Reading Fiction as a Christian – MBFLP 299

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

We’re both avid readers, and we’ve raised a whole nest of readers – our house is full of books — and not just the parents’! We’ve talked about some our personal favorites, but this episode we’re looking at whole genres of fiction. How should we, as Christians, approach fictional literature? Are there any kinds to beware of? What do we think about science fiction, fantasy, suspense, romance, mystery, or other sorts? And how do we sort the range of material in each group? If you’re a reader, or you have kids who are, check this out!

Passages we referenced:

King David and the prophet Nathan (2 Samuel 12:1-15)

Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:27-28)

The parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)

To do evil is like sport to a fool, 
But a man of understanding has wisdom. (Proverbs 10:23)

“I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, 
Even to give to every man according to his ways.” (Jeremiah 17:10)

“For the LORD does not see as man sees;for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
(1 Samuel 16:7)

Episodes about discernment:

222 – Teaching Discernment

191 – Talking About the Movies

133 – Watching with Discernment 

and more! Browse the archives for more ideas and encouragement!

PLUS get this free resource – our downloadable Reading Pack!

 


This episode brought to you by

What Should We Read? How to Choose Good Books – FAH 24 – Replay

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

How to Choose Good Books | Flourish at Home Replay on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

There are millions of books available today. How on earth can you choose what’s best to read? In this episode, we’ll consider how to choose good books—both for yourself and for your children.

This is part 2 of a series on why, what, how, and when to read and why and how to build a home library.

Three Types of Books

To be able to choose good books, you need to understand the different types of books. Apart from the usual categories of fiction and nonfiction, there are three main types of books:

  1. Living Books – A living book is written by an author who loves the subject; it is challenging and inspiring. Focus on these!
  2. Reference Books – Atlas, dictionary, almanac, etc. These are useful to have on hand even if you also look things up online.
  3. Twaddle – This is Charlotte Mason’s term for dumbed-down, diluted, silly, easy-reading books with poor writing and sometimes tacked-on morals. Avoid these.

What Is a Good Book?

  1. In general, older books are likelier to be living books. New books are often politically correct and likelier to contain offensive material.
  2. Great books feature excellent writing and thought-provoking ideas. They often have an impact on other literature and culture.
  3. “Safe” does not equal “good.” All great literature involves conflict; otherwise there’s no plot. Literature can provide both positive examples to emulate and negative examples to avoid. Use books to teach your children discernment.
  4. It’s OK to read non-Christian authors (even ancient pagans). All truth is God’s truth.
  5. Include a mix of challenging books and easy books.
  6. Every person’s and family’s standards and tastes will differ. Choose good books in accordance with your own standards.

Guides to Help You Choose Good Books

Here are some of my favorite guides to help you choose good books:

For a longer list of my favorite books about how to choose good books, as well as my favorite books about homeschooling, visit my blog for booklovers at EclecticBibliophile.com. That will also put you on the list to be the first to find out about my new e-book about books, coming soon.

And if you wish you had more time to read, you’ll find encouragement and practical tips for time management in my book, Flourish.

Stay tuned for our next episode, when we’ll discuss HOW to read.

Other Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Realms of Gold: The Classics in Christian Perspective by Leland Ryken

A Thomas Jefferson Education by Oliver Van DeMille

 

NOTE: This post includes affiliate links. I will make a small commission if you purchase books through my links. Just think of this as an opportunity to help me build MY home library while you build YOURS!

Don’t Skip the Picture Books – MBFLP 294

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.


Do you have a precocious reader? We’ve had some! And when they’re being homeschooled – and around grownups all day – their vocabulary can be surprisingly rich. So should we move them on into the youth books, and skip over the picture books and beginning reader stuff? Or is there a purpose for enjoying the simple books together, even when your child could read more complex things?

This episode we’re talking with Hal’s mom, Norma Young, a retired elementary school librarian with nearly three decades of choosing quality children’s literature for young kids. There is indeed a good reason to enjoy the books we grew up with, and read them to our children just like they were read to us!

A resource we mentioned:

The Love of Reading – a downloadable collection of recommended reading lists for all ages, three helpful workshops on teaching reading, and discounts on other materials too!


This episode brought to you by Reading Eggs

Reading Eggs 4 Weeks Free

Cozy Mystery English Online

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Finish Well Homeschool Podcast, Podcast #183, Cozy Mystery English Online, with Meredith Curtis on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

Cozy Mystery English Online

In “Cozy Mystery English Online,” Episode, #183, Laura Nolette & Meredith Curtis discuss Meredith’s Who Dun It high school English course online at True North Homeschooling Academy. Writing a novel in high school and creating Who Dun It high school English course has been a win-win for their teens. Who Dun It is fun in a co-op and online classes where students read and write cozy mysteries. This out-of-the-box high school English course is a blessing to many homeschool families who want to experience the adventure of clues, red herrings, plot twists, creating suspects, and leading their detective on a merry chase until the murderer is apprehended.

