Moms Going Overboard

Confessions of a Slacker Mom
Muffy Mead-Ferro

I checked this book out from the library because I thought it would be funny, and it didn't disappoint. I was surprised, however, that it managed to cover some serious topics about how parents can do too much, worry too much, protect too much and (pertinent to the season), provide too much. One of the points I've thought about a lot recently (I read this quite a while ago now) is that it's hard not to buy things for your kids when you know you can afford it. I've had to be very careful with Caleb's birthday and Christmas this year to limit myself. It's very easy to get sucked in, thinking how he'd like something. I did cave and bought 4 books (or so) for him, but we stuck to just Lincoln Logs for his real gift. (Don't spoil the surprise! For those who are wondering, we decided not to buy any big present for Reva for Christmas. She's getting some books, though. I even wrapped them, though I realized it was pretty silly even as I was taping them up.)

Anyway, it's a very quick read. I think Josh finished it in an hour. The author's family history and stories she shares are as amusing as her style. So read and enjoy, and maybe walk away from an unnecessary purchase.

Boys Will Be Boys

Why Gender Matters: What Parents and Teachers Need to Know About the Emerging Science of Sex Differences
by Dr. Leonard Sax

Everyone should read this book. I was fascinated by the research Dr. Sax presents about the differences between boys and girls, and how their senses and brains develop differently. As always, I don't agree with everything in the book, but it's nice to have evidence of something I've always suspected - that boys and girls are different and need to be treated differently in some situations. Dr. Sax also provides exceptional endnotes with additional information and websites in addition to references to studies in journals like Journal of Genetic Psychology, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Child Development, and Nature. He also quotes from Hardwired to Connect, a book sponsored by Dartmouth Medical School (among others).

And, as have a number of other books I've read recently, this one tempts me with more reasons to home school, at least for a while.

My sleep deprivation (despite being better than expected at Reva's age) prevents me from giving a more glowing review. Hopefully you'll believe me enough to give it a try and then will be tempted to continue by Dr. Sax's own evidence.

p.s. Tip #1: Girls hear better than boys, so a dad might not think he's yelling, but his daughter might hear him that way. And boys who seem to be distracted at school may need to sit closer to hear a soft-spoken teacher.

Silly Fairy Tales

The Fourth Bear: A Nursery Crime
by Jasper Fforde

Fforde is back! A psychotic killer is on the loose. Jack Spratt is forced on medical leave for supposed insanity. Goldilocks is missing. Bears are popping up as suspects, and victims. In this second nursery crime novel, Fforde keeps the action rolling, along with the puns. There's even a special appearance by a more sophisticated character, Dorian Gray.

I'd write more, but I don't want to give anything away. Plus, I'm tired. It's enough to say this is a vast improvement on The Big Over Easy. You should read it. And then be sure to catch up on the Thursday Next novels if you haven't already, because a new one is in the works, due to be released in 2007.

If you haven't already checked it out (or did, but then forgot how fun it was), spend some valuable time at Jasper Fforde's website.

Childbirth On My Mind

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth
by Ina May Gaskin

Shockingly, I've been thinking about childbirth a lot recently. I read this book on a recommendation from my friend, Meggan (who just had a little girl!). It's always interesting to read birth stories near the end of a pregnancy and they make up the first part of the book. I also liked reading about the midwifery practice with such great statistics. The medical establishment gets blasted pretty heavily, but I was grateful to learn that the worst of the procedures she talks about aren't common (at least at my hospital), thanks to my "insider".

Parts of it definitely met Josh's hippie standards (even the higher ones he has now that he's decided we're going to have a little 5 acre family farm someday with organic foods and things like shoats). Give it a chance and take what you can from it.

Wow - I Read a Book

It's been a long time since I posted about a book. I've actually read a few (including skimming an entire list of over 50,000 baby names), but this is the only one really worth talking about.

Gulag: A History
by Anne Applebaum

Ok, so it's not really happy reading, but it's a great book. It's well-researched, well-written, and well-documented. I grew up during the Cold War and remember the breakup of the Soviet Union, but am ashamed at how little I really know. This book was a great introduction to some Soviet history, even if the main topic was a bit disconcerting.

On a lighter note, it was nice to have this to read when I was delayed at the airport last July. It helped put some perspective on my situation.

I'd write more, but I'm tired. You should read this book.