What I'm Reading: October Recap

 I have no idea where this year has gone to. How it can already be November is beyond me. Nonetheless, I did get a few books in. I'm glad to report that they were not all audio books. There also seemed to be more books I read that weren't on the serious side. I do have a few started that I hope to finish in November, but we'll see how that goes. In the meantime, here you go! 

	$	$$	$$$	$$$$	$$$$$
Recommend-ability	I highly recommend not reading this book.	Don't bother.	You might enjoy it.	Would definitely recommend	Absolutely loved it. I will likely recommend to every person I talk to for the next month.
Writing Style	Extremely poor	Well, they know how to spell and what a period is.	Average. Just… Average.	Good job. I might be a little envious of their way with words.	I stand amazed.
Likelihood of Reading Again	Are you kidding? I lost enough brain cells the first time.	Nope.	Maybe, but doubtful.	Probably will read again.	I will definitely re-read. Way too many things I found fascinating.
Thought-Provoking	What thoughts?	I think there was a thought somewhere.	Sort of basic thoughts, but accurate.	Some lingering thoughts. That's a good sign.	So much to think about. My brain is on fire!
Subject Matter of General Interest	There should not have been ink and paper wasted on this book. I now understand tree-huggers.	Not my style, personally, but might be interesting to someone of a different temperament.	Interesting, but may be specific to my personal tastes.	Fun things to think about. May be quotable. Likely to appeal to a variety of personalities.	Positively fascinating. I will be quoting this for years. Absolutely everyone should read this book.

 
 
 
The Mystery of the Pharaoh’s Treasure
By Janet Neavles
Fiction, Juvenile, Mystery; 192 pages, not available on Audible
Physical copy
 
Have I read it before?
No, but it was the kind of book that felt familiar—sort of Boxcar Children or Hardy Boys.
 
How did I find it?
I was at an antique store, I believe, with my family, when this book leaped out at me from among the loaded shelves. It’s the kind of book I grew up with on my mother’s bookcases—hardcover, worn, dull colors, with a library card still slipped into the pocket. (Jake Walker was the last person to check it out, apparently, in May of 1993.) I snatched it up, hoping for another story hour book to inspire a love of ancient Egypt in my students.
 
What is it about?
What is a book of the long-ago days by the Nile without mention of tomb robberies? While a solid story in its own right, it does not have the impact of The Golden Goblet. I was delighted at the Egyptian-style illustrations, but disturbed that the book never mentioned Hatshepsut wearing a false beard. I also did not appreciate the ending where the girl in the story, Neferu, is told that the pharaoh can only offer her playtime with the princesses because she is a girl and there is no position open to her in service at the palace. Is this honestly the kind of reward a controversial female pharaoh would have offered a persistent, courageous young girl? While the book claims to have been checked for historical accuracy, it was published in 1963. I’m not sure what kind of new information may have come out since then, but I found several things that I questioned. However, it’s entirely possible I’m just being a bit of a snob and too picky about details. The premise of the story is a young boy going to visit his brother, who is an archer at the palace and serves as a guard at the Valley of the Kings. The brother is accused of being a tomb robber himself, and the main character, Kamosi, is determined to clear his name by way of doing his own sleuthing.
 
Any warnings?
Not a thing. I think this could easily pass for a school library. You will notice I don’t rate it too highly, but I would in all likelihood have loved this book as a ten- or twelve-year-old.
 
What’s a quote?
“Hatshepsut’s eyes narrowed. Her delicate, proud face became stern, and her gaze was no longer friendly. “Don’t you know that it means death to approach the Pharaoh unbidden? If I but call out once, my guards will fall upon you and kill you.”
 
Recommendability: $$$
Writing Style: $$$
Likelihood of Reading Again: $$$
Thought Provoking: $$$
Subject Matter of General Interest: $$
 
 
 
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, Volume 2
By Beth Brower
Fiction; 177 pages, 4 hrs. 31 min.
Audible
 
Have I read it before?
Yes.
 
How did I find it?
See my previous post on reading Volume 1 of this series.
 
What is it about?
This is where the series really starts to become more interesting. We are introduced to Islington, become more enamored with the mysterious Mr. Pierce, and make the acquaintance of Jack, the suave, but fake, cousin of Mary. For the rest of you Emma Lion fans out there, what are your predictions about Jack? Do you think at any point in the series he will make a lifestyle change? One thing I have really begun to appreciate about Beth Brower’s writing is that usually in books with this many characters I can’t necessarily keep them all straight. But here, in the world of St. Crispians, Mrs. Brower has given every character such a distinct and 3-dimensional personality that it’s really no trouble at all to remember exactly where each person fits. This, I think, is part of the reason so many people have become invested in the series. You aren’t just reading about random fictional characters—they become people you feel like you actually know.
 
Any warnings?
Only if you don’t want to continue reading the series, don’t read this book because it is where you start getting sucked in for the endurance.
 
What’s a quote?
“I have found that on occasions of high absurdity, one either discovers a great friend or someone to never speak with again.”
“Aren’t you supposed to be in a crypt somewhere, for your sins?” Islington asked in a ducal tone. “They evicted me,” I snapped. “Who?” “The dead.”
“My friends do not go to war alone.”
 
