Plumfield Moms: Recent Episodes
Plumfield Moms
We are sisters in Christ who became friends over a shared love of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty, found especially in good and great books. Our primary vocation is that of marriage and motherhood, but we feel a secondary call, as educators and homeschool moms, to walk with families who are seeking to help form souls who are capable of responding to the vocation God has called them to. Our objective is to form our children and grandchildren to the best of our ability, and in so doing share what has been meaningful to us with others that it may encourage them and lighten their burden. As homeschoolers, classical educators and Christians, we have a passion for the ancient Greek paideia and the loving education of Louisa May Alcott‘s Plumfield (from her novel Little Men).
“Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked” (1 John 2:6).
The apostle John began his first letter by reminding us that he was an eyewitness to Jesus’s life on earth. He adamantly proclaimed that Jesus came in the flesh so we can have fellowship, along with John, in the Father and in Jesus the Christ.
But saying we have that fellowship isn’t enough. After some severe pronouncements about the opposition of darkness and light, truth and lies, John made the statement that whoever says he abides in Jesus ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
Sara Masarik’s References
- In Defense of Beverly Cleary Blog Post
- Clementine by Sara Pennypacker
- Lily's Victory Garden by Helen L. Wilbur
- Friend of Freedom River by Gloria Whela
- Mackinac Bridge by Gloria Whelan
- The Scarlet Stocking Spy by Trinka Hakes Noble
- The Town that Fooled the British by Lisa Papp
- Rudy Rides the Rails Dandi Daley Mackall
- The Impossible Journey by Gloria Whelan
- Ideas have Consequences by Richard M. Weaver
- After Virtue by Alasdair MacIntyre
- How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler
Sarah Kim’s References
- Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan
- Angel on the Square by Gloria Whelan
- An Experiment in Criticism by C. S. Lewis
- Watership Down by Richard Adams
Diane’s References
- The Tempest by William Shakespeare
- The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald
- Amos Fortune Freeman by Elizabeth Yates
- Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein
Tanya’s References
- The Door in the Wall
General References
- Biblioguides
- Semicolon
- Book Review Roundup
- Mighty Networks
- Shelf Notes
The more Ann Rinaldi I read, the more her writing disappoints me. Brooklyn Rose had the potential to be a charming and interesting historical novel, but several recurring flaws render it unsuitable for a thoughtful young adult audience or a library that aims to provide living books and quality historical fiction.
The book centers around Rose Frampton, a young Southern belle who, in 1900, enters into a marriage of convenience with a wealthy, older man named Renee. Rose is innocent and idealistic, hoping that her mother is right and that love will grow with time. The story unfolds through her diary entries as she adjusts to life in Brooklyn, New York which is the center of her husband’s business affairs. Renee, who is kind, gentle, and generous, dotes on Rose, but the differences in their ages and maturity levels is obvious and it is very hard to see a partnership between them.
Though the historical setting initially draws you in, Rinaldi’s use of modern expressions breaks the period feel, creating jarring anachronisms that detract from the novel’s authenticity. The language lacks richness and complexity, which may appeal to a younger audience on a surface level but ultimately underserves the depth that historical fiction readers expect.
Beyond these stylistic issues, the plot is poorly constructed. For example, early in the story, we hear of a plague sweeping port cities, but this detail is soon abandoned. We meet a cast of characters, including Rose’s family and the Irish servants, yet none of their arcs develop in meaningful ways. In fact, I even wondered if the plague would show up in their stories somehow, but that was not the case. Even Rose’s prized horse, a symbolic connection to her Southern roots, is mentioned as shipped to Brooklyn but then simply disappears from the narrative. These plot holes create an experience that feels disjointed, superficial, lacking direction, and lacking any real storytelling.
Sadly, there is an undercurrent of adult themes, presented in a way that feels inappropriate for the intended teen audience. First, we have a small line about how Renee’s kisses make her feel in her body. Then, she tells her journal how tender and loving Renee is and how it was easy to “give herself to him” on their wedding night and how that has created new intimacy between them. Rinaldi could have approached Rose’s coming-of-age journey through emotional development, yet she bypasses this in favor of superficial interactions and just enough veiled comments about sexual intimacy to make a young reader curious.
Most concerningly, Rinaldi hints at deeper marital issues that our young readers do not need to be exposed to. Rose tells us again and again that Renee doesn’t tell her many things about himself, his past, or his family, revealing a lack of emotional intimacy between them. I thought that this might be a plot point that would resolve in her coming-of-age story, but that never really happens.
Additionally, she tells us how Renee routinely calls her “child” and treats her as one. Kind as he is, he doesn’t really respect her as an equal or something other than a favorite pet. And, when Renee’s mother’s arrival brings a bizarre level of conflict to Rose’s new life, Renee is unwilling to defend his young wife, and this worsens Rose’s confusion, culminating in an illogical scene where she runs away to test her husband’s love.
Overall, Brooklyn Rose seems to lack a clear purpose. The writing feels overly simplistic, the historical elements are thinly developed, and the themes are ill-suited to a young readership. While I wanted to like this novel, Brooklyn Roseultimately feels like a quickly assembled tale without the substance that would make it memorable. For libraries seeking compelling historical fiction for young readers, this book falls short on many fronts.
I have found Ann Rinaldi books to be uneven. Some I have liked, some I have not. You can read my review of others here:
A Break With Charity
The Fifth of March
Lad: A Dog by Albert Payson Terhune is a classic that captures the heart of any dog lover with its vivid language and realistic storytelling. Set in the peaceful countryside of Sunnybank, the book follows the adventures of Lad, a noble collie, whose loyalty, intelligence, and bravery are celebrated in a series of charming and heartfelt anecdotes.
The strength of this book lies in Terhune’s ability to bring the world of dogs to life. His language is rich and descriptive, painting vivid pictures of the interactions between Lad and his human family, his experiences at show competitions, and his interactions with other dogs. Each chapter showcases a different aspect of Lad’s character, whether it’s his fierce protection of his home, his gentle patience with his female companion, or his unwavering devotion to his owners.
However, readers should be aware that there are some dated elements in the book. Terhune’s portrayal of the “bulgar” as Black, while not malicious in intent, reflects racial views that modern audiences may find troubling. Similarly, the emphasis on Lad’s pedigree and bloodline—while appropriate for the time—might feel excessive to today’s readers, especially those who care less about purebred status and more about the personalities of their pets. Additionally, there is some level of dog-on-dog violence, and the traditional methods of discipline and training depicted in the book may not resonate with contemporary approaches to animal care.
That said, for dog lovers, Lad: A Dog remains a treasure. The bond between Lad and his family is beautifully portrayed, and Terhune’s admiration for the dog’s noble spirit shines through. Those who appreciate dogs will likely find themselves swept up in Lad’s world, admiring the qualities that make him such a worthy companion. Despite its dated elements, the core message of love, loyalty, and the unique bond between dogs and humans shines through, making it a worthwhile read for anyone who appreciates the loyalty and love of a good dog.
"One of the most disturbing instances of idol worship in the Old Testament is when the Israelites were waiting at the foot of Mt. Sinai for Moses to come back down. They decided Moses wasn’t coming back, so they demanded that Aaron make them a god. And he did!
'And they made a calf in those days, and offered a sacrifice to the idol and were rejoicing in the works of their hands' (Acts 7:41).
It’s easy for us to wonder what in the world was wrong with those Israelites. They had recently witnessed their Creator miraculously plague their captors. They had seen the cloud that baffled the Egyptian army while the entire nation of Israel crossed the Red Sea on dry land! They had eaten manna and had drunk water that poured from a rock.
And yet, when circumstances became a bit uncomfortable, the people who had witnessed God’s mighty works reverted to their ingrained way of thinking. Like children not yet able to comprehend anything they can’t see or touch, they preferred the work of their own hands. Oh, those silly, childish Israelites! Thank God we aren’t like that.
Truly, if you can say without hesitation you aren’t like that, thank God. I feel the need to examine my heart."
In this conversation, the Plumfield Moms and Bethlehem Books discuss the origins and mission of the publishing company, which focuses on providing quality children's literature rooted in a culture that values faith and education. They explore the community aspect of their work, the influence of Charlotte Mason's educational philosophy, and the journey from a bakery to a publishing house, culminating in the release of their first book. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the world of children's literature, sharing their passion for beloved books and the journey of publishing. They discuss the significance of community and faith in their publishing endeavors, the revival of the periodical 'In Review' as a valuable resource for book lovers, and the importance of quality in book production. The conversation highlights the power of storytelling and the impact of literature on young minds. They explore the significance of forgotten books, cultural heritage, and the evolution of publishing in the digital age. The discussion also touches on navigating grief, the importance of imagination in literature, and the role of community in fostering a love for reading. They emphasize the need for good literature and the positive influence it can have on individuals and families.
“So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him” (2. Cor. 5:9 ESV).
What really got me thinking about how we use these words were the two translations that said, “We try our best.” Because what Paul says he is “trying his best” to do is to please Jesus. And the reason is that we are all going to appear before his judgment seat to receive what is our due for what we have done.
I’m afraid we have become quite glib about tossing about the phrase, “I tried my best.” It has a feeling of finality about it. Well, I tried. It didn’t work out. I guess I don’t need to do that again. I’m certain that is not what Paul meant!
I’ve been thinking about this verse this way: I make it my ambition to please him. An ambition is an eager or strong desire to achieve something. A strong desire to achieve something doesn’t allow me to give it a try and give up if it doesn’t work out.
- Mama Bear Apologetics: Empowering Your Kids to Challenge Cultural Lies by Hillary Morgan Ferrer
- Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott
- Green Writer (Affiliate Link)
- Diane’s Short Story Assignment (Coming Soon)
- Share your library story
- Link for Mail Bag
- Biblioguides
- Semicolon
- Book Review Roundup
- Mighty Networks
- Shelf Notes
- Picture Book Preschool
- LibraryThing
- TinyCat
Angel on the Square by Gloria Whelan transports readers to pre-revolutionary Russia through the eyes of a young aristocrat. We explore how this captivating historical novel brings the Russian Revolution to life, showing the fall of the Romanovs and the rise of the Soviet regime. With rich storytelling and thought-provoking themes, this book is a must-read for those who love history and stories of resilience. Check out our full review to see why it's a perfect living book for young readers!
"Knowledge makes for stability. Peter’s intention is to remind us of important points though we know and are established in the truth. That is, we are set fast, firmly fixed in the truth. Ignorant and unstable people will twist Scripture “to their own destruction.” We have been warned so we won’t be carried away with their errors and lose our own . The prophetic word we have is firmly fixed, sure and certain. It is something reliable enough that we can build on it.
Peter writes with urgency because the Lord had made it clear to him that the end of his life was near. While he still has time, he will make every effort so that after his departure we may be able at any time to recall these things. (2 Pet. 1:15) He was willing to make every effort to remind us, but we still have to do our part. We can’t remember things we don’t know. Peter exhorts us to be all the more diligent to make our calling and election sure. We will never fall if we practice adding virtues to our faith. We have to pay attention and 'be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace' (2 Pet. 3:14). We must take care not to be carried away with the errors of lawless people."
In this conversation, we discuss the value of picture books in both education and personal enjoyment. Sara Masarik delves into the works of Gloria Whelan, highlighting her contributions to historical fiction, specifically mentioning, The Hedge School, The Miracle of St. Nicholas, Small Acts of Amazing Courage, The Angel on the Square, and Homeless Bird. The discussion also touches on the significance of setting in storytelling and the connection between literature and geography.
Sarah Kim talks about Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture as well as Dorothy Sayer's Gaudy Night. The discussion highlights the richness of Sayer's storytelling and its connection to her personal life.
Diane explored the significance of a book club focused on 'Mama Bear Apologetics' and convinced all of us to buy it (while we were recording!). She also shared the beautiful story, Mountain Born.
Tanya shared the remarkable story of Jim Key, a horse that demonstrated extraordinary intelligence and abilities, leading to a movement for kindness towards animals. She also discussed the relatable and timeless experiences of family life depicted in Hilda von Stockum's books, particularly focusing on the Mitchells' adventures during World War II.
