Rachel Dodge's Blog, page 21

My Top 5 favorite authors all grown up.

Just when you think you’ve read all of your favorite author’s books, you sometimes find a new gem. As you mature, books that didn’t interest you when you were younger suddenly become golden. It’s a glory-hallelujah kind of moment! Here are some gems by my favorite girlhood authors that I’ve discovered (or rediscovered and enjoyed more fully) as an adult:

The Blue Castle  by L.M. Montgomery: If you’ve never read The Blue Castle (our June read-along), it’s a pretty big departure from Green Gables and Avonlea. There’s a bit more spice. It’s funny; irreverent at times; and grown up. Interestingly, it’s the only book Montgomery wrote that was intended for an adult audience. You’ll be laughing from the first pages, spitting mad a few more pages in, and cheering soon after that.
Persuasion by Jane Austen: This is the Austen book most readers appreciate more the older they get. I read Persuasion in college, but it didn’t really resonate with me at that age. Once I was older and married, it quickly became one of my favorite books. Austen wrote this novel in the latter part of her life, and the story deals with an older heroine and a long-lost love.
An Old-Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott: My mother always said this was her favorite Alcott book. I had no interest in it as a young girl. I didn’t want to read about love . . . until I was older! It’s absolutely lovely and is one of my all-time favorite books. Alcott’s A Rose in Bloom (the sequel to Eight Cousins) is another treasured story that I didn’t fully appreciate until I was more mature.
These Happy Golden Years (and Little Town on the Prairie) by Laura Ingalls Wilder: Do you remember when Laura and Almanzo first met? I do! Do you remember what Almanzo and Cap Garland did to save the town from starvation in The Long Winter? If you read the first books in this series in elementary school, don’t discount the beauty of the “grown-up Laura books” in the series. Her storytelling is captivating and their love story is endearing.
Keeper of the Bees (and The Harvester) by Gene Stratton-Porter: If you’ve read A Girl of the Limberlost (our August read-along), Freckles, Michael O’Halloran, or The Happy Garden, then you know Stratton-Porter’s books remind readers of simpler, more innocent times. If you want to delve further into her work, Keeper of the Bees and The Harvester are gorgeous “grown up” stories. Daughter of the Land, although it isn’t as popular and light-hearted as her others, is probably her most mature work. I found it unforgettable.

Like-Minded Authors:

Though these authors are lesser known, I highly recommend their books if you enjoy old-fashioned books with old-fashioned values:

Strawberry Acres by Grace S. Richmond is the story of four siblings who inherit a large house and acreage out in the country, after living in cramped quarters in the city. They have little to live on and must learn to make ends meet. The sister does her best to make the house into a home, and the brothers work to make a living on the farm. It’s a quaint book with a sweet love story.

Daddy-Long-Legs by Jean Webster is hilarious! People compare Daddy-Long-Legs to Anne of Green Gables. You can read this novel in an afternoon or two. My parents read it out loud on a road trip and laughed themselves through half of California and Nevada.

Now it’s your turn. What other old-fashioned or “new-old” titles would you add to this list?

Join the Kindred Spirit Community:

Kindred Spirit Book Club Facebook group: If you love to chat about favorite books with other book-lovers, then please join us on Facebook for weekly discussions! We’re discussing The Blue Castle as our June read-along.

Free Download: To download my English Garden Summer Book Walk and printable reading map and activity guide, click here.

This week’s Bookish Activity: Press flowers or leaves between books.

If you missed the other articles in this summer series, you can catch up here.

The post My Top 5 favorite authors all grown up. appeared first on Rachel Dodge.

Fatherly Types in Jane Austen’s Novels (and a Bonus Quiz)

In life, Jane Austen enjoyed a close relationship with her father. After his death, Austen wrote these words to her brother Francis: “His tenderness as a father, who can do justice to?” (Austen-Leigh 18). She refers to him as “an excellent Father” and writes of “the sweet, benevolent smile which always distinguished him” (144).

