On Books

"Let’s see what’s on YLCF today," I thought, clicking my way down the familiar "pathway" to my favorite website. Firefox - bookmarks - Jeannie - Young Ladies Christian Fellowship. "Oh, my . . . books." Gretchen’s recent finds had me drooling within minutes. The Bird in the Tree? I’m hunting for that! (Just bought Pilgrim’s Inn.) Freckles? If only I’d known – I have two copies. Maybe YLCF should start a book exchange.

My sisters came in as I was staring at Gretchen’s photos, trying to read the titles. "Oh, what lovely old books! Gretchen likes them as much as you do, Jeannie." We all chuckled over the quote from Erasmus, agreeing that it fits me pretty well, too. And even though my book inventory doesn’t come anywhere close to that of Mrs. Acheson, my family loves to tease me about my weakness for old books. I only have about 100 so far – that’s pretty poor, I think. But you should see the list of what I’m looking for!

Instead of publishing my wish list, I’d like to introduce you to a few old friends. A list of titles and authors is a great start, but these books are so good that I’d like to encourage you a bit more by giving you a little description of each. Maybe you’ll be inspired to check them out at your library (and don’t forget inter-library loan!). You’ll soon realize I have some authors who are definite favorites! The following titles are ones that have encouraged me in my desire to be a good wife and mother when that day comes.

A Lantern in Her Hand (Bess Streeter Aldrich). The story of Abbie Deal, the Scotch-Irish pioneer woman who faced the joys and trials of life with "a song upon her lips and a lantern in her hand." Reminiscent of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books, but with rich lessons and lovely poetic writing. Abbie’s devotion to her husband and children really inspired me! I found an old hardback copy at a garage sale, but this book has been reprinted.

A White Bird Flying (Bess Streeter Aldrich). Sequel to A Lantern in Her Hand, and every bit as good! Abbie’s granddaughter Laura, although living in another era, finds that times may change, but life’s great purposes remain the same. From the dust jacket: "Should a woman’s ambition to ‘do something in the world’ mean more to her than marriage and home life?" Together, A White Bird Flying and A Lantern in Her Hand are a powerful antidote to today’s feminism. This one has also been reprinted and is not too hard to find.

Mother (Kathleen Norris). A book that deserves the attention it has been getting in the homeschool community, Mother upholds marriage and motherhood as more worthy goals than a career. The Vision Forum has reprinted this book (edited by Jennie Chancey) and they have done a beautiful job. I own a copy of the original (published in 1946) and personally I prefer it to the revision, but either would be an excellent addition to your library. Margaret Paget, not sure that she wants to sacrifice her ideas of a "successful" life for simply being a mother, gets to see a little of both before choosing her path. A very sweet story.

Mother Mason and The Cutters (Bess Streeter Aldrich). Two little books that emphasize happy family life, close relationships, and the things in life that are truly important. The mothers, Mrs. Mason and Mrs. Cutter respectively, have trials that make them question the worth of their chosen life work, but both find contentment and satisfaction. These books make me long for a home of my own to make a happy, homey place! Both make good read-aloud books, as well. Not as easy to find, but worth the search – try bookfinder.com.

to be continued...

- by Jeannie Castleberry