Good morning friends! Happy book day! Last month I read 3 books and while I liked all 3 of them, there was 1 that really stood out. That book will possibly make my "top books" list at the end of the year. I'm excited to share all 3 with you today.
It's All Under Control-- I initially saw this book recommended on one of the blogs I read, but I can't remember which one! Sorry if you were the one to recommend it and I am not remembering! Anyway I feel like this book was written for me. Hi, my name is Lauren and I am a little bit of a control freak. You know what's funny about that? I used to be very much the opposite. It's like being an adult has turned me into someone who likes to be in charge of my surroundings. I guess when you're a kids you don't really get to control anything... you don't pick what's for dinner, you don't get to be in charge of the family calendar, you aren't the one doing the grocery shopping, etc. I feel like our lives run more smoothly when everything goes according to plan, but this book was a great reminder that really at the end of the day, it's God's plan and not mine. This book was about learning to let certain things go and be more flexible. As the book says, let go of what God has not asked you to do, so you can shine in what He has. I give this book an A!
Calmer, Easier, Happier Boys-- I was at a playdate about a month ago and the other mom, one of my friends since high school, could not stop talking about this book. Her son is the same age as LG and has been going through all the typical changes from toddler to preschooler-- a little more sass, a little more clingy, struggles at bedtime, etc. My friend was telling me about how much this book has made an impact in her son, and that even though the book title says boys, the strategies would work for girls too. We have also been having a little more sass, clingy-ness, and sleep struggles so I figured I'd give it a read. While the book is definitely geared towards parents of boys, the author states that several of these traits apply to girls as well. As my friend Katherine said, "nothing in the book is really groundbreaking, but sometimes it's nice to have to it all laid out in front of you". While I don't agree with everything the author wrote, I can say I have noticed a difference with the strategies we have implemented. LG is being more cooperative the first time we ask something, less clingy because we are making sure to spend good quality (non-distracted) one-on-one time with her, and honestly seems all around happier having screen time 99% eliminated. It may not be for everyone, but if you have a child who may benefit from trying something new, it's worth a read. This book isn't only about preschool age, I just didn't read the schoolwork/homework/older kids sections because they didn't apply to us right now. I give this book an A.
Shanghai Girls-- This book was hands down my favorite of the month! I love historical fiction and especially love when it's about a time period I don't know as much about. Don't get me wrong, I am still fascinated by all the WW2 books, but sometimes it's nice to mix it up. This book is about two sisters who live in Shanghai in the 1930's. They are quite well off, comfortable, and just loving life... until they find out their father has lost all his money gambling and has agreed to arranged marriages for them in the United States. Then the Japanese begin to attack China and they have to flee. This book was fascinating from the first page to the last page, and I couldn't put it down. I already put the sequel on hold and can't wait to read it! If you like historical fiction, add this to your list! I give it an A+.
I've already started my first book of August, another historical fiction book, and so far it's only okay. I'd love if you'd leave a comment with any books you'd recommend-- especially historical fiction!
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