The discussion highlights the importance of kindness, education, and the shared experiences of parenting, making it a rich and engaging dialogue for listeners.
https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/show-notes-our-reading-life-october-2024/
Read the full review here: https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/edith-cavell-under-the-cover-of-mercy/
Tanya’s References
- The Librarian Spy by Madeline Martin
- The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin
- Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan Henry
- Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan Henry
- Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner
Sarah Kim’s References
- The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni
- Beneath the Magnificent Dome by Anna Iakovou
Sara Masarik’s References
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller, Jr.
- Lord of the World by Robert Hugh Benson
- Alas Babylon by Pat Frank
- Dead-Eye Dan and the Cimarron Kid by Glenn McCarty
Diane’s References
- Irena’s Gift by Karen Kirsten
- War Diaries by Astrid Lindgren
- Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan
I have been on a Connie Willis kick lately. You may have read my review of To Say Nothing of the Dog – the hilarious comedy that reminds me of Jeeves and Wooster or The Importance of Being Earnest. Or, you may have heard me raving about Blackout and All Clear. At Christmas, I read and reviewed her collection of Christmas-themed short stories, A Lot Like Christmas. And I just re-read Doomsday and reviewed it, here. This review is for something totally different from Willis, Crosstalk.
Crosstalk is part sci-fi and part psychological adventure with a little romance thrown in. No time travel. This book was a lot of fun to read and had an intriguing premise. That said, I will not give it to my teens as there is frequent discussion about unmarried characters having sex, and the plot revolves around sexual attraction.
https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/crosstalk/
The life of Joseph, in the Old Testament, is a vivid example of the shade of God’s hand. Joseph was a favored son of his father. He also had the gift of interpreting dreams. While it would have been prudent for him not to advertise his dreams in front of his brothers, he wasn’t responsible for the hatred that drove them to be willing to kill him. As Pharaoh’s slave, and later in prison for something he didn’t do, Joseph may have been wondering if he would have been better off dead. When he interpreted dreams for two fellow prisoners, he must have thought he’d bought his ticket out. The men he helped didn’t return the favor, and he sat in prison for two more years.
“Is my gloom, after all, Shade of His hand, outstretched caressingly?”
“The aftermath of World War II brought great suffering to people in Europe. Thousands of Americans responded, healing the wounds of war with kindness. My grandparents, Fran and Frederick Hamerstrom, headed one relief effort initiated by American ornithologists. This is their story. They enlisted the help of fellow scientists, and together they sent care packages to more than three thousand people in fifteen countries throughout Europe.”
Judge learned the story when she discovered a box of foot tracings in her grandmother’s attic. Then her mother began to remember details. Now Judge shares with us the story of regular people who quietly helped thousands of suffering strangers. Like many, many others of the Greatest Generation, they did it because it was the right thing to do. When the job was done, they didn’t expect to be hailed as heroes or awarded medals. Sometimes they didn’t even tell their grandchildren.
"When I doubt my own abilities, God has me right where he wants me. My faith is not to be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. To those who are called, that power is the word of the cross. Thank God, if my faith is in his power, I don’t need to worry about my own lack of eloquence or qualifications. I am assured that it is Jesus Christ who will sustain me, and that God who called me is faithful.
If I am trying to appear wise and capable in my own right, I had better give it up. “Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, ‘He catches the wise in their craftiness,’ and again, ‘The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.’ So let no one boast in men” (1 Cor. 3:18-21)."
I usually steer clear of apocalyptic novels because they tend to be depressing, strange, and godless. So when my Tuesday Night Classics Club chose the science fiction novel, A Canticle for Leibowitz, I was hesitant. However, since it is highlighted in Joseph Pearce’s Literature: What Every Catholic Should Know, I decided to give it a chance. To my surprise, it became one of the most thought-provoking books our group has discussed.
Set after a global nuclear war known as the “Flame Deluge,” the novel explores humanity’s struggle to rebuild civilization amidst the ruins. In the wake of the war, there is a violent backlash against knowledge and technology, culminating in the “Simplification,” where mobs of “Simpletons” destroy books and kill anyone with learning. Interestingly, a Jewish electrical engineer named Isaac Edward Leibowitz survives the chaos and joins a Cistercian monastery. He is convinced that he must dedicate his life to preserving human knowledge through the secretive “booklegging” of hidden texts. Eventually, he founds the Albertian Order of Leibowitz in the desert of the American Southwest, whose charism is rooted in the preservation of any remnants of scientific and cultural knowledge they can find.
The novel is divided into three sections or “canticles,” each set centuries apart. The first, Fiat Homo (“Let There Be Man”), was especially fascinating to me. Set in the 26th century, civilization has regressed to a medieval-like way of living. The story opens during Lent with Brother Francis, a religious novice, fasting and praying in the desert. While keeping vigil, Brother Francis stumbles upon a fallout shelter containing artifacts from the Venerable Leibowitz, igniting a series of events that reflect the tension in the Abbey between honoring Leibowitz and his values and the need to survive in a culture that wants nothing to do with the past or its knowledge.
The second canticle, Fiat Lux (“Let There Be Light”), was more difficult for me. Set in 3174, civilization has evolved to an Industrial Revolution-like state. The Abbey, at this point, is both a place of spiritual significance and a center of technological discovery, as the monks work to discover electricity. They have heard the myths that electricity existed before, but many do not believe it, because they cannot believe that man, having had such luxury, would waste it on war.
The third Canticle, though, brings the novel to a powerful close. In 3781, the now technologically advanced society prepares for another nuclear war. The Abbey is assembling a group of priests, sisters, and children to colonize the moon. The Abbot is convinced that history is about to repeat itself, so he sends the gospel, sacraments, relics of knowledge, and innocent children away (never to return) so that mankind can have another chance somewhere away from the nuclear holocaust that has begun.
As the Abbot feared, the bombs begin to drop and the Abbey is overrun with victims and refugees. While the Abbot works to send pilgrims away, he still has to tend to the flock that remained behind. This canticle has an incredible storyline exploring euthanasia as compassionate care. The Abbot and a doctor engage in a powerful debate about what is true care for those who are suffering.
In each section, the Gospel persists. And in each, Christians are faced with intense and interesting ethical dilemmas. The novel’s exploration of faith, human resilience, and the cyclical nature of history is profound. Although I found parts of the second canticle slow and frustrating, the novel as a whole was a rewarding experience. A Canticle for Leibowitz offers a rare blend of science fiction, history, and theology, and I can see why Joseph Pearce considers it essential reading.
Set in the exciting backdrop of the Old West, Dead-Eye Dan and the Cimarron Kid by Glenn McCarty opens with a man in pain who can’t remember who or where he is. At first, he wonders if he’s a lawman—but quickly concludes he must be a poor one, given his state. Then, fearing he might be an outlaw, he feels shame and wonders if outlaws feel shame, and if they do, why it doesn’t convince them to quit their outlaw ways. But within a few pages, it’s clear to the reader–this is no villain. While the man may be strong and dangerous to his enemies, his noble, respectful, and gentle demeanor proves that he is very much the good guy.
Written with a light and hopeful tone, McCarty’s language is both lovely and lively, pulling readers into a fast-paced story that holds attention from the first page to the last. Dead-Eye Dan, the story’s central figure, is the quintessential cowboy in a white hat—dangerous only to those who try to thwart justice. More importantly, even when he cannot remember who he is, he figures that he’s a man who stands by those in need.
Rescued by a mute boy and his widowed mother, Dan arrives at their farm just in time to be a blessing to them and they to him. As he works with them to protect their crop from blight and their land from one of those bad guys, their kindness to him helps his memories return. When he realizes that he is Dead-Eye Dan, a U.S. Marshall from Santa Fe, everything begins to click into place.
This book hits the perfect sweet spot for family reading—enjoyable for both kids and parents alike. First in a series, it has the hallmarks of a classic Western but with a refreshingly fun and sweet twist that makes it suitable for all ages. McCarty’s Tumbleweed books feature a main character who reads all of the “dime-novel” Dead-Eye Dan stories, which adds a fun layer of connection between McCarty’s worlds.
While Dead-Eye Dan and the Cimarron Kid maintains a youthful tone, it echoes the spirit of classic Western writers like Owen Wister, Louis L’Amour, and even Willa Cather. It’s the kind of book that would make an excellent family read-aloud or car ride audiobook— well written and refreshingly wholesome and fun for everyone.
Join us as we talk about the newly revised and expanded Picture Book Preschool from Sherry Early!
Show Notes: https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/show-notes-our-library-life-september-2024/
Join us for a rambunctious conversation about book clubs, summer projects, and fall programs in the libraries.
Show Notes: https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/show-notes-our-librarian-life-aug-2024/
Connie Willis is a master storyteller who loves old movies (and new movies) almost as much as she loves great literature. Consequently, her storytelling is richly visual, and when reading, it often feels like I am watching a movie in my mind. In 1992, she crafted a novel that was set in 2054 as well as during the Medieval Bubonic Plague. I read the Doomsday Book in February and March of 2020. Actually, I finished reading it a mere four to six hours before my husband called to tell me that the schools were shutting down for two weeks because of growing concerns over the devastating illness in New York. Willis’s incredible and vivid descriptions haunted me throughout our COVID quarantine!
https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/doomsday-book/
"When God was leading his people through the wilderness and laying down his laws, he gave instructions for things that were to be set up for worshiping him and remembering his deeds. He gave detailed directions for setting up the tabernacle. Often, he commanded an altar or monument to be set up as a sign or memorial. God knows we need tangible reminders, but he was always specific that these be set up at his direction.
Serious problems arose when God’s people started setting things up on their own. In the time of the Judges, when everyone was doing what was right in their own eyes, one tribe set up their own idols and appointed their own priests. King Saul went terribly wrong when he set up a monument for himself. Many of the kings of Israel and Judah set up their own pillars and monuments. At times, the people even set up their own king."
This is a re-release of an old favorite: our interview with M. I. (Margi) McAllister of the Mistmantle Chronicles. It has been about two years since this interview aired. The original interview was broken into two episodes. Our new audio engineer (Sara's son Michael) took some time this summer to clean up the sound and trim the interview so that it fits better into just one episode. We hope that you like this lovely interview with the most lovely Margi McAllister.
Check out all things Mistmantle at our website here: https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/the-mistmantle-chronicle-books/
I was wrong.
The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin is not cheesy.
It is, in fact, quite lovely. I must have been in a mid-winter funk when I read it the first time. This time, I was quite taken with it. Now, that said, it is not as strong as The Librarian Spyor The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, or my real favorites, Blackout and All Clear. But, it is absolutely lovely and a fun read that I will re-read again.
https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/the-last-bookshop-in-london/
"Contrary to the shrill voices we hear from the world more loudly every day, John says, “I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth” (2:21). The definition of truth hasn’t changed. The Greek word for truth is aletheia. It is “the unveiled reality lying at the basis of and agreeing with an appearance.” In 1828, Noah Webster defined it as “conformity to fact and reality.” The 1984 edition of Webster’s says truth is “conformity to fact or actuality.” Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary declares truth is, “the body of real things, events, and facts.” No lie is of the truth, and even today, you know it."
“In the old days, no one but a King could have a dog for a pet.” One day one of the King’s dogs runs to a boy named Ben and doesn’t want to go back to the King. Ben wants to keep the dog, but he knows only a King can have a dog, so he asks what he would have to do to become a King.
I won’t tell you how he does it, but “that is how Ben came to have a dog in the days when no one but a King could have one.”
The full title of the book is The Big Jump and Other Stories. The next story is called “Something New.” These are fun stories about a boy who is learning to think and to do difficult things to help others. But he is also willing to listen to the advice of adults rather than being smarter and wiser than they are.