But what of the fathers in Austen’s novels? Some show exemplary characteristics, while others leave much to be desired.

In Persuasion, Austen describes Sir Walter Elliot as “a conceited, silly father” (5). She calls him a “foolish, spendthrift baronet, who had not had principle or sense enough to maintain himself in the situation in which Providence had placed him” (248). He is more interested in his reflection in the mirror than in fathering his three daughters.

In Northanger Abbey, General Tilney runs a tight ship (pun intended) and dislikes delays. Walks cannot be put off because he is “hurried for time” and mealtimes must be punctual. In one scene, he is “impatient when his eldest son is late.” He expresses “displeasure . . . at his laziness” when he finally comes down to breakfast (154). In another scene, General Tilney is described as “pacing the drawing-room, his watch in his hand, and having, on the very instant of their entering, pulled the bell with violence, ordered ‘Dinner to be on table directly!’” (165).

In the Bennet household, Mr. Bennet prefers the quiet of his library to the daily activities of family life. “In his library he had been always sure of leisure and tranquillity; and though prepared, as he told Elizabeth, to meet with folly and conceit in every other room of the house, he was used to be free from them there” (71).

For the rest of my article and a Jane Austen Father’s Day Quiz, click here.

For more about Jane Austen and classic literature, see my other articles here.

The post Fatherly Types in Jane Austen’s Novels (and a Bonus Quiz) appeared first on Rachel Dodge.

Book List: 5 New Books on my Summer TBR List

School’s out, and I’m ready for adventure. I’m going to go out of my comfort zone and try something new: I’m going to try a few new books! (And some of them were even written in the last 50 years!)

Gulp.

But which books? And can any new book be as good as my tried and true, never-fails-me re-reads that are sitting there on my shelf, smiling back at me, remembering the good times and promising that we can have the same adventures all over again?

I remember the Robin who showed the way, the day Matthew Cuthbert got the best surprise of his life, and the crazy woman Mr. Rochester had up in his attic. Gliding my hand over their spines, I lovingly whisper: “No new books could ever be as good as you guys.” (Yes, I talk to my books. Don’t you?)

New books take an emotional investment. They take time. They take courage. There’s also an inevitable downside to trying a new book. I always start out with such high hopes. But some new books are hard to get into. Some are boring. Others sag in the middle. And worst of all: So many of them have disappointing endings!

Picking up a new book is always a gamble, but there’s also something adventurous about trying a new book. It’s daring, it’s bold, it’s hopeful.

Someone recently asked me how I find good books? I personally like a recommendation first, before I start a new book. A few of my kindred spirit book friends have the same taste in books as me, so if they say it’s good, there’s a good chance I’ll like it.

I also read book reviews. A really great review by someone I trust can make me pull the trigger. Modern Mrs. Darcy has a list of 20 books people will be talking about this summer. She also has a 2018 Summer Reading Guide. I always find one or two books from her lists that sound exactly my speed.

Here are some new-to-me books on my list this summer:

[image error]The Hideaway by Lauren K. Denton: I just finished this one. It’s a sweet, Southern summer read. It’s a tender love story centered around a daughter and granddaughter that takes you back to your roots and makes you feel warm and comfy. The pacing is gentle, and the people are quaint. It made me want to drink sweet tea, bake peach cobblers, and think about my grandma. (Update: I give this book a 4.2/5 rating!)

 

[image error]A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith: I know I’m late to the party on this one, but I’ve never read it. The story and descriptions of a young girl’s experience growing up in extreme poverty in 1912 Brooklyn is absolutely beautiful. I’m only about 25% into the novel, and I desperately hope the story unfolds the way I hope it will. (Update: I give this book a 5+/5 rating!!)

 

[image error]For the Glory: The Untold and Inspiring Story of Eric Liddell, Hero of Chariots of Fire by Duncan Hamilton. This is the story of Eric Liddell from Chariots of Fire. I’m a real sucker for real-life stories and biographies. I can’t wait to sink my teeth into this one. He wasn’t only an Olympic athlete. He was a missionary and a hero.

