What I've been reading of late (a.k.a. Short Book Reviews)
(Psst! If you like podcasts, check this one out. I've never done one before, but I was interviewed for The Brilliant Business Moms podcast and it's now live. I chatted with Beth Anne and Sarah about all things blogging, and it was a lot of fun.
I hope you enjoy giving it a listen, and I hope the sound of my voice won't be too jolting...every time I do an audio/video clip, people are surprised at the sound of my voice, so apparently I talk differently than I type! 😉 )
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Here's a quick peek at what's been in my library bag of late.
Make the Bread, Buy the Butter
You guys, this book was really entertaining. I love me some non-fiction, as you well know, but I usually expect it to be more informational than hilarious.
Somehow, Jennifer Reese has a way of making her kitchen adventures funny, in a somewhat dry, understated way.
A few years back, she set off on a mission to figure out what you should cook from scratch and what you should leave to the experts. Her recommendation comes from considering both monetary cost AND the hassle involved, which I appreciate.
(Spending three hours to make a condiment from scratch when you can buy a decent one from the store for a few dollars does not make sense to me.)
The food she made runs the gamut from hummus (make at home) to onion rings (buy them) to bread (make at home) to hot dogs.
(Yes. She made her own hot dogs. She recommends you buy them instead. 😉 )
She includes recipes for almost every food she covers, but even if you never intend to use the recipes, the book is a great read.
Organizing Solutions for People With ADD
I don't remember where I read about this book, but whoever brought it to my attention pointed out that this is not just a book for people with ADD.
Organizing kind of blows my hair back, and even though I know how to organize, I still just like to read books about organizing. They inspire me to go do what I already know how to do.
A lot of stuff in this book felt a little obvious to me but if you have trouble knowing where to start with organizing, you'd probably find everything to be very helpful.
A major theme of this book is that you shouldn't just focus on organizing stuff, you should focus on having less stuff TO organize.
She says this is especially important for people with ADD, but I think it's quite essential for most anyone!
Also, the author is very, very big on simple, easy-to-use storage solutions because complicated storage systems are tough for anyone to keep up on. For example, give your kids unlidded bins for their toys, not boxes that stack. And she suggests using open shelving rather than drawers.
Home Comforts
I read a quote from this book on the GirlTalk blog, and was intrigued enough to check this tome out from the library.
People, this book is huge!
A lot of the material in the book wasn't new to me because my mom is a good housekeeper and she taught me and my siblings how to clean and cook and such. So I have never wondered how in the world to fold a fitted sheet or how to clean a kitchen.
But if no one ever taught you how to take care of your home, I think you'd find this book to be really helpful, as long as you don't get overwhelmed by the size.
Caveat the first: I thought she was a little too uptight about some things. For instance, she never washes her hands in the kitchen sink unless she's in the middle of cooking, for fear of contaminating the sink. Instead, she washes her hands in the bathroom before she starts cooking. I will never, ever have the patience to be that careful.
Caveat the second: Since I prefer to keep my possessions to a minimum, I disagreed with some of her advice. For instance, I don't keep extra sets of sheets around, I only own one tablecloth, and we each have one bath towel (with a few extras for guests).
Caveat the third: Cheryl has only one child, so I had to remind myself that she faces fewer challenges than me when it comes to housekeeping. It is not realistic to expect myself to live up to her standards in a household of six.
Caveats notwithstanding, I enjoyed reading through this book (I did skim some sections!) and the author's enthusiasm for the home is kind of inspiring.
The Simple Living Handbook
I happened across this book at the library and snatched it up because I recognized the author (She's a blogger and I contributed to her ebook about homeschooling!)
I like simplifying as much as I love decluttering (hint: a lot) but I still find simplifying books to be helpful. They give me fresh inspiration and push me a little farther than I'd push myself.
Lorilee and her family live far more sparsely than I ever will (she got rid of her table and chairs early on, while Mr. FG and I just ordered a larger dining set to replace our $300 set from 1997.), but her seriously pared-down lifestyle inspires me to take a fresh look at everything in our house.
So, this turned out to be a great book to read while I knocked out some decluttering at the end of the summer.
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Have you read anything awesome of late? Or not awesome? Do share!
