Lazy Hazy Days

I was remembering today what cicadas sound like. It's just that kind of day here, except still too early for the whizzing of the aforementioned bugs.

I've been doing tons of lazy hazy summer reading, though, and wanted to share some of the titles in case your beach bag was currently on empty of library loans.

Been reading:

1. Growing Good Grub, by Gayla Trail of You Grow Girl blogosphere fame

A neatly photographed review for any gardener with a few years experience.

2. The Good Life, by Helen & Scott Nearing

I get good book recommendations from SouleMama and this one was no exception.  This book is a fascinating, yet detailed, account of modern homesteading.  It gives a great story with lots of description, but without too much political reasoning.

Lined up:

1. What My Parents Did Right, Gloria Gaither

An anthology of authors contribute to give good advice for every stage of parenting.

2. Fresh Brewed Life A Stirring Invitation To Wake Up Your Soul by Nicole Johnson

A devotional, of sorts, with great recipes included.

3. Weapons of Mass Instruction, John Taylor Gatto

This book frequently pops up on homeschooler's "must read" lists....we'll see!!

Been listening to:

1. The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid: A Memoir, by Bill Bryson

Very entertaining listen while hanging laundry on the line.  Be prepared to be grossed out, though...it's written from the perspective of a young boy (boogers, worms, etc).

2. The Sisters Who Would Be Queen: Mary, Katherine, and Lady Jane Grey: A Tudor Tragedy, by Leanda De Lisle

 

Fascinating!  This was a long listen and I didn't want it to end.  It sounds like fiction, but its f-a-c-t!!  If all of history were this interesting.  I could have done without the beheading details, however!

3. Jane's Fame, by Claire Harman

A very cool look at the history of Jane Austen's influence on literature and society across the globe.  Gives account of Jane's biography as well.  Just rented the 10th anniversary edtion of Pride & Prejudice (the BBC version, of course) and am looking forward to a good evening of Austen (oh, and yeah, that guy..what's his name, oh yes, Darcy).

Send me along any good suggestions on your reading list....I'll need some ideas by the time the cicadas actually DO start singing!