What I have been reading....

I participate in an online book club called "Booking It" on the blog Lifeasmom.com.  It is set up that there is a monthly book that is "assigned" which you can choose to read and then participate in the discussion.  Or you can read your own choice and then discuss your review on it. 

As part of my goals, I plan on reading 24 books this year.  The 12 assigned books and then 12 of my own choice.  This month, I have sort have bitten off more then I could chew as I am currently reading 4, yes 4 books at the same time.  As a result, I have only finished one of the books (the assigned one) but hope that I will have the remaining books completed in the next couple of weeks.  Below is my review of the what I have read so far.

This is a book that I just started yesterday.  As far as what the book is about, well, the title says it all.....40 unforgettable dates with your mate.  This is a follow-up book to The Five Love Needs of Men and Women.  However, I have never read this book and I since they do recap the book it isn't necessary to read it prior to this book. 

The author's take you through how do create intentional dates with your mate based on the Five Love Needs that were discovered after surveying 1400 men and women.

Gary and Barbara Rosberg, divide the book up, part to speak with the wife and part to speak to the husband so that each know how to create the unforgettable date for their partner.  Even though I have just begun this book I am already enjoying it and it doesn't hurt that the author's have a great sense of humor.  I look forward to not only finishing this book but putting it into practice!  Also, Norm plans on reading this book with me, which just happens to be another one of my 2012 goals (to read 2 books together)

The Second book that I have started is Montessori At Home by John Bowman.  Since I am just starting out with pre-school with Renae I have done none stop reading of different styles of teaching and I have also followed several homeschooling blogs.  One blog that I frequent is 1+1+1=1.blogspot.com and she does some Montessori Style teaching with her kiddos.  So when I came across this recommended e-book I thought I would dig right in.  And am I ever glad that I did.  Not only does it describe all of what this style of teaching entails but it also give many many MANY examples of what to do.  With links of samples to blogs and to videos showing how to present the given item(s).  There is so much information that I have actually taken a little break from this book so that I can absorb a little of what I have read so far.


Water For Elephants - Sara Gruen.  I got this book for Christmas (it was on my wish list) after a college of mine at work suggested it.  She has said it was one of the best books that she had read last year and described a bit of what it was about and so I was intrigued. 

I am so glad that I got this book.  I have only gotten into the first few chapters but it is so well written that I have trouble putting it down.  I know that this was a popular choice last year and so I am sure many reading this already know what it is about or have read it already, but for those who haven't, The main character is Jacob Jankowski and it is his story as he reflects back on his wild and wondrous days with a circus. It takes place in the depression era and Jacob, finding himself parentless and penniless, joins the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth where he meets Marlena, beautiful star of the equestrian act. Beautifully written, with a luminous sense of time and place, Water for Elephants tells of love in a world in which love’s a luxury few can afford.  I am loving this book so far.

The last book that I read this month was The Money Saving Mom's Budget - Crystal Paine.  This book was our assigned reading and I actually did finish it.  YEAH!

I did enjoy this book and found that a lot of what Crystal talks about in this book I (we) have already put into practice. ie: Paid off all debt, menu planning, coupon clipping......

However, I did find that it was a great refresher and that there were tips that I did get out of the book that will make things a little more efficient.  I especially liked the chapters regarding the de-cluttering and then maintaining that environment which is something that I still struggle with. 

The main principle that I will be putting into action that I haven't been doing until now is the envelope system.  It is a system that I have heard about through Dave Ramsey and now again with Crystal Paine.  It is something that I have resisted, but according to Crystal, it will make a huge difference in controlling my spending.  Or "spaving" as Crystal aptly put it "spending money to save money". 

This is definitely a book I would recommend to others, especially for those just starting out but I think everyone can get some info and ideas from her book.  I love the easy going writing style from Crystal.  It honestly felt like you are listening to a friend's advise.

Well, that is all that I am reading for now.  Would love to hear what is on your nightstand! 

I will be linking this up to the "Booking It" post.