 

[image error]Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown by Eric Blehm. I read a sample of this one on my Kindle, and I was hooked! I’m saving up to buy this. The writing and story drew me in completely. Adam Brown had an incredible faith and was absolutely fearless in life and in battle. This book is his story as told from his friends, family members, and fellow warriors.

[image error]Okayest Mom: When God’s Plan of Adoption Doubled My Family Paperback by Natalie Gwyn: I met Natalie earlier this year at a writer’s conference. She is the amazing mom of two biological children and four adopted children from Ethiopia. This book is the about the ins and outs of their daily lives, how God called them to adopt three siblings, and their fight to find and adopt a fourth sibling. It releases June 25, 2018! (Update: I give this book a 5/5 rating!!)

On my shelf, I also have Bel Canto by Ann Patchett and The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, both birthday gifts from a dear friend. I also have a growing list of titles from our book club and several other titles I’ll share later in the summer.

I’m being brave. I’m trying new books. How about you?

What new book have you tried or do you want to try? I challenge you to try one newish release this summer. Who knows . . . you might find your new best book friend.

Extras:

Kindred Spirit Book Club Facebook group: If you love to gab about favorite books with other book-lovers, please join us on Facebook for weekly discussions!

Free Download: To download the super cute English Garden Summer Book Walk and printable reading map and activity guide my husband and I created, click here. I’m so excited to share it with you! I designed it to give you some fun book-inspired activities to try and share this summer.

This week’s Bookish Activity to consider: Visit a used bookstore and meet the shopkeeper.

Subscribe & Enter: When you subscribe to my blog by June 15th at 11:59 p.m. PDT, you’ll also be entered in a drawing for the chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card!

If you missed the other articles in this summer series, you can catch up here.

The post Book List: 5 New Books on my Summer TBR List appeared first on Rachel Dodge.

New books smell good, too. (Don’t they?)

School’s out, and I’m ready for adventure. I’m going to go out of my comfort zone and try something new: I’m going to try a few new books! (And some of them were even written in the last 50 years!)

Gulp.

But which books? And can any new book be as good as my tried and true, never-fails-me re-reads that are sitting there on my shelf, smiling back at me, remembering the good times and promising that we can have the same adventures all over again?

I remember the Robin who showed the way, the day Matthew Cuthbert got the best surprise of his life, and the crazy woman Mr. Rochester had up in his attic. Gliding my hand over their spines, I lovingly whisper: “No new books could ever be as good as you guys.” (Yes, I talk to my books. Don’t you?)

New books take an emotional investment. They take time. They take courage. There’s also an inevitable downside to trying a new book. I always start out with such high hopes. But some new books are hard to get into. Some are boring. Others sag in the middle. And worst of all: So many of them have disappointing endings!

Picking up a new book is always a gamble, but there’s also something adventurous about trying a new book. It’s daring, it’s bold, it’s hopeful.

Someone recently asked me how I find good books? I personally like a recommendation first, before I start a new book. A few of my kindred spirit book friends have the same taste in books as me, so if they say it’s good, there’s a good chance I’ll like it.

I also read book reviews. A really great review by someone I trust can make me pull the trigger. Modern Mrs. Darcy has a list of 20 books people will be talking about this summer. She also has a 2018 Summer Reading Guide. I always find one or two books from her lists that sound exactly my speed.

Here are some new-to-me books on my list this summer:

[image error]The Hideaway by Lauren K. Denton: I just finished this one. It’s a sweet, Southern summer read. It’s a tender love story centered around a daughter and granddaughter that takes you back to your roots and makes you feel warm and comfy. The pacing is gentle, and the people are quaint. It made me want to drink sweet tea, bake peach cobblers, and think about my grandma.

 

[image error]A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith: I know I’m late to the party on this one, but I’ve never read it. The story and descriptions of a young girl’s experience growing up in extreme poverty in 1912 Brooklyn is absolutely beautiful. I’m only about 25% into the novel, and I desperately hope the story unfolds the way I hope it will.

