Time to get some good hammock (or camper) reading into our schedule. Since my family recently returned from a road trip, I'm sharing books that are perfect for life on the road. Whether it's a read aloud for the family or an introvert's dream vacation, let's end this summer with some great new books!
As always, these are in no particular order:
- Peace Like a River by Lief Enger : This book was recommended to me more than once before I actually read it. The story is compelling and thought provoking. I read it and then purchased the audible so that my family could listen to it on the road. It was just as enjoyable the second time around. This is not a book for younger children, some descriptions and themes are more difficult for younger audiences to comprehend. For older children, though, it's a great discussion starter on justice, righteousness, action, and miracles.
- Boy by Roald Dahl : Last summer my guys laughed through Dahl's encounters in his book "Going Solo". The audible version read by Dan Stevens is masterful. This summer, we went backwards and listened to Dahl's childhood encounters, again read by Dan Stevens. It was a short lighthearted listen with a quirky British twist. While I'd recommend this book for most kids over 5, some of the church leaders referenced are harsh and Dahl's resulting animosity is not hidden.
- The Insanity of God by Nik Ripken : Do you like to be inspired and challenged when you are on vacation? I do. Road trips especially help me refocus. This book will remind you that we all have a calling. While I'm reading it aloud to my kids, some parts are hard to get through without crying.
- The Bark of the Bog Owl by Jonathan Rogers : A great all around family book. This story is perfect for road trips. The audible version is even read by Mr. Rogers himself. This adventure book is a fun imaginative twist of the classic David and Goliath story.
- All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot : It is with my last suggestion that I realize my children are older. No more picture books or beginning readers dot my summer reading lists. Instead we get the clear and sometimes gross descriptions of medical procedures, albeit performed on cows. This is a captivating story and, with the new BBC series, the audible version is read by the actor.
Few things in this world will tell you that I'm a parent of older boys than this booklist. However, these stories all have something to share with the world and are worth the time even for us ladies. I hope that your summer road trips are full of laughter and great stories shared with friends and family!