I have had ten copies of Mooses with Bazookas in my library since it was released last fall, and all of them are constantly checked out. As one copy gets returned, someone grabs it out of the return pile and asks to have it checked back in immediately so they can check it out themselves. If you search my TinyCat account right now (while I am writing this) you will see that there is one copy available. And, it is only available because I stole it from circulation so I could finally write this review. This hilarious collection of short comedic stories is the single most popular book in my 8,000-book catalog and has been checked out dozens of times, because it somehow blends the ridiculous with the clever without being offensive or degrading into unsavory humor. Mooses with Bazookas is silly, sweet in places, absolutely goofy in other places, and always interesting. It is brilliant for family read-aloud but the audio is extra special good (with an extra ending that left me extra giggling).
https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/mooses-with-bazookas/
"We see expressions of God’s kindness in the Psalms with words such as lovingkindness, mercy, goodness and faithfulness. Note, however, that David and other writers often plead with this same God to shame their enemies. They expect him to break the teeth of the wicked and melt them like wax."
"When American men began to go to war by the hundreds of thousands, women took up the slack. They filled the jobs men left open, planted Victory Gardens, sold war bonds, worked with the Red Cross, and conserved food and fuel. But women had never been allowed in the army. They didn’t even have the right to vote.
These women went to war anyway. They loved their country and wanted to help win the war and to support the boys in the trenches.
They faced the dangers and hardships of war without complaining. Almost all the Signal Corps women worked and hoped to be sent as near the front as possible."
Fans of The Green Ember and Mistmantle will be delighted with Lepunia: Kingdom of the Gallopers by Kevin T. Ford! This new middle-grade fantasy series starter is beautifully written and tells the kind of story that we love being inside of while reading and want to return to once we are done. Not only does this exciting story have interesting world-building, lovable characters, and beautiful language, but it also builds well and is accompanied by lovely illustrations by Michael Genova.
https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/lepunia-kingdom-of-the-gallopers/
Welcome to our July 2024 episode of Our Reading Life where we chat with our dear friends, Tanya Arnold and Sarah Kim from Biblioguides about our reading lives. We are so glad that you are here!
Tanya’s References
- Let’s Play Math by Denise Gaskins
- The Librarian Spy by Madeline Martin
Sarah Kim’s References
- Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
- Glowrushes by Robert Piumini
- One Big Open Sky by Lesa Cline-Ransome
Sara Masarik’s References
- Lepunia: Kingdom of the Gallopers by Kevin T. Ford
- The Green Ember Series by S. D. Smith
- The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin
- The Keeper of the Hidden Books by Madeline Martin
Diane’s References
- Kensuke's Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo
- Michael Morpurgo: War Child to War Horse by Maggie Fergusson
- A Mathematician's Lament by Paul Lockhart
General References
- Biblioguides
- Semicolon
- Book Review Roundup
- Mighty Networks
- Shelf Notes
Show Notes: https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/our-reading-life-july-2024/
Welcome to our July 2024 episode of Our Librarian Life where we chat with our dear librarian friends, Kristi Stansfield and Sherry Early, about our reading lives. We are so glad that you are here!
In this episode, we chat about what happens when everything suddenly changes - whether it is from a need to close for a while due to renovations, injury, or something in another part of our lives that causes major upheaval.
Check out the Show Notes here: https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/show-notes-our-librarian-life-july-2024/
“The first thing to understand is that mathematics is an art. The difference between math and the other arts, such as music and painting, is that our culture does not recognize it as such.”
There is an astonishing amount of power and truth packed into this 140-page book. If, like me, you feared and resented math in school because it made you feel stupid, perhaps you will understand why Lockhart’s lament almost had me crying by the end of the second chapter. Crying for “what if?” What if I had had even one math teacher in school who had loved mathematics as an art and taught it as such? What if even one of my teachers had given me time to explore the beauty of patterns and have ideas about them? What if, sometime in my twelve years of school, even one teacher had believed, “Being a mathematician is not so much about being clever . . . it’s about being aesthetically sensitive and having refined and exquisite taste”?
"Through a series of extremely fortunate events, over the past nine months or so, I have become acquainted with several women scattered around the country who run private lending libraries. The ones I know are homeschoolers or former homeschoolers who collected good books for their children’s education and edification. At some point each of them began to share books with other families. Along the way they developed their own process. Each has her own method of storing books, cataloging them, shelving them, and lending them.
These women are not trying to duplicate the public library any more than homeschoolers are trying to duplicate public school. There is no formula for the “right way” to open your own lending library. It starts with a desire to fill a need.
We’ve been so immersed in our current system that we believe we’ve always done it this way. Often, the first response is to hasten to a board meeting expecting to effect reform within the system. That could happen. But we also have the option to repossess our freedoms and reinstitute our institutions."
Team Burger Shed by Tavin Dillard made my reserved and faintly aloof husband snort and then laugh out loud. And I wasn’t even reading it to him. In fact, he was sitting on the couch reading his own book while the kids and I were talking about Tavin Dillard’s latest antics in the chapter I had been reading. I reached for my phone and turned on the audiobook to play a section for my boys. Before I knew it, I was laughing at my husband, because he could not resist laughing at Tavin. I don’t know what else to say… this book makes my daughter roll her eyes, me groan, my boys fall over themselves laughing, and even drew my otherwise reticent husband into the fun. I have concluded that this is a quintessential boy-humor book that is fun for the whole family. Even if half of the fun is just laughing at those who think it is hilarious.
https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/team-burger-shed-by-tavin-dillard/
"Peter later elaborates on this. “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 1:13). “Preparing your minds for action” is one way to translate the Greek words that mean, “girding up the loins of your mind.” Picture, then, gathering up extraneous thoughts and fastening them out of the way, preparing your mind for exertion.
The book of 1 Peter is full of instructions for inspecting the readiness of our minds. Be holy as He is holy. Purify your souls by obedience to the truth. Love one another earnestly with pure hearts. Live as people who are free yet as bondservants (doulos) of God."
Welcome to our June 2024 episode of Our Reading Life where we chat with our dear friends, Tanya Arnold and Sarah Kim from Biblioguides about our reading lives. We are so glad that you are here!
Show Notes:
https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/show-notes-our-reading-life-june-2024/
"In this story, there is an accident while Michael is sailing, but he is with his parents at the time. They are a small, happy family on a trip around the world in their yacht. It’s not an every-day situation, to be sure, but I found it refreshing that the parents aren’t the bad guys.
It isn’t long before Michael discovers that he is not the only human on the island. But the other person isn’t at all happy to see Michael. Why the man is there and why he doesn’t appreciate company is a mystery that unfolds over time. He may be a recluse, but he isn’t going to watch Michael starve or get hurt without trying to help him.
The story is as much about the relationship between Michael and Kensuke as it is about deserted island survival. Kensuke has been on the island for a very long time, and considers it his kingdom. He considers the animals to be under his care, and he does his best to guard them from hunters."
"Huck is terrified when he first sees the stegosaurus. He goes as quickly as he can to Chief Whitewater to tell him there is a monster someone needs to kill. Of course, the chief doesn’t believe him. So, the next time Huck goes to the spring to wash clothes, he takes his grandfather’s gun with him.
Before Huck can shoot the dinosaur, he learns that George is friendly, and he also learns that the two children, Joey and Joan, already know George. Huck goes to the resort to swim with them, and they go fishing with Huck. They take George with them and introduce him to picnics. He likes the food and loves Indian wrestling, which Huck teaches them all. It’s great fun for George because he wins every time."
In the middle of the 21st century, historian Ned Henry has a severe case of “time-lag.” Exhausted from fruitless time-travel jumps to Coventry Cathedral in various times before the WWII bombing and fire, Ned has not been able to satisfy his boss, and find the hideous but elusive “Bishop’s bird stump.”
Lady Shrapnel is on a mission to have every detail perfect for the Cathedral reconstruction and dedication, and she doesn’t seem to care whatsoever how exhausted her team is, just so long as they finish the cathedral in time. “God is in the details,” she retorts when anyone suggests anything less than a perfect restoration.
This hilarious and delightful story is shelved in “science-fiction” because of the time travel aspect, but in every other way is a romantic comedy in the style of The Importance of Being Earnest or anything from Jeeves and Wooster. And, in case that wasn’t enough fun, Connie Willis also has her main characters constantly referencing and quoting mystery authors like Agatha Christie, G. K. Chesterton, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”
One last thought, in case I’m still wondering if I couldn’t just give up and go watch ducks in the park. Paul says to the Galatian believers:
“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Gal. 6:7-9).
Join us as we discuss barcodes, book tape, inventory, summer reading programs, and renovations!
- Picture Book Preschool
- Five in a Row
- Biblioguides
- Book Tape
- Book Tape Dispenser
- Label Protectors
- Shelf Notes
- Barcode Generator
- Barcode Scanner
- Dymo Label Printer
- Library Thing Barcodes
- The Card Catalog
In the last few years, I have heard the great American classic, To Kill A Mockingbird, frequently being recommended for middle-grade readers. I staunchly disagree with the general practice of recommending that tough book to readers below eleventh grade. Could there be a particular child for whom it is a good fit? Maybe. But, it is my opinion that that essential work of American fiction was written for adults and should be considered worthy of waiting for. Even if a middle-grade reader could handle the darkness, I wonder if they could really grasp the fullness of the story and its power at such a young age.
Some have mentioned that Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk would be a better fit for a younger crowd looking for a story set in small-town America about a misunderstood social outcast. I was curious, so I read it this weekend. I see why some think that way. I see the appeal of this story. I see how easily it could be fairly compared to Mockingbird. I agree this could be a good substitute for Mockingbird if there were a reason to wrestle with these themes. I ask, however, if something else might be better for a young reader and better overall?
I do not, however, like Wolf Hollow even a fraction as much as I love To Kill a Mockingbird. And I am a little unsettled about why that is. In this story, the protagonist might be more likable than Scout. The maligned outcast is more sympathetic than Boo Radley. And the parents are more attentive than Atticus. The writing is excellent. The story is interesting. And the way Americans treated Germans during WWII is good for us to grapple with.
I think that what mars the story for me is that the burdens on the protagonist are inappropriate for the target age of the readers. Annabelle adopts some troubling behavior that is unnecessary and designed only to further the plot. And some of the events of the story are almost as graphic and disturbing as Mockingbird.
Read more: https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/wolf-hollow/
"We know that not everyone is called to stand in the spotlight before crowds. In fact, few of us are. We are not all called to fill the same holes in the wall, but we are all called to do something. There is no checklist of day-to-day activities for a breach-stander. However, the more we read the word, pray, and listen, the more the general commands become astoundingly specific and personal.
You are the light of the world, you are the salt of the earth (Matt. 5:13-14). You are called to be saints (1 Cor. 1:2), called to peace (1 Cor. 7:15), called to freedom (Gal. 5:13), called to walk in a manner worthy of your calling (Eph. 4:1), called to suffer (1 Pet. 2:21), called to be holy (1 Pet. 1:16). What do the calls to all believers mean for your specific calling? Ask God to show you."
Join us for our May 2024 Our Reading Life episode where we talk about spies, codebreakers, and geeky grammar.
Tanya’s References
- The Pink Refrigerator by Tim Egan
- D-Day Girls: The Spies Who Armed the Resistance, Sabotaged the Nazis, and Helped Win World War II by Sarah Rose
Sarah Kim’s References
- Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
- Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott
- The Little Ships: The Heroic Rescue at Dunkirk During World War by Louise Borden
- The Dolphin Crossing by Jill Paton Walsh
- The Lamp, the Ice, and the Boat Called Fish: Based on a True Story by Jaqueline Briggs Martin
Sara Masarik’s References
- The Mark of the Thief Trilogy by Jennifer A. Nielsen
- The Woman All Spies Fear: Code Breaker Elizebeth Smith Friedman and Her Hidden Life by Amy Butler Greenfield
- The Fifth of March by Ann Rinaldi - Sara's Review
- Ben Hur: A Tale of the Christ by Lew Wallace
Diane’s References
- The Wordhord: Daily Life in Old English by Hana Videen
- Dreyer's English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style by Benjamin Dreyer
"When the Ferris wheel seems to be running again, Timothy and the duck get stuck at the top. 'Up above, the duck on the seat whispered excited little whispers to Timothy. He liked it far above the noise of all the crowd. He was glad to be away from all that noise. He flapped his wings and whispered. He quirked and jerked his stubby tail. He was proud to be so high.'
Throughout Timothy’s adventure, several people think the duck has brought them luck. In the end, Timothy is lucky to have a pet, and the duck is lucky to have found a quiet home."
