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As you all know, I am a HUGE lover of books and reading, and usually have several going at once (not always the smartest idea).  What may be less known is that I hardly ever read fiction unless it’s to review books I’ve asked my children to read.

Personally, I just seem to gravitate towards non-fiction…I always have.

So far in 2014, I’ve participated on two book launch teams and my reading focused there.  Say Goodbye to Survival Mode by Crystal Paine and Happy Wives Club by Fawn Weaver both became NY Times Bestsellers within a week!

To receive advance copies, have a behind-the-scenes view, and participate with the authors in promoting, was a satisfying (and learning) experience.  Good reads.

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Now?

I’m totally immersed in three books:

E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It:  I cannot say enough good about this book, and I’m only 1/2 way through!

Recommended by Catalyst Conference, and passed along via a friend, I wondered just what this book would offer.  Can I simply say this ‘business’ book is one of the BEST I’ve read on leadership?

It’s stellar excellent. 

With my husband and I smack in the middle of several hiring processes within our congregation, and with me just having hired an assistant for behind-the-scenes blog work, E-Myth couldn’t have come at a better time.

So far, I’m feeling incredibly affirmed and also taking note of where I need to grow.   Much of what we believe about leading others well is reflected, and I’m learning TONS more on the topic.

Even my mothering is being impacted (though it’s definitely not parenting book).

I’m really excited to finish this read!

Replenish: Experience Radiant Calm and True Vitality in Your Everyday Life:  the author sent me this book to review and I’m close to finishing.

I’ve long admired Lisa’s approach to self-care and Replenish reflects a solid foundational understanding of where to begin.

Like much of her work, she writes specifically for Moms and strongly supports mothering from a calm, well-nourished mind, body and spirit.

I wholeheartedly agree!  Her significant medical training and background gives weight to her recommendations, and Lisa words it all without a lot of complicated jargon.

However, I do think one should be discerning.  The author is a Christian, and though I read many non-Christian and secular books, I hesitate just a little when there’s an uncomfortable bridge between the two realms.

Replenish suggests several holistic practices which I support, and even de-mystifies some ideas (i.e. explaining scientifically how our body does have ‘energy fields’), but still…

…when talking of spiritual health, I found myself wishing she would have emphasized her faith more instead of drawing from various streams of thinking.

Overall, the book is a wonderful life-giving read and I would recommend it!

The Living Page:  Keeping Notebooks with Charlotte Mason:  freshly delivered to my home this week, all I have to say about this book is — eek!  I’m incredibly excited to dig in and read!

Beginning last summer, I’ve participated in a small group of women reading through Charlotte Mason’s original writings on education.  None of us knew one another before meeting at a mini-conference, and yet, it now feels like we’ve known one another a long time!

These conversations have spurred me to think more deeply, and influenced the recent major changes we made in our home education.

So, I’m thrilled to add yet another reflection on Charlotte Mason’s works – this time on the practical subject of keeping notebooks – to my collection of thoughts!

** Another excellent notebooking resource (and a quicker read) is the ebook Notebooking Success, written by my friend Jimmie.  You can find my full review here.**

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How about you — what are you reading these days?