First, I want to say, I read a lot of books this month. This was due to a combination of a lot of the books being shorter (because I'm trying to read all the books I own and some of them are shorter or quicker reads, as in I read it in a day) and also I had sick kids at two different times, which meant a lot of early mornings, late evenings, and looooong afternoons spent in our house, snuggling kids, letting kids sleep on me, which really just meant I had more time to read.
I also wanted to warn you. I loved a lot of the books I read this month and shared quite a few quotes from them, so it's a little bit of a longer post. With that, let's dive right in!
What We Wish We'd Known When We Were Newlyweds by John and Kimberly Bytheway
I know we're not newlyweds anymore, but this book was in my pile of books I own but haven't read yet and I honestly had a ton of fun reading it! It first of all reminded me of the first year that Ben and I were married and it was amazing to me how many of the same lessons Ben and I learned together that the Bytheways did. I also think it's good to continually be reading books on making your marriage better because for the most part, we all know how to make a marriage better. It's the application that's tricky. Being reminded of things that you could be doing better is always good.
One of my favorite parts was when they talked about how most marriage therapists, when a marriage is in trouble, focus on communication skills. However, what we need to focus on to make our marriage better isn't communication skills (we all know how to communicate), but individually being more Christlike. If we can strive to be Christlike even when we're upset, angry, sad, or feeling picked on, then we will treat our spouses better in those moments and have no need for "communication skills". If we can pray for and develop qualities of compassion, patience, understanding, charity, etc. then our marriages can only be strengthened by it.
Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
When I was younger, I adored the live action Disney Peter Pan movie. I have to say, I loved this book even more than I loved that movie. I cannot wait until my kids are old enough for me to read it aloud and share the world of Neverland with them. I also noticed that Peter Pan, as with all classics it seems, there is so much in it for grown ups as well as for children. If you've never read it, I definitely would recommend it.
Glimpses into the Life and Heart of Marjorie Pay Hinckley by Virginia H. Pierce
This is a book I own that I hadn't read before. It is a collection of writings and talks by Sister Hinckley combined with interviews from others about Marjorie Hinckley as a person. I felt uplifted and inspired to be better as I read the entire book. It is one of my new favorite books and I definitely recommend it. I feel it is one that, when I'm feeling weary or discouraged, I can pull out and read through some of her words and it will lift me through those hard times.
Some quotes:
"How can we know if this gospel is a thing of God if we do not do the works of God?"
President Lee (who Sister Hinckley describes as knowing the scriptures so well "it was difficult to know when the words were his and when he was quoting"): "I don't think I ever consciously memorized a scripture. I guess I have just worked them through so much that they have become a part of me and my vocabulary."
"The fact is, we know when we are doing our best and when we are not. If we are not doing our best, it leaves us with a gnawing hunger and frustration. But when we do our level best, we experience a peace." She then describes reading a talk by Pat Holland right before needing to write a talk of her own. She sat down wanting to write a scholarly talk similar to Sister Holland's but then realized that they are different women and have different talents. It wasn't until she sat down to write her own talk, and not a Pat Holland, talk that she was able to write it. And both talks bring a different kind of benefit to the listener.
"Children rise higher when they are treated with respect. use courteous and respectful language when you talk with one another ... You don't teach a child not to hit by hitting. We cannot expect to be respected if we treat others in a demeaning way."
"My mother taught me some basic philosophies of rearing children. One is that you have to trust children. I tried hard to never say "no" if I could possibly say "yes." I think that worked well because it gave my children the feeling that I trusted them and they were responsible to do the best they could."
"We have a lot to learn about simplifying our lives. We have to decide what is important and then move along at a pace that is comfortable for us. We have to develop the maturity to stop trying to prove anything, to be what we are." She then outlines the responsibilities mothers have to their husbands, their children, and their homes.
"Since college was not an option, I decided, well, if this is my life, I'd better educate myself. And I worked hard at it. I read and read and read ... The Lord gave you a brain. He intended that you use it ... The thing that motivates me is the knowledge that I am a spirit child of God ... Do your best. Learn everything you can. The day may come when you will need it."
President Kimball: "We are not asking for something spectacular, but rather for the women of the Church to find real self-fulfillment in the pursuit of righteousness in worthy endeavors."
Brigham Young: "Daily toil, however humble, is our daily duty and by doing it well we make it a part of our daily worship." I love that quote, I feel especially as a mom of young kids.
"I love the scripture from Doctrine and Covenants 10:4: 'Do not run faster or labor more than you have strength.' Choose carefully each day that which you will do and that which you will not do, and the Lord will bless you to accomplish the important things that have eternal consequences."