Recommendability: $$$$
Writing Style: $$$$$
Likelihood of Reading Again: $$$$
Thought Provoking: $$$$
Subject Matter of General Interest: $$$$
 
 
Killing the SS
By Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard
Nonfiction, History; 320 pages, 7 hrs. 24 min.
Audible
 
Have I read it before?
I do believe so. I was in the last few minutes of listening and trying to figure out why some parts seemed so familiar, when it suddenly hit me that I have a physical copy of this book on a shelf several hundred miles away.
 
How did I find it?
I have enjoyed most, if not all, of the books in O’Reilly’s Killing series, including Killing Jesus, Killing Lincoln, Killing Kennedy, Killing the Rising Sun, and Killing the Mob. Are they accurate? Well, I just checked reviews of O’Reilly’s books online, and it appears that perhaps they aren’t so factually correct as one would hope. That being said, I still think they give a good general overview of moments in history.
 
What is it about?
This books dives into the what happened to members of the Nazi SS after the end of World War II. It tells how some members of the party fled to different countries and changed their identities, then records the exploits of so-called Nazi hunters who tracked down these war criminals to bring them to justice. The number of countries who knowingly harbored these felons is truly astonishing. And don’t think the U.S. was any exception. A couple of standout incidents include the kidnapping of Adolf Eichmann by Israeli undercover agents more than ten years after the war ended as well as the capture and revelation of the true identity of Heinrich Himmler.
 
Any warnings?
Well, there are all the general warnings for any book that mentions concentration camps and the atrocities committed there. Also a mention or two of torture during interrogations.
 
What’s a quote?
“The records also prove that the Catholic Church and the Red Cross have long been complicit in the smuggling of Nazis into Argentina and other South American nations.”
“Now, the same Klaus Barbie who took glee in murdering innocent children, is employed—and protected—by the U.S. government.”
 
Recommendability: $$$
Writing Style: $$$
Likelihood of Reading Again: $$$$
Thought Provoking: $$$$
Subject Matter of General Interest: $$$
 
 
ABCs of Kindergarten or Spice & Snails
By Verna Chambers
Nonfiction, Teaching; 216 pages, not available on Audible
Physical copy
 
Have I read it before?
No.
 
How did I find it?
It was a gift from the parents of one of my kindergarteners last year.
 
What is it about?
This book consists of vignettes from the author’s many years of teaching. I found myself laughing audibly at spots, and nodding along to sage wisdom in others. There are some things that feel a bit dated (it was printed in 1999), such as the section on Special Education, but mostly the book is just full of jewels that only children could come up with. If you’ve read 32 Third Graders and One Class Bunny, that’s the closest to a comparison book I can think of. I’m afraid this work is not readily available for purchase, though I did find one somewhere, either on Amazon or Thriftbooks. The author spent 31 years in the classroom with 5- and 6-year-olds. If you have somehow forgotten how a child’s mind works, this is a great refresher.
 
Any warnings?
No.
 
What’s a quote?
“On the playground as Rick was flexing his arms he said, “You ought to try this sometime. It will make you strong enough to pick up a brick. You never know when you might need a brick.”
“Do you know how to keep from getting old? Drop dead!”
 
Recommendability: $$$$
Writing Style: $$$
Likelihood of Reading Again: $$$$
Thought Provoking: $$$$
Subject Matter of General Interest: $$$$
 
 
Wheels in His Head
By M. M. Musselman
Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir; 203 pages, not available on Audible
Physical copy
 
Have I read it before?
Yes. Several times. But it’s been years since my last venture into the pages.
 
How did I find it?
A chance discovery at an antique store way back on November 11, 2006. I know this because I used to write the date and place of purchase inside the cover of every book I collected. I have quit the habit, but not exactly sure why, because it’s certainly interesting.
 
What is it about?
This is a most delightful story told by the author about his father, A.J. The book has a bit of the feel of Cheaper by the Dozen to it, or maybe A Year Down Yonder. I had forgotten what a fun read it really is. A.J. is an eccentric character whose professional life saw him racing bicycles, manufacturing golf clubs, farming, and doing engineering research, among many other things. His chief job, however, was inventor. His creations included everything from a parlor game to airplane tires. His most important invention was the braking system for the B-29 bomber. This colorful collection of anecdotes will leave you shaking your head at the pure audacity, but chuckling to yourself as you follow the many twists and turns. I found several copies available on Thriftbooks and Ebay.
 
Any warnings?
Not really. A little language. Some dishonesty, drinking, gambling. The main character didn’t much subscribe to religion.
 
What’s a quote?
“She was the clinging-vine type, just a slip of a thing, too frail for this world’s sorrows. That was a day when it was fashionable for women to be weak and helpless. Men adored Bertha; women hated her.
“It was an act,” Aunt Ora used to say. “She was frail like an amazon and about as helpless as Cleopatra.”
“I don’t know why I didn’t marry a steady, dependable husband,” she sighed, “instead of one who likes to go hopping around in airplanes.”
“But I don’t go hopping around in airplanes,” A.J. protested. “This is the very first time.”
“What about that time you landed in the Arkansas River?” Mother asked, accusingly.
“Let’s not bring that up again. Please!”
 
