do something that seems entirely too big for you?" Between laughs, don't be surprised when you pick up ideas that will simplify your own homeschooling plan. So, come join Julianne and her co-op friends as they navigate through a hard but humorous year of diapers, dinners, husbands, meltdowns, and math lessons. And that's just September.

THE HOMESCHOOL EXPERIMENT is a fiction account of a homeschool mom. Written in first person, it gives an up-close and personal look at the mindset of a homeschooler, including the doubts, the thoughts, the stubbornness, and the determination.

I’ve been homeschooling for many years—a veteran homeschooler, and I could totally relate to Julianne’s thoughts about using vacation trips as a homeschool experience, about how the in-laws think you aren’t good enough and are ruining the kids’ lives, and about trying to choose the correct curriculum for your family. It just goes to show that everyone’s approach for homeschooling is different. There’s no one right way.

If you are homeschooling, thinking about it, or know someone who does and you’re a bit curious, then pick up THE HOMESCHOOL EXPERIMENT. You’ll laugh out loud, be encouraged, and maybe even learn something. A study guide and a bunch of resources are included at the end of the book. $12.99. 260 pages.
(less)

like · see review

Jan 06, 2013 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: homeschool, christian-women, fiction

The Homeschool Experiment is a fun, lighthearted read that also has some poignant moments that will choke up any mom. I am a homeschooling mom of three in my first year, and I really identified with the main character as she struggled through her first year of homeschooling with three young children. From conventions to inlaws to dealing with a toddler and a kindergartener, this book is a very honest look at what homeschooling is really like. Julianne has her victories as well as times when she...more

like · see review

May 07, 2012 Pamela rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Homeschool Experiment by Charity Hawkins is a fictional novel about homeschooling written by a homeschooling mom. Finally, a novel for homeschooling moms!

The Homeschool Experiment follows mom Julianne and her family as they go about preparing, planning and living through their first homeschooling year. Lead character Julianne Miller may not know all the answers, but with perseverance and some blessings from God she forges ahead through all of the ups and downs of her first year as a homescho...more

The Homeschool Experiment by Charity Hawkins is a fictional novel about homeschooling written by a homeschooling mom. Finally, a novel for homeschooling moms!

The Homeschool Experiment follows mom Julianne and her family as they go about preparing, planning and living through their first homeschooling year. Lead character Julianne Miller may not know all the answers, but with perseverance and some blessings from God she forges ahead through all of the ups and downs of her first year as a homeschooling mom.

This book truly is laugh-out-loud funny, especially if you have been homeschooling for a while. As a veteran homeschooling mom, I could certainly relate to Julianne and her family. Like Julianne, when my family started homeschooling I truly tried to do school at home, including the maps on the wall, a reading corner and a school day scheduled down to the minute. And, like Julianne, I failed miserably that first day. Thankfully my family survived the second day and we are still homeschooling today, just like the family in The Homeschool Experiment.

The Homeschool Experiment is a fun book that was a quick read that would actually be a great book to read even if you aren’t a homeschooler. The characters are well-defined and honest. Very honest. From the three kids to a supportive husband to the not-so-supportive in-laws, the characters in this book just will probably seem very real to fellow homeschooling moms. This book travels the gamut of homeschooling and having kids home 24/7, with plot twists that vary from too many visits to the McDonald’s drive-through to the academic successes that begin to bloom in the Miller home.

Homeschool moms everywhere should be encouraged as they read The Homeschool Experiment. Julianne is a devoted mom who feels called by God to homeschool her children, even if her lesson plans seem to be derailed. This book is a great reminder to keep your eyes on the big picture of things and not sweat the tiny details that can so easily distract and rob homeschooling parents of the joy.

Great quote from the book: “Homeschooling is a lot like my garden. It’s messy. My method seems haphazard. I am learning as I go. It rarely turns out exactly like I planned and the results are unpredictable. At some point along the way, I feel like a failure. But somehow the roots go down deep; the tender plants grow strong. And every single spring, every single summer, I am awed by the harvest that God brings.” Page 177

The Homeschool Experiment is entertaining from start to finish. The book begins with a foreword written by Todd Wilson of Familyman Ministries. The book then ends with some very helpful resources. One appendix is a Homeschool Group Study Guide, with through-provoking questions and optional memory verses for encouragement and uplifting. The second appendix is the Homeschooling Resources list, which is where author Charity Hawkins has listed some of her favorite and more helpful homeschooling books, CDs and more.