 

[image error]For the Glory: The Untold and Inspiring Story of Eric Liddell, Hero of Chariots of Fire by Duncan Hamilton. This is the story of Eric Liddell from Chariots of Fire. I’m a real sucker for real-life stories and biographies. I can’t wait to sink my teeth into this one. He wasn’t only an Olympic athlete. He was a missionary and a hero.

 

[image error]Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown by Eric Blehm. I read a sample of this one on my Kindle, and I was hooked! I’m saving up to buy this. The writing and story drew me in completely. Adam Brown had an incredible faith and was absolutely fearless in life and in battle. This book is his story as told from his friends, family members, and fellow warriors.

[image error]Okayest Mom: When God’s Plan of Adoption Doubled My Family Paperback by Natalie Gwyn: I met Natalie earlier this year at a writer’s conference. She is the amazing mom of two biological children and four adopted children from Ethiopia. This book is the about the ins and outs of their daily lives, how God called them to adopt three siblings, and their fight to find and adopt a fourth sibling. It releases June 25, 2018!

On my shelf, I also have Bel Canto by Ann Patchett and The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, both birthday gifts from a dear friend. I also have a growing list of titles from our book club and several other titles I’ll share later in the summer.

I’m being brave. I’m trying new books. How about you?

What new book have you tried or do you want to try? I challenge you to try one newish release this summer. Who knows . . . you might find your new best book friend.

Extras:

Kindred Spirit Book Club Facebook group: If you love to gab about favorite books with other book-lovers, please join us on Facebook for weekly discussions!

Free Download: To download the super cute English Garden Summer Book Walk and printable reading map and activity guide my husband and I created, click here. I’m so excited to share it with you! I designed it to give you some fun book-inspired activities to try and share this summer.

This week’s Bookish Activity to consider: Visit a used bookstore and meet the shopkeeper.

Subscribe & Enter: When you subscribe to my blog by June 15th at 11:59 p.m. PDT, you’ll also be entered in a drawing for the chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card!

If you missed the other articles in this summer series, you can catch up here.

The post New books smell good, too. (Don’t they?) appeared first on Rachel Dodge.

Book List: Confessions of a repeat book reader.

This week’s post is all about the books we love to read and re-read again. I’ll also share info about the free downloadable English Garden Summer Book Walk & Activity Guide I designed for your summer reading adventures.

Okay, I admit it: I’m a repeat reader. While some readers prefer new books, I’m continually torn between starting a new book and re-reading an old one. To me, tried-and-true books feel a bit like old friends, always there, always waiting. I know I can pick up where I left off with them, anytime, anywhere.

While new books mean new adventure, there’s always the “what if it’s not good?” risk. With favorite books, you always know what you’re getting. Re-reading a good book is like re-living a cherished memory. Old favorites always deliver the goods.

Inside the front flap of my copy of To Kill a Mockingbird, my grandmother wrote these words: “For Rachel, a book I read at least every year, if not more. I hope you do, too. Love from Grandma Dee.” I guess it’s a genetic thing, this re-reading.

So, in honor of summer and the stacks of books I brought home from the library, found in my parents’ or grandparents’ bookshelves, or that were given to me by a teacher or parent, these are (some of) the books I come back to over and over again:

Favorite Youthful Books:

Lucy Maud Montgomery books: Anne of Green Gables is probably my all-time favorite series. I love the language, the stories, the characters. The books make me laugh and cry for all the right reasons. I read every Montgomery book I could find growing up, and I’ve discovered a few new-to-me books of hers as an adult. (If you’ve never read The Blue Castle , it’s our June read-along book!)
Louisa May Alcott books: I loved Little Women, Little Men, Jo’s Boys, Jack and Jill, and Eight Cousins as a girl. When I was old enough, Rose in Bloom and Old-Fashioned Girl and all the rest joined the ranks.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett: I read this book so many times growing up that the cover of my original edition is held together with tape. It’s an illustrated edition that my grandmother sent to me in the mail in the 4th grade. I remember the day it came in the mail. I’d never read anything so wonderful before.
Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder: My mom read these books to us all the time. We were always in the middle of a “Laura” book. We read them in the doctor’s office, before bedtime, and on long car trips. I now read them to my children on repeat.
All the rest: I also love The Witch of Blackbird Pond and Calico Captive by Elizabeth George Speare, Heidi by Johanna Spiri, and A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. (I’m sure I’m leaving out several dozen here.)

