Read For the Heart; Whole Books for Wholehearted Families, a review

While I knew Sarah was writing this book as she would mention it on her blog, it was in a conversation with my own daughter that my interest in reading it was peaked.  Stephanie was reading through it in a rare evening of being alone in a hotel room (on her way home from attending one of the Clarkson's Wholehearted Mothers Conferences).

"The first chapter will bring tears to your eyes," is what I was told that evening on the phone.  Now... that is not what I would expect from a "book about books".  However, when I did read it she was quite right for Sarah is not only a writer who can compile a great list of books... Sarah is a great writer.  Her story of growing up in a bookish family reflected so much that of myself and my own children... I remembered why I originally came to love this family (albeit her mother's books which first caused me to "read to know I am not alone").

There are many "books about books" but one can always recognize when they are written by an author who loves books.  I don't mean one who just enjoys reading but one who loves the look and feel and everything about books... and not just the content. 

The index will give a description of what to expect including why we read, chapters devoted to types of books (fiction, poetry, history, picture books, art, nature, etc.), chapters listing Caldecott medalists, Newberry medalists, Henty books, Landmark books, and Trailblazer series titles.

This book is not just a compilation of lists but much of the book is broken down by author, giving an indepth review of at least one of their most famous books.  Sarah also includes a list of her own favorites.

I highly recommend this book for families who bring home books for their children... whether through purchasing them or tucking this book in your basket when going to the library.  Any homeschooling family using whole books (as in the Charlotte Mason style) will find this book invaluable.

You can take a look at the inside of this book at Amazon... here.

It is also available directly from the Wholehearted website... here.

Disclosure:  I was given this copy of Read For the Heart and I think Sarah Clarkson is one of the sweetest and most gifted young women I know.  :)