Recommendability: $$$$
Writing Style: $$$$
Likelihood of Reading Again: $$$$
Thought Provoking: $$$$
Subject Matter of General Interest: $$$$
 
 
Asterix, Volume 2, featuring:
Asterix the Gladiator
Asterix and the Banquet
Asterix and Cleopatra
By R. Goscinny and A. Uderzo
Graphic Novel, Humor; 160 pages, around 3 hrs. to listen to all three on Audible
Physical copy
 
Have I read it before?
I had read Asterix and the Banquet before, but the other two were new to me.
 
How did I find it?
I was first introduced to the Asterix comic books while in Zimbabwe many years ago. It was a very passing acquaintance at best, but years later one of my cousins spoke of them with great fondness, and I soon fell into the tempting pit. The books are monumentally popular in France, Belgium, and Western and Central Europe.
 
What is it about?
The Asterix series follows two main characters, Asterix and Obelix, throughout their many run-ins with the ancient Romans. The two are from a small village of unconquerable Gauls. The reason they are undefeatable is the magic potion the village druid creates which gives them immeasurable strength. Asterix must drink the potion, but Obelix fell into a kettle of it as a small child and possesses superhuman muscle. As in many comedies, there is the brains (Asterix) and the slightly dumb and temperamental one (Obelix). I find the level of humor somewhat more sophisticated than the celebrated Tintin books. The adventures in these particular books include freeing a fellow villager who was taken captive by the Romans and is going to be sent to the coliseum to be eaten by lions, making a bet with a Roman that they can collect famous foods from every important town in the area without being captured, and traveling to Egypt to build a palace for Ceasar under the authority of Cleopatra.
 
Any warnings?
Foolishness. Lots of violence, but in a very comical way where it's very rare for someone to actually die and there is no gore. Does someone my age have any reason to read such? Probably not. But it does make me smile after a day of school when my brain needs a change of pace.
 
What’s a quote?
It’s a little hard to quote because you really need to see the pictures to get the complete context, but I’ll try:
·        From a ship captain in Asterix the Gladiator: “As I was telling my associates, we’re in the same boat, and we have to work hard if we don’t want to be sunk by overhead expenses.”
·        From a man who tries to betray the heroes to the Romans in Asterix and the Banquet: “My name is Uptotrix, and I promise you prunes and bores!”
·        An exchange between Asterix and Obelix in Asterix and Cleopatra: Obelix: “Every time I want to do something Mr. Asterix says no!” Asterix: “Because Mr. Obelix doesn’t know how to behave in front of a queen!” Obelix: “So smacking them is good but eating almonds is bad?” Asterix: “There’s a time for smacking and a time for almonds! That’s good manners!”
 
Recommendability: $$$$
Writing Style: $$$$
Likelihood of Reading Again: $$$$
Thought Provoking: $$$$
Subject Matter of General Interest: $$$$

    And that's all until next month!

Of Peanut Butter Sandwiches and Introvert Cubicles: Thoughts From School Meeting 2026

Well, it's come and gone, the much-planned for school meeting. I had so many thoughts this year I decided it was time to just say some of them. But first, the disclaimer: I'm not going to spend a lot of time editing this, so you've been warned.

First, I'd like to mention styles and fashion. I'm not actually a person obsessed with style except in the historical sense, but I was apalled a few years ago at a school meeting I attended to realize, looking over the group, that everyone was basically dressed in a uniform consisting of the same neutral colored linen dresses, the same shades and styles of sweaters, and the same style of shoes. 

This year, however, I was pleased to see a much broader variety of styles, fabrics, and colors. Special credit to the following attendees: red-sweater-girl for having the confidence to wear that color; kelly-green-jumper-girl for choosing such a pretty color and wearing it so gracefully; trench-coat-guy, your choice took me straight back in history to Nazi Germany, for some reason. Terrible era, great fashion choice.

The trip to school meeting is often fraught with terrifying perils like rising at absurd hours, such as 3:15 a.m., to choose a time at random. Things went amazingly well for our first two flights. As we strolled through the airport on our way to the third flight of the day, we started seeing Mennonites. Everywhere. It soon became apparent we all had the same destination. I can't tell you an exact number, although I did make some efforts to get an accurate count, but I think it's safe to say there were around 40 Holdemans on the same flight. This is a giant shock to someone who has been known to duck away down random aisles in Walmart to avoid awkward social interactions with people I already know. We did manage to survive, however.

Next, I would like to touch on the incredible efficiancy on display during mealtimes. At this point in my teaching career, I have been to a lot of school meetings, and I don't remember ever having been served at such amazing speed. It was truly impressive.

I must make special mention of the singing. I am blown away every year by the enthusiasm in the singers and the song leaders. And it's incredible to remember that the teachers are from all over the conference, and here we are, picking up songs many of us have never sung, and able to sing them more or less correctly on the first try. 

Years ago a cousin and I had a fantastic idea for a rental business involving what we called "Introvert Cubicles." This vision was reserrected and refined during the school meeting. 

Imagine a small, portable building perhaps slightly larger than a port-a-pot. You could tap to pay, and the door would open, allowing you in for as many fifteen minute segments of uninterrupted peace and quiet as you choose. When your time was up, the door would slide open and you would be visible to those waiting their turn in lline, the only sure way to get a person to give up their haven. Of course, slightly larger cubicles with napping space could also be available for a small price increase. They would also work for family reunions, where I believe they could earn the owner a small fortune as well.