Favorite Grown-Up Books:

To Kill a Mockingbird  by Harper Lee: When I first read this book, I knew I was reading something powerful and important. I was fascinated by Scout, Atticus, Calpurnia, and Boo Radely. Jem will always be my boy-hero.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte: When I found this book in my grandmother’s bookshelves, I hid behind the couch to finish it, so my mom wouldn’t ask me to help with dinner!
Jane Austen’s novels (of course!): I can’t leave her out, even if she’s obvious! If you’ve never read anything by Austen, start with Pride and Prejudice, then Sense and Sensibility, then Emma, then Persuasion, then Mansfield Park, then Northanger Abbey. Agh, who can decide? They’re all so good!
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows: This book is perfectly lovely. It’s our July read-along book, and the movie is coming to Netflix in August!
The Mitford Series by Jan Karon: If you want to step into the small-town life of a preacher, his funny dog, and the zany people in his parish, you’ll love this series.
Gene Stratton-Porter books: I didn’t discover these until a few years ago, and they were a treat! I love Girl of the Limberlost, Freckles, The Harvester, Keeper of the Beees, and Daughter of the Land. (Girl of the Limberlost is our August read-along!)
Grace Livingston Hill books: Known as the pioneer of Christian fiction, she wrote over 90 books in her lifetime! If you want a clean, romantic, old-fashioned, gospel-centered story, then these books are for you.
Janette Oke books: These are the first Christian books I read as a new Christian. They are sweet, old-fashioned, and full of inspirational characters and stories.

It’s Your Turn:

There are many other books and genres I could mention, but I’ll stop there for now. These are the books I cherish the most and revisit most often.

Now that you know a bit about me as a reader, I’d like to hear about you! What are your favorite books to read over again and again?

Please post your favorite book titles in the comment section below.

Extras:

Kindred Spirit Book Club Facebook group: If you love to gab about favorite books with other book-lovers, please join us on Facebook for weekly discussions!

Free Download: To download the super cute English Garden Summer Book Walk and printable reading map and activity guide my husband and I created, click here. I’m so excited to share it with you! I designed it to give you some fun book-inspired activities to try and share this summer.

This week’s Bookish Activity to consider: Give a favorite book to a favorite person.

Subscribe & Enter: When you subscribe to my blog by June 15th at 11:59 p.m. PDT, you’ll also be entered in a drawing for the chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card!

If you missed the other articles in this summer series, you can catch up here.

The post Book List: Confessions of a repeat book reader. appeared first on Rachel Dodge.

Confessions of a repeat book reader.

This week’s post is all about the books we love to read and re-read again. I’ll also share info about the free downloadable English Garden Summer Book Walk & Activity Guide I designed for your summer reading adventures.

Okay, I admit it: I’m a repeat reader. While some readers prefer new books, I’m continually torn between starting a new book and re-reading an old one. To me, tried-and-true books feel a bit like old friends, always there, always waiting. I know I can pick up where I left off with them, anytime, anywhere.

While new books mean new adventure, there’s always the “what if it’s not good?” risk. With favorite books, you always know what you’re getting. Re-reading a good book is like re-living a cherished memory. Old favorites always deliver the goods.

Inside the front flap of my copy of To Kill a Mockingbird, my grandmother wrote these words: “For Rachel, a book I read at least every year, if not more. I hope you do, too. Love from Grandma Dee.” I guess it’s a genetic thing, this re-reading.

