The arrogant snobbery of the author was amusing (you simply must use this particular Alpine sheep's milk cheese or the recipe will be absolutely ruine...moreThe arrogant snobbery of the author was amusing (you simply must use this particular Alpine sheep's milk cheese or the recipe will be absolutely ruined, that kind of thing), so the book is worth a read for comedic value alone. Some of the recipes do have their own appeal though. Even my poor suburban market has the ingredients for a quattro formaggio. If anyone in your family is allergic to eggs, be warned that a high percentage of the recipes involve egg. I am sure the sauces are creamier with egg, but I prefer a husband who continues breathing. If I ever change my mind, I'll be sure to pick this book back up. ;)(less)
Websites mentioned are almost entirely outdated, and the book consisted mostly of links. When was the last time you visited www.geocities.com? The app...moreWebsites mentioned are almost entirely outdated, and the book consisted mostly of links. When was the last time you visited www.geocities.com? The appendix does have a broad scope and sequence that may help someone get started googling newer links. If you're interested in building your own curriculum, you might find the book a little helpful.(less)
By "in the home", the author means only to supplement at home after the child has been at a school all day. The descriptions of the various Montessori...moreBy "in the home", the author means only to supplement at home after the child has been at a school all day. The descriptions of the various Montessori activities were dry and hard to follow at times.(less)
I didn't come away from the book with many new ideas-mostly the book covered common sense stuff. The only new thing to me was introducing a topic to t...moreI didn't come away from the book with many new ideas-mostly the book covered common sense stuff. The only new thing to me was introducing a topic to the kid BEFORE a field trip, so they can ask better questions.(less)
I kept having to put the book down so I could research another thing online. The book gave me a lot of great ideas and made it feel do-able to homesch...moreI kept having to put the book down so I could research another thing online. The book gave me a lot of great ideas and made it feel do-able to homeschool on my budget. I did skip through the last 3 chapters though, since my kids are nowhere near high school. The appendix is worth reading though!
Also, the book was written in the 90s, so most tech info is outdated.(less)
Halfway through the book, there is a helpful list of activities to keep a preschooler busy while homeschooling. This, and other lists, helps the book...moreHalfway through the book, there is a helpful list of activities to keep a preschooler busy while homeschooling. This, and other lists, helps the book earn its title. I also got a few ideas of how to better handle sibling arguments. However, there were whole sections of the book I skipped over due to the religious slant, so it only earns 3 stars.(less)
Instead of being about 15 families that homeschool, this book took 100 interviews and mashed everyone's details into 15 fake families. I got through t...moreInstead of being about 15 families that homeschool, this book took 100 interviews and mashed everyone's details into 15 fake families. I got through the first chapter/"family" and realized the style would not impart any useful knowledge to me.(less)
I really appreciated the chapters on the families living in the Marshall Islands and Alaska. It was fun to hear about how environment can impact the h...moreI really appreciated the chapters on the families living in the Marshall Islands and Alaska. It was fun to hear about how environment can impact the homeschooling experience.(less)
I've never seen an epidemiological romance novel before, so this was a fun read for me (given my graduate work in epidemiology). Others might find it...moreI've never seen an epidemiological romance novel before, so this was a fun read for me (given my graduate work in epidemiology). Others might find it disturbing to go from a sex scene to a description of cholera.(less)
By "child", the author obviously meant middle school student. There is virtually nothing applicable to elementary age kids. The only thing I actually...moreBy "child", the author obviously meant middle school student. There is virtually nothing applicable to elementary age kids. The only thing I actually learned out of the book was the Cornell note taking method. Why aren't different methods of taking notes taught in sixth or seventh grade? I think knowing there are different methodologies to taking notes would help a lot of students. Not everyone learns the same way as their parents.(less)
The chapters alternate between two possible futures, and it can be hard to keep track of which future you're reading about, since everyone has the sam...moreThe chapters alternate between two possible futures, and it can be hard to keep track of which future you're reading about, since everyone has the same names. Once you get past that, it's an interesting read. I think everyone wishes they could get a glimpse of "what if"s, and this book satisfies that yearning, at least for today. Hopefully the author will write a sequel.(less)
For the first 12 chapters, I kept thinking she's talking a lot and not saying much. Somewhere around chapter 13, ideas started popping into my head ab...moreFor the first 12 chapters, I kept thinking she's talking a lot and not saying much. Somewhere around chapter 13, ideas started popping into my head about how I could organize my house so it's less mess-inducing. By the end of the book, I had several ideas and some inspiration, which made the read worthwhile to me. It remains to be seen if the book will have any lasting effect. I will say that the book is probably better aimed at families with at least one child over 6 years old. If all your kids are 4 and under, you might as well wait to read this one. She doesn't have any miracles for messy toddlers.(less)
My favorite part of this book was the dedication. It was the best poetry I've read in years. I'll probably give Revis another try, once she's written a...moreMy favorite part of this book was the dedication. It was the best poetry I've read in years. I'll probably give Revis another try, once she's written a dozen books. You could tell this was a first effort, but I expect her to get better with seasoning.(less)
Loading...