Along with these, the company could also rent out temporary lockers. This would be very convenient, as sometimes teachers are tasked with carrying around numerous items, such as shoes, cell phones, songbooks, agendas, notebooks, and pens. That's not including other necesseties that sometimes are desired to have with one. A bag is not always convenient to carry, and I saw one school's teachers in a quandary when they needed to get recess shoes out of the vehicle, but were unable because the rig was locked and their schoolboard member was still in session with the keys. 

Temporary lockers would also help preserve the wear and tear on one's dress shoes (and feet) that can occur if forced to walk back and forth across rock-strewn parking lots.

One of the students in our school asked us teachers what happened at school meeting and what it was for. We weren't exactly sure how to answer that. It's a mixture of being re-inspired, networking, and learning more about our chosen profession. I shall attempt to leave a few points below that I found interesting or helpful. They will certainly not be conclusive, as there were many interesting sessions and profound thoughts with which we were blessed at this meeting. Following are some quotes and insights offered up throughout the meeting. They may be paraphrased.

"We prosper under guidelines. We don't prosper under chaos."

"Taking ownership is selfish and about you."

"If we're going to give, we have to give with our whole heart."

"The brain always takes the easiest way out. Watching videos is detrimental to skills needed for focusing and reading. Between the ages of 0 and 5, screen time is detrimental. From the ages of 6 to 12, children should still have very limited screen time, if any."

"Prayer is the only way we will discoveer answers to how to make a difference."

"Making a difference is more about acceptance than applying pressure."

We were also well-entertained by attempting to instruct Miss Esau how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Who knew it was so complicated? There were several anxiety-producing moments, including, but not limited to, trying to spread peanut butter with a fork, trying to spread peanut butter on the crust of the bread, and spreading jam with her fingers.

We also were informed of a few new resources I'm enthused about. These include commoncoresheets.com for Math fact drill pages, marcycookmath.com, also number practice, and the game Sum or Swamp, which is a math fact game. Please keep in mind I am currently teaching first and second. These may not apply across all grade levels.

Of course a large part of these meetings is networking and making connections. Imagine my surprise when the girl beside me informed me her mother had taught me in second grade. Or another girl that asked me if I had stayed at her house once. I had. It was a traumatic experience involving candles that we shall not go into. Never mind it happened nearly 20 yeaers ago. As soon as I figured out who she was, I said, "Oh! Not the awful candle incident!" and she immediately knew that of which I spoke, just to prove that the experience was truly mortifying.

Discussions vary wildly at these meetings. We talked about issues we face in the classroom, sure, but we also covered a lot of other things. There were lots of comments on people we recognized but didn't know. There were questions about lectures we had heard. There were compliments on jobs well done. 

At one point the group was discussing the probability of male teachers being good humans. I think the agreed-upon chances were 80%. The chances for the average youth guy were much lower, I shan't divulge the numbers here. But this is just to say that if you are of the masculine gender and have been worried about what people would think of you if you decided to teach, I would say your chances of entering a classroom and maintaining your popularity are pretty good. 

There comes a time when one is ready to go home. Although there are always people you aren't quite finished talking to, the crowds and activity outlast the charm of the experience. So back we traveled to the airport, though this time with far fewer Mennonites on the flight. Instead, we were met at our gate by an entire rowing team, perhaps 30 members, on their way to a competition. Also, the pretzels on Southwest Airlines are delicious.

School Meeting truly is what you make it. If you go with the mindset of learning, you will find something to learn. If you go with the idea that you'd like to get answers, you will find someone that can probably offer you answers. And if you attend with a desire to see God at work in our schools, you will definitely find Him there. I'm sorry you couldn't all have attended with me. Maybe you'll get to go next year.

What I'm Reading: August and September Recap

Here we are, already in September. I feel like I have been failing tragically with my reading list, but I refuse to feel too guilty. What I am discovering is that it takes a conscious effort to read when one has a fairly busy life and the ever-present temptation of technology at one’s fingertips. I’m certain we don’t realize how much time we waste on our devices when we could be immersed in a book. I’m also quite sure our brains would thank us if we would choose the printed page over a screen. Without further ado, here is what I have managed to consume of the world of literature.
 

	$	$$	$$$	$$$$	$$$$$
Recommend-ability	I highly recommend not reading this book.	Don't bother.	You might enjoy it.	Would definitely recommend	Absolutely loved it. I will likely recommend to every person I talk to for the next month.
Writing Style	Extremely poor	Well, they know how to spell and what a period is.	Average. Just… Average.	Good job. I might be a little envious of their way with words.	I stand amazed.
Likelihood of Reading Again	Are you kidding? I lost enough brain cells the first time.	Nope.	Maybe, but doubtful.	Probably will read again.	I will definitely re-read. Way too many things I found fascinating.
Thought-Provoking	What thoughts?	I think there was a thought somewhere.	Sort of basic thoughts, but accurate.	Some lingering thoughts. That's a good sign.	So much to think about. My brain is on fire!
Subject Matter of General Interest	There should not have been ink and paper wasted on this book. I now understand tree-huggers.	Not my style, personally, but might be interesting to someone of a different temperament.	Interesting, but may be specific to my personal tastes.	Fun things to think about. May be quotable. Likely to appeal to a variety of personalities.	Positively fascinating. I will be quoting this for years. Absolutely everyone should read this book.

