The Art of Being Kind

I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July weekend! I finished reading my daughter's book, Just as Long as We're Together, by Judy Blume. It's a very good book about friendship and the beginnings of romantic interest, and also deals with the protagonist's feelings about her parents' trial separation. My daughter is still reading Amy Moves In, and I think she's really enjoying it.

"It is one of the beautiful compensations of life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson, quoted in The Art of Being Kind

Next I'll read The Art of Being Kind by Swedish author, professor, and doctor Stefan Einhorn. I started to feel somewhat guilty as it has been in the to-be-read pile of books on my nightstand for a few weeks. I read little bits of it after I got it but will now read it as a whole. Stay tuned for a kinder person!

Amy Moves In

As I read Amy Moves In by Marilyn Sachs I was transported back to my childhood as I experienced the same strong emotions that the book elicited from me as a child. I enjoyed rereading this book very much, felt the intensity of childhood emotions as Amy tries to fit in and make friends at her new school and neighborhood, and struggles with being more honest and standing up for others. I must have identified with Amy when I was a child, and loved this book. Amy also has to deal with the upset of her mother's accident and long stay in the hospital. I remember how greatly that affected me as a child. I think my younger daughter will enjoy reading Amy Moves In; she wants me to read the book she's just finished, Just as Long as We're Together by Judy Blume, so we'll switch books. Afterward we'll have lively discussions about the books.