 

 

 


Powerline Productions April 2020 Ad

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

 


Show Notes

Our experience with novel writing in high school and eventually writing a who-dun-it.

Writing a Cozy Mystery

  • Cozy -no gore, clean, focus on solving a puzzle
  • Create detective, sidekick, friends, and suspects (characterization)
  • Create a scene-by-scene plot
  • Suspect’s Motives
  • Clues/Red Herrings
  • Setting/Tone/Mood/Christian Worldview
  • Plot Twists
  • Logic – Wrapping It Up

Who Dun It At Home

  • Read “Golden Age” Mystery Novels & Short Stories
  • Discuss Novels & Short Stories
  • Write a Short Story first semester
  • Write Novel second semester
  • Create Well-Rounded Characters/Introduce to Family
  • Read Sections of Short Story & Novel Aloud to Family
  • Get Input from Family
  • Watch Cozy Mysteries & Discuss with Parents

Who Dun It? Murder Mystery Literature and Writing High School Class

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who Dun It in Homeschool Co-op

  • Read “Golden Age” Mystery Novels & Short Stories
  • Discuss Novels & Short Stories
  • Write a Short Story first semester
  • Write Novel second semester
  • Create Well-Rounded Characters/Introduce in Class
  • Read Sections of Short Story & Novel Aloud
  • Peer Review Writing Club Style
  • Watch Cozy Mysteries & Discuss

Who Dun It? Murder Mystery Literature & Composition Class at True North Homeschool Academy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who Dun It Online

  • Read “Golden Age” Mystery Novels & Short Stories
  • Discuss Novels & Short Stories
  • Write a Short Story first semester
  • Write Novel second semester
  • Create Well-Rounded Characters/Introduce in Class
  • Read Sections of Short Story & Novel Aloud
  • Peer Review Writing Club Style
  • Watch Cozy Mysteries & Discuss

Who Dun It at True North Homeschool Academy

Literature & Composition: Who Dun It

Sign up for our Newsletter

100 Homeschool Hacks by Meredith CurtisSign up for our updates and get your copy of 100 Homeschool Hacks FREE. Sign up here.

 

 

 

Literature Resources

Our curriculum works great at home; or in church, homeschool co-ops, and online classes, too! 😊

American Literature & Research British Literature & Writing High School Class Foundations of Western Literature by Meredith Curtis Communications 101:Essays and Speeches High School Class

 


Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

A Brand New Adventure Series for Kids

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Finish Well Homeschool Podcast, Podcast #174, A Brand New Adventure Series for Kids with Special Guest Mike Curtis, with Meredith Curtis on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

A Brand New Adventure Series for Kids

with Special Guest Mike Curtis

In “A Brand New Adventure Series for Kids,” Episode, #174, Meredith Curtis interviews Mike Curtis, pastor and author of a brand-new series (and her husband!). He has written an amazing new series for children and teens: The Noland Kids Adventures. Mike shares his journey that led him to share his story. Learn all about the series and why your kids will love to read it!

 


Powerline Productions, Inc.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

 


Show Notes

Introduce Mike & Ministry https://www.powerlinecc.com/

Noland Kids Adventures  https://www.powerlineprod.com/books/the-noland-kids-adventure-series/

How It All Began

Rockford Park, Bedtime Stories to Children, Stories to Grandchildren

Covid-Strikes!

Needed to entertain kids at home listening to sermon

First Novel

The Key House

The Key House by Mike Curtis at Powerline Productions

Newly Inherited House 150-Year Old Secret, Clues to Hidden Treasure

Mystery/ Adventure, Hardy Boys meets The Goonies

Who is This Series Written For?

Christian Kids 10-14

Second Novel

Lost City of Light

The Lost City of Light by Mike Curtis at Powerline Productions, Inc.

Coming November 25th, 2022

How Can Listeners Get Book?

Amazon print or Kindle

Our website PowerlineProd.com

Reviews

Leave Reviews

Spread the Word

What Books are on the Horizon & When?

Legend of the Craftsman King  & Secret of Paradise Cove

The Legend of the Craftsman King by Mike Curtis at Powerline Productions, Inc.    The Secret of Paradise Cove by Mike Curtis at Powerline Productions, Inc.