Homeschool moms everywhere should be encouraged as they read The Homeschool Experiment. Julianne is a devoted mom who feels called by God to homeschool her children, even if her lesson plans seem to be derailed. This book is a great reminder to keep your eyes on the big picture of things and not sweat the tiny details that can so easily distract and rob homeschooling parents of the joy.

I received this book complimentary from the author in exchange for a review but the opinion in the review is all mine.(less)

like · see review

May 09, 2013 Jenifer rated it 5 of 5 stars

I'm pretty sure this is the first nonfiction book I've read on homeschooling.....maybe it's the first one of it's kind ever! Despite being a work of fiction, "The Homeschooling Experiment" has a wealth of ideas and resources for those just starting out homeschooling, and those who maybe just need a change for their current homeschool. Hawkins has transformed a lighthearted story into a biblically uplifting roadmap for any Christian homeschooling mom. A must read!

like · see review

May 12, 2013 Demetria Zinga added it

Witty, funny, and a relaxing read that resonates well with newbie homeschoolers :-) It's great to finally have a fictional account of what a new homeschooler feels like at times. Read my complete review at Christian Homeschool Moms

like · see review

Apr 05, 2012 Amy Mccoy rated it 4 of 5 stars

I am at the beginning of my homeschool journey and I can so imagine some of the characters dilemmas happening in my life. I loved her honest approach and it really felt like more of a non-fiction book than a work of fiction. I am excited to begin homeschooling my children, however I'm trying to have realistic expectations. This was a great book for me!

like · see review

Feb 06, 2013 Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars

Hilarious and too true! This story takes me back a few years, but it's a work of fiction so I don't have to feel guilty about reading it. Not for the faint of heart or anyone unfamiliar with Titus 2, though.

like · see review

Jun 01, 2012 Jeepster rated it 5 of 5 stars

Loved this book. I felt like the author was my best friend. I related to her so much. I laughed, I teared up, I prayed. I would love to find out if she has a blog or a website that I can keep up with her and her family.

like 1 like · see review

Sep 05, 2012 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars

This books was great! It offers a hilarious outlook on homeschooling. She admits the struggles along the way and offers practical advice as she learns how to have more balance with her homeschooling journey.

like · see review

Apr 04, 2013 Janny rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book made me laugh, cry and wish I had done this adventure with my own kids.

Totally recommend this for every mom

like · see review

Nov 09, 2012 Bridgette Mongeon rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was a wonderful read, even for a grandmother!

like · see review

May 15, 2013 Krista Kirk rated it 5 of 5 stars

A hilarious must read for homeschool moms!

like · see review

Feb 02, 2013 Regan rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: homeschooling

Eh, it was okay.

like · see review

Mar 24, 2013 Ambra rated it 5 of 5 stars

LOVED this book! Terrifying of what my life may look like as I homeschool my kids, but so funny and inspirational too!

like · see review

May 19, 2013 Cari marked it as to-read

May 17, 2013 Jason marked it as to-read

May 13, 2013 Sandy is currently reading it

May 12, 2013 Shannon marked it as to-read

May 09, 2013 Norma Arriaga marked it as to-read

May 03, 2013 Liz marked it as to-read

Shelves: homeschool

May 01, 2013 Jennypenny29 marked it as to-read

Apr 25, 2013 Karri Walker ellis hembree added it

May 06, 2013 Angela marked it as to-read

Shelves: parenting

Apr 24, 2013 Melissa marked it as to-read

Apr 20, 2013 Nikki Buck is currently reading it

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
What did you think?	3	5	Apr 04, 2013 11:48am

Genres

Parenting

2 users

See top shelves...

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About The Homeschool Ex...

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: The Homeschool Experiment: A Novel
avg rating	preview: The Homeschool Experiment: A Novel Goodreads rating: 4.12 (60 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13560235-the-homeschool-experiment?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1333515450l/13560235.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13560235-the-homeschool-experiment?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Homeschool Experiment: A Novel by Charity Hawkins[/url]

The Homeschool Experiment: A Novel

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topicDiscuss This Book

Genres

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About The Homeschool Ex...

new topic
Discuss This Book