(Also: Do you enjoy reading book reviews? I'm totally happy to share what I've been reading if you find it to be helpful, but if you all feel like it's yawnsville, I do want to know.)
I enjoy your book reviews a lot.
I have a chef friend who tells me the make vs. buy scoop. She buys Jiffy cornbread mix, and after she cooked down sugar pumpkin and discovered it tasted exactly the same as canned but took hours longer she made that decision for me as well. 🙂
I'm due for a re-read of Jen Hatmaker's "7."
I really enjoyed "7" - and I'm pretty sure I read *about* it first here on this blog! So count me among the fans of the book reviews.
"Home Comforts" is a great book. I re-read it occassionally, though I rarely put the advice into practice. 🙂 After I read it the first time, I went through the list of sources at the back an read a lot of those (that I could find), too. I find housekeeping manuals from all generations to be fascinating. Kind of funny, since I am not generally a fantastic housekeeper myself.
I recently read a very interesting, non-fiction book about harems. It was called "Harem: The World Behind the Veil." It was written in 1989, I think, and I was very suprised to find it at our tiny village library. It was really good, though. I knew nothing about harems, so it was all new to me. And the woman who wrote it did a really good job covering a somewhat controversial and sensational topic with a great deal of scholarly detail.
I too have the Home Comforts book and love it! I tend to love any housekeeping or home books. I just love reading about housekeeping! Strange, I know!!!
I just put all three of those books on hold at the library! Thanks for the suggestions.
As for book recommendations, I read a novel called The Awakening of Prudencia Prim, and I loved it. It had a lovely story, was written very well, and had beautiful undertones. The title sounds almost cheesy, and when I picked it up, I wasn't sure how I would feel about it, but it was such a pleasant surprise.
I'm in the middle of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that can't stop Talking as well. It's interesting, and has been helpful for me as an introvert. Sometimes it feels like an introvert pity party, though, which is a bummer.
I just looked up the book about Miss Prim on Amazon and was able to read the first chapter...I'm hooked! Thanks for the recommendation!
I just read that as well. Reinforced my confidence that I'm not weird, I'm introverted, and extroverts just don't get it.
I also loved Quiet! It really helped me understand some of my students better.
I like your book reviews because I rarely have time to sit down and read. So I at least get the highlights from you (thank you!). 🙂 We have a McKay's Used Bookstore in our area and that would be a great place to look for some of these.
I love book reviews too, that's how I add to my wish list!
I loved Home Comforts. My mom was a great housekeeper and I remember how she taught me the proper way to clean a kitchen and do dishes. I'm faster at it than anyone in my house.
I just put the first book on hold at my library. Looks like a fun book!
I found Home Comforts when I was a newlywed (over 14 years ago!). I loved that book! I checked it out of the library all the time!
I really enjoy your book reviews- please keep them coming! Don't know if you're familiar with Jennifer Reese's blog ( http://www.tipsybaker.com ), but I really enjoy it. Low frills, like yours (which I see as as a positive), and I can cook vicariously through her!
I love the book of Home Comforts and give it as a housewarming gift regularly. She has so many cleaning solutions and even if I don't hold to all of her "standards" it's extremely helpful as a reference work.
I always want to know what people are reading!!!!!!
Ok, so yours are actually about the ONLY book reviews I like. They're short enough that I can handle them (I can't stand long book reviews), and they're interesting enough to tell me if I want to read the book or not. Most of the books you choose to write about are ones I would enjoy, so I appreciate the tips.
And now, to the dentist, like a grownup. Yay for dental insurance. Yay for a nice new dentist in our new city. Boo for cavities. 🙂
Books, such a lovely addiction! My favorite genre is mystery - think Agatha Christie (read them all, watched the PBS versions - like some, despise others) and company. Latest author I'm following: N.D Wilson. Just finished "Boys of Blur". What I really appreciate about his books (all of them!) are the literary allusions. If you've read your fairy tales, Greek and Roman myths, or Anglo-Saxon poetry, there's an extra layer of delight as you progress through his stories. Reading level is geared for 8th grade and up, but most kids (and adults) can enjoy them. Good triumphs over evil but much is required of those who hold the line. Life lessons woven in wonderful stories that captivate and enthrall a reader. Go read one!
