10 Books That Get Boys Interested in Reading

Do you have a son who is a reluctant reader? 

I do. 

Oh, he can read very well. Once he finds something that interests him he will read it OVER and OVER and OVER. 

He won't, however, choose to sit down with a book for fun. He doesn't DEVOUR a wonderful story like his 12 year old sister will. (At this age she was reading Harry Potter, Cornelia Funke, and Dear America.)

He doesn't CRAVE a good book like I do.  When I let him choose a book to read he always picks the one with the least amount of pages. (sigh)

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My Special Place ~ My Current Reads

I think every mom needs a sanctuary.    Mine is nothing grand, but it is quiet, away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the house, and IT IS ALL MINE!   

I've had this rocking chair since my oldest was born.  I remember sitting up with her one night in an old, hard rocking chair (and while it had sentimental value, it just wasn't too comfortable!) and being so exhausted and sleep-deprived.  I told my husband I had to have a nice rocking chair within the next week or I was going to LOOSE IT!  I remember demanding (in my oh so nice way) that if I did not get a more comfortable chair, HE was going to be the one getting up in the middle of the night!   Within the next several days we had ordered this glider, and it has served us well.  

I've changed a lot since then.  First of all, I wouldn't demand something in such a childish way again.   Second, my children are older and don't need rocking any more.  Third, I hope I'm much wiser and patient then I was ten years ago.   Now this chair is my reading, knitting and relaxing spot... there are times when it gets laundry piled on it, or homeschool books stacked on the footstool, but for the most part I try to keep this place ready for reading.   

I'm always interested to hear what other moms are reading.  I usually have two or three different books going at the same time.   The current ones on my nightstand are:

Seasons of a Mother's Heart, by Sally Clarkson

This is my inspirational book and devotion each morning... I love Sally Clarkson's books, and this one is beautifully written.  It even has places for me to journal throughout the book, which I love!

Mockingjay, by Suzanne Collins

The third book in The Hunger Games series, this is my page turner!  Yes, I joined the hysteria of The Hunger Games and I have been hooked.   If you're wondering, I'm "Team Gale".  

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot

This book will be started next - a good friend of mine recommended it to me.  It is the story of a poor southern tobacco farmer whose cells were harvested without her knowledge and have become one of the most important tools in medicine.  To this day, Henrietta Lacks remains virtually unknown and is buried in an unmarked grave. 

Oh, the candle burning on my nightstand is a pecan pie candle by Paula Deen.  I LOVE IT!  Since fall is my favorite season, it transports me to that time, even when it's 100 degrees outside! 

What is on your nightstand right now?  Do you have a book you think I might enjoy?  I'd love it if you'd leave me a comment...   

Yarn Along - Knitting for Japan

I am an avid reader of Ginny Sheller's blog, Small Things.  She is a homeschooling mom and knitter extraordinaire!   Each Wednesday she has a link up, Yarn Along, where people share what they are knitting and reading.   Each week I drool over the gorgeous projects and interesting books.   Ginny has recently challenged her readers to knit for earthquake victims in Japan.   You can read all about it by clicking the button :

I have recently learned to knit (being inspired by my daughter -- which I'll tell you all about in a post coming up soon!) and have done a couple of scarves, but nothing complex.   My dear friend, Karen, coached me through this hat.  If you've been reading my blog for a while you know Karen is my hero.   She and her husband have adopted two beautiful special needs boys from China ~ they are blessed with an unlimited amount of compassion for orphans.   


Back to the knitting:  After reading Ginny's Knit for Japan post I sent it to Karen and said "Let's do this!".   We both have made hats... something so simple, but hopefully very meaningful for the recipients.   We started Saturday (as in three days ago!) and finished over breakfast this morning!    When I see a challenge my Type A personality has to meet it, and quickly.  (It's one of my best and worst qualities!)

The hat is The Amanda Hat (pattern found here).  Karen describes this pattern has "meditative" - it's not too hard, but the lace pattern really makes it look nice.  

The book I'm reading is Parenting Today's Adolescent by Dennis & Barbara Rainey.  I HIGHLY recommend this book if you have children in the 8-12 age group.  It gives you a great idea of what is to come, and the Biblical defenses we can use during adolescence. 

How about you?  Do you know how to knit?   Do you want to learn?   It's never too late to learn something - I've experienced this firsthand over the past several years!