Book Update: March 2014

Last month, I shared my February book pile along with a request for advice about joining Goodreads. After so many positive responses, I went ahead and signed up for the site. So far, it's been helpful for keeping track of which books I've read--I have such a backlog that I'm really skimming fast.

I started the month with 15 books in the pile! I read seven of them, skimmed one, and picked up five more along the way.

Here's what I read in February:
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1. Women Living Well by Courtney Joseph

This was a great book with easy-to-digest chapters. I didn't finish it before the due date (it's a new book, so no renewals), so it's back on the pile for March.

2. Anything by Jennie Allen

I saw Jennie speak at the IF:gathering (stream) and really connected with her passion. I borrowed the e-book first and sped-read my way through it. I plan on working my way through a little slower with the paper version.

3. Who Is This Man? by John Ortberg

I thought this would end up being returned without being read, but I started it in the car when I had a few minutes to wait. The beginning really drew me in (I enjoy Ortberg's writing style), but my interest waned about halfway through.

4. The Rhythm of Family: Discovering a Sense of Wonder through the Seasons by Amanda Blake Soule

Really pretty pictures! I realized while reading that I'm not nearly as "crunchy" as I feel sometimes. :)

5. Distracted: The Erosion of Attention and the Coming Dark Age by Maggie Jackson

Doesn't that title sound intriguing?! Yeah, not so much. This author is an "academic" and the writing is dry. I was distracted while reading it. :)

6. Waldorf Education: A Family Guide

Waldorf education intrigues me, but it's not the right fit for our family.

7. Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuk

I read Gary's first two books and this was the best of the three. (I'm glad I read the other two in January so I had a chance to "get to know" his personality and backstory.) If you have a small business or blog and you need advice about social media, this is a quick and helpful read.

8. The Artful Parent by Jean Van't Hul

I found a link to Jean's blog on Google +, and I was so excited to read her book. Practical for all parents (especially anyone who doesn't jump to do crafts with their children), I've already implemented a weekly art time for my girls. Great resource!

9. Emily of Deep Valley by Maud Hart Lovelace

I really wanted a fiction read, and this was recommended to me by Goodreads. I loved the Betsy-Tacy books when I was in elementary school--so this was like getting together with childhood friends.

10. The Toddler's Busy Book by Trish Kuffner

Or "what moms did before Pinterest." :)

11. Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World by Michael Hyatt

Meh. If you don't know what Twitter is or how to set up a Facebook page, this might be a good starting point for you. Personally, I found him condescending and supercilious. (And the fact that he told the same stories in multiple sections/constantly cross-referenced to other chapters really bothered me.)

12. The Core by Leigh Bortins

If you're interested in classical education, this is a great primer. This was my second read-through.

13. Freefall to Fly by Rebekah Lyons

Oh my. This may be my favorite book in a long time. Rebekah's story means the world to me, as I've struggled with anxiety since Kate's birth. I devoured this one in 24 hours.

Here is my to-read pile for March 2014. I'm sure I'll pick up a few more along the way! :) What are YOU reading this month?