There's a new mystery author I'm loving. His name is Nick Russell and his Big Lake series has some of the most real people in it you will ever meet.
First, keep doing your book reviews! I may not choose to read the books, but I enjoy finding out what you're reading.
Second, I love "Make the Bread, Buy the Butter!" If you're ever wondering whether or not to have chickens, you've GOT to read her take on chicken owning. 🙂
Those all sound good! I'll have to put them on my list. I'm with you, though--we don't keep extra sheets (well, the toddlers each have a spare for obvious reasons) and I don't see how not having a table and chairs is "simple"!
I'm reading Tamar Adler's An Everlasting Meal right now in an effort to feel more confident and less recipe-bound in the kitchen. Good so far, but I'm still on the first chapter about boiling water!
I enjoy the book reviews immensely!
Hi Kristen! I LOVE your book reviews, so keep 'em coming! I appreciate how you are able to summarize a book in a concise and interesting fashion. I have just requested all of these books you from my library. I only buy a book if I find I 'Must Have It" after I've read it once. I am currently reading a book that you recently referred to - I think it's called "The Other 8 Hours". I am also reading "The Zero-Waste Lifestyle" by Amy Korst, and "Zero Waste Home" by Bea Johnson. I have become interested in this topic since I started composting about 5 months ago. That is how I found your blog, after I did a web search about making your own compost bin. One interest led to another, as well as an interest in using all natural products in my home and ridding my home of the toxins and chemicals! Which is all stuff you cover in your blog! Thanks!! I do have some questions for you: 1) Do you only read non-fiction? 2) Do you ever use cupcake/muffin liners when baking? And if not is it because of your interest in zero waste? I'm asking because I think using liners creates a taller and fluffier muffin, but afterwards you have to throw out the liner (although I just found ones that can be composted). 3) Which is the best way to receive your blog - as an" e-mail" as as a "New Post". I ask this because I was receiving both and eliminated the e-mail delivery, but am wondering if one is better in some way than the other. Thanks!
There are silicone cupcake liners, if you are interested in using liners but want to go the reusable route. 🙂
Yep, I read both of those zero waste books...both good!
I do mostly read non-fiction, although I read tons of novels when I was a kid/teenager.
I usually only use muffin liners when I'm making cupcakes. But regular paper muffin liners are compostable so I don't think they're a big deal to use.
And for your last question, I'm not sure! How are you subscribing to a "new post"? Let me know and I'll try to answer your question.
Simple living books always fascinate me.Every time I go to the library I borrow books about organizing and simple living and I think the first book is pretty interesting,I hope our library has it.
Simple living books always fascinate me.Every time I go to the library I borrow books about organizing and simple living and I think the first book is pretty interesting,I hope our library has it.
I have a book suggestion that I am sure you would love! (and I would lov eseeing you review)
It's called Better Off: Flipping the Switch on Technology.
The author was a student of one of my profs in grad school, and for some reason, I go back to this book again and again...
http://www.amazon.com/Better-Off-Flipping-Switch-Technology/dp/0060570059
Thanks for sharing! I will check this out.
Yes! I read that one and thought it was really interesting.
I enjoy your book review, but I have to say I found Home Comforts to be unnecessarily tedious. However, there is some good information in there buried beneath all the endless details, but I'm sure there must be more enjoyable books about efficient and effective housekeeping.
I seriously adore organizing, too. I have been volunteering for five years in a food bank. I love organizing all the shelves and donations. It is a constant movement of food, so there is always sorting and replacing to do.
Okay, it's odd, but I assume it is a need to have the world in order and to have control over it. 😀
I completely hear you! It's one of the easiest ways to bring order and control when so often there's things in our lives that we have minimal control over!
Really enjoyed Make the Bread, Buy the Butter. The part about chickens was hilarious. We've kept chickens for eggs for almost 18 years and could certainly relate to her tales of horror and expense. While it may not make economic sense, we love having fresh eggs. For us it's worth the extra effort and money. The nice thing about the book is that she makes it clear what expenses and effort are required (in a fun, easy-to-read way) and you can then make your own decision.
I love reading your book reviews and hope you'll continue them. Just requested Home Comforts from the library.
Make the Bread, Buy the Butter has been on my "to read" list for a while. Lately I've juse been reading stuff about World War I so perhaps it's time for a change.