Whether they loved her or hated her, everyone who knew her considered her an amazing and memorable woman. Klaus Barbie, the infamous Butcher of Lyon became obsessed with finding the “Limping Lady of Lyon.” He had posters made and offered a huge reward for information leading to the arrest of “The Enemy’s Most Dangerous Spy.”
"Don’t you love this sort of pithy proverb? You can toss the platitude to a teenager whose friends you don’t approve of with the assurance that its truth is indisputable and needs no context – exactly the way we like our favorite Bible verses.
Because the maxim is simple to understand and examples of its truth abound, it was a perfect topic for an essay assignment for my writing class. Since I asked my class to contemplate the saying, I thought I should do the same. What, precisely, do the few words mean? Do they have anything to say to me?"
Part of the plan to sneak the gold out right under the noses of the Nazis involves teams of Riswyk children each carrying 75 pounds of gold on their sleds down to a fjord where the crew of a fishing boat waits to load the gold for transportation to America.
The plan works seamlessly. Until the snow starts to melt before they have transported half the gold. And until the Nazi Commandant decides the lazy, impudent children need to go back to school. And until the children realize they have been discovered by one Nazi soldier who has been spying on them.
"What child wouldn’t love to discover a living dinosaur in the backyard? What if that dinosaur could talk? That’s what happens to Joey and Joan Brown, freckled, red-headed twelve-year-old twins. On the first few pages of the story, we are made aware of the family Problem."
The Pharisees dogged Jesus so relentlessly they should have known his teachings as well as his disciples did. It’s tragic that they weren’t trying to learn anything from him other than how to discredit him.
Have I learned what Jesus meant when he said, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice”?
It is hard to misunderstand what he means in the first chapter of Isaiah.
“‘What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices;’ says the Lord; ‘I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats . . . Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean! Remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.’” (Isa. 1:11, 16, 17 ESV).
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Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary D. Schmidt
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The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt
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Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt
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Just Like That by Gary D. Schmidt
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Okay for Now Book Club
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The Wednesday Wars Book Club
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The Biblioguides Online Community
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Pay Attention, Carter Jones by Gary D. Schmidt
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The Labors of Hercules Beal by Gary D. Schmidt
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A Break with Charity by Ann Rinaldi
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Downright Dencey by Caroline Dale Snedeker
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The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Spear
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Our Reading Life
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Around the World with Darwin by Millicent Selsam
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The Voyage of the Beagle by Millicent Selsam
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Stars, Mosquitoes, and Crocodiles by Millicent Selsam
Kentucky’s Pack Horse Library Project was part of Franklin Roosevelt’s Work Projects Administration (WPA) begun during the Great Depression to help put people to work. The Pack Horse Library Project started in 1935 in two Kentucky counties and lasted until 1943 (having spread to thirty counties), when World War II brought the U.S. economy back to life.
Companion Picture Books:
Down, Down the Mountain by Ellis Credle That Book Woman by Heather Henson
https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/the-red-keep/
In my lending library, Plumfield Living Books Library, I have a young patron who loves the Middle Ages. I reached for The Red Keep to preview before I put it in her “holds” box. I spent two days with my head in this exciting 370-page story of adventure and honor, and I am delighted to be able to recommend it to families. I loved it, and I am sure that my pre-teen and teens will love it as well. As I was reading, I kept saying to my John Flanagan Rangers Apprentice-loving readers: this is the story that Horace deserves!
Tanya's References:
- Sun Slower Sun Faster by Meriol Trevor
- A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain
- The School that Escaped the Nazis by Deborah Cadbury
- Landmark Books
- Lines of Courage by Jennifer A. Nielsen
- Rescue by Jennifer A. Nielsen
- Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson
- Hattie Ever After by Kirby Larson
- Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons: The Story of Phillis Wheatley by Ann Rinaldi
Sarah's References:
- In the Tunnel by Julie Lee
- Brother's Keeper by Julie Lee
- Medical Corps Heroes by Wyatt Blassingame
- A Town Like Alice by Neville Shute
- The House of Sixty Fathersby Meindert de Jong
- The Bomb by Theodore Taylor
- The Cay by Theodore Taylor
- Trouble by Gary D. Schmidt
- When My Name Keoko by Linda Sue Park
- Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt
- Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary D. Schmidt
- Just Like That by Gary D. Schmidt
Diane's References
- The Sin Eater by Gary D. Schmidt
- Anson’s Way by Gary D. Schmidt
- The Hedge School by Gloria Whelen
- The Sacred Diary of Adrian Plass, Aged 37 3/4 by Adrian Plass
- The Horizontal Epistles of Andromeda Veal by Adrian Plass
- Bed Knob and Broomstick by Mary Norton
- The Borrowers by Mary Norton
- One Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith
Sara's References
- The Borrowed House by Hilda van Stockum
- Blackout and All Clear by Connie Willis
- Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset
- A Break with Charity by Ann Rinaldi
- The Witchcraft of Salem Village by Shirly Jackson
- Straw into Gold by Gary D. Schmidt
- To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis
- The Doomsday Book by Connie Willis
- Fire Watch by Connie Willis
- Words on Fire by Jenifer A. Nielsen
What a gift it is to have Sherry Early as a friend! Sherry has been my librarian “phone-a-friend” more and more of late. As I worked with my patron, I asked Sherry for a list of books suitable for a teen girl with strong morals. She has a particular interest in historical fiction and specifically Westward Expansion. She likes The Virginian, The Girl of the Limberlost, and Bargain Bride. She loves a great number of the classics. And, of late, she has been reading and re-reading Jennifer A. Nielsen because of her carefully researched and exciting wartime fiction. Sherry and I both appreciate Nielsen as well and so Sherry knew what we were after.
Because I know that you will ask, here is a link to the list that Sherry compiled for me.Please remember that she made this list based on her standards for her library and in consideration of my needs. Please note that wherever either of us has reviewed the book, we have linked to that review and encourage you to read those reviews to determine the appropriateness of the recommendation for your needs.
Read More: https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/hattie-big-sky/
This book is utterly compelling.
In the Author’s Note at the end of the book, Rinaldi explains that her research into the Puritan era revealed that “people went right from childhood into adulthood, with no benefit of an awkward age in between. An orphaned child was allowed to choose his or her own guardians at the age of fourteen; the laws applied to all persons of the age of sixteen, which was also the age at which boys were liable to serve in the military. On the other hand, the average age for marriage was twenty-two for women and twenty-seven for men… They had no amusements or entertainment. Music, dancing, and even the traditional holiday of Christmas were forbidden. Toys were nonexistent. Anyone caught with a doll or “poppet” was suspected of practicing forbidden arts. Meeting on Sunday lasted several hours. Reading consisted of studying the Bible.”
https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/a-break-with-charity/
I have to say, this is part of why I love Gary D. Schmidt. Because never have I wondered why Rumpelstiltskin wanted the boy prince. Never have I wondered why he was so insistent. Those questions simply would not occur to me. But I sure am glad they worked their way into Schmidt’s imagination, because this is a fairytale re-imagining that I found to be exciting, unpredictable, elegant, and thoughtful. Leave it to Schmidt to turn a fairy tale into 172 pages of a princeling’s coming-of-age story. And to do it in a way that was devoid of tired tropes and modern prejudices. This felt like a fairy tale unto itself, and I delighted in it.
Read More: https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/straw-into-gold/
Just Like That is hard. Not Okay For Now hard, but hard. It is also lovely. And tearful. And sweet. Typical Gary D. Schmidt, it has several key literary influences that are obvious, but it also reminds me of things that are not mentioned in the text. Diane and I both thought that this one had strong roots in Oliver Twist and maybe a little bit of David Copperfield. I also felt like it reminded me of the Anne of Green Gables books and the Kevin Sullivan mini-series – “Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel,” specifically the Kingsport Ladies College scenes. While this one can absolutely be read as a standalone, it makes sense to have at least read The Wednesday Wars so that you know who Meryl Lee is.
As I always try to do in my reviews, I will tell you enough about the story to catch its flavor, but I will try to avoid any real spoilers. That said, in the next paragraph, I need to talk about The Wednesday Wars. Something happens in the first paragraph of this book that is essential to your understanding of the rest of this story. If you do not wish to have any spoilers of any kind, know that this book opens with something shocking, and then Schmidt spends the rest of the book dealing with grief. I still think that Okay for Now is Schmidt’s most powerful work, but this one was very compelling and brilliant. Schmidt’s wife died in 2013, and while this book was published in 2021, I felt as though he let his characters carry his grief with him. Just Like That is tender and beautiful.
Read More: https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/just-like-that/
"Of Schmidt’s three companion books, The Wednesday Wars, Okay for Now, and Just Like That, I think Okay for Now is the richest. The characters are full and believable and Doug’s growth over the school year is substantial. Doug finds himself surrounded by caring adults who see the best in him and mentor him through hard times."
Don't miss our book club on this compelling book:
https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/show-notes-okay-for-now-book-club/
The title characters of this story are Lizzie Bright, a black American girl who lives with her grandfather on Malaga island, and Turner Buckminster, the son of a New England minister. Their friendship causes scandal and an awakening throughout the town. But, it ends in so much tragedy. This story is not hard, until it is. And once it is, it never gets much better. And it is all the worse because it is true. But, it is told well and is an excellent story to have in our hearts.
Full Review: https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/lizzie-bright-and-the-buckminister-boy/
"I believe that Jesus was teaching us that true thanksgiving is concurring with God’s right judgments. Whether circumstances look good to me or not, I want to be transformed by the renewal of my mind. "For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?’ But we have the mind of Christ' (I Cor. 2:16)."
In this wonderful conversation, we chat with Liz Cottrill and Emily Kiser of Living Books Library about their journey into becoming living books librarians.
You can find the Show Notes here.
“The dazzling mythology of ancient India has always delighted and fascinated me… India’s national epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, are profound, powerful masterpieces that rival the Iliadand the Arthurian legend. Admittedly, this mythology may seem alien, strange, even forbiddingly complex. As in any encounter with a different culture, what appears difficult or incomprehensible quickly grows familiar. The farther we journey through its rich landscape, the more we understand that what lies beneath the brilliant, exotic surface is, in essence, a world we recognize. The warrior’s code of honor, for example, is nearly identical with the knightly code of chivalry. Earth-shaking clashes between good and evil, courageous heroines and gallant heroes, steadfast love, daring rescues, loss and recovery, these are elements in our universal heritage of story” – from Lloyd Alexander’s Author’s Note in The Iron Ring
“Nothing that exists by nature can form a habit contrary to its nature . . . Neither by nature, then, nor contrary to nature do the virtues arise in us; rather we are adapted by nature to receive them, and are made perfect by habit.”
Perhaps because it is historical fiction (one of my favorite genres), this modern book doesn’t feel quite like a modern book. It does have a certain pacing and dialogue style that is more typical of some modern books, but I enjoyed it and felt that it had a timelessness to it. In fact, as I was reading, it reminded me of Alta Halverson Seymour’s Tangled Skein or maybe a little bit of Hilda van Stockum’s Borrowed House. Both authors told powerful stories about teens in wartime that edified while they entertained. This story is also a good one for our teens to chew on. I suspect that we will do this one as a book club. And I look forward to reading more of her wartime novels.
Full review here: https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/words-on-fire/
"I suppose I was born to be a reader and a librarian. After I learned to read in first grade, I was insatiable when it came to books. And the public library, Tom Green County Library in San Angelo, Texas, was my source . . . The Children’s Librarians there, Ms. Karen, and later Ms. Lynn, helped me find the best books and inspired me to want to do the same for others someday."
Last August, Diane and Sara interviewed John Tepper Marlin - son of beloved author Hilda van Stockum. We are sharing this again one year later.
A special thanks to Jill Morgan of Purple House Press for helping us connect with John Tepper Marlin, son of Hilda van Stockum. Fans of the Mitchell's books will know John better as Timmy. ("Good news, Mama!" Timmy in Friendly Gables)
Diane and Sara spoke with John a couple of times leading up to this interview and enjoyed each encounter more than the one before. In particular, we felt like we were really getting to know Hilda through John and his stories. We hope that you enjoy this lovely interview as much as we did!