So, in honor of summer and the stacks of books I brought home from the library, found in my parents’ or grandparents’ bookshelves, or that were given to me by a teacher or parent, these are (some of) the books I come back to over and over again:

Favorite Youthful Books:

Lucy Maud Montgomery books: Anne of Green Gables is probably my all-time favorite series. I love the language, the stories, the characters. The books make me laugh and cry for all the right reasons. I read every Montgomery book I could find growing up, and I’ve discovered a few new-to-me books of hers as an adult. (If you’ve never read The Blue Castle , it’s our June read-along book!)
Louisa May Alcott books: I loved Little Women, Little Men, Jo’s Boys, Jack and Jill, and Eight Cousins as a girl. When I was old enough, Rose in Bloom and Old-Fashioned Girl and all the rest joined the ranks.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett: I read this book so many times growing up that the cover of my original edition is held together with tape. It’s an illustrated edition that my grandmother sent to me in the mail in the 4th grade. I remember the day it came in the mail. I’d never read anything so wonderful before.
Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder: My mom read these books to us all the time. We were always in the middle of a “Laura” book. We read them in the doctor’s office, before bedtime, and on long car trips. I now read them to my children on repeat.
All the rest: I also love The Witch of Blackbird Pond and Calico Captive by Elizabeth George Speare, Heidi by Johanna Spiri, and A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. (I’m sure I’m leaving out several dozen here.)

Favorite Grown-Up Books:

To Kill a Mockingbird  by Harper Lee: When I first read this book, I knew I was reading something powerful and important. I was fascinated by Scout, Atticus, Calpurnia, and Boo Radely. Jem will always be my boy-hero.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte: When I found this book in my grandmother’s bookshelves, I hid behind the couch to finish it, so my mom wouldn’t ask me to help with dinner!
Jane Austen’s novels (of course!): I can’t leave her out, even if she’s obvious! If you’ve never read anything by Austen, start with Pride and Prejudice, then Sense and Sensibility, then Emma, then Persuasion, then Mansfield Park, then Northanger Abbey. Agh, who can decide? They’re all so good!
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows: This book is perfectly lovely. It’s our July read-along book, and the movie is coming to Netflix in August!
The Mitford Series by Jan Karon: If you want to step into the small-town life of a preacher, his funny dog, and the zany people in his parish, you’ll love this series.
Gene Stratton-Porter books: I didn’t discover these until a few years ago, and they were a treat! I love Girl of the Limberlost, Freckles, The Harvester, Keeper of the Beees, and Daughter of the Land. (Girl of the Limberlost is our August read-along!)
Grace Livingston Hill books: Known as the pioneer of Christian fiction, she wrote over 90 books in her lifetime! If you want a clean, romantic, old-fashioned, gospel-centered story, then these books are for you.
Janette Oke books: These are the first Christian books I read as a new Christian. They are sweet, old-fashioned, and full of inspirational characters and stories.

It’s Your Turn:

There are many other books and genres I could mention, but I’ll stop there for now. These are the books I cherish the most and revisit most often.

Now that you know a bit about me as a reader, I’d like to hear about you! What are your favorite books to read over again and again?

Please post your favorite book titles in the comment section below.

Extras:

Kindred Spirit Book Club Facebook group: If you love to gab about favorite books with other book-lovers, please join us on Facebook for weekly discussions!

Free Download: To download the super cute English Garden Summer Book Walk and printable reading map and activity guide my husband and I created, click here. I’m so excited to share it with you! I designed it to give you some fun book-inspired activities to try and share this summer.

This week’s Bookish Activity to consider: Give a favorite book to a favorite person.

Subscribe & Enter: When you subscribe to my blog by June 15th at 11:59 p.m. PDT, you’ll also be entered in a drawing for the chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card!

If you missed the other articles in this summer series, you can catch up here.

The post Confessions of a repeat book reader. appeared first on Rachel Dodge.

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Welcome to my inspirational book blog! Please sign in here for your free downloadable English Garden Book Map & Activity Guide.