"Let us not waste our time saying with bitterness, "Is this what I was born to do?" Let us rather ask ourselves the question that was asked Esther: "Who knoweth whether thou are come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"" I love this because it changes our perspectives. Rather than looking at life as something that should be fair or bring us happiness all the time, it helps us look at life through the lens of what we can do with what we have been given.
I have truly loved reading this book. I never knew Marjorie Hinckley, but her words and the way she lived her life, through this book, have blessed me to become a better person and to try a little harder each day.
Dear Mr. President by Andrea Davis Pinkney
This is a book a dear 90-something woman in our ward gave me after I spent some time reading to her. I never got around to reading until now, because it looked intimidating. It's a fictional letter conversation between Lincoln and a slave girl during the civil war. However, it was an easy read (history meant for a younger audience) and, I thought, very well done.
The Overton Window by Glenn Beck
I got this book from my sister-in-law and it ended up in my pile of books I've never read. This is a political thriller about what happens when government gets too much power, in the name of "protecting" the citizens, and what happens when the populace is too divided and too oblivious (due to things like watching TV and not being involved at all in politics). There were some parts that were harder for me to get through, just due the fact that it was so political, and other parts that I really enjoyed. There were a couple instances of torture that did bother me, but I didn't feel they were poorly done, that sort of thing just bothers me in general. There is a sequel and I may read it sometime in the future.
Honey for a Child's Heart by Gladys M. Hunt
This book was about the benefits of reading out loud as a family and I absolutely loved it! This is one of my favorite topics and I loved the way the author focused on the benefits to children as people, rather than the academic benefits (which is already covered and very well done in The Read Aloud Handbook). She talked about relationships being improved, character growing and developing, and a relationship with God blossoming as parents choose and read good books with their children.
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
This was written by a professor who was dying of cancer and gave a "last lecture" at his university. Then he wrote the book expounding on that speech. It was a touching story with some really great inspiration for living a better life sprinkled throughout the book. I enjoyed it, though I didn't absolutely love it.
Look Up, My Soul by Gerald Lund
This is a book that my mother-in-law and sister-in-law gave me for my 21st birthday. I started reading it then, but must have gotten busy with school because I never finished it. Thus, it was in my pile of books to read before I move. I'm so glad it was!
This book is about having hope in God's promises. I have read a lot of Gerald Lund's novels, but this was the first nonfiction of his that I picked up. I loved it! I have felt so much inspiration to be better and the Spirit has been more a part of my life. Every time I go to church or the temple, I'm reminded of things I read in this book. Gerald Lund is so knowledgeable about the gospel and he has a gift of explaining it.
At the expense of making this post too long, I want to share some of my favorite insights and quotes.
"Discouragement, depression, and despair may be common companions of adversity and tribulation, but they are not inherent within the nature of life's challenges."
"Real charity is not something you give away. It is something that you acquire ad make a part of yourself. And when the virtue of charity becomes implanted in your heart, you are never the same again." - Elder Marvin J. Ashton
"Those of us who desire to be more like the Father and the Son may become discouraged as we contemplate all of the commandments, requirements, and expectations. We may feel overwhelmed by how far short we have fallen of the mark. It is enough to cause us to lose heart and give up. But we should never forget that we don't have to do this alone ... we can draw upon the power from on high."
"Not only are we to endure trials and setbacks, but we are to endure them well."
"If we don't have the Spirit, it's not just personal revelation that we lack. Hope, faith, and courage and patience are all gifts of the Spirit."
"Good desires are not enough ... We must apply gospel principles to situations and look for both the positive and negative consequences of our actions. We also need the Spirit to give us the wisdom to see what is right, not just what is desirable." I loved this concept, that not all desires (even good desires) are in line with what God wants. That's why we need to study scriptures (so we know the gospel principles) and listen to the Spirit (so we are in tune with what He wants of us, not just what we want). I really feel this is an important concept to remember as Ben and I go through our life together. We have a lot of good desires, but we need to be willing to change them if God asks something different of us.
Neil A. Maxwell: "What we insistently desire, over time, is what we will eventually become and what we will receive in eternity."
David A. Bednar: "I frankly to not think many of us "get it" concerning this enabling and strengthening aspect of the Atonement, and I wonder if we mistakenly believe we must make the journey from good to better and become a saint all by ourselves through sheer grit, willpower, and discipline."
His daughter Cynthia: "When I'm discouraged and overwhelmed (not to mention grumpy) then I know I have been neglecting my gospel study and prayer."
"If we are going to draw on the deeper power of the scriptures, it will require more than an occasional, casual reading. It will require effort. Patience. Perseverance."
This book is definitely worth the time to read.
