Book Review: Charity Hawkins’ The Homeschool Experiment

Looking for a Spring break read?

I have one to recommend.

Author Charity Hawkins sent me a copy of her book, The Homeschool Experiment for review.

A delightful novel for moms set in the hilarious, hard, and beautiful world of homeschooling. It’s the perfect first book for those just starting out on their homeschooling journey, or beginning to consider the idea, and it’s a reminder to the veteran homeschooler that you’re not alone. It’s sort of like living in the house of a homeschool family for a year. You see the daily challenges, but also the rewards. With refreshing humor and honesty, Hawkins offers moms encouragement in their noble work at home, a chance to laugh at the moments only a mom would understand, and a reminder to cherish those gifts right under their roofs- those wild, irrational, precious people-their own children. Though the book deals with homeschooling, it also addresses the larger question, “What happens when you feel called to do something that seems entirely too big for you?” Between laughs, don’t be surprised when you pick up ideas that will simplify your own homeschooling plan. So, come join Julianne and her co-op friends as they navigate through a hard but humorous year of diapers, dinners, husbands, meltdowns, and math lessons. And that’s just September.

The Homeschool Experiment had my attention immediately. For one, the main character is Julianne and that’s my real name, minus the -e. I also homeschooled kindergarten for my oldest and the challenges in the book are so real. There are humorous moments and realistic ones that will not only affirm homeschool moms, but hopefully open eyes to those who have judged moms who choose to homeschool.

I loved the format, it’s a month by month kind of journal style and it covers everything about homeschooling I can think of. Curriculum choices. Great goals, at least in your mind, dead on arrival. Because ultimately someone will be sick, have a tantrum, have the wrong supplies, etc…I especially liked the co-op moments. Personally, I dreaded those experiences because I was tired, overwhelmed, insecure, and just plain not in the mood to play nice.

Also covered are the family dynamics. Homeschooling is a family choice even though wives are typically the ones teaching. Everyone has something to say about it, and in Julianne’s case, extended family members have plenty to say. But as the year goes on, it’s not just the kids who are learning. Everyone gets schooled. 🙂

I highly recommend The Homeschool Experiment.  It’s funny, honest, and so relate able. You don’t have to be a homeschooling family to enjoy this. In fact, I recommend it because I think it will help you appreciate these families and perhaps find a way to encourage them.

To purchase, click here.

I received this book for review from the author.

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