Books Finished in January

1.  The Poetical Works of Oliver Wendell Holmes, Volume 2 by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.
(Read from October 13, 2010 to January 04, 2013) *1/2
I didn't understand half of it, and though sometimes it was witty & good when I did, overall I can't give it a high mark. 

2. Joyfully at Home: A Book for Young Ladies on Vision and Hope by Jasmine Baucham
(Read from December 26, 2012 to January 06, 2013) *****
This book exceeded my expectations, despite some typos. I had read some of her blog and knew she was an entertaining writer and had some good insights; however, reading it together as a whole made things clearer and more applicable. She addresses the hard questions with grace and care, and everything with humility. She emphasizes studying to form your own convictions. She tells of her joy, struggles, and growth with openness, like a friend encouraging a friend. She busts the myth of femininity having to be tea parties and lace--and gives lots of ideas for reaching out in your community and family. I wish I had read this when I was younger, to see more clearly the beauty, options, and need for industry of stay-at-home-daughterhood! Not that my parents didn't teach me any of this, because they did, and I'm thankful for that. Some of the more specific applications were newer to me, though. I probably wouldn't have really wanted to apply it at a much earlier time, since I wasn't saved until five and a half years ago. Now, there are many underlines in my book, and as Jasmine wrote, I don't just want to read about it, I want to do it! May God help it to be so.

3. Alone Yet Not Alone by Tracy Leininger Craven
(Read from January 12 to 15, 2013) *****
Truly an amazing story of God's grace and preservation! Two girls are captured and separated by Indians and live with them for years. Eventually comes a time when the main character, Barbara, decides to attempt an escape with her friends. Their trail is wrought with danger, yet God gives them courage, strength, and food. It was written simply, yet still enjoyably, for children and adults. I "had" to finish it last night, or actually early this morning, a little after twelve o'clock. 

4. Return to the Hiding Place by Hans Poley 
(Read from January 15 to 23, 2013) ****1/2
Great book, relating God's protection, strength, and comfort in trials for one young man and his companions during WWII.