The Beauty of a Story

Surprisingly, I did manage to squeeze in a few books between projects and a full time job. While it may not be as many as I have read in the past, at least I read something.

Surprised by Oxford by Carolyn Weber.

This is a memoir about a woman who attends graduate school at Oxford university. It goes through her first school year there. Mostly it was focused on her testimony of becoming a Christian and how her experiences at Oxford helped her along that journey. It was full of lovely descriptions of the university and the town throughout the year. I also enjoyed her occasional ramblings about topics she was thinking about while a graduate student. I was awed by the amount of poets she could quote or reference in her book. After listening to an interview with her, I can safely say she can pull those quotes out of her brain perfectly intact and with the knowledge of when and where she got it from. Very awe inspiring, and a little humbling. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys memoirs.

Sleeping with Your Baby by James J. McKenna.

This was a (blessedly) short book all about cosleeping with your baby. It talks about a whole bunch of studies that have been done on the subject and the conclusions they came up with based on the studies. It was short, informative, and to the point. I always appreciate a nonfiction, factual book that doesn’t repeat itself unnecessarily or ramble.

All Things Considered by G. K. Chesterton.

Yet another book of essays by Chesterton! I found this one while scrolling through Libby, desperately bored and in need of a book. The essays were on a wide variety of topics, and most were very funny. The essays covered a broad range from running after ones hat, to education for children. I like how he makes me laugh and makes me think all at the same time. Some of my favorite essays were about how important the family is.

The Homesteaders Natural Chicken Keeping Handbook by Amy K. Fewell.

Of course, since we got chickens, I had to figure out what the heck I was doing with them. This book is a handy resource for all things chicks and chickens. It includes how to hatch your own eggs, how to keep chicks alive, and how to care for a full grown flock. The point of the book is how to do it all with herbs and natural remedies. I always appreciate tips on how to prevent diseases in the first place, which makes like easier in the long run. I have implemented quite a few of her tips, and so far so good!

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I hope you are enjoying the spring sunshine, or spring rain, depending on where you are.

Have a wonderful day,

Shaina Merrick