I promised to share a monthly update with you on the books I’ve read this year from my rather-ambitious 2010 Booklist. So here’s what I read in January:
Still Growing: An Autobiography
This autobiography of child TV star, Kirk Cameron, is a fast, fascinating, and humorous read. I had trouble putting it down and read it from start to finish in a matter of a few days.
Bootcamp for Lousy Housekeepers
The author of this book sent me a free copy to read and review and the title immediately drew me in. I definitely have days when I feel like a lousy housekeeper and am always on the lookout for ways to improve as a manager of our home.
This book is very exhaustive and has lots of helpful ideas and information in it. If you are drowning and have no idea where to begin when it comes to keeping your home organized, this would be a great starting point for you.
However, I personally didn’t find it to be earth-shattering. In fact, I found it a little overwhelming for the type of homemaker I am. I much prefer the simplistic approach of a system like Motivated Moms where I don’t have to spend hours developing a personalized plan, but the plan is already succinctly mapped out for me.
Flipping the Switch…: Unleash the Power of Personal Accountability Using the QBQ!
I loved this book. In a day and age when personal responsibility is almost unheard-of and people are always looking for someone or something to blame, this book is an excellent wake-up call. This book contains principles which could very well chance one’s business, finances, and personal life. I was left highly motivated and inspired.
What books have you read the last month? Link up over at LifeasMom.
Beth G says
Glad I stopped in to catch-up on your site today. I didn’t know Kirk Cameron had an autobiography. I have it on my library list for my next trip. Can’t wait to read it! I watch the TV show (Make It or Break It) online with his sister. She really adds to the show.
I had forgotten all about the Moviated Moms calendar so I am putting in my order for it today. I tried it a few years ago, but it was “too much” for me at the time. Now that my own system is not working … again, I am ready for a change.
Kama says
I saw that you were going to read Still Growing last month and I had never heard of it. I thought it looked great, so I ordered it and read it within a few days as well. It was good! I NEVER read, so that was nice. 🙂
John G. Miller says
Hello and thanks for loving my book Flipping the Switch. I’m honored! One can read “FTS” before QBQ! or the other way around, doesn’t really matter. The key is to read and re-read! Repetition – so important! Thanks for believing in personal accountability! John – the author
Jessica says
Plenty of gardening books. These are my recent favorites:
Vegetable Gardener’s Bible
Weedless Gardening
Carrots Love Tomatoes
Seed to Seed
Brian says
No Impact Man was a great read.
It kind of takes the whole idea into account: simplicity, food, frugality etc. etc.
I would be it’s at your local library.
Leslie says
That’s impressive. I did manage to finish two in January but one was super short, haha!
🙂
Swap Savers says
Janaki–I thought the same thing!
Crystal thanks for your response to Janaki but I still would love to hear more details about how you find time to cook, food shop (& other shopping), write a detailed up-to-date blog, read, take care of kids, clean, home school, etc. Maybe you could write a blog post about it?
Today alone I spent 4 hours just re-organizing the basement! I feel like I never have time to read/write (which I love) or do “fun things”. I do workout 4-5 times a week which is time consuming but well worth it emotionally and physically.
Martha Artyomenko says
I read Pajama School by Natalie Wickham today and it was fun to read about one of your friends!!! Great book!!
I have read about 15 other books so far this month….a variety of different ones. One of them that really stuck with me was called the Pianist about a man who survived the holocaust.
Kansas Mom says
I am reading “Heart of Wisdom” in preparation for homeschooling (and public school exodus– yahoo!) next year and I am finding it to be an excellent read. It is quite the volume (like Well-Trained Mind), but is also commonsensical and full of resource suggestions.
janaki says
i always wonder how you find time b/w kids ,blogs and now reading 3 books?
Can you give me a hint of how you organize your day. It would be so helpful to moms like me.
Crystal says
My biggest tip is to have a plan, work the plan, and keep things simple. I only do a few things and keep life very simple. I also stay home much of the time as I’ve found that running around with three little ones is exhausting! And my biggest help this year has been to have a mother’s helper. She comes in one day a week and helps me with cleaning, laundry, and also babysits for a short while so my husband and I can go on a date. This really helps me to be able to stay on track and keeps our home running smoothly and efficiently.
I also have recently started using Motivated Moms and am loving it so far. It’s simple, easy, and straight-forward–and requires no thought and effort on my part. I just do what the list of the day tells me to do!
trish says
I can’t tell you how Motivated Moms speaks to me. I am amazed that I haven’t tried to do something like this on my own before, (which I would have not done near as well and spent way too much time doing and never finished the year!) Love it! and would have never even heard of it if it were not for your blog. Thank you for ALL your help with making my life with four kids and 3 jobs a little bit easier!
Jennifer says
I also have not heard of Motivated Moms until reading about it here. I just ordered/downloaded a copy. I think I am going to love it. It’s just what I’ve been needing as a new stay at home mom. I have no idea how to do everything I know I need to. Thanks. Love your blog!@trish,
Jen says
The Messies Manual by Sandra Felton is an awesome read for anyone who has always been mystified (I was) as to how some other women seem to effortlessly keep their house clean. It has really helped me with managing the never ending clutter that comes with lots of little ones.
Julie says
So do you recommend reading Question Behind the Question before Flipping the Switch? I have QBQ on my reading list but haven’t gotten there yet. This one sounds great too!
Crystal says
I haven’t read QBQ yet, because our copy is loaned out, but I’m guessing it’s probably best to read it first. 🙂 My husband said it was also excellent!
Adrienne says
It’s funny that you like Motivated Moms and don’t like Bootcamp… I’m just the opposite! 🙂
Claire at Saving Money Plan says
I’m so happy you’re doing this monthly round-up. A great addition to the site, and a good way to get a glimpse into what others are reading;)
The Boot Camp one sounds great and I put a hold on the Kirk one at my library!
Beth says
I’m working my way through, “Finding my voice: a Young Woman’s Perspective,” and have also been trying out some recipes this week from: “150 Thinks to make with Roast Chicken and 50 ways to make it.”
Your comment about the housekeeping hits close to home- I’m amazed at how many of the resources are so complicated. I have a short list of daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. I also follow Home Sanctuary as a way to motivate myself to add in some daily tasks that don’t need done regularly, but help to make our house great!
Beth
Kristi at Spend Less and Save More says
I am really into Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series. It is lol funny and I need a good laugh by the end of a long day! I am currently on #8 (hard eight).
Jen says
Crystal-Thanks so much for doing this as I always love getting ideas on what to read. I so enjoy reading, but haven’t done it regularly in a long time. You are inspiring me to get back to the library. Happy reading!
Roanna says
I’ve read the book Still Growing, and I too found it interesting and humorous at times. I admire Kirk for the things he has done to witness to the world about Christ (The Way of the Master, Fireproof)
Amanda says
I would love to hear how others keep up with their housework. I am ofter overwhelmed with two little ones. Any ideas or thoughts, I’m clueless on this one.
Vanessa says
@Amanda, I have 4 children aged 2,3,8&18.We homeschool and I am a stayathome mom.What works for me is going to bed early and getting up before the children.I get a good jumpstart to the day by doing this.I have a routine to the day and I have learned I can get a lot done by staying at home.
Rachel says
My husband and I are going to be moving in the near future. I am a planner and was wondering if you had any recommended resources for ideas and strategies to make the most of this time. Thanks! 🙂