Summer was busy, but before fall kicks off with another round of school, I wanted to share some of the books I read recently. All very different, but that's the joy of choosing books to read. Here are some of my summer reads:
Educating Esme is a hilarious account of a teacher's first year. It is an honest look at the ins and outs of teaching. Being aware of factors in teaching that are outside of your control is essential to teaching, and one Madame Esme was unashamed to write about in her book. It made me laugh and cry. What an inspiration as I finished my residency year of teaching and begin my first year in my own classroom.
Highlights: She studied Native Americans with her students and had interactive activities, including a naming ceremony (103). I was inspired when I started my own Native American unit, renaming Morning Meeting to Campfire and having our own naming ceremony. I became "Great Legend".
"I believe exposure to print is the key to reading achievement" (119).
Gracism is personal to me. This is by Dr. David Anderson, a preacher in the DMV (for those outside the area, that's not the Secretary of State's office; it stands for DC/Maryland/Virginia). I have heard him speak at National Community Church a few times and love his passion. His book on racial reconciliation is a major passion of mine, especially living in a city like DC. I follow him on Twitter and notice Brian Bennett's interaction with him as well. Brian is a preacher in my hometown area. He bridges the gap between Benton Harbor and Saint Joseph. Both men are working hard to love and include everyone in the Church. Read this book. I also want to check out his book, Letters Across the Divide.
Highlights: "In heaven, there will be one church and it will be multicultural" (41).
"So many people in the maturation process of race relations also need room to struggle, grow, disagree and fail" (71).
The Meaning of Marriage was a great read, even for a single person. I'm sure married people would have a different, more applicable perspective on the thoughts Keller shared. I always like to read books like this just to get some inside info on marriage. Maybe it'll come in handy someday.
Highlights: "Today we are looking for someone who accepts us as we are and fulfills our desires, and this creates an unrealistic set of expectations that frustrates both the searchers and the searched for" (27).
Bossypants got me through summer school and grad school. It was hilarious. Just read it when you need some good laughs in your life! If nothing else, people who recognize it when you're carrying it around will tell you how much they loved reading it! Good conversation starter.
Highlights: I have a uniquely German capacity to vacillate between sentimentality and coldness (131).
I prefer the retro chic of spending Christmas just like Joseph and Mary did - traveling arduously back to the place of your birth to be counted, with no guarantee of a bed when you get there (245).
The Listening Life is Adam McHugh's second book. I loved his first book, Introverts in the Church. This book had a different feel to it, and it took perseverance to get through some of it. But overall this book contains good principles to know how to slow down and listen well.
Highlights: "I dream of a place where leaders listen to followers, adults listen to children, men listen to women, the majority listens to the minority, the rich listen to the poor, and insiders listen to outsiders" (203).
