Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Books and a Movie

I have been wanting to mention a movie and some books for a while now so here I go. These are certainly not reviews by any means. Just a quick mention of some of my new favorites and why I like them.

Come What May
Come what May is an independent film produced by 40 homeschoolers with a little professional help. If you must have blockbuster cinematography and acting, then you probably will not like this movie. On the other hand, if you like a good story about courage and doing what is right regardless of the consequences, this is the movie for you. I really enjoyed the pro-life and courtship angles of this movie.


Mysterious Benedict Society
This book was recommended by Wickle at the Book Nook Club. I enjoyed this book because of the emphasis on different kinds of intelligence and the emphasis on the love of truth being important. Each of the kids in the society is chosen because they are gifted and love the truth, but each is gifted in a different way. One knows tons of facts. Another is a planner and puzzle solver. The oldest is athletically gifted and very resourceful. The littlest is gifted in ways that you don't understand until the very end of the book. There are many excellent philosophical tidbits throughout the book that I doubt kids really notice but were right up my alley. The official Mysterious Benedict Society website has some puzzles and information about Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey.

Miss Spitfire
I wish that every adult would read a book about Anne Sullivan before they have children. She thoroughly understood that being allowed to be a brat is a greater disservice to a child than physical punishment. This short little book is a good one. I enjoyed reading the story of Miss Sullivan's courage in the face of an unruly Helen Keller and how her rather extreme discipline changed Helen's life for the better.


Wilderking Trilogy
This series is based on the story of David's life so if you are against allegory, don't read it. It is not historical fiction by any means. It is fantastical with made up animals and kingdoms on a made up island. It is about living the life God unfolds before you even if you don't understand what this phase of your life has to do with his promises for your future.


Mysterious Miss Slade
This is my favorite Dick King-Smith book by far. It is a short book in a big font, but there is a lot packed in there. This book deals with treating others (even strange and smelly others) how you would want to be treated. It deals with prejudice and spreading rumors. It is a really great little book aimed at 8-10 year-olds.

In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day
This book is about looking at your problems as God-given opportunities to grow. It looks at the life of Beniah, one of David's mighty men, as an example and the reason for the rather odd title.

The Qwikpick Adventure Society
This is another book that was recommended by Wickle. It is really delightful if you aren't bothered by a little gross-out-ness. It is about friendship and making special clubs and seeking adventure right where you are.

1 comment:

WKen said...

By the way, I asked my son for a few more comments about the second "Mysterious Benedict Society" book. All he had to say was "It's really good, and I think that anyone who liked the first one will like the second one, too."

He's very hesitant to say more for fear of spoiling plot points, but I'll count that as a hearty endorsement, anyway.

Glad you liked the books!