WHAT TO READ?

I have been pondering books to read, and books I have read.  Of course I approach this question from the position of being a mom to homeschoolers.  What books should they read before "graduation"?  What books made an impact on me, which are memorable?  In many circles it is said one should have a variety of classics under their belt.  But why?  What makes these titles classics?

So I have been looking at a variety of book lists.  And I have been asking friends what books they recommend, which books made an impact in their lives?  Here are some responses and lists I have looked at:

responses

- the Bible

-  any biography of Eric Liddell, then watch Chariots of Fire

- Through Gates of Splendor

-  The Hiding Place

-  Biographies of missionaries

-  Star Girl by Jerry Spinelli

-  Maniac Magee (Jerry Spinelli)

- The Anne of Green Gables books

-  Lord of the Flies

-  Oliver Twist

-  Gerald Durrell's books

 -  The Busy Mom's Guide to Simple Living : Creative Ideas And Practical Ways for Making the Most Out of What You Have by Jackie Wellwood

-  Keith Green's biography

-  Stormie Omartians biography

links to lists

-  reading list for college bound students

http://als.lib.wi.us/Collegebound.html

-  40 non-fiction books everyone should read

http://www.marcandangel.com/2009/08/24/40-modern-nonfiction-books-everyone-should-read/

-  1000 good books list

http://www.classical-homeschooling.org/celoop/1000.html

- classic books to enhance your learning

http://www.lifeoptimizer.org/2007/10/12/48-classic-books-to-boost-your-learning-experience/

-  100 classic books collection

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/100_Classic_Book_Collection

-  classic books everyone should read

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/classic-books-everyone-should-read.html

-  books that impact thinking

http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/264.Books_that_everyone_should_read_at_least_once

I am sure I could find hundreds of different reading lists.  But I guess I don't just want just any list.  I want books that will help prepare the kids for their life, the world, their relationships with others, books that aren't just a good story but will make them better people.

I am not much of a novel reader myself.  I prefer books like what I mention above..... that help with life and all it includes.

What books do I want my kids to read before "graduation"?  Hmmm.  I don't know for sure.

encourage the faint hearted.... be patient with them all

I like this verse.  It speaks to me right now. 

We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. (1 Thessalonians 5:12-15 ESV)

LEADERS WITH EVERYONE ELSE
http://www.alanknox.net/2010/08/leaders-with-everyone-else/

ALBERTA ISSUES HEALTH WARNINGS DUE TO BC FIRES

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/prairies/alberta-issues-health-warning-due-to-bc-fires/article1678920/

Province's chief medical officer is warning people with respiratory problems to remain indoors as smoke from B.C. forest fires hangs over the province.

click link above to read all the article