As SAHMs of small children know, we must find something to do to keep our brains sane. For me, it's reading. Honestly, I don't know how I find the time to read. It is sometimes a page at a time. Literally.
Here are some of the books I've read recently with (very) brief (and opinionated) commentary.
(Note: Book covers and titles are affiliate links)
Eaarth. Ummm, read this book. I agree with Barbara Kingsolver.
The Omnivore's Dilemma
. One of the most fascinating books I've read (In case you are wondering, it is not just an indictment of the food industry). Supremely well-written.
The Story of Stuff. You don't need all your crap. Really. You don't. But seriously, I thought reading this book would be an exercise in reading what I already knew, but it wasn't. Enlightening. Don't be complacent. Insist your government take action.
Searching for Pemberly. Ridiculous. I checked this out because the bookmobile has a dearth of good books for grown-ups. I had no idea a book this long could be written entirely in exposition.
Jane's Fame. Read this instead of the above.
In Defense of Food. Please put down that CAFO hamburger. It's disgusting.
No Impact Man. Live a full life, not a full-of-stuff life.
Green Metropolis. Cities are awesome.
The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power. I picked this up after hearing an interview with the author. Frightening. But why am I not surprised?
How to grow more vegetables.... Intense, I'll have to start next season.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Why not? A brush up for the new movie.
PLUGS:
Hollywood Car Wash. My friend Lori wrote this book. Amusing. Glad I don't work in Hollywood.
P.S. What I Didn't Say. This is not the kind of book I would normally choose (that is not criticism, I just don't usually go for "personal growth stories"). However, Shannon wrote an essay so I read it. Enjoyable.
More Mom's Bookshelf:
Raising a Happy Child says
I am amazed that you have time to read so much - you have me inspired. I think I am going to take Omnivore Dilemma with me when I go on vacation soon. And I am very interested to read "Family", but I am afraid that it will depress me too much.
Christy says
I love to read. I want to read The Story of Stuff after reading your thoughts on it. I think I could learn something!
punk rock michelle says
ooh thank you so much ! I love to read & very rarely have time to do so ..so it's important that what i pick is good ! I needed more ideas !
Shan says
Thank you!!!! 🙂
I loved Lori's novel too. I read it last summer and it was the perfect summer read. But yes--it made me cringe, the parts about the "Hollywood machine." (or, more aptly, "car wash"!)
Adriana says
I can't believe that you have read all of those recently. I love to read and try to fit it in too. The last books I read were the Twilight series and I have to admit that I loved them. I think that I will reread Harry again before the movie too. 🙂
Leah M says
I read to keep sane too. I just finished Water For Elephants and was wondering what to read next... thanks for the "plugs"!
Lori says
Thanks Erica (and Shannon!). You guys are nice. I so appreciate your taking the time out of your busy lives to read my book, and wow! You read so much-- amazing.