Several great books and enjoy one or two wholesome, family-friendly movies. Here’s what we loved in February.

Books

• Don’t Give Up, Don’t Give In by Louis Zamperini. (Autobiography) ★★★★ This is a book about real life lessons from a very inspirational man. I didn’t LOVE this whole entire book, but I certainly loved parts of it. My key takeaway: in grim situations, you cannot worry about the big picture. Just figure out how to survive today. The big picture is too overwhelming, and we can’t do anything about it anyways, but we can do something about right now. The mental toughness of this man is unbelievably inspiring. There were several thoughts that I will be carrying with me throughout the rest of my life. A favorite quote, “Have a cheerful countenance at all times. No matter how grim your situation is, keeping a positive, cheerful attitude is the key to your own survival.” There were several instances of language and crudeness especially in the middle of the book during and right after the war years and before he shares his salvation experience.
• The Read-Aloud Revival by Sarah MacKenzie. (Parenting/Home Culture) ★★★★★ I read this book yet again to do some research for a podcast interview I’ve got coming up with my friend Brettney. I always love revisiting this book. There are so many amazing takeaways, and it is definitely one to read if you need some inspiration to get reading aloud to your kiddos.

• The Insanity of God by Nik Ripken. ★★★★★ (Memoir) WOW! WOW! WOW! This book has wrecked me! And I know it will do the same for you. It will convict you. It will change you. It will fire you up. The first several chapters of the book remind me of A Long Walk to Water, while the rest of the book has a Live Not By Lies flare. Nik Ripken was called to be a missionary to Northern Africa. He got in to Somalia by running a relief agency there. His descriptions of his trips into Somalia are harrowing. After a life altering family emergency and deep guilt over seeing no converts, he went back to the States to get some answers. He had too many questions. But the question of all questions was this: Could God still work in a place like Somalia…where there was so much death and so much evil and people were killed for just being in contact with a Westerner? He just couldn’t see how God could move hearts in such a hard place. This led him on a journey into 48 persecution-battered countries around the world, while holding countless interviews with Christians who were still standing for Christ even in the hardest of countries. This is where the book gets INSANE and POWERFUL! I won’t give any more away, but by the time you get to the end of the book, I think you’ll agree with me that this book is incredibly moving. I know it’s so early in the year still, but I’m pretty sure this will take the prize for my favorite book of 2022.
• The Last Book Shop in London by Madeline Martin. (Historical Fiction) ★★★★ This is a nice, light-hearted read. It takes place in London (obviously) during World War II. It portrays an interesting glimpse into what life actually looked like in London during the war…children rushed off to the country, the aftermath of bombings day after day, food rations, and so on. While a novel, I felt the author did an excellent job at portraying real-life. The deep hurts and joyous occasions were very relatable and raw. *There is a love story as part of the plot line, but it was so minor, that I would not call the book as a whole a “love story.” The Lord’s name was used 4 times as well as 2 instances of “what the devil.” (Which is why I knocked a star off, otherwise I loved it.)
• A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park. (Children’s Fiction) ★★★★★ Based on a true story, this is technically a children’s book, but I read it for myself. It’s a nice, short read you that could do in just a couple of days. You’ll be thinking about it for months afterward. I can’t wait to share with E when she’s a little older. While it is a secular book, it’s such a needed message. We are so blessed, and we often don’t realize HOW blessed until reading something like this. Harrowing, hard, but full of hope! There is no language. Hallelujah! It does describe some hard events just for basic survival. One day at a time. One step at a time. One foot in front of another. And that is just to stay alive. There are instances of death, danger, war and starvation. I highly recommend you read this book and share it with your kids and teens. It’s one that will get the conversation flowing for sure!

• Dietrich Bonhoeffer: In the Midst of Wickedness by Geoff and Janet Benge (Children’s Fictional Biography) ★★★★★ Dietrich’s story is very intriguing. I am always amazed at how God uses people in different situations…here, a pastor and in the under cover resistance to assassinate Hitler. His is a sad story, but he knew what he was getting into when he started working for the resistance. He knew he may have to give his life one day like so many others had before him. I was specifically waiting to find out if the book would talk about his fiancé, and it did! I read her story in the historical novel, My Dearest Dietrich. That’s a great one if you’re looking for a lighter read.
• Ernest Shackleton: Going South by Geoff and Janet Benge (Children’s Fictional Biography) ★★★★ The story of the Endurance is unbelievable. The courage and fortitude those men had to have in order to survive such a journey…I would never make it. And then to do it all over again, and again! This book was excellent, but some of the explanations were long and drawn out, and I could tell the kids lost interest at some of those points. But once we got to the story of the Endurance, you could hear a pin drop! I love how kids draw conclusions from this book. In my own mind, I was planning to say, “His poor wife and kids. He was never home!” But E beat me to it in her own childlike way and said, “I’m glad he’s not my dad! We would never see him! I guess I have one more thing to add to my thankful list!” From the mouth of babes.
• Ember’s End by S. D. Smith. (Children’s Fiction/Fantasy) ★★★★★ I have a few favorite children’s series, and this is one of them. It’s pretty crazy that a book about rabbits can make me cry, but this one sure does. We finished listening to the Green Ember series for the second time this month, and they were just as good as the first time through, if not better. I highly recommend S. D. Smith’s books. They are, of course, fiction, but the bravery and standing up for a righteous cause, looking out for your brother, and giving your life for a friend…these are all such important life lessons that our kids need to hear. They are so inspiring! And the audiobooks are just a dream! The narrator, Joel Clarkson, really brings the characters to life. *There are magical/fantasy elements in this book, specifically dragons. (This series makes for fantastic gifts.) We had a discussion about who we thought the most courageous character was in this book. Some came to the conclusion of Helmer, and some to the conclusion of Pickett. I’ll let you read it and decide for yourself who YOU think is the most courageous.
• Prince Caspian by C. L. Lewis (Children’s Fiction/Fantasy/Classics) ★★★★★ Although not our favorite book of the series so far, it was still a good one. The characters are relatable, Edmond has obviously turned a corner and is a much kinder boy since the 2nd book, and Prince Caspian, a new character, holds on to hope that Aslan and all of Narnia’s history is real! There are several heroic characters, but E’s favorite character is Reepicheep, the brave mouse. *Magical elements.

Movies

• We didn’t watch any movies in February other than Sight and Sound’s Joseph production which was AHHHHMAZING! (Be sure to catch their Pay What You Want Events the first Friday of each month!)

Media

• No Higher Calling Podcast. I alluded to it earlier, but if you are podcast listener, you have got to check out my friend Brettney’s podcast, No Higher Calling. Her, her husband and 3 (almost 4) children are headed to Australia very soon as missionaries. Her podcast has so much practical wisdom for wives and moms. Highly recommend! Follow her on Instagram here: @nohighercalling_
• Melodies for the Mended Wood. Joel Clarkson is the narrator for the four main books of The Green Ember series, but he also produced this music as a “soundscape” for the first book. The songs are very calm—perfect for reading, resting and relaxing.

For more great book recommendations and reviews, be sure to check out the book list page or visit Altogether Lovely’s amazon storefront!

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