"Frugal" books read for pleasure

**frugal.lass** · 12-09-2008, 02:15 PM

I know that many people here are familiar with the "how-to" frugality books but I have another type of book that I find inspires me to be frugal and thankful for what I have. These are books like "A tree grows in Brooklyn", "The Glass Castle", "The Grapes of Wrath", the Little House series...books where the characters (or author in the case of the biographies) are dealing with hardships or poverty. My friends think those books are super depressing but I read them and think "Wow...we humans are pretty tough creatures!" plus, it makes me look around at my fairly bare apartment (in comparison to my friends's places) and just be shocked at how fortunate I am. Obviously, there aren't always happy endings to these novels but, in general, I just can't get enough of them.

Does anyone else enjoy that type of books and perhaps have some to recommend?

**DJ1972** · 12-09-2008, 03:04 PM

I am also a fan of those types of books. Beverly Lewis' books are christian fiction and are all about amish characters, I really enjoy those also. As you said, reminds you to appreciate the simple things in life and to rethink what is really important.

**Jeanna** · 12-09-2008, 06:57 PM

DJ if you love Beverly Lewis you should try Wanda Brunsetter. I really like her books also. I like some of the other books Laura Ingles Wilder wrote or were compiled of her writings like Saving Graces: The Inspirational Writings of Laura Ingalls Wilder and
Little House in the Ozarks: A Laura Ingalls Wilder Sampler : The Rediscovered Writings by Laura Ingalls Wilder and Stephens Hines. These are both writing she did about her home and running the farm after she was married.

**mrsmac62** · 12-09-2008, 07:30 PM

The Little House books are among my favourites too. I re-read "The Long Winter' recently to help get some perspective. Other books I've enjoyed-

Lark Rise to Candleford*- Flora Thompson (Early 20th century in rural Britain)
A Fence Around the Cuckoo*- Ruth Park (NZ during the depression)
Gap Creek & The Hinterlands- Robert Morgan
Cold Mountain- Charles Frazier (my all time favourite)
The Harp in the South & Poor Man's Orange- Ruth Park
Angela's Ashes*- Frank McCourt

* indicates autobiographies

**LastDragonfly** · 12-09-2008, 07:33 PM

There is also the series about Caroline Ingalls when she was growing up.

I too love these kinds of books. I just finished the Foxfire book. There is a whole series. It's actually very interesting (to me) I cant wait to put my hands on some more. It's a series.

**Debbie-cat** · 12-09-2008, 10:24 PM

I agree with you frugal.lass. Reading books about poverty and hardships make us realize how fortunate we really are nowadays.

**Drgnfly423** · 12-09-2008, 11:48 PM

Those are all great books...I've always wanted to read the Beverly Lewis series...thanks for the reminder!

Another great "frugal fiction" read is "Christy" by Catherine Marshall. I stumbled upon it at a garage sale and bought it with a group of books. It's one of my all time favorite reads.

**Momof3girls** · 12-10-2008, 12:00 AM

I love books with the themes of not only overcoming tough times, but thriving. They are inspirational and I don't find them depressing at all.

**SandNOceanGirl** · 12-10-2008, 07:45 AM

I also enjoy reading those types of books as well. I have seen the Beverly Lewis books and just haven't had the time to think about reading them but I will put them on my list of to read books.

I like reading about families that live the "frontier" life. (can't think of any at this moment). They're heartwarming because of everything that they overcome. I always find myself inspired after I read them!

**lmbaker520** · 12-10-2008, 08:38 AM

I have also read the Beverly Lewis books and really like them. I have not read the Little House books in years and it might be fun to go back and read them. Thanks for all of the good book suggestions!

**