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October 2020 Reading Recap

October was a month of highs and low in my reading.

There were a couple of absolutely wonderful books, and then there was actually one book that I wrote “NO” by in my reading journal!

My son and I finished a classic together (big win!), and I also read a take-off on that classic that infuriated me!

My faith grew, as did my passion for homeschooling.

I’m extremely thankful for time to read, and an Instagram community where I can share and learn about books.

Reading Recap/October 2020 - Homegrown Learners

All of the reading recaps for this year can be found here.

A well read mother brings depth and knowledge to her homeschool. She also prepares herself for beautiful conversations, a broader world, and creativity that comes from immersing herself in other worlds.

I hope you can find a recommendation or two from my October booklist.

Best Books of October 2020

In my book journal I give books a star rating. I like to keep track of the five star books so that when people ask me for a recommendation I can easily give them one. Here are my five star recommendations for you from October:

  • Awaking Wonder - this beautiful book from Sally Clarkson had me in tears in so many spots. No matter where you are on your homeschool journey, Sally will have encouragement and inspiration for you. Go get this book - take notes in it and love it. Then, buy a copy for a friend and give them an unexpected gift.

  • Pride & Prejudice - need I say more? My son and I read this aloud and while I’m not sure he would give it five stars, it definitely is one of my all time favorite books. I purchased a box set of Jane Austen books and lots of people on Instagram wondered where I got the cute book… so here is the link.

  • Sky Full of Stars - This book is the story of a mom (who also happens to be a homeschooling mom) with a medically fragile child - and how she ultimately learned to surrender all of her children to God’s will - and not her own. This is another one that will require a box of tissues.

  • Classic Christianity - Recommended by dear friends to my husband and me, this will be a book I recommend to anyone who will listen. It gives you a different and beautiful take on Christianity - that I’m pretty sure you haven’t thought of before.

  • Everything Beautiful in Its Time - Jenna Bush Hager writes about losing three of her grandparents in a very short period of time. I listened to the audio, and she’s a fantastic narrator! She also reflects a lot on the beauty and fragility of life. She shares her family’s tradition of letter writing with us, too. This is another moving book.

Skip These Two Books!

The Heiress: The Revelation of Anne de Bourgh (A Pride & Prejudice Novel) - this book (which will not be published until Jan. 2021, tells the story of Lady Katherine de Bourgh’s feeble daughter, Anne.

In this story Anne has been addicted to laudanum for most of her life, and when she comes of age she gains the courage to break her addiction and flee to London. Through her growing independence, she discovers a lot about herself, including her attraction to other women. I understand what the author was trying to do, but it just didn’t deserve the title “A Pride & Prejudice Novel” in my opinion!

Leave The World Behind - This book has been raved about by many respected book critics. It is a dystopian novel - where the entire world is collapsing. We see this collapse through two families just outside of New York City who don’t know what is happening. They just know there are many strange things occurring. The book fell completely flat for me and I gave it two stars.

The other books read this month received four stars from me, so I would recommend them to you. Scroll down and click on the book cover to find out more about the books.

I always want to know what YOU are reading.

Leave me a comment below and tell me your favorite book from October!

October 2020 Reading Recap @ Homegrown Learners