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Kindred Spirit Summer Read-Along Books

Kindred Spirit Summer Read-Along Books:

June: The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery
July: The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
August: A Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton-Porter

Join the Kindred Spirit Community:

Kindred Spirit Book Club Facebook group: If you love to chat about favorite books with other book-lovers, then please join us on Facebook for weekly discussions! We discuss our (optional) read-along books toward the end of each month.

Free Download: To download my English Garden Summer Book Walk and printable reading map and activity guide, click here.

If you missed the other articles in this summer series, you can catch up here.

The post Kindred Spirit Summer Read-Along Books appeared first on Rachel Dodge.

It’s almost summer! What’s on your reading list?

The Kindred Spirit Book Club summer reading series starts next week! Are you getting excited? I sure am! I used my birthday gift card this week to buy a few of the books on my list, and I can’t wait for the box to arrive on my doorstep. (Who doesn’t love book mail?)

This week’s post is all about how to start your own book list, find great books, and curate your own doable reading list for the summer.

Keep reading to the end to find out about the fun activities I have planned for us this summer because kindred spirits are all about community and friendship!

And a sneak peek for you, coming next week: An English Garden Book Walk printable you can download to help you track your summer reading and provide you with creative, book-inspired activities.

Your Very Own Summer Book List:

This series is designed to help you select good books, inspire you to read them, and build community with other women. Here are a few tips to help you create a summer reading list that fits your style and personality:

Be Realistic: Before you start your book list, look at your calendar. Where will you be and what will you be doing this summer? Few people can enjoy a really dense book on a plane, next to the pool, or on a long road trip. Summer is about family, friends, and refreshment. Think about a book list that says “summer” to you.
Choose Joy: What we read has the power to lift or deaden our spirits. Think about choosing books that inspire you, give you hope, revive your heart, take you back to your roots, and/or help you remember what’s really important in life.
Tried and True: There’s nothing like a summer nostalgia read! Consider picking out a favorite book you want to read again, a classic book that you’ve never read, or a new book by a beloved author.
Hidden Treasures: Look through your shelves and pick out a book you borrowed or bought but haven’t had time to read yet. (Book De-Cluttering Tip: While you’re at it, give away or give back a few books you know you’ll never read.)
Try Something New: Look through the bestseller lists, get recommendations from friends, or explore a few book lists from other bloggers. (One of my favorite book bloggers and podcasters is Anne Bogel over at Modern Mrs. Darcy.)

Refine Your List:

Sample It: Before you race off to buy or borrow a bunch of books, read reviews of the books on your list first. If you’re a Kindle reader, download samples to see if they fit your style. Or, go to your library or bookstore to take a closer look in person and narrow down your choices.
Rate It: You can also check the “rating” of most books (much like a movie rating) on Common Sense Media for profanity/content.
Just Say No: Look back over your list. Cross out any books on your list that you feel you SHOULD read; replace them with books you WANT to read. (Save heavy reading material for cozy fall or winter evenings.)

List It! Choose 3-4 books you really want to read in the next few months. Resist lofty goals; an unrealistic list will only make you feel overwhelmed and potentially guilty. Just choose your top few books. You can always add more books later!

Kindred Spirit Book Club Facebook Group:

What’s the only thing better than reading a great book? Talking about great books with other book lovers! With community and friendship in mind, I’ve created a Kindred Spirit Facebook Group where we can post and chat about great books all summer long. It goes live Monday, June 4th.

June Read-Along: If you’re interested in reading along, our June read-along book is The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery. It’s a delightfully grown-up book by the author of Anne of Green Gables. I hope you’ll read (or re-read) it and join us for a discussion at the end of June. It’s fun, quick, and easy to read.

You can also follow me on Instagram @kindredspiritbooks where I post my favorite books, book-based films, and literary quotes.

Join the Summer Reading Fun: 

It’s easy to miss each other on social media, so make sure you subscribe to my blog to receive my weekly installments and announcements. (Bonus: Subscribe by June 15th at 11:59 p.m. PDT for the chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card!)

If you missed the email with my introduction to this summer series, click here.

