Spring Break Reading List

Today's Show Us Your Life topic at Kelly's Korner - My Book List - couldn't have been any more perfect for me... One week from today will be the official start to my SPRING BREAK 2011!  Woo hoo!  I plan to be in nursery/home organization, clean, and decorate mode all week --- a far cry from the college days spent in Florida or NYC!

But, even the most productive week requires a good bit of downtime, and I plan to fill that time with lots of reading - both for fun and education.  Of course, I will never get through all of these in one week, but I'm hoping to get a good start and be able to finish before our little man makes his debut.

So, here it is. My Book List: (in no particular order)

Laughter and Tears: The Emotional Life of New Mothers by Elisabeth Bing and Libby Coleman

A blog friend recommended this to me shortly after I announced I was pregnant.  She said it was a big help to her in the weeks and months right after delivery; and, based on what I know about myself, I thought it would be really good for me too.  I've read the first three chapters or so and am really liking it so far. (Thanks Katie!)

On Becoming Babywise by Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam

I pretty much hear about this book/ parenting philosophy every where I go now! I've been very excited to read it and learn more for myself.  So far, I'm about halfway through and taking a LOT of good information to heart.  I can really see this being something I apply to my life in July.

Birthing from Within: An Extra-Ordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation by Pam England and Rob Horowitz

I admit that this one is a little out of my comfort zone. (The cover illustration alone makes me giggle.) But, it came highly recommended from my girlfriend Lea (who is expecting a baby of her own in early June), and I've been wanting to read something to prepare me for labor and delivery.  From what I understand, parts of this book are a little non-conventional, but the authors do a good job of discussing both sides of the birthing coin.  I'll let you know what I think once I get going on this one!

Animal Farm by George Orwell

This one really should be at the top of the list, because I HAVE to read it.  I read it once in tenth grade myself (although, I don't know how much of it I actually read), and  I've been procrastinating reading it again ALL school year. BUT, the time has come...  Wewill start this as our final book unit the day we return from Spring Break.  Hence, I need to read it and do some planning.  What's spring break without a little Russian Revolutionary reading anyway?  Who knows, maybe I'll like it this time around!

And, for some light and fun reading (because I'll definitely need it after all of the above)...

The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels --- A Love Story by Ree Drummond

Do you read her blog?  If you don't, you should.  She's amazing.  Enough said. I can't wait for this one! (Although, I'll be honest... I don't really like the cover.  It looks old and lame.  Let's not judge, ok?)

Have you read any of these?  Thoughts? Comments?  Check out more reading lists (I'm sure I'll add twenty titles to this) on Kelly's blog here.

P.S. My tooth is feeling MUCH better these days!  There is still a little pain, but a root canal is looking less and less likely.  THANK YOU for your prayers and sweet comments - I know it is small in the grand scheme of things, but it has been a big deal to me this week. AND... My first big shower is tomorrow! I'm SO excited!  (Look for pictures and an update on Sunday.)