 
 
 
Theo of Golden
By Allen Levi
Fiction; 400 pages, 13 hrs. 12 min.
Audible
 
Have I read it before?
No.
 
How did I find it?
The question is not so much “How did I find it?” as “How was I not coerced into reading it sooner?” This book popped up everywhere—on my suggested list from Audible, in bookstores I visited, in conversations with friends, and probably other spots I’ve just forgotten. Unfortunately, what usually happens in these situations is that I get stubborn about reading said book. I finally gave in, however, and spent an Audible credit.
 
What is it about?
    I think I’m going to make a lot of people really unhappy with this, but I place the blame squarely on the shoulders of those same people. Do not, please, go on and on about how wonderful a fictional book is. There is just absolutely no way it will ever live up to the hype. I was halfway through and not as enthused as I should have been, and someone still tried to tell me that things were coming that would change my mind. Here is what I will say: Theo of Golden is a very gentle story containing a main character who had learned through his own life experience to notice and observe others.                                                                                  The concept of the story is honestly something I would love to do myself in real life, but would never actually carry through. The ending did not surprise me much. I was more annoyed by the sadness than distressed. I feel like I’m being a bit vague here, but I’m doing my best not to give away parts of the story if you have not yet read it.                                             Is it worth your time? That depends on what your style of book is. I don’t feel like I wasted my time reading it, but I also cannot say that I fell in love with it. I often found myself listening out of duty and a need for completion. One of my favorite parts was the “A Thousand Thanks” section at the end where the author tells how the story came about. I feel with this declaration at least half of you will cease to put any positive weight on my book opinions at all. Please tell me why you loved this book, either in a private message or in the comments.

 
Any warnings?
I don’t think so. A good, solid, clean read for the most part with insights into human nature.
 
What’s a quote?
There were definitely some good quotes.
“His decision to live small made him larger than life.”
“There is no virtue in advertising one’s sadness. But there is no wisdom in denying it either. And there is the beautiful possibility that great love can grow out of sadness if it is well-tended. Sadness can make us bitter or wise. We get to choose.”
 
Recommendability: $$$
Writing Style: $$$$
Likelihood of Reading Again: $$$
Thought Provoking: $$$$
Subject Matter of General Interest: $$
 
 
A Little Daylight Left
By Sarah Kay
Poetry, Spoken Word; 112 pages, 2 hrs. 32 min.
Audible
 
Have I read it before?
Yes.
 
How did I find it?
Many years ago, a friend introduced me to Spoken Word poetry by way of Sarah Kay’s poem, “B”, sometimes called “Point B” or “If I Should Have a Daughter.” I immediately fell in love with the style of poetry and Sarah’s amazing gift with words.
 
What is it about?
The poems in this book are divided into three sections. Roughly, the first section focuses on childhood memories, the middle section mostly discusses romantic love and broken hearts, and the third section leans towards heavier topics, often pertaining to world views and daily life. Sarah Kay would probably say that the book follows her growth into womanhood and the evolution of herself as a poet and a woman.
 
Any warnings?
Yes. There are very liberal views which are not in alignment with a Christian lifestyle, and I ended up skipping a few of the poems in the middle section. It’s a shame, because I love the way Kay is able to manipulate words into building a story or a feeling from something ordinary.
 
What’s a quote?
“I could have delivered one final zinger shouting,
‘I’ve never been so beet-trayed!’
As I push over the entire display of violet roots.” – From “Table Games”, a poem full of puns about a break-up
“The minister of loneliness has abolished email.
He is installing tin cans on every window sill.” – From “The Minister of Loneliness”, a poem about the importance of connections
“The poem gives me my instructions.
The poem says, Be honest.
This is where you put
everything you wish you could wrap your arms around—” – From “Jello”, a poem exploring the illness of Sarah’s mother, the bond they share, and nostalgic recollections
 
 
Recommendability: $$$
Writing Style: $$$$$
Likelihood of Reading Again: $$$$
Thought Provoking: $$$$
Subject Matter of General Interest: $$$
 
 
The Hidden History of the White House
By Corey Mead
Nonfiction, History; 289 pages, 8 hrs. 45 min.
Physical Copy
 
Have I read it before?
No.
 
How did I find it?
I was asked to write an end-of-year program about the White House last school year. This book was among my source material. I didn’t manage to get it finished before the program was needed, so it rested for several months while I got sidetracked with other things in life. I finally pulled it off the shelf and finished it recently.
 
What is it about?
Beneath the heading, the cover reads “Power struggles, scandals, and defining moments” and that’s a pretty good explanation for what you’ll find in the book. I really enjoyed learning about the renovations of the White House in the 1940’s. I also appreciated reading about the historic visits of Red Cloud, an Oglala Lakota Sioux chief, and Booker T. Washington to the Presidential Mansion. Of course, the chapter on the Panama Canal also caught my attention. And then there were pieces about Edith Wilson, Winston Churchill, Richard Nixon, and the killing of Osama bin Laden.
 
Any warnings?
Not really. Just the normal world of politics and world conflict.
 