This interview is part of our Hilda van Stockum week. Earlier this week we shared podcast reviews of some of her books. Today we talk with John about his mother and their life together. And on Friday we will be airing a special Borrowed House Book Club that we recorded with some of the ladies of Biblioguides and Jill Morgan of Purple House Press. We hope that you will join in the fun and maybe love Hilda as much as we do.
Check out our Beloved Author: Hilda van Stockum page for links to all of our reviews, book clubs, and things related to Hilda van Stockum.
In this episode of Our Reading Life, we talk more about Jennifer A. Nielsen, When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit, and Girl Sleuth. Tanya makes a "sensational" confession just after we talk about the wisdom of Louisa May Alcott in Eight Cousins. Sara has more to say about Gary D. Schmidt and Lloyd Alexander while Sarah shares about her current read-aloud from Living Book Press. And, Diane has saved all of us from having to read bad books... this one is a fun episode and we hope that you will join in the conversation by heading over to the free Plumfield Reads corner of the Biblioguides Online Community at Mighty Networks.
If you want links to all of the things that we have discussed, check out our show notes.
https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/show-notes-our-reading-life-august-2023/
Lou Alice is a kind soul who loves to cultivate beauty wherever she goes. But, Lou Alice is getting older, and it is hard for her to live on her own anymore. A “little girl,” who watches Lou Alice as she goes about her work is the only one who notices when Lou Alice moves out of her home and stops tending to the gardens she planted everywhere around town. The “little girl” notices the loss of Lou Alice and decides to do something about it.
https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/a-little-more-beautiful/
"We are blessed to live in a country where freedom to be obedient to Christ has been guaranteed for over two centuries. We’ve taken that for granted. If I have ever lost anything because of my faith, it wasn’t significant enough to come to mind at the moment. What if that should change?"
In this interesting and compelling new story, author Jon Tilton invites middle-grade readers into a modern fairy tale about a girl who embarks on a hero’s journey in order to right a wrong.
Discount Code: PLUMFIELD
https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/please-return-to-the-lands-of-luxury/
Over the next six weeks, one thing after another drew my attention to the possibility of opening a lending library in my home. I scoffed. I have kids at home. The podcast and homeschooling keep me plenty busy. I only have 3,500 books. I am an introvert. I live in the woods 20-45 minutes away from any patron base. I have unpredictable health. But, the dream continued to settle into my heart.
https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/sara-masarik-of-plumfield-living-books-library-in-wisconsin/
Another fantastic Gary D. Schmidt book that is fun and fulfilling!
https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/the-labors-of-hercules-beal/
"Schmidt (or Carter Jones, the narrator) had me laughing within the first couple of pages. At 7:15 a.m. on the first day of Carter’s sixth grade year, nothing is going right in the Jones household. The doorbell rings. It is raining “like an Australian tropical thunderstorm,” but the man on the doorstep is completely dry because he’s standing “underneath an umbrella as big as a satellite disk.” When Carter finally lets the man in the house, the man tells Carter’s mother that her father-in-law, whom she never met, has died and left an endowment to enable his butler to continue in the service of the family."
In this book club episode we chat with some of Sara's long time book club participants about Gary D. Schmidt's "The Wednesday Wars." We will have show notes available for this episode soon! We are posting this early because Diane and Sara will be traveling this month and we wanted to be sure that this was still available for those who are looking forward to listening in.
You can learn more about this episode here: https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/the-wednesday-wars/
It’s clear from this language, and my own experience, that my old self isn’t going to come off as easily as that itchy dress I was supposed to wear. I have to formally disown it and divest it of all authority. The t.v. show was called “Branded” because the soldier had been convicted of cowardice. That is what I have to do to the things that are earthly in me; rip off all vestiges of their authority, expose their pathetically pale underbelly, and renounce their cravenness. That is what those earthly things are. They are garments and accessories my old self uses to disguise its abject impotence before its Creator.
- Library Tour of Living Learning Libraries
- Michelle's Library Story
- Combat Nurse of World War II by Wyatt Blassingame
- Medical Corps Heroes of World War II by Wyatt Blassingame
- The Flying Tigers by John Toland
- Five in a Row
- Picture Book Preschool by Sherry Early
- Biblioguides
- The Card Catalog at Plumfield and Paideia
Fans of Ben-Hur, The Robe, the movie Risen, the TV series A. D.and The Chosen may wonder how they have missed this exciting and beautiful conversion story that was originally published in 1955. It is now available not only in print and ebook, but in an excellent audiobook as well.
https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/the-spear/
"My meditation on Acts 22:26 is something like, My flesh shall pitch a tent in confident expectation. This is not a confident expectation that God will arrange things in my life for my comfort and convenience. This is an expectation that God, who cannot lie, will do what he has promised."
I discovered English author Margaret McAllister through her Mistmantle Chronicles books. Those beautiful books have become a favorite series in my home and my lending library. In fact, I love them so much that I named my dog Cedar in honor of one of the characters we meet in book two. I have since read as many of her other books as I can get my hands on here in the United States. While interviewing McAllister last fall, she told me that she thought I would really enjoy and appreciate one of her first novels, Hold My Hand and Run. And . . . she was right.
You can find our full review here: https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/hold-my-hand-and-run/
We will have show notes for this posting later this week. In the meantime, check out Diane's book review here: https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/101-dalmatians-by-dodie-smith/
"The teacher who defied Hitler was Anna Essinger, a Jewish woman who was running a school for Jewish children in Germany at the time Hitler came to power. As early as 1933, Tante Anna, as she was known to her students, could see the direction events were trending, and contrived to smuggle her entire student body out of Germany. She re-established her school in southern England."
"Not everyone was willing to listen to John’s assessment of their sin. Many were disappointed that the news wasn’t more spectacular. This wasn’t what they had been hoping for. Where was the mighty king coming in a procession with his servants, his throngs of followers, and his army to set his people free from Rome? Those whose hearts were too crooked and rocky to allow them to agree with God and turn completely around missed the fact that their king had indeed come."
Join us as we chat with Sherry Early of Meriadoc Homeschool Library, Sandy Hall of Hall's Living Library, Jeannette Tulis of Green Door Children's Heritage Library, and Tanya Arnold of Biblioguides as we discuss American Landmark books: Evangeline and the Acadians, Geronimo Wolf of the Warpath, and Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders.
Join us for a mini episode with Kathleen Seeger of Living Education Library as we discuss Landmark Book: The Vikings by Elizabeth Janeway.
Join us for a mini-episode while we chat with Mary Schubert of the Pursell Schubert Legacy Library and Tanya Arnold of Biblioguides to discuss the World Landmark book, Alexander the Great by John Gunther.
"What we want are brave animals performing daring feats for a noble cause. Smith rolls out a cast of major and minor players, without whom Pongo and Misses could never have accomplished the rescue."
"One day, a man comes to the village riding on a burro and leading another. Both burros are laden with books, and he carries a sign that says, “Biblioburro.” He tells the children he is a librarian, a bibliotecario, and the books on the burros, Alfa and Beto, are his moving library."
John’s gospel says that Jesus asked Philip where they were going to get enough food for all the people and that, “He said this to test him for he himself knew what he would do” (John 6:6). In any case, the disciples went to find out exactly how much food was available - five loaves of bread and two fish. What in the world could anyone do with that?
Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.”
In today's podcast, we chat with Tanya Arnold of Biblioguides and Library Ladies Sandy Hall, Kathleen Seeger, and Kristi Stansfield about the value and appeal of Historical Fiction.
https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/show-notes-forgotten-books-historical-fiction/
In this lively conversation with Tanya and Sarah, we talk about what we have been reading for the last month. What are you reading?
You can find the show notes with links to all of the things here: https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/show-notes-our-reading-life-may/
This is the first of three book clubs we will be doing for the C. S. Lewis Ransom (Space) Trilogy.
You can read our article on the trilogy here: https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/cs-lewiss-space-trilogy/
"The girls in the story only spend two nights alone. The author’s intention isn’t to cause children to worry about whether the girls will survive, but to make them think about what it would be like to live through such an experience. It is an interesting and enjoyable story for early-grade readers."
"Am I like the people of the Gadarenes or like the Samaritans? Do I pray, 'Dear God, please make me happy, but don’t change me'? Have I ever said, 'Thank you, Jesus, for the miracle, now please go away so I can get back to normal'?
"Meigs is honest about Louisa’s prickles, as Jo March is about hers. But Meigs continually points to how the family was able, through humor and their love for each other, to overcome hardship. This is an excellent starting point for a competent middle-grade reader who is interested in the life of one of our beloved authors."
"Paths, wagon tracks, and roads are fit for their intended uses but are difficult places for vegetation to grow. Reclaiming them for growing things would take back-breaking work. But if God wants hard-packed earth to produce fruit, it will. Just because a place looks like barren desert to me doesn’t mean it would be the least bit difficult for God to grow a garden there if he chose. “For nothing will be impossible with God.”
In this month's Library Ladies episode, we chat with Library Ladies Sherry Early and Kathleen Seeger and Tanya Arnold from Biblioguides about this important Landmark book, The Rise and Fall of Adolf Hitler.
Check out the show notes for almost 3 dozen links to books and movies and resources!
You can find the Show Notes here: https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/show-notes-the-rise-and-fall-of-adolf-hitler-landmark-books/
“For the Lord spoke thus to me with his strong hand upon me, and warned me not to walk in the way of this people, saying: ‘Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.'” (Isa. 8:11-13 ESV)
In this second episode in the Forgotten Books series, Library Ladies Mary Schubert Kathleen Seeger, as well as Tanya Arnold of Biblioguides, join us to talk about a favorite book of theirs by a beloved author that is often overlooked by others. Check out the show notes for links and more details: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/show-notes-forgotten-books-overlooked-book/
"Because God is the all-powerful, all-knowing Creator, it stands to reason that his ways and thoughts are higher than ours. But he explicitly tells us who he is if we’re willing to seek and hear."
"Our hero, James Lewis MacFarlane, a stalwart Scotsman, has recently been mustered out of the army, and discharged himself from an army hospital. He embodies qualities we hope to instill in our children or ourselves, though he wrestles with himself frequently, in an effort to maintain the true, the beautiful, and the good in his life. He has a wound that won’t heal despite the best of care in a wonderful spa/hospital. So he sets off on a Great Adventure to see if he can find his own cure and put himself back into useful public life."
"Like most of us, I haven’t physically committed the big, obvious sins like murder and adultery. I can honestly say I don’t outright lie or steal. But am I persuaded of what Jesus says about the sins of the heart?"
"It is right, with proper humility, for us to ask God to incline toward us. But it is we who need practice inclining toward God."
"The other day someone asked me, “How do you know if a word ends in -ible or -able?” My very helpful reply was, “I just know. If I’ve seen it, I’ll remember.” I really had never thought about it. Just a few days later I happened to read the explanation and it made perfect sense."
"As I think about it in terms of wishing, in the midst of all our moves, for a place to nestle, I can see how gently persistent God was in teaching me to find my true dwelling place in him. He had moved me from what had become my comfort to a new state where we were strangers. Then he took us to a different country altogether, one where we knew we were sojourners. After some time to get used to that, he left me there with my children and took my husband to war. He seemed to be saying, You’re catching on. Now it’s time for a test."
This delightful picture book, by Liesel Moak Skorpen, had me laughing on the first page, before I read a single word!
It has been reprinted by Purple House Press. https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/we-were-tired-of-living-in-a-house/
Find out why Tanya considers this to be a "perfect" children's book, how Diane uses it in her class, and why Sara thinks that you might want to tuck away a copy to give as a gift for the little people in your life. Check out our show notes for links and resources: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/show-notes-we-were-tired-of-living-in-a-house/
"If you are a believer, someone had to plant the seed in your mind. Someone else watered it. Acknowledging these gospel gardeners gives us perspective. When it seems like life has been mostly dark, it can remind us that Jesus has been there all the time."
The first of a new monthly series entitled "Our Reading Life," in this episode we chat with our good friends Tanya Arnold and Sarah Kim of Biblioguides about our current reading life.