 

Sign up for our Newsletter

100 Homeschool Hacks by Meredith CurtisSign up for our updates and get your copy of 100 Homeschool Hacks FREE. Sign up here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Key House

The Key House by Mike Curtis at Powerline Productions

HUGE Black Friday/ Cyber Monday Sale!

Travel God's World God Bless the USA Exploring States & Territories by Meredith Curtis at Powerline Productions Travel God's World God Bless the USA Cookbook by Meredith Curtis and Laura Nolette at Powerline Productions God Bless the USA State Capitals & Abbreviations by Meredith Curtis at Powerline Productions, Inc. Travel God's World God Bless the USA State Flags & Seals by Meredith Curtis at Powerline Productions

 


Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

7 Classic Books Every Homeschool Mom Should Read

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Finish Well Homeschool Podcast, Podcast #169, 7 Classic Books Every Homeschool Mom Should Read, with Meredith Curtis on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

7 Classic Books Every Homeschool Mom Should Read

In “7 Classic Books Every Homeschool Mom Should Read,” Episode, #169, Meredith Curtis shares her favorites with you – books that have inspired, equipped, and encouraged her. These books will change your life and your perspective. Grab a cup of tea or mug of coffee and learn about some classic books that you will want to read and reread again.

 


Time for Back-to-School with PowerlineProd.com

 

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

 


Show Notes

The bookcase outside my door.

Books impact our lives. Some of my books are like special friends who have spoken into my life and brought forth something new.

L’Abri by Edith Schaeffer

Frances & Edith Schaeffer’s ministry in Switzerland.

Focus on creating a nurturing environment and ministering in and from the home.

For Better or Best by Gary Smalley

As a young couple, we attended this author’s conference and had our first introduction to the vast difference in the way men and women think. Also how different their needs are.

He also wrote If Only He Knew.

Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp

My favorite book on parenting. It really shows how to parent by imitating Jesus as a shepherd of our children’s hearts.

Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer

I love art and beauty and classic books. Edith opened my eyes to the true art involved in creating a home from interior decorating to fostering integration of ages, I love this book!

Creative Counterpart by Linda Dillow

A great book on how to be a wife from the relational to the practical including organization.

The Christian Family by Larry Christenson

Every Christian should read this book on the the how, what, and why of God’s design of the Christian family. Covers roles and responsibilities, including the family’s Saviour – Jesus and parent’s role in the spiritual nurture of their children.

Spirit of Loveliness by Emilie Barnes

Lovely inside and out, Emilie reminds us to add beauty in our world to fee our soul. I love all her books but this is my favorite!

Sign up for our Newsletter

100 Homeschool Hacks by Meredith CurtisSign up for our updates and get your copy of 100 Homeschool Hacks FREE. Sign up here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Resources

All our curriculum is built around living books 😊

Newspaper Reporting by Meredith Curtis Travel God's World Geography by Meredith Curtis British Literature & Writing High School Class HIS Story of the 20th Century by Meredith Curtis

 


Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

Off the Shelf: Summer Mom Reads

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

 

Off the Shelf: Mom Summer Reads Off the Shelf: Summer Mom Reads Episode 101

In this episode we talk about on of our favorite things – books.  More specifically, we discuss our some of our recent and future books just for you mom!

Books and Authors Mentioned on Show

Sharon’s list:

Suzanne’s List

Some of our other Favorite Authors

  • Jenny L. Cote
  • Bryan Davis
  • Chuck Black
  • S.D. Smith

 

Books Guys Love

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Finish Well Homeschool Podcast, Podcast #158, Books Guys Love, with Meredith Curtis on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

Books Guys Love

In “Books Guys Love,” Episode, #158, Meredith Curtis, mother of a son who loves to read now, but didn’t always in those early years, had to search out books for her son to read. She found a treasure trove in authors like Howard Pyle, Paul Hutchens, RM Ballantyne, GA Henty, Sir Walter Scott, and Scott O’Dell. Meredith will share 21 authors that boys will enjoy reading throughout the homeschool years.

 

 

 

 


Colossians 1:28 by Laura Nolette and Powerline Productions, Inc.

 

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

 

 

 


Show Notes

As much as times change, the things that beat in the hearts of little boys and young men stays the same. Let me introduce you to some timeless classics that still captivate the hearts of guys of all ages who still love thrilling adventures and fearless heroes.

What Kind of Books Should You Give Your Children?