What’s a quote?
    “Churchill hesitated, baffled. Lick these boys? He searched for a response until Roosevelt’s press secretary leaned over and explained the American colloquialism “lick.”
    Churchill chortled. “If we manage it well, it will only take half as long as if we manage it badly.” The packed room erupted in laughter.”
 
Recommendability: $$$
Writing Style: $$$$
Likelihood of Reading Again: $$$$
Thought Provoking: $$$$
Subject Matter of General Interest: $$$
 
 
 
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, Volume 1
By Beth Brower
Fiction; 119 pages, 3 hrs. 15 min.
Audible
 
Have I read it before?
Yes, most definitely.
 
How did I find it?
This series was praised abundantly in one of my writing groups. I, similar to Theo of Golden, refused to read it for a long time just because everyone else thought it was wonderful. Eventually I heard good things about it in a low-key situation from someone who was not in the group, and allowed myself to be persuaded. I have fallen unabashedly in love with the series, and decided to start over with Volume 1, because Volume 9 will not become available until February 2027, if all goes according to schedule. Which, I should like to point out, this falling in love bit should in some measure prove that I do try things with an open mind, be it Theo of Golden or coffee.
 
What is it about?
    I once described the Emma M. Lion series to someone as a cross between Anne of Green Gables and Pride and Prejudice. To my delight, I later stumbled across a review online where someone else had drawn the same parallel, so it mustn’t be too wildly off, as unusual as it sounds. The first time I read this book, it took me a bit to get into the story. However, reading it the second time, it all makes so much more sense and is much more fascinating because I notice the foreshadowing and little details I didn’t catch the first time.                                             Emma Lion is a young woman living in London in 1883. The story is full of quirks—both in the main character’s personality and those of the people around her. Emma has a deep appreciation for literature, and carefully records the events of her life in her journal while dealing with an overbearing aunt, a slimy cousin, Archibald, and the loss of the fortune she was supposed to receive upon coming of age. Oh, and she also finds a way to evade being followed about by a chaperone, which was definitely frowned upon in the era. The book is definitely fiction, however, and there are parts that strike me as highly unlikely and unrealistic. It’s still a fun read, though.

 
Any warnings?
I can’t think of anything.
 
What’s a quote?
“…and you will look very thoughtful and intelligent. Let us hope you are. Unless you hope to marry soon. Then let us hope you are not. It takes a courageous man to marry a woman with a mind.”
“His smile came easily, but I could almost see the marionette strings pulling it onto his face. I don’t trust him at all.”
 
Recommendability: $$$$
Writing Style: $$$$$
Likelihood of Reading Again: $$$$
Thought Provoking: $$$$
Subject Matter of General Interest: $$$$
 
 
I am becoming aware it looks like I only give high marks to the books I read. There is a simple answer to this. In general, if I find a book boring, I just quit reading it unless I have a good reason to live in sustained torture. Thus, it appears I’m just giving high marks to nearly everything. And now I shall abandon this post and hopefully continue perusing more compositions by writers of decidedly greater ability than myself. (Why did this last sentence feel like something Emma M. Lion would write?)
 
 

The Myth of the Perfect Student and Perfect Teacher

Somewhere, there is a teacher on a road trip with her mom on the way to her first year of teaching in a place she’s never been. There is a curriculum agent trying to figure out if they have all the right books. There are moms showing up for contacting for the first time, wondering how to keep the contact paper from bubbling or just sticking to itself. There are cleaning days being planned, welcomes being wondered about, school supplies being bought. And among it all, there are high hopes for a good school year.
 
What makes a good year? I’m not going into that, but I will mention one thing I’ve been thinking about that contributes to a bad year, and that is the myth of the perfect student and perfect teacher.
 
Some of us are more susceptible to this myth than others. I am among that number. Through the years I have slowly been loosening my grip on this perception, but it’s not been easy.
 
We all know on some level that children will be children. They are not converted, they have free will, they will make mistakes and bad choices, no matter how good their training has been. But on another level, teachers and parents fall prey to the false belief that if we have trained them well enough, they will be perfect. And that’s what I want to talk about.
 
I have been there myself, walking into a classroom as a brand-new teacher filled with high ideals, reveling in the feel of a smooth red pen making flourishes on a paper, delighting in the bulletin board that actually turned out, excited to greet my pupils on the first day.
 
But it doesn’t take long for reality to come crashing down. Whispers, paper wads, messy handwriting, children out of their seats without permission, shoving in line at the water fountain, disrespectful answers. And standing in front of the class in complete shame, the new teacher who internalizes each correction she has to make as being a failure.
 
At after-school hashing out sessions, the new teacher might only confide in other teachers who have the same amount of experience she does because it’s too intimidating to share problems with the more experienced teacher who clearly has attained perfection. Please don’t go down this line of thought. Every teacher is a unique individual. Each one has a different style of working with children. If you talk to the experienced teacher, you’ll likely be amazed at how well she understands the problem you’re facing. She’s probably had to work through it herself. She will, in all likelihood, tell you that you are dealing with imperfect students. You are not necessarily the problem.
 