Show Notes: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/show-notes-our-reading-life-march-2023/
Bonus Content: https://plumfieldmoms.podbean.com/e/our-reading-life-bonus-content-series/
This short bonus content is something that we didn't want to leave on the cutting room floor from our March Our Reading Life episodes. We hope that you enjoy our silly and but passionate commentary about series.
Show Notes: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/show-notes-our-reading-life-march-2023/
Original Episode: https://plumfieldmoms.podbean.com/e/our-reading-life-march-conversation-with-tanya-and-sarah/
"We know Jesus did say, 'Judge not, that you be not judged.' Are we to take this as our motto without context? In this same sermon, Jesus also tells us to beware of false prophets. How will we know true from false if we don’t judge anything?"
This our most passionate book club to date is packed with hearty debate and friendly disagreements. In this club we are joined by our regular book club friends, the ladies of Biblioguides as well as Library Lady Kristi Stansfield. We do have some gems in the show notes:
We invite you to follow up on this review with our Enchantress From the Stars book club posting on February 24th.
"Once they had seen that what the angel said was true, they were to go quickly and tell his disciples that Jesus was alive. They joyfully ran to do just that. I imagine their faces looked like my little sister’s when she saw the piles of gifts. How long was it before they could stop grinning?
"These women obediently told Jesus’s disciples that Jesus had risen from the dead. His disciples told others, and those others told more, and on and on until someone told ME! What about you? Will you come and see?"
"One tool that will make it easier to learn longer words is to be aware of consonant blends. You already do this without thinking about it and, for many children, their ears will tell them how this works without too much trouble. “Blends” are two or more letters that work together to make one sound, or that run together in such a way that it seems like one sound."
Please click over to our website to see samples of the inside of this most lovely book: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/here-come-the-bears/
"Do I trust God enough to stand before him with an open mouth and allow him to feed me? Am I absolutely sure that whatever he chooses to put in will be good? My head knows it will. His Word assures me that all his intentions for me are good. Is my heart so convinced that I can open my mouth wide before him and accept whatever he feeds me?"
Join us as we sit down with our good friends, Tanya Arnold of Biblioguides, and Jill Morgan of Purple House Press, to talk about this truly lovely author of beautiful children's books from the Golden Age. Be sure to check our show notes on our website for all kinds of links and resources.
"Published in 1932, the illustrations were already quaint when I was a child in the early 1960s. I think that was part of the fascination. They were like peering into an old-fashioned dollhouse."
"Jesus went on to say that the reason I should let my light shine before others is so they will glorify God when they see my good works. Before I get out my notebook and start making a list of the good works I could do, I need to focus on the goal: God’s glory."
In this month's Landmark Books book club, we discuss the phenomenal book The Medical Corps Heroes by Wyatt Blassingame. Head over to the show notes on our website to get allllll the links... http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/show-notes-medical-corps-heroes-of-wwii/
You can find the web version of this review here: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/when-the-dikes-broke/
"We live in a society built on sand and dreamy wishes for the world to be other than it is. Now we’re watching it crumble. As the ransomed of Christ, are you willing to walk through this world as a conspicuous foreigner?"
The fourth episode in our Teaching Spelling series: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/spelling-iv-lets-get-started/
Check out the show notes at our website: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/show-notes-bargain-bride-book-club/
Peter says said our inheritance is being kept in heaven for us. Our salvation is ready to be revealed in the last time. When is that last time? No one knows. It will come like a thief in the night. Be ready.
A Plumfield Kids Book Review by Greta Masarik, age 13:
https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/combat-nurses-of-wwii-landmark-book/
You can read Jack's review at our website: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/the-flying-tigers/
You can read Jack's full review here: https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/the-winged-watchman-2/
This delightful author wrote in many genres and styles for a range of ages. In this episode we specifically focus on City Under the Back Steps, The Shy Stegasaurus, Bargain Bride, Three Knocks on the Wall, and The Bounces of Cynthiann.Check out the show notes on our website for links and resources.
A review of Evelyn Sibley Lampman's Three Knocks on the Wall.
This book is available at Purple House Press.
"Love increases with knowledge. The more we know, the better we can discern and approve what is excellent. At its root, the word translated “excellent” in the verse above doesn’t imply that one thing is better than another, but that it is separate or different. It reminds me of the Sesame Street song that asks children to identify one item in a group that doesn’t belong with the others. That simple song was teaching children to discern."
In this first episode of a new monthly series, we are talking with some of the Library Ladies about a great book or two you might never have heard of but would probably really like. Be sure to check the show notes on our website for all of the titles, links, and goodness.
The night that we recorded this episode, we were plagued with both internet and microphone troubles. The sound quality on this episode is so disappointing that we seriously considered not even airing this. But, ultimately, we decided to let you be the judge. If you wish to listen, knowing that the sound quality is subpar, we think that you will be rewarded with a life-giving conversation about a brilliant and often misunderstood author. Detailed show notes can be found here: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/show-notes-flannery-oconnor/
"However torn and bleeding I find myself, believing I’m engraved on the palms of the Author’s hands, I trust he knows exactly the right number of scratches necessary to bring my story to its fitting conclusion."
Welcome to our first Landmark Books book club! Tune in each month for a book club discussion about a Landmark book. The show notes on our website has many resources that you may wish to know about. You can find those here: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/show-notes-captain-kidd-landmark-book/
"The first time I read the apostle Paul’s command to the Corinthians to imitate him, I remember thinking, Wait a minute! Why is he telling them to imitatehim instead of imitating Jesus? I’ve always respected this guy, but he really did have some gall."
Check out our comprehensive Mistmantle page on our website for all of the links to all of the things: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/the-mistmantle-chronicle-books/
“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 4:6 ESV).
I have an unusual habit. I write letters. I mean the old-fashioned, handwritten (in cursive), on pretty stationery, with a postage stamp, sent through the U.S. mail kind of letters. One reason I do this is that I enjoy receiving letters. There is a look and feel to a personal letter that almost casts its own light from beneath the piles of impersonal, meaningless, or unpleasant stacks of paper that invade our homes through our mailboxes.
For more information about this episode, check out the show notes here: https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/show-notes-picture-book-preschool/
In the years that we have known Jill Morgan of Purple House Press, she has told us so many wonderful stories about authors and illustrators that she has had the joy of working with. When we started this podcast, we knew that we had to capture some of those stories and share them as widely as possible. In this episode, Jill tells about the sweet lady who gave us Twig and Big Susan. A delightful soul who we wished that we could have known too. Enjoy these lovely stories about Elizabeth Orton Jones and how her girls (Twig, Big Suan, and Little Red Riding Hood) gave her her farm.
Check out our show notes to see some of Jones's notes to Jill! http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/show-notes-remembering-elizabeth-orton-jones/
This enchanting book is one of Sara's favorite Purple House Press books. You can read our review here: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/twig/
Also, make a note on your calendar! Later this week, Jill will be on the show to tell us the sweet back story of Twig and other lovely stories about Elizabeth Orton Jones.
You can learn more about Elizabeth Orton Jones at Biblioguides: https://www.biblioguides.com/pub/author/elizabeth-orton-jones
You can purchase this book from Purple House Press here: https://www.purplehousepress.com/products/twig?variant=37358257930405
What I heard Sunday morning was, “Put on your big girl armor, rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in everything, because he who calls you is faithful.”
In our third Meet the Library Ladies series episode, we introduce you to our friends Jeanette Tulis and Kristi Stansfield. As always, we feel blessed to be growing in friendship with these wonderful and well-read women! There are, as is always the case with Library Ladies episodes, tons of links in the show notes at our website! Check those out here: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/plumfield-library-ladies/
The beloved Elizabeth Ripley art books are being reprinted by Purple House Press! And, this time, these fantastic art books will be released in full color with additional images and the option to purchase professionally printed sets of art for study and display! You can find out more about them here: https://www.purplehousepress.com/collections/arts-library
There is a lot of work going on here. In Christ we are being built together into a dwelling place for God.
Sarah Applegate, Diane's daughter, was homeschooled and is now homeschooling her children.
From her reflection: Learning is a life-long process for your child and for you. The homeschooling process for your family will be ever-changing, but hopefully, constantly refining. Perfection is not an option in the lesson plans. Remember that there are people you don’t even know raising prayers on your behalf, and never forget that God gave those children to you and you to them, and He doesn’t make mistakes.
Read the web version of this reflection here: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/dirty-hands-strong-character/
You can find all kinds of things related to this episode at our website: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/the-mistmantle-chronicle-books/
You can join in the discussion at the Biblioguides Online Community at Mighty Networks here: https://community.biblioguides.com/
This beautiful and exciting follow-up to Urchin of the Riding Stars is a favorite of Sara's.
Forgetting our own nature, it’s easy to find ourselves baffled by the behavior of the Israelites. How did the same people who saw the mighty works of God during the time of the exodus so quickly forget their experience, come to doubt God’s power, and reject the way of obedience?
In today's episode of Plumfield and Person, Diane and Sara talk with Sara's friend, Fr. Jordan Neeck, O. Praem, a priest of St. Norbert Abbey in DePere, Wisconsin about Mary Shelly's novel Frankenstein. Sara and Fr. Jordan have read this powerful story several times together. Once as part of a Senior Religion class that Fr. Jordan was teaching, another time with some young adult ladies, and once with their Tuesday Night Classics club that that we have talked about before. In this episode, we talk about how the book was received by each of those audiences, why Diane, Sara, and Fr. Jordan appreciate it, and other books that it pairs well with.
You can find detailed show notes here: https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/show-notes-frankenstein/
This darling short story is a gem! Check out the lovely illustrations at our website: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/an-old-fashioned-thanksgiving/
Paul’s autobiography would have made for exciting reading, and he could easily have satisfied the current demand that every book be part of a series. He had three separate shipwreck stories. Those usually make for good reading. Then there were imprisonments, beatings, and a stoning incident. How does one survive and recover from 39 lashes? Paul did it five times!
After our wonderful conversation with Kathy Seeger earlier this fall, we knew that we wanted to meet with more "library ladies" and hear their unique stories. In this episode, we enjoyed chatting with Sherry Early of Meriadoc Homeschool Libary, Sandy Hall of Hall's Living Library, and May Schubert of Pursell Schubert Legacy Library. This conversation is divided into two episodes. This is the second half of the conversation.
You can find the first half of the conversation here: https://plumfieldmoms.podbean.com/e/meet-more-library-libraries-sherry-early-sandy-hall-and-mary-schubert-part-1/
You might also enjoy the Landmark Books conversation here: https://plumfieldmoms.podbean.com/e/what-are-landmark-books-why-do-they-matter/
You can find detailed show notes at our Library Ladies page here: https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/plumfield-library-ladies/
After our wonderful conversation with Kathy Seeger earlier this fall, we knew that we wanted to meet with more "library ladies" and hear their unique stories. In this episode, we enjoyed chatting with Sherry Early of Meriadoc Homeschool Library, Sandy Hall of Hall's Living Library, and Mary Schubert of Pursell Schubert Legacy Library. This conversation is divided into two episodes. This is the second half of the conversation.
You can find detailed show notes at our Library Ladies page here: https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/plumfield-library-ladies/
Here is a link to Sara’s review complete with all of the links: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/cs-lewiss-space-trilogy/
You can purchase the Space Trilogy books at BookShop.org - a nonprofit online book vendor which supports bricks-and-mortar bookstores and libraries.
Out of the Silent Planet: https://bookshop.org/a/86509/9780743234900
Perelandra: https://bookshop.org/a/86509/9780743234917
That Hideous Strength: https://bookshop.org/a/86509/9780743234924
Throughout my life, Jesus has been revealing himself to me with as much patience as he exercised with the disciples. I have an idea that the tone of his, “Why did you doubt?” changes as I am supposed to mature. I have to cultivate my mustard-seed-sized faith, knowing how to call out, to reach out, to my only possible help. Jesus will reach out his hand and take hold of me. Truly, he is the Son of God.
In this episode, we are joined by Sandy Hall of Hall's Living Library, Jill Morgan of Purple House Press, and Tanya Arnold of Biblioguides to talk about the history of the Random House Landmark Books and what continues to make them staples in living books libraries. This conversation has been divided into two episodes with the first airing on Wednesday. This is the second half of that conversation.