The Wish by Gail Carson Levine
This was also in my books that I own but hadn't read yet. I believe I bought this book when we were newlyweds on some sort of deal. Gail Carson Levine also wrote Ella Enchanted, which was my favorite book growing up and is still one of my favorite books. This book was good (it was for ages 8-12), but not nearly as good as Ella Enchanted. I enjoyed it nonetheless.
The story is about a girl who, after her two close friends move, is being teased at school. She is unpopular and just wants some friends. She gives up her seat on the bus and the old lady who took her seat gives her one wish: to be the most popular girl at her school. She loves it but realizes that soon school will end and so will her popularity. I loved the themes of this book and the way it promotes inclusion and thinking about others. It also touches on the fact that it's best not to care what other people think, although that can be really hard at times (especially as a preteen and teen). It was very well done for its target age group.
Walk Tall, You're a Daughter of God by Jamie Glenn
My mom gave me this book when I was a teenager and I read some of it, but I didn't remember much of it, so I put it in my pile of books to read before we move (I couldn't remember if I'd actually finished it or not). It's a quick read, but worth it. It was written by the lady who wrote the song. In the book, she expounded on the lyrics of the song. It was well written and the content brought the Spirit.
The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
This is another book from my childhood that I have no memory of reading. I really enjoyed it, despite it being an easier read. One of the things that I noticed right away were all the differences throughout the book from the movie. For example, in the book, Dorothy's shoes are silver, not red. They don't meet the wicked witch of the West until over halfway through the book (all the challenges they face before that come up naturally). The good witch Dorothy meets with munchkins is not Glinda (she doesn't meet Glinda until almost the end of the book). Those are some of the biggest differences, but there were so many throughout the book. I did think, for the most part, the book was better (isn't it always?).
I did thoroughly enjoy it (it's not my favorite children's classic though). I definitely think that if you want to get into reading classics, but you're intimidated, start with children's classics. They're beautifully written, bring a simplicity back to life, but are easier to understand than some of the adult classics.
Way to Be! by Gordon B. Hinckley
This is Gordon B. Hinckley's book on the 9 B's. I've heard a lot about these (and heard quite a few of the stories in this book before), but hadn't actually read it. I got it at DI not too long ago, to add to my library. I loved it! I love the spirit of optimism and hope that both President Hinckley and his wife share. I definitely want my kids to read it as they grow up to teenagers.
I'll just quickly share the 9 B's here, with an excerpt from the book.
Be Grateful
"Your very attitude toward life can be evidence of whether or not you are truly grateful for life, for the blessings you have, for the comforts and privileges and opportunities you enjoy, for the talents you have been given, for everything.
Be Smart
"Resist thinking that what you do now doesn't matter, because it does ... There are few things more pathetic than those who have lost their curiosity and sense of adventure, and who no longer care to learn ... You don't have to be a genius to do great things. The important work of this world is done, for the most part, by ordinary people who do their work in an extraordinary way."
Be Involved
"When I say Be Involved, I am suggesting that you Be Involved in good works. Or, in other words, be willing to work ... Most of us tend to be inherently lazy. We would rather play than work. We would rather loaf than work. A little play and a little loafing are good from time to time. But ... it is work that gives us the feeling of accomplishment. And it is work that allows us to feel that we are making a difference in the world."
Be Clean
President Hinckley told of the hard work he did as a child, with chores and such, and then said, " ... The result was wonderful. The house was clean, our spirits renewed, and the whole world looked better. Everything does look better when it's clean."
Be True
"Be true to your own convictions. you know what is right, and you know what is wrong. You know when you are doing the proper thing. You know when you are giving strength to the right cause. Be loyal. Be faithful. Be true."
Be Positive
"I would like to suggest that we stop seeking out the storms of life and enjoy the sunlight. I am suggesting that we 'accentuate the positive'. I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment virtue and hard effort. There is good all around us--if we will only look for it."
Be Still
"There are voices everywhere trying to influence us. We all need time to think. We need to drown out the clamor and noise and simply be quiet. We need time to ponder and meditate and to contemplate the deeper things of life. We need time to read and to immerse ourselves in the thoughts of great minds."
Be Prayerful
"Prayer will change your life. It will bring you peace. It will give you direction and guidance. It will help you feel that you are not alone in this big and sometimes brutal world. The Lord answers our prayers. I know that. I have seen it again and again."
The Abolition of Men by C.S. Lewis
This was a fabulous book, though definitely not an easy read. I had a hard time understanding some of it, but I love C.S. Lewis. "In The Abolition of Man, C.S. Lewis sets out to persuade his audience of the importance and relevance of universal values such as courage and honor in contemporary society." I loved the way he talked about education and the way he discussed progress having a foundation in traditional principles.