Tell a Friend: Will you please share this with at least one friend or family member? I’m sure they’d like to have some bookish fun as well. Thank you!

Please also comment below with the books you’re considering for this summer.

Come read with me, explore great books, and be inspired this summer!

 

The post It’s almost summer! What’s on your reading list? appeared first on Rachel Dodge.

One look says it all.

Can you show love with only a glance? Much of literature says, “yes!” Countless love stories, movies, poems, and songs all agree.

But can we actually minister to someone with a look, a smile, or a glance? Can it really make a difference? According to Proverbs 15:30, it can.

“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart . . .” Proverbs 15:30

The opposite is surely true. When someone gives us the stink eye, the sideways glance, the raise of eye brows, we react. If a child looks up from her play and sees her mother give her a slight frown, the child knows something is wrong. If her mother smiles, the child continues to play without a worry.

I sometimes wonder what my face looks like throughout the day. It’s probably not always great. While I try to smile at the people I meet and look pleasant, I also know I’m quick to frown, quick to roll my eyes, quick to pull a face. Some people wear their hearts on their sleeves; I wear mine on my face.

Truth is, a cheerful look can invite people to open up, feel welcome, and relax. A smile can encourage someone to keep trying. And it’s not just pop psychology or good vibes; it’s theology!

It’s kind of cool to think that we can minister to other people with just our facial muscles. Even the most shy and introverted people can give a friendly smile to say hello.

Here are some ways we can bring joy to the hearts around us:

Your Husband: Our husbands tend to get the bulk of our grouchy moods, our disappointments, our sorrows, even our anger. Smiling at your husband when he comes in the door or into a room can lighten the mood and bring him joy.
Your Children: If you have children or grandchildren, nieces or nephews, or work with younger people in any capacity, you are probably busy giving advice, teaching, training, and correcting much of the time. I know my face is quick to settle into a tight jaw and furrowed brows. My kids brighten up when I give them an encouraging smile. It’s like magic.
Your colleagues: Regardless of who you spend time with—either at work, at church, at your children’s school, or in your women’s ministry, we all interact with other people. Interacting with cheerful people is just the best. Make it your goal to be the person who has a cheerful countenance.
Your extended family: It’s easy to get stressed out, anxious, or even emotional around relatives. Sometimes it’s a wonderful experience. Sometimes it’s not. Saying a quick prayer and putting on a kind smile in a family gathering might make more of a difference than you realize—for you and for your loved ones.
Other women: This is a big one. I meet women who are friendly and smiley, but I also meet a lot of women who give the stare and then look away. That tempts me to shut down and step back. On the other hand, I LOVE meeting women who smile as though they want to know me. I bet Jesus smiled at new people. Let’s be the first one to smile and say hello.
Your cashier: You can bring so much joy to the people you meet at the store. Smiling at your cashier can be the best way you open up communication. I make it my goal to make sure my cashier is laughing by the time I am done paying. It’s also a great time to share about my faith because I’m usually buying something that I’m going to cook or take to a church-related event.
That Young Mom: I saw a young mom the other night at a children’s ballet performance. She looked like she needed about a week’s worth of sleep, so I smiled at her, cooed at her baby, and asked her if she was okay. She said she was tired and her baby wouldn’t sleep. I smiled and empathized. She didn’t want to talk and left soon after, but I took her home in my heart and prayed for her and her baby.
Strangers: While you might not want to give an encouraging smile to every stranger you meet, I find that there are two kinds of people in this world: Those who smile and are friendly and those who aren’t. I really like meeting people around town who make a point of putting on a friendly face. Don’t you?

And the benefits of smiling don’t just go one way. Science even backs up this eternal truth: When your brain feels happy, it makes you smile, and when you smile, it tells your brain you’re happy. So it’s a win-win all around.

It all starts with a smile. When you actively pull your facial muscles upward, allowing a smile to spread to your cheeks and a twinkle to spark in your eyes, you bring joy to others.

To read more articles about my faith and the goodness of God’s Word, click here!

The post One look says it all. appeared first on Rachel Dodge.