Sometimes Make vs Buy isn't about cost or time as it is about experience. I like making ice cream despite the fact that store bought is cheaper. Sometimes I like to try making something on my own just for the one time experience as well.
Do you mean that all store-bought ice cream is cheaper, or that inexpensive store-bought is cheaper than nice homemade?
I like being able to make my own ice cream. It allows me to use top notch ingredients, use up fruit that would otherwise might go bad, and choose my flavors. Frex, I made pumpkin ice cream over the summer instead of having to wait for October.
I also love your book reviews - whether or not I decide to read the books!
Interesting about the Simplifying author getting rid of their table and chairs... I was listening to and interview of Mary Roach (who wrote Packing for Mars) and she was saying that astronauts had requested a table and chairs in the space station, though they are patently impractical - because at the end of the day, the astronauts wanted to have something to gather around - so they could feel more like a community.
I read "Make the Bread, Buy the Butter." I thought it was hoot and a great idea although I didn't agree with many of her decisions - we just have different preferences for hassle and preferred foods.
Someone gave me "Home Comforts" as a housewarming gift some time ago. It's been a while since I looked at it, I should dig it out again.
For me, having two sets of sheets per bed is a necessity. I *never* want to have to make up a bed at 11 pm again, and buying two sets now saves me a shopping trip later and I hate shopping. It helps that I'm organized and have a generous amount of storage space.
I agree on the bed sheets. It's just a pain in the neck for me personally. Doing laundry is by far my least favorite chore! Plus of all the ways one can have clutter, an extra set of sheets isn't that big of a deal.
The storage space thing is key. I have a pretty small linen closet, so double sets of sheets for every bed would make it too crowded.
But a larger linen closet would certainly make double sets more doable.
Some people store the extra sheets under each mattress. That's what my daughter is doing at school, where space is very limited. But if you don't miss having extra sheets, no need to have them!
Good idea!!
I liked the reviews. Thank you!
Nice! I really enjoy reading books about organizing and housekeeping, they totally inspire me to get my tush in gear and finish the stuff at home I've been meaning to do! Maybe this weekend I'll finish cleaning out my basement? One can only hope...
I enjoy reading your book reviews. I have very similar taste as you and sometimes you recommend books that I haven't heard of yet. Two of your books today though are already on my 'want to read' list and one of them I have read!
I also feel like the author of Home Comforts takes things a bit far. Did you read the section where she talked about how often to wash all your bedding? Oy vey!
My husband and I do have two sets of regular and two sets of flannel sheets for our bed though. I line dry my sheets all year round and only having one set wouldn't work. I'd rather have two sets than have to use my dryer every week.
We also currently have two sets of towels. I think one set would be plenty but we're still using the two sets that we got as wedding gifts five years ago!
Kristen,
Thanks for sharing the link to the podcast! I listened to it while I was making breakfast cookies and learned a lot that I can apply to starting up my business and blog!
(And, the friendliness in your voice completely matches the friendliness in your writing!)
-Renee
Hey Renee,
So glad you enjoyed the podcast! I just checked out your website and your business services sound very cool and like something many parents could benefit from. Have you thought about hosting Google Hangouts so that people can see your face, learn from you (for free) see what an expert you are, and then be more likely to hire you for help? Just a thought!
Thanks again for tuning in 🙂
Beth Anne
Beth,
Thanks so much for your encouraging feedback! After listening to the podcast yesterday, I spent time last night looking over the websites you all had talked about and made notes about what steps to take next. Thanks for the suggestion about Google Hangouts! Right now, I have no idea what that is, but I'll find out 🙂
It was a really inspiring podcast and fun to listen to while I cooked! I look forward to learning a lot more from your website and podcasts!
-Renee
Sorry about cutting your name short, Beth Anne! My typing fingers and my brain weren't communicating yet this morning!
Hey Renee,
No problem! Also, here's my favorite resource on Google Hangouts. Sarah and I hope to do one soon!
http://www.smartpassiveincome.com/hangouts-on-air-for-webinars/
Best of luck to you! And let us know if you have specific questions for us or need help/encouragement!
