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Books to Prepare for Life


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I am trying to come up with a list of must-reads before high school graduation. I'm not looking for literature suggestions, as that will be covered in the English coursework we do. I'm thinking more like biographies of exceptional people, Christian classics (or not so classic), financial, marriage, and just any type of book that will inspire and prepare my dc to be out on their own. What are some of the books you're having your kids read?

Thanks!

~Sarah

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I definitely recommend Douglas Southall Freeman's biographies George Washington and Robert E. Lee. I have often seen them in our public library in condensed form, although I personally prefer the unabridged works. These works cover significant blocks of United States history, and they illumine valuable character qualities for leadership.

 

I would also recommend that students go through a serious book on personal finances before graduation. There are several good ones out there, including works by Larry Burkett and Dave Ramsey.

 

Hope this helps! :)

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I just suggested this in another post, but I think it is one of the most moving and influential books about a young man who gave his life ENTIRELY over to God's will ... Shadow of the Almighty:The Life and Testimony of Jim Elliot by Elisabeth Eliot

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the most obvious book is the Bible - things like not marrying an unbeliever, being good stewards of ALL the Lord has blessed them with (not just money), living to serve vs a self-centered life, etc., etc. You know ... all the basic principles in the Bible itself. I'd make sure they had them all down cold.

 

Then, something that's worked well for us is to read tons and tons of Christian bio's together (aloud). We discuss and discuss, as a group and individually, these books. I've found them at various places - internet (google Christian bio), hs catalogs (Sonlight is good), Reformation Heritage catalog, etc. You'll have to search these for yourself. I'm at the library and don't have time - no net at home. Sorry.

 

Also, when you read one book, esp. if it's an old one, look in the back for lists of other books. I've found some of the best books that way. Ex: "Unlisted Legion" had a great list in the back, if I remember correctly.

 

I also search places like abebooks.com specifically for bio's 50 or more years old. They're often more interesting (think less censored!).

 

We're also currently reading "A Treatise on Earthly-Mindedness" by Jeremiah Burroughs and plan to read lots of Puritan writings. You'd have to research that one, too. Reformation Heritage sells plenty of Puritan writings. And some are free on the net. No copyrights.

 

We've also read much of John MacArthur's books. He does "Grace to You" (radio), etc. And he has a bio list on his website that's pretty good.

 

HTH,

KathyP

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I found the Trinity Forum series mentioned on the high school board a couple of years back. My DH is really impressed with the books and wants to read through as many as he can with our boys as they move through their high school years: http://www.ttf.org/index/resources/studyseries/ He's going to start with When No One Sees: The Importance of Character in an Age of Image.

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Along with Mere Christianity, I would suggest The Screwtape Letters, it really makes one think about the day to day distractions of life in a profound way. I would also encourage a worldview book. Of course, my very favorite book (worldview or otherwise) is the one I'd recommend: How Should We Then Live, by Francis Schaeffer.

 

Also, I would suggest The Excellent Wife and its companion book for men (forgot the name). They made a profound impact on my thinking.

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Some books that I read as a teen : The Cross and the Switchblade by David Wilkerson, The Happiest People on Earth by Demos Shakarian, A.W.Tozer's books especially The Pursuit of Holiness, The Magnificent Obsession by Lloyd Douglass

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Guest Katia

My girls will both be reading:

 

The Teenager's Guide to the Real World: How to become a successful adult by Marshall Brain

 

and

 

Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper

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This is on my to-do list! To sieve through book lists, the books I've read, the books I'd like to read and create a list to hit before graduation. I don't have my list yet, but here are two books that will be on it:

 

God's Smuggler, Brother Andrew

Experiencing God, Knowing and Doing the Will of God, Henry Blackaby

 

The latter is availabe as a Bible study or book. In the best of all worlds, I hope to have a small group Bible study with each of my dc using Experiencing God before they graduate.

 

'll be happy to share my final list once I've had time to sit down and compile it. I'd love to see your list once complete!

 

Have a great evening,

Lisa

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