Living Books

Classic Books (doesn’t matter age—classics are timeless)

Wholesome Books

Books with Good Role Models

Meet the Authors and Find Out Why Guys Love Their Books

George Sheldon

Felix Sutton

Scott O’Dell

Hugh Lofting

Albert Payson Terhune

William O. Steele

Jim Kjelgaard

Howard Pyle

Paul Hutchens (Sugar Creek Gang series)

Walt Morey

Quentin Reynolds

RM Ballantyne

GA Henty

H Rider Haggard

Robert Louis Stevenson

Sir Walter Scott

Rudyard Kipling

Mark Twain

James Fenimore Cooper

Jules Verne

HG Wells

Sign up for our Newsletter

100 Homeschool Hacks by Meredith CurtisSign up for our updates and get your copy of 100 Homeschool Hacks FREE. Sign up here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Resources

These resources help your teen grow in virtue and life skills/soft skills

Newspaper Reporting by Meredith Curtis Travel God's World Geography by Meredith Curtis National Parks Fact Cards by Meredith Curtis HIS Story of the 20th Century by Meredith Curtis

 

Educate – FREEDOM Tools Part 2

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Educate - FREEDOM Tools Part 2: 7 tools for making the most of our time so that we can live balanced, peaceful lives.

In the previous episode, we began talking about my FREEDOM toolbox–7 tools for making the most of our time so that we can live balanced, peaceful lives. These are the tools:

  • Focus
  • Reflect
  • Educate
  • Eliminate
  • Discipline
  • Organize
  • Multitask

Today we’ll look at the third tool: Educate.

It’s easy for homeschooling moms to get so caught up in educating our children that we forget about educating ourselves! We can get caught up in curriculum, lesson plans, and goals for our children that we completely neglect our own personal growth.

But the truth is that we ALL need to expose ourselves to new ideas and new strategies on a regular basis for all three major life areas: personal, family, and business. You need to sharpen your own skills and broaden your mind, learn new ideas and methods for training and educating your children and running your household, and discover new ways to build your business, if you have one.

In addition, if you want your children to value reading and learning, they need to see YOU reading–for pleasure as well as for learning.

In this episode of the “Flourish at Home” show, you’ll learn a variety of ways to make the most of your reading, such as keeping a reading journal, writing in your books, and keeping a record of your reading.

Maybe you’re thinking, “Sure, I’d like to read more, but I don’t know how I can possibly fit it into my life. I already have too much to do without adding one more thing!” You’ll also discover practical tips for fitting learning into your life, such as taking advantage of the wide variety of formats available now, using audiobooks to multitask, using family time for independent reading as well as reading aloud, and the always-popular reading at bedtime.

Join us for encouragement and practical tips to keep learning and growing throughout your entire life!

Books Girls Love

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Finish Well Homeschool Podcast, Podcast #154, Books Girls Love, with Meredith Curtis on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast NetworkBooks Girls Love

In “Books Girls Love,” Episode, #154, Meredith Curtis, mother of four girls, shares their family’s favorite authors, including beloved authors enjoyed for four generations. She talks about the books they wrote and why girls love them. We’ve all heard of Jane Austen, Louisa May Alcott, and Lucy Maud Montgomery. However, have you heard of Milly Howard, Lois Lenski, Elizabeth Yates, Patricia St. John, Kate Seredy, and Martha Finley? Find out why these books have delighted girls of all ages for decades.

 

 

 


Colossians 1:28 by Laura Nolette and Powerline Productions, Inc.

 

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

 

 

 


Show Notes

As much as times change, the things that beat in the hearts of little girls and young women stays the same. Let me introduce you to some timeless classics that still captivate the hearts of girls of all ages.

What Kind of Books Should You Give Your Children?

Living Books

Classic Books (doesn’t matter age—classics are timeless)

Wholesome Books

Books with Good Role Models

Meet the Authors and Find Out Why They Captivate Girls’ Hearts

Milly Howard

Lois Lenski

Laura Ingalls Wilder

Pamela L. Traveres

Maud Hart Lovelace

Eleanor Porter

Kate Seredy

Kate Douglas Wiggins

Noel Streatfeild

Arleta Richardson

Edith Nesbit

Hilda Van Stockum

Elizabeth Yates

Margaret Sidney

Martha Finley

Louisa May Alcott

Patricia St. John

Frances Hodgson Burnett

Gene Stratton Porter

Lucy Maud Montgomery

Jane Austen

Sign up for our Newsletter

100 Homeschool Hacks by Meredith CurtisSign up for our updates and get your copy of 100 Homeschool Hacks FREE. Sign up here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Resources

All our curriculum is built around living books 😊

Newspaper Reporting by Meredith Curtis Travel God's World Geography by Meredith Curtis HIS Story of the 20th Century by Meredith Curtis