~ Beth Anne
Hey Kristen, if you're interested in organization and getting things done (I know you are), go check out http://www.simplyconvivial.com . Mystie has an amazing series of posts on getting organized, especially as a homeschool mom and homemaker. She bases a lot of her suggestions on a book called Getting Things Done by David Allen. Many of her ideas have helped me. If I would only take more of her suggestions, I think I'd be better off. Baby steps....
Do a Search in her search box for "Humming Home Habits". She also has a little 6 part free email course http://www.simplifiedorganization.com/gtd-for-homemakers/
Kristen,
It was so great to chat with you and I also agree with your reader who said your voice sounds kind and friendly just like your blog does 🙂
Thanks for sharing us and taking the time to spill all your best advice!
All the best to you!
Beth Anne
Love love love that Jennifer Reese book. I was laughing so hard I snorted tea in the goat chapter.
Book reviews are great - I'm always looking for good reads to add to my library queue!
Please, keep doing book reviews. I love that you tell us what about them and why you liked or didn't like certain books.
I'm so glad that everyone else likes the book reviews! I would be quite sad if they ever went away. As for me, I'm really loving a new fiction series that a friend recommended - the first one is Shades of Milk & Honey, by Mary Robinette Kowal. I describe it as Jane Austen, with more magic and much less wordiness.
And the podcast was fun - thanks for linking to it. I loved the enthusiasm in your voice! Whenever I hear people I've only ever read, I'm always surprised by how they sound, but I think that's because I unconsciously expect everyone to sound similar to how my voice sounds in my head. Since I'm still pretty shocked when I hear my *own* voice on a recording, though, I know that my expectations are hardly ever a good guide in these cases. 🙂
Ugh, I know what you mean! I usually can't bring myself to listen to recordings or videos of myself for the same reason. 🙂
I loved "Make the Bread", too. It was entertaining and enlightening and really made me think about what I make and buy.
I've been meaning to read Make the Bread, Buy the Butter for ages, so thanks for the reminder. It sounds like a great read.
I'm also intruiged by the Organising Solutions for People with ADD because I am not an organised person at all. I will check it out 🙂
Thank you all so much for your feedback! I'll keep on doing book review posts based on your comments. And I'll continue to keep 'em short and sweet.
Thanks for helping me know how to best serve you with my blog! You all are great. 🙂
I too really enjoy reading your book reviews. One book that inspired me lately was The Call to Brilliance: A True Story to Inspire Parents and Educators.
I enjoy reading your reviews! But what I want to know is this: when do you find time to read?? You homeschool, blog, you're active on social media, you make stuff from scratch... I think that's quite amazing. 🙂
Kristen- you sound just as lovey and warm on your podcast as you are on your blog!!
Great book recommendations; I'll put several on my library list.
Totally loved the reviews but during what part of your day do you carve out the time to read? I love reading but any time I sit down little voices beckon me. Any insights?
That first book sounds like one I'd like to read! I'll have to see if I can get it from my library.
Really like the look at a few of the books. I love organising but I'm not great at it, it takes work. I've established that I struggle to 'categorise' things. Example my brain doesn't see 'red books' it sees 'red books with blue spine' then 'red books with blue spine and gold edging' and so on. I'm adept at decluttering though!
Haven't listened to podcast yet - on the list for tomorrow. I know what you mean about hearing yourself. I've done a few videos. But think I sound like I type. My theory is my style of speech has changed since I started blogging. I've shortened my sentences.
I enjoy the book reviews too!
Please do keep giving us book reviews. Reading does not come easy to me. I'm so slow at it I sometimes loose interest before I finish the book (or the due date comes)
I just read Coupon Crazy because of your recommendation.
I love reading your blog. It inspires me to live more frugally, even though it doesn't come easily to me. And I certainly enjoy reading your book reviews. Keep it all coming!
Oh man, I read "Make the Bread" last month and love love LOVED it!! Absolutely hilarious and entertaining with a ton of good info. I got it from the library (of course) but I think I might ask for it for Christmas so I can refer back to some of the recipes and tips.
I also got it from the library, found it hilarious, and now want it for my own!
I just read Marie Kondo's book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying, on decluttering and organization, and it was actually life-changing for me. Her approach is more intuitive than other books I've read, and that's what really made the difference. It changed the way I look at my belongings and I'm really grateful to have found it.