My first book review!

My husband has been receiving free Catholic books.  Lots of free Catholic books.  So many, in fact, I have asked him to find a way to receive a free bookcase next, to house the extensive library he continues to acquire.  All of my teasing aside, I believe you can never have too many books and so I decided to get in on the fun. All it takes to receive the books, all completely free of charge, is to read them and write an honest review for the book distributor to use on their website.   I received my first book a while ago and am excited to announce I contributed my very first review this evening.  Though it is not yet officially approved and posted on the "Tiber River" website (http://tiberriver.com/), for distributor Aquinas and More, I wanted to share it here as well....

    After 5 years of home schooling my 5 children, I was feeling a little burnt out.  Actually, more than just a little burnt out.  Yet, despite my struggles I did not feel God was calling us away from home education.  Ironically, as I was trying to discern what was best for my family a good friend of mine was considering homeschooling her own children.  In her research on the subject she read a lot of books and, because she knew I was stressed, she recommended one to me.  So at her recommendation, I sent off for a copy of Catholic Education: Homeward Bound and it was with great expectation that I dove into Kimberly Hahn and Mary Hasson’s “Useful Guide to Catholic Homeschooling". 

    The book is very well written, very thorough, and perfectly organized, addressing many common myths and questions about Catholic home schooling.  It is full of practical information on everything from establishing good habits to setting up a schedule to picking curriculum choices.  It includes well researched facts concerning the success of home schooling in both the academic realm and the ever-controversial area of socialization.   It has a section for dads, which I did share with my own husband and includes blank lesson plans and record keeping forms.  In short, I found the book to be all that my new-to-home schooling friend had said it was and all that the titled implies- a wonderful asset and invaluable tool to any Catholic family who is considering or just starting the journey and adventure of home schooling. 

    It was not, however, as motivational or inspiring as I had hoped.  I found as I read that that was not what the book was intended to be.  It truly was written as a guide for those just starting out.  So, for veteran home schoolers, like myself, who are looking for a little pick-me-up to encourage them and help them through the inevitable challenges that will come up along the way this is not the best book to buy.   I enjoyed the book for the reminder of all the reasons I have chosen to home school to begin with, but I think I may lend my copy to someone who will benefit more from the practical advice in getting started.