In this episode, we are joined by Sandy Hall of Hall's Living Library, Jill Morgan of Purple House Press, and Tanya Arnold of Biblioguides to talk about the history of the Random House Landmark Books and what continues to make them staples in living books libraries. This conversation has been divided into two episodes with the first airing today. The second half of the conversation will air on Friday.
This boyishly fun book is accented by great illustration. Head over to our website to see some samples: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/twenty-one-balloons/
What terrifies you? Sickness, an empty bank account, darkness, loneliness, death? Admit it to yourself. Confess your fears to God. Trust him to hold you in the palm of his hand. “Say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust’” (Psalm 91:2).
On Teaching Spelling II
My apologies to anyone who actually knows how to pronounce Old English!
Welcome back to the Plumfield Reads book club! In this episode, we are joined again by Tanya Arnold, Sarah Kim, and Lara Lleverino from Biblioguides.com to talk about Margi McAllister's beautiful Mistmantle Chronicles.
The first part of this discussion is spoiler free. At 24:40, we announce that the balance of the episode will have spoilers in it. If you are curious but wish to avoid spoilers, join us for the first twenty-four minutes.
Learn more about Mistmantle here: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/the-mistmantle-chronicle-books/
Join in the discussion at Mighty Networks: https://community.biblioguides.com/groups/8299949/topics/8356515
Listen to our interview with the author: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/meet-margi-mcallister-1-2/
In this episode of Monday Morning Book Review, Sara talks about M.I. McAllister's first Mistmantle book, Urchin of the Riding Stars. You can find the web version of this review at our website here.
It won’t work for me to say to myself that I’m not going to act like this anymore. I have to look my anger and frustration in the face and admit what causes them. I covet what I don’t have; perfection in this life, everything going smoothly all the time. My selfish, unrealistic expectations have to become something else. I believe they have to become gratitude and praise.
In this episode, we talk with Anthony Coalfield of Living Book Press, Jill Morgan of Purple House Press, and Tanya Arnold of Biblioguides about the history of publishing. This is the second half of the discussion. The first half was posted on Wednesday.
You can find our detailed show notes here: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/show-notes-small-publishers-fall-2022-roundtable/
In this episode, we talk with Anthony Coalfield of Living Book Press, Jill Morgan of Purple House Press, and Tanya Arnold of Biblioguides about the history of publishing. This is the first half of the discussion. The second half will post on Friday.
You can find our detailed show notes here: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/show-notes-small-publishers-fall-2022-roundtable/
A review of Meindert DeJong's The House of Sixty Fathers.
This link will take you to the quote about the autobiographical elements of this story.
https://bookroo.com/books/the-house-of-sixty-fathers
You may find further description and an inside view of the book at biblioguides.com.
Do you have what you need to fend off an attack from the enemy? The Lord equips those who ask him.
One of Sara's favorite biographies! Joseph Pearce is an excellent biographer and Tolkien deserved a biography of this caliber.
You can read the web version here: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/tolkien-man-and-myth/
Wisdom and Innocence (Chesterton): http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/wisdom-and-innocence/
The Quest for Shakespeare: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/the-quest-for-shakespeare/
Bilbo's Journey: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/bilbos-journey/
Hobbit Club: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/12587-2/
This is the second half of our beautiful conversation with Margi McAllister. The first half posted earlier today.
This beautiful interview is broken into two segments. This is the first half of the conversation. The second half is also posting today.
Review: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/the-letter-for-the-king/
Anne-With-An-E: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/pillaging-anne/
You can purchase the Space Trilogy books at BookShop.org - a nonprofit online book vendor which supports bricks-and-mortar bookstores and libraries.
Letter for the King: https://bookshop.org/a/86509/9781782690818
The Secrets of the Wild Wood: https://bookshop.org/a/86509/9781782691952
The Song of Seven: https://bookshop.org/a/86509/9781782691426
The Goldsmith and the Master Thief: https://bookshop.org/a/86509/9781782692485
"It’s easy to get used to being busy and feeling rushed to get through prayer and devotion time. Perhaps you need a day to change your routine. Set aside your checklist, be quiet, and listen to what the Spirit has to say to you today. Ask God to show you where you need to hear his instructions more clearly. And then, listen."
You can find the web review complete with gorgeous illustration here: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/pharaohs-boat/
David Weitzman writes and illustrates books for children about the "edges" in human history. The moments in which one feats of engineering and craft catapulted man forward into a new way of thinking about the world. We enjoyed talking with him so much that the interview turned into two episodes. And, when we were done with that conversation, we decided to have another which turned into 2 more episodes. All this week we will be airing those episodes and then on Friday, we will air Diane's review of Old Ironsides.
We will be building a David Weitzman page for our website. Sara has reviewed Pharaoh's Boat, Diane has reviewed Old Ironsides, and we will be reviewing others.
You can find Old Ironsides here: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/old-ironsides/
You can find Pharaoh's Boat here: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/pharaohs-boat/
David Weitzman writes and illustrates books for children about the "edges" in human history. The moments in which one feats of engineering and craft catapulted man forward into a new way of thinking about the world. We enjoyed talking with him so much that the interview turned into two episodes. And, when we were done with that conversation, we decided to have another which turned into 2 more episodes. All this week we will be airing those episodes and then on Friday, we will air Diane's review of Old Ironsides.
We will be building a David Weitzman page for our website. Sara has reviewed Pharaoh's Boat, Diane has reviewed Old Ironsides, and we will be reviewing others.
You can find Old Ironsides here: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/old-ironsides/
You can find Pharaoh's Boat here: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/pharaohs-boat/
David Weitzman writes and illustrates books for children about the "edges" in human history. The moments in which one feats of engineering and craft catapulted man forward into a new way of thinking about the world. We enjoyed talking with him so much that the interview turned into two episodes. And, when we were done with that conversation, we decided to have another which turned into 2 more episodes. All this week we will be airing those episodes and then on Friday, we will air Diane's review of Old Ironsides.
We will be building a David Weitzman page for our website. Sara has reviewed Pharaoh's Boat, Diane has reviewed Old Ironsides, and we will be reviewing others.
You can find Old Ironsides here: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/old-ironsides/
You can find Pharaoh's Boat here: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/pharaohs-boat/
David Weitzman writes and illustrates books for children about the "edges" in human history. The moments in which one feats of engineering and craft catapulted man forward into a new way of thinking about the world. We enjoyed talking with him so much that the interview turned into two episodes. And, when we were done with that conversation, we decided to have another which turned into 2 more episodes. All this week we will be airing those episodes and then on Friday, we will air Diane's review of Old Ironsides.
We will be building a David Weitzman page for our website. Sara has reviewed Pharaoh's Boat, Diane has reviewed Old Ironsides, and we will be reviewing others.
You can find Old Ironsides here: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/old-ironsides/
You can find Pharaoh's Boat here: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/pharaohs-boat/
We sheep won’t learn the Shepherd’s voice by having someone describe the sound to us. Perhaps our parents introduced us to the Shepherd. Perhaps it was a friend. Praise the Lord! But they still can’t explain to us the sound of his voice calling our names.
This magical book is a favorite of Sara's and it is one of our more popular book reviews!
You can purchase the "red" version that Sara talked about here: https://bookshop.org/a/86509/9780618512652
You can purchase the "new" version that Sara talked about here: https://bookshop.org/a/86509/9780358389880
You can peek inside in Sara's web review here: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/letters-from-father-christmas/
In this episode, Diane and Sara talk with the Father-Son writing team, Sam and Josiah Smith about their brand new book, Jack Zulu and the Waylander's Key. Fans of The Green Ember series will love knowing that Josiah has been helping his father with that series for years. This time, however, the tables are turned and this book is Josiah's concept that he shared with his dad. Listen in as we talk about how this book is different from the Green Ember in style, how it reminds Sara of N. D. Wilson, and how it surprised Diane.
This brand new book is available for pre-order on Tuesday, October 4th. You can find out more about the pre-orders here: https://jackzulu.com
You can learn more about S.D. Smith here: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/s-d-smith/
The Choregos - The Supplier of all our needs.
Peter speaks of the strength God supplies to enable each person to use his gifts (1 Pet. 4:11). In his second epistle, he says that an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly provided (2 Pet. 1:11).
Join us for our October Plumfield Reads Book Club: Mark Twain's Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc! Thanks to the incredible generosity of Biblioguides, you can listen to this podcast and then join us over at their Mighty Networks community space and join in the discussion! If you know the basics of the life and death of Joan of Arc, you won't find any real spoilers in this episode.
You can learn more about this book here: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/personal-recollections-of-joan-of-arc/
You can find a copy of this book here: https://www.purplehousepress.com/products/personal-recollections-of-joan-of-arc
You can join in the FREE online discussion for Plumfield Reads here: https://community.biblioguides.com
This book is such a departure from what we expect from Mark Twain that he had it published anonymously so readers would judge the book without prejudice.
I like Joan of Arc best of all my books, and it is the best; I know it perfectly well. And besides, it furnished me seven times the pleasure afforded me by any of the others; twelve years of preparation, and two years of writing. The others needed no preparation and got none.
Self-interest is restrained within due bounds when love supervenes; for then it rejects evil things altogether, prefers better things to those merely good, and cares for the good only on account of the better. ~St. Bernard of Clairvaux, On Loving God
In this week's episode of Plumfield In Person, Diane and Sara talk with Charlotte Mason homeschooler Kathy Seeger about her journey into becoming a living books librarian and building a lending library in her home.
You can find Kathy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LivingEducationLibrary
Kathy shared this resource for those who might be looking for a living library: https://www.livingbookslibrary.com/living-libraries-list/
Learning to live by faith is a process, a lifelong education. Take time to reflect on the courses God has assigned you so far. Remember that he doesn’t mean for you to work through them alone. Ask him for help, and seek support from Christians who have already completed similar assignments.
This marvelous and funny series opener is a delight! You can read our web review here: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/all-creatures-jim-herriot/
We are glad to welcome Tim Feldhausen back to Plumfield in Person to discuss Tim & Sara's Tuesday Night Classics Club. This time, however, we also welcome Sara's dear friend, Fr. Brad VandenBranden, O. Praem, a priest of St. Nortbert Abbey in DePere, Wisconsin as we discuss their recent book club discussion of Dr. King's Letter From Birmingham Jail.
If you wish to read this powerful American text, you can find it at Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3IWMqsk
If you want to hear Dr. King read this letter himself, you can listen at Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATPSht6318o&t=1565s
When was the last time you allowed yourself to be astonished to the limit by Jesus—by his teaching, by his works, by the wonders of your life? I use the word allow intentionally, because I think some of us are so jaded that we need to consciously loosen the tight hold we have on our sophistication and be amazed sometimes.
Read the complete Rascal literature unit study here.
You may read the complete list of Newbery Award books, and Newbery Honor books here.
In this episode, Diane and Sara chat with Jill Morgan from Purple House Press about the Ralph Moody books. In addition to talking about how they came to be and why we consider them so special, we talk about the Kickstarter that Jill is hosting later this year to fund the hardcover printing of the 3rd and 4th books.
In the interview, Jill mentions a survey that listeners can complete that will help her to make the best decisions about how to organize the Kickstarter. You can fill it out here: https://forms.gle/cjBvfv2MKMWGrZQq9
You can find out more about the Little Britches books here: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/ralph-moodys-little-britches/
In this episode of Monday Morning Book Review, Sara talks about the first of Ralph Moody's autobiographical books in the Little Britches series. You can see the print version of this review at our website, here. You can find the reprint of the books mentioned in the review at Purple House Press, here. You can learn more about Ralph Moody at Biblioguides.com.
Peter doesn’t want us to be passively aware of danger. He wants us to actively resist. All of his instructions involve some exertion on our part. “Make every effort to supplement your faith” by adding virtue on virtue. “Be all the more diligent,” “practice these qualities,” “take care,” and “pay attention.” Paying attention isn’t simply a matter of sitting up and looking around. The Greek word is a nautical term that means to keep a ship on a course toward a specific place. Stay the course!