So when the first board meeting comes around, or the third or the fourth, and the schoolboard chairman asks how things are going, she says, “Fine! It’s going OK,” because admitting that she’s not sure how to handle the problem makes her feel like she’s a disaster, that maybe she shouldn’t be teaching in the first place. When the parents show up for PTM, she tells them the same thing. “Jared is doing just fine!” And when they leave, she tells herself that Jared is doing fine. It’s she who is the failure. If she could just do everything well enough, Jared would have no problems at all. And if she admits to having a problem with him, the whole world will know that she can’t do her job.
 
It's important for a teacher to realize that she is absolutely right. That she is in charge of the class. That the students’ behavior is contingent upon her own ability to take responsibility for what she allows them. That she needs to be consistent, loving, and worthy of respect. But it’s also important to be open with your schoolboard about the problems you are facing. It is not strange to have struggles in your classroom, but those struggles cannot be helped as long as you keep letting your schoolboard believe that you have perfect students.
 
PTM is just as scary for the parents as it is for the teachers. I am a believer that it is important to tell the parents all the things their child is succeeding in, but it’s also important to be honest about where they are struggling. I’m not sure if parents are fully cognizant of how intimidating it is for a new teacher to tell them negative things about their child. Most have to work up tremendous courage to mention small things. This often applies more to behaviors than to academics. But being transparent about the things you are working on with a student is important for the good of the child. I have heard horror stories from teachers about dramatic and terrifying reactions from parents, but in all my years of teaching I have not once had a parent become angry and defensive at me when I have tremblingly brought up a problem I’m experiencing with their child. What we imagine in our heads is usually much worse than the reality.
 
And so we as teachers build up the idea of the perfect school, the perfect class, the perfect student because our own fear of vulnerability keeps us from admitting the problems. Our own ideas of perfection insist that we are the reason things aren’t working. Maybe we are, but if we aren’t open about the hard stuff, it’s even harder for others to know how to help us. And there are many, many times when it isn’t anything we’re doing wrong. It’s just the normal problems of dealing with human nature. For some teachers, it takes years to learn how to differentiate between whether it is a teacher problem or a student problem. Humbly sharing what’s actually going on with our support group of co-teachers and board and parents is an incredible help in sorting out how to proceed.
 
I’d like to make a mention of appreciation to my schoolboards throughout the years who have made notes when I’ve mentioned a problem I’m having with a student and brought it up at the next meeting and asked how it’s going now. Sometimes a problem is brought up that isn’t a big deal, just because the teacher needs something to say at board meeting. Sometimes the problem is ongoing, but there is no obvious answer, and the teacher doesn't bring it up again because what is the point of mulling the same thing over and over every single time? But it is helpful for everyone involved to be current on the situation. I’ve had schoolboards ask before if I need a solution, or if I’m just sharing, and I’ve appreciated the clarity and perception of this question. Also, a note of thanks to the parents who check in after PTM and ask how their child is doing in the areas we discussed. This open relationship makes working through anything that comes up much easier.
 
And while we need to accept that no student is perfect, it’s also important to love them with their imperfections. Admit to yourself that there are days they drive you to the point of pulling out your hair, but look for the things you love about them, too. Write down a physical list. Drop notes in your students’ workbooks saying what you appreciate about them. Call out the good choices they make on the playground or while standing in line. Thank them for being responsible in little ways.
 
You might have students that are hard to love. Don’t be deterred. Pray for love for them. Kneel by their desk, breathe a prayer over the paper you’re having a hard time deciphering, whisper a plea to the Father amidst the chaos on the playground. He knows the students in your care are human and you are, too. He will let their faults smooth the edges off your own. There is no shame in not having a perfect class, there is no embarrassment in having imperfect students. There is also no disgrace in admitting you, too, are a real, genuine, imperfect human.
 
So I’m telling you what I wish someone had told me my first years of teaching. Don’t be fooled by the myths of perfection. Don’t assume that everyone around you believes that the students in your room are ideal and you are the failure. Don’t believe that you have to perform perfection.
 
Be humble, be open, be vulnerable, and lean into your relationship with the Lord as you enter your classroom.
 
Wishing each one of you a truly great year!

What I'm Reading: July Recap

	$	$$	$$$	$$$$	$$$$$
Recommend-ability	I highly recommend not reading this book.	Don't bother.	You might enjoy it.	Would definitely recommend	Absolutely loved it. I will likely recommend to every person I talk to for the next month.
Writing Style	Extremely poor	Well, they know how to spell and what a period is.	Average. Just… Average.	Good job. I might be a little envious of their way with words.	I stand amazed.
Likelihood of Reading Again	Are you kidding? I lost enough brain cells the first time.	Nope.	Maybe, but doubtful.	Probably will read again.	I will definitely re-read. Way too many things I found fascinating.
Thought-Provoking	What thoughts?	I think there was a thought somewhere.	Sort of basic thoughts, but accurate.	Some lingering thoughts. That's a good sign.	So much to think about. My brain is on fire!
Subject Matter of General Interest	There should not have been ink and paper wasted on this book. I now understand tree-huggers.	Not my style, personally, but might be interesting to someone of a different temperament.	Interesting, but may be specific to my personal tastes.	Fun things to think about. May be quotable. Likely to appeal to a variety of personalities.	Positively fascinating. I will be quoting this for years. Absolutely everyone should read this book.

 
 
Ten Days in a Mad House
By Nellie Bly
Narrative Journalism, Nonfiction; 98 pages, 2 hrs. 56 min.
Audible
 
Have I read it before?
Yes. Read it and enjoyed it.
 