Mindset by Carol s. Dweck
This is a book that I've been hearing about on blogs for so long and I loved the idea of the book, so I finally bought it a few months ago. I started it, got about half way through, then started reading through all the books I own and put this book on hold. I finished it this month while sick kids were sleeping on me (it's simply much easier to read on your phone than out of a book in that position). But I loved this book, it has changed the way I see my life, other people, and parenting.
The idea behind this book is that there are two mindsets. The fixed mindset is the belief that talent or intelligence or skill, etc. are fixed. You're either born with it or not. If you have to work for it, it's not worth as much. Practice doesn't improve it. Along those lines. The growth mindset is the opposite. "The growth mindset is based on the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts, your strategies, and help from others.
Everyone is a mix of both, but the growth mindset is better for self improvement and healthy relationships, so the more you can view life through that lens, the better (also, just a side thought not discussed in the book, God views all of us through the growth mindset and his entire plan is based off of that). I feel that for me, growing up I had a lot of the fixed mindset in some areas (like art, just for an example) but the growth in others (like in dance). When I got married to Ben, I feel that my growth mindset took a leap forward (Ben is very growth mindset oriented) and reading this book showed me even more ways that I can improve. I loved it and definitely recommend it for anyone.
"I don't divide the world into the weak and the strong, or the successes and the failures ... I divide the world into the learners and the nonlearners." -Benjamin Barber
Letters in the Jade Dragon Box by Gale Sears
I loved this book! It is an LDS historical fiction set in Hong Kong after the death of the communist Chinese chairman Mao Tse-tung. It had beautiful themes of family, love, forgiveness, strength in adversity, and faith. The characters are strong and real, the character development is inspiring, and the history is told in such a way as to be interesting. I'm so glad I read this book!
Believing Christ by Stephen E. Robinson
I believe my mom or brother had this book when I was growing up and I'd heard of this concept before (of moving past simply believing in Christ and actually believing Christ when He says that He can save us), but I'd never read the book. Awhile back, I saw a hard copy of it at DI and bought it, so that's how it ended up in my pile of books that I own but hadn't read yet.
I thought this book was very well done, though the author did repeat a lot (I think using the repetition to bring his point home) and could have probably been shorter. Honestly, I think most nonfiction books could be written to be shorter. Nonetheless, I would definitely recommend it.
"The 'good news' of the gospel is good news to me not because it promises that other people who are better than I am can be saved, but because it promises that
I can be saved."
"The most important goal in mortality is becoming one with Christ through the gospel covenant and gaining access through that union to his perfection."
"The Savior in turn agrees to cover our mistakes while we are learning and progressing ... From the moment we enter into the covenant with him, our mistakes are covered ..."
"Above all else, God wants our hearts. Imperfect performance can be corrected, sins can be remitted, mistakes can be erased--but God can do nothing with an unwilling and rebellious heart until it repents. Weakness can be saved; rebellion cannot."
Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggin
Another children's classic I've owned since I was a child but never read until now. I loved it! I wasn't sure at first, because I didn't really like how her mother sent her away to her aunts (I guess I didn't understand that the education there was better until later in the book, then it made more sense to me) and I hated some of the ways and reasons her aunts "disciplined her." I have recently been learning more about the best ways to handle kids acting out and I also have a golden rule with kids (not that I'm perfect with it, but I really try) that if it's not hurting people or property, it's okay. As adults, it's easy for us to worry about everything kids do and not let them be kids. This definitely happens with Rebecca. However, I loved how Rebecca loved to read, that she applied herself to her studies and did so well, and I loved the overall message of hope. It was there even during times when the situations looked hopeless. I also loved the themes of love, goodness, and kindness throughout the book. In my opinion, this is basically an Anne of Green Gables for a younger audience (which, also in my opinion, is a good thing!).
The Constitution A Heavenly Banner by Ezra Taft Benson
This is a really short read, but one that I feel everyone should read. It was very well thought out, very inspiring. In the book, Bensons talks about how and why the constitution is an inspired, God-approved document and how and why we need to uphold it. It really has inspired me to study the constitution more and really understand what is in the constitution.
My favorite part of the book is when Benson talks about government. He says, "The important thing to keep in mind is that the people who have created the government can give to that government only such powers as they themselves, have in the first place. Obviously they cannot give what they do not posses. So the question boils down to this: What powers properly belong to each and every person in the absence of and prior to the establishment of any organized form of government." I love that. It makes it so clear to me why the government shouldn't be involved in things such as healthcare (if there were no government, one person shouldn't force another to get health insurance) and why taxes are unconstitutional (if there were no government, one person wouldn't force another to give, they'd simply ask, make needs known, and trust in human goodness).
It was a phenomenal read, I can't recommend it enough (it was also, again, a short read and actually not a hard one). Go read it!