In this special episode, Diane and Sara sat down with the ladies from Biblioguides to have an in-depth conversation about Hilda van Stockum's The Borrowed House. This hour-long discussion is a great start to unpacking this book, but it is just that. A start. We merely scratched the surface. That is why we had the joy of making a wonderful announcement at the start of the episode: Biblioguides is launching a Mighty Networks network and they have generously given us a place in their network to host ongoing book club discussions!
The Plumfield Reads group inside the Biblioguides Mighty Network is free and open to any of our listeners! Join, for free, here: https://community.biblioguides.com/
This book club discussion will have spoilers in it. If you would like to join the discussion but do not want any spoilers, join the Borrowed House book club on Mighty Networks and join in the discussion threads as you read.
Also, check out our Beloved Author: Hilda van Stockum page for links to all of our reviews, book clubs, and things related to Hilda van Stockum.
A special thanks to Jill Morgan of Purple House Press for helping us connect with John Tepper Marlin, son of Hilda van Stockum. Fans of the Mitchell's books will know John better as Timmy. ("Good news, Mama!" Timmy in Friendly Gables)
Diane and Sara spoke with John a couple of times leading up to this interview and enjoyed each encounter more than the one before. In particular, we felt like we were really getting to know Hilda through John and his stories. We hope that you enjoy this lovely interview as much as we did!
This interview is part of our Hilda van Stockum week. Earlier this week we shared podcast reviews of some of her books. Today we talk with John about his mother and their life together. And on Friday we will be airing a special Borrowed House Book Club that we recorded with some of the ladies of Biblioguides and Jill Morgan of Purple House Press. We hope that you will join in the fun and maybe love Hilda as much as we do.
Check out our Beloved Author: Hilda van Stockum page for links to all of our reviews, book clubs, and things related to Hilda van Stockum.
Bulla’s book is a retelling of Richard Wagner’s opera, The Ring of the Nibelung. Bulla’s retelling is accessible to anyone unfamiliar with the stories, and would be a good preparation for viewing the stage productions.
Purple House Press publishes The Ring and the Fire as a companion to The Borrowed House.
You can read Sara’s review of The Borrowed House here.
You can learn more about The Ring and the Fire at biblioguides.com.
We love Hilda! After listening to this recording of our review of The Borrowed House, check out our Beloved Author: Hilda van Stockum page for links to all of our reviews, book clubs, and things related to Hilda van Stockum.
We love Hilda! After listening to this recording of our review of The Borrowed House, check out our Beloved Author: Hilda van Stockum page for links to all of our reviews, book clubs, and things related to Hilda van Stockum.
A reflection by Diane Pendergraft. Why would I come to Jesus when he promises so many hard things? Because he has the words of life!
In this episode of Friday Feast, Sara and Diane talk with Jill Morgan of Purple House Press about her nearly 2 decades worth of memories of beloved children's author Leonard Kessler who died earlier this year. Kessler is the author of the Mr. Pine books among many others and he served as a mentor to Jill as she got into publishing and throughout the end of his life. This wonderful man lives on in his beautiful books at Purple House Press. Listen into this episode to hear about his Army service, friendship with Andy Warhol, his purple door, and his delightful love of crayons. We agree with Jill when she says that like Mr. Rogers, Leonard Kessler was a national treasure.
You can learn more about Kessler at Biblioguides here: https://www.biblioguides.com/pub/author/leonard-kessler
(If you do not have a Biblioguides membership, you can sign up here. This is our affiliate link but we are not compensated in any way. We are simply sharing it to help.)
Books mentioned in this podcast (linked to our reviews with a look inside):
Mr. Pine's Purple House
Mr. Pine's Mixed Up Signs
Mrs. Pine Takes A Trip
That's Not Santa
Stan The Hotdog Man
Miss Jaster's Garden
The Blueberry Pie Elf
Little Old Man Who Cannot Read
Goose
Duchess Bakes a Cake
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/24/books/leonard-kessler-dead.html
In this week's episode, Tim Feldhausen returns to Plumfield in Person to chat with Diane and Sara about what happened after the year of Tolkien was over.
This favorite of ours is made richer with the Jessie Willcox Smith illustrations which can be found in the Illustrated Junior Library edition. Take a look here: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/the-princess-and-the-goblin/
We love Hilda! Check out our Beloved Author: Hilda van Stockum page for links to all of our reviews, book clubs, and things related to Hilda van Stockum.
In this week's episode of Plumfield in Person, Diane and Sara chat with Sara's friend Tim Feldhausen. Tim and Sara started a book club in their local area for grown-ups who wanted to read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. This group met for over a year reading Tolkien and some commentary.
You can find our Hobbit Club articles and book club kit here: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/12587-2/
We love Hilda! Check out our Beloved Author: Hilda van Stockum page for links to all of our reviews, book clubs, and things related to Hilda van Stockum.
In this episode of Friday Feast, Sara reads her 2016 review of The Terrible Speed of Mercy - a biography of Flannery O'Connor written by Jonathan Rogers. You can find the review at our website, here. And you can find this marvelous book here.
In this week's episode of Plumfield in Person, Diane and Sara talk about publishing with Margie Gray, the publisher of Diane's book, Further Up and Further In.
You can find out more about Margie at her website: https://cadroncreek.com
You can find Diane's book here: https://cadroncreek.com/narnian-era/
We love Hilda! Check out our Beloved Author: Hilda van Stockum page for links to all of our reviews, book clubs, and things related to Hilda van Stockum.
You can read the online version of this review at our website here: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/brideshead-revisited/
In this week's episode of Plumfield in Person, we had a lovely, meandering, and fascinating conversation with Anthony Coafield at Living Book Press. You can find out more about Living Book Press at https://www.livingbookpress.com and https://www.facebook.com/livingbookpress.
In this episode of Monday Morning Book Review, Sara talks about The Growly Books by Phil and Erin Ulrich. You can find the web version of this review here at our website: www.plumfieldandpaideia.com.
The Boy Book List mentioned in this episode can be found here: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/books-boys-love/
In this week's episode of Friday Feast, Sara reviews the newly reprinted Bargain Bride. You can find the web version of this review at our website, here. And you can find the book at Purple House Press, here.
In this week's episode of Plumfield In Person, we talk with Jill Morgan of Purple House Press about the art of resurrecting dead books. This fun conversation is just one of many we plan to have with Jill over the next few months as she is a treasure trove of fascinating stories behind the story! You can find her at: www.purplehousepress.com and https://www.facebook.com/purplehousepress. We have reviewed and continue to review a number of Purple House Press books. If you want to know more about any of the books we discussed on the show today, check out the PHP section of our website: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/tag/purple-house-press/
In this episode of Monday Morning Book Review, Sara talks about Margot Benary Isbert's book, The Ark. You can find the web version of this review at our website here.
Diane's review of Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss.
You may read the review here.
In this episode of Plumfield in Person, Diane and Sara introduce a new series about how books get made with a conversation about how some of the oldest books were first made. All of the books we talk about can be found at our website in the Medieval Manuscripts book list.
- Magic in the Margins
- The Ink Garden of Brother Theophane
- Marguerite Makes a Book
- Across a Dark and Wild Sea
- Brother Hugo and the Bear
- The Sailor Who Captured the Sea
- Bibles and Bestiaries: A Guide to Illuminated Manuscripts
In this episode of Monday Morning Book Review, Sara talks about The Incredible Journey by Shelia Burnford. You can find the web version of this review here at our website: www.plumfieldandpaideia.com.
The Boy Book List mentioned in this episode can be found here: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/books-boys-love/
The Animal Book List mentioned in this episode can be found here: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/animal-stories/
Diane's review of Alan Jacobs' book The Pleasures of Reading in an Age of Distraction.
You may read this review at plumfieldandpaideia.com.
You may buy the book here.
In this week's episode of Plumfield in Person, Diane and Sara talk with Daniel Foucachon, CEO of Roman Roads Press, about this classical curriculum company and publisher. In addition to telling their story, we talked a good deal about their brilliant Old Western Culture series as well as some new releases that will delight some of our listeners!
Check out Roman Road's "Apology" for the classics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=197&v=9GUbogBbWUs
Years ago, Sara reviewed Old Western Culture here: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/roman-roads-media-old-western-culture/
Daniel also mentioned Kepler Education, you can find more here: https://romanroadspress.com/live-classes/
You can learn more about the Great Books Challenge for Parents here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10SW5j03JgQ
You can find the new Divine Comedy that Daniel mentioned here: https://romanroadspress.com/dante/
Diane's review of N. D. Wilson's Leepike Ridge. For more reviews of Wilson's books, click on the "Beloved Authors" tab at our website plumfieldandpaideia.com.
You may buy this book at amazon.com.
For more information on Leepike Ridge, visit biblioguides.com.
In this episode of Friday Feast, Sara writes about the international best seller, The Awakening of Miss Prim. You can find the web version of this review here: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/the-awakening-of-miss-prim/
"Every book tells a story and every book has a story. The best books become part of your story. Discover books for the people and moments that matter most." - Biblioguides
In this week's Plumfield In Person episode, Diane and Sara chat with Tanya Arnold and Sarah Kim of Biblioguides.com about their dynamic and evolving reader's database. It was a lot of fun and just the first of many conversations we hope to have with them about the best books.
Books Mentioned in this Podcast:
The Practical Princess: Our Review Purple Houe Press Biblioguides
Let's Talk About Mushrooms: Purple House Press
Robert McClung Our Review Purple House Press
Hilda van Stockum The Borrowed House, The Mitchells, The Winged Watchman
We are a Partner Guide at Biblioguides because we really believe in what they are doing. You can find our Partner Guide here.
We are curious how many people are discovering Biblioguides through our podcast and so we have a signup link. It is not an affiliate link. We do not receive anything if you use it. But if you do use it, you will have a free 7 day trial.
In this episode of Monday Morning Book Review, Sara celebrates Good Old Archibald. You can find the web version of this review here at our website: www.plumfieldandpaideia.com.
Welcome to the the Plumfield Moms podcast - a Plumfield and Paideia project. You can learn more about us at www.plumfieldandpaideia.com
In this episode of Friday Feast, Sara talks about the power and beauty of Chaim Potok's The Chosen. You can find the web version of this review at Plumfield and Paideia.
The Chosen: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/the-chosen/
You can purchase the book here (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3nb9MQY
On this week's episode of Plumfield in Person, Kathy Andrews returns to help us finish telling the story of Potato Peel Pie Book Community and the blog that grew out of it, Plumfield and Paideia.
You can find the Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1382730042050099
You can find the website here: www.plumfieldandpaideia.com
You can find the blog Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/PlumfieldandPaideia
In this episode of Monday Morning Book Review, Sara talks about S. D. Smith's first Green Ember book, The Green Ember. You can find our more about Sam in the Beloved Authors section of our website, here. You can read the web version of this review at our website here.
In this, our first episode of Plumfield In Person, we talk with Kathy Andrews about how and why we started the Facebook group, Potato Peel Pie Book Community, now called Tolle Lege. You can find the group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1382730042050099
(We uploaded this episode on Wednesday, June 21st, but for some reason it is not showing up in various podcast apps. We are sharing it again in the hopes that it will distribute correctly this time.)
In our first Saturday Morning Coffee episode, Sara talks about her family's practice of resting on Sundays.
In this episode of Friday Feast, Sara writes about her love of this biblioguide love story. It is a short read but absolutely wonderful and perfect for re-reading again and again! You can find the web version of this review here: http://plumfieldandpaideia.com/84-charing-cross-road/
You can purchase this charming book here (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/39OHiJx
In this book review, Diane reads Kathy Andrew's review of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society book that inspired our Facebook book club name, Potato Peel Pie Society Book Community (now called Tolle Lege). You can read the review on our website, here.
Diane's review of L. M. Montgomery's Emily of New Moon, Emily Climbs, and Emily's Quest.
In this episode of Monday Morning Book Reviews, Sara talks about Gene Stratton-Porter's connected books, Freckles and A Girl of the Limberlost. You can find the web version of this review at our website here. If you want to know more about Gene Stratton-Porter and other books we recommend, check out her page at our Beloved Authors section of the website.
In this episode of Monday Morning Book Review, Sara talks about Louisa May Alcott's Eight Cousins and it's sequel Rose In Bloom. You can find the web version of this review at our website here.