How did I find it?
I honestly don’t know. I think I was searching for books on immersion journalism several years ago and discovered this one. The exposé brought Nellie overnight fame when it was first published in 1887.
 
What is it about?
In a time when the 19^th Amendment, guaranteeing women the right to vote, had not yet been adopted by Congress, Nellie Bly was truly an unusual woman. At only 23, she was asked by her newspaper to go undercover as an insane woman in order to gain access to the infamous Women’s Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell’s Island. Her boss told her that in ten days he would get her out, although he didn’t know how. Bly managed to convince those around her that she was insane and was soon given passage into the Asylum. Once there, she claims to have dropped all pretense of insanity and simply presented as herself. She mentions several women who were as sane as she, but had no way of being released. After the ten days had passed, Bly wrote this book, a stunning tell-all that detailed the abuse, poor food, and lack of proper clothing endured by the inmates of the Asylum. She states that two months in the place would have made even a perfectly sane woman lose her mind. The book angered its readers, prompted an investigation by a grand jury, and saw New York City increase its annual budget for the asylums by approximately $1,000,000, which would be around $35.28 billion today.
 
Any warnings?
Cruel treatment, but nothing terribly gory or untoward. Bly writes with a sense of decorum suitable for the era.
 
What’s a quote?
“The insane asylum on Blackwell’s Island is a human rat-trap. It is easy to get in, but once there it is impossible to get out.”
“I have watched patients stand and gaze longingly toward the city they in all likelihood will never enter again. It means liberty and life; it seems so near, and yet heaven is not further from hell.”
 
Recommendability: $$$$
Writing Style: $$$$
Likelihood of Reading Again: $$$$
Thought Provoking: $$$$
Subject Matter of General Interest: $$$$
 
 
Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come: One Introvert’s Year of Saying Yes
By Jessica Pan
Journalism, Nonfiction; 272 pages, 8 hrs. 52 min.
Audible
 
Have I read it before?
No.
 
How did I find it?
Yet another person did not believe me when I said I was an introvert. Nonetheless in the course of conversation this book was mentioned.
 
What is it about?
The author is a solid, bona fide introvert who is also shy. In the midst of what she calls a quarter-life crisis, she decides to challenge herself to a year of living as an extrovert. This includes many attempts at making new friends—some online, most in person. She tries to strike up conversations on the tube or in random shops. Along the way she signs up for all sorts of adventures—public speaking, improv and stand-up comedy, and a book club among them. At one point she takes a “Surprise Me” tour alone to a different country, finding out only a couple hours before departing for the airport where she is going. The culmination of the year is celebrated by Jessica hosting her first-ever dinner party: a Thanksgiving feast where she invites many of the people she has met along the way throughout her experimental year. Is it possible to change from an introvert to an extrovert? You’ll have to see for yourself. Whether you read the book or not, I’m interested in what you think.
 
Any warnings?
Some bad language. I suppose I should tell you there is a chapter about magic mushrooms. Also a few sentences here and there containing adult content.
 
What’s a quote?
“Some people are great at talking to strangers, building new relationships, and making friends at parties. I’m really good at other things, like loitering palely in dark doorways. Disappearing into couch corners. Leaving early. Feigning sleep on public transportation.”
 
Recommendability: $$$
Writing Style: $$$$
Likelihood of Reading Again: $$$$
Thought Provoking: $$$$
Subject Matter of General Interest: $$$
 
 
 
The Prince and Betty
By P. G. Wodehouse
Fiction, Comedy; 154 pages, Not available on Audible
Physical Copy
 
Have I read it before?
Not that I remember.
 
How did I find it?
I have been a fan of P. G. Wodehouse for years. I’ve listened to many, many of his books, though I’ve read relatively few physical copies. By which I mean almost none. But how could I travel to London and peruse bookstores there without coming away with at least one or two by the quintessential British humorist?
 
What is it about?
The Prince and Betty was published in 1912, the same year as the sinking of the Titanic. It follows typical P. G. Wodehouse tropes—wealthy heirs and heiresses, a character struck penniless, someone somewhere falling madly in love, unusual situations, a person taking on a pseudonym in an effort to hide their identity, and a grand resolution, usually brought about by some unusual circumstance. This particular book involves a young lord who is proposing marriage to Betty, the girl of the Prince’s dreams, being thrust outside on a window ledge and having the window closed on his coat tails so he dangled there in an undignified way whilst the lover proceeded to propose himself. I would not say this is my favorite book by Wodehouse, but any Wodehouse is worth reading.
 
Any warnings?
Nope. Part of the reason I love this author is that his work is always clean and it’s safe to just relax and read.
 
What’s a quote?
“Defending her conduct later, she said that the laugh was hysterical. It may have been so, but to the uninformed listener there is no substantial difference between a hysterical laugh and one of the more ordinary kind. Lord Arthur was no connoisseur of guffaws, able to note and classify. To him a laugh was a laugh. And Della’s, ringing out in the silence, conveyed but one impression to him—namely, that he amused Della.”
 
Recommendability: $$$$
Writing Style: $$$$$
Likelihood of Reading Again: $$$$
Thought Provoking: $$$
Subject Matter of General Interest: $$$$