Read for the Heart Review

Anyone who has been homeschooling for any length of time has probably heard the name Sally Clarkson.  She is a well known conference speaker and author of several mothering books.  She and her husband have a ministry called Whole Heart Ministries, and now their daughter Sarah is proving herself to be talented author in her book Read for the Heart, Whole Books for the Wholehearted Child.

That Sarah Clarkson has a gift for words is evident from the very first page.  She so beautifully describes places, things, and events that you can picture yourself there.  And she uses her talents first to impress upon the reader the importance of reading for a "wakened heart, a strong mind, and a steadfast soul" and then later to describe each book that she believes to be worthy stirring such passions in young readers.  Each chapter of the book is organized according to literature type, and each contains a list of "whole books " by author (or time period when applicable).  These books have been hand chosen by Miss Clarkson as the best of the best.  Besides listing the basic information about each book such a author, illustrator, awards, etc., there is also a short review of each book and any notes about content that parents should be aware of.  Miss Clarkson has also complied lists of her favorites for boys, girls, and read alouds, as well as a list of audio books.  At 384 pages, her book is quite thorough!

The pros:  It's truly a gift to have such a wonderful book filled with suggestions for other wonderful books.  Miss Clarkson does a great job describing each book and really has created a "must own" resource guide.  I think my kids will be reading through many of these books this summer!  And I have to say, Miss Clarkson's own commentary is so beautifully written that the book would be worth owning for that alone!
The cons: NONE.

The bottom line:  What a great way to end this Crew year!  I love this book, and I can't wait to go out and read all the books she recommends that we haven't read, and maybe re-read a few that we have. 

To order Read for the Heart for $17 , or any other products that Apologia carries, go HERE.  To see what other members of the TOS Crew had to say, go HERE.