Each week I share the books that I am currently reading for my Read 100 Challenge, as well as interesting links related to faith, family, and frugal living.
Books
All The Money in the World: What the Happiest People Know about Wealth by Laura Vanderkam
This is another thought-provoking book by the author of 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think. Vanderkam explores the relationship between money and happiness. In doing so, she challenges readers to rethink their view of retirement (by finding something that you would love to do, health-permitting, into your seventies), donating or investing (invest small amounts into causes that you care about–microbusiness), and frugality (by all means save money, but make sure you don’t do so at the expense of your happiness and sanity). While I didn’t find this book as life-changing as 168 Hours, it did make me stop and think about my own relationship with money.
Waiting for Unicorns by Beth Hautala
I was really excited to read this book by Beth, who was a friend of mine in college. It’s kind of crazy to think that someone I took creative writing classes with is now a published author! Waiting for Unicorns tells the story of Talia, a seventh grade girl who has recently lost her mom. When Talia travels to the Arctic with her father, she learns not only about the rugged landscape and the Inuit people, but also about herself and the wishes that she keeps hidden in a jar. A beautiful book for young adults, especially grades 5-8.
Zero Tolerance by Claudia Mills
Seventh grader Sierra Shepard realizes that her mother accidentally left a paring knife in her lunchbox. When Sierra turns it in to an adult, she is shocked to discover that she may face expulsion due to the district’s “zero tolerance” policy on weapons. While the honor roll student sits in suspension with the bad kids, she discovers that they are not so different from herself. In fact, it has her questioning all of the rules that she has spent her life following. A lively, quick read for middle school students.
Links I Love
Faith
Imitate the Publican Abbott Tryphon at The Morning Offering reminds us that we are not reinventing the Christian life. Instead, we are to follow the humble example of the saints.
Weak, Sick, Poor, and Tired: A Story for Losers Father Stephen Freeman reflects on the contrast between the American Dream of success and wealth and the gospel’s account of Christ’s love for the weak and poor.
Family
Summer Bucket List for Kids Looking for summer activities for your children? Check out this printable bucket list from Raising Seraphim.
15 Side Jobs that Kids Can Do Are your kids wanting to earn a little money this summer? Frugal Fanatic gives some great ideas for summer jobs.
Frugal Living
20 Snack Ideas Under $.25 Each Frugally Blonde shares inexpensive snack ideas just in time for the summer break.
How to Earn More Money Each Month Are you trying to pay off debt or save for a big purchase? Snail Pace Transformations gives 7 ways to make more money. Give them a try!
What are you reading this week?
(This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy.)
Thanks for mentioning my article on how to earn more money.
You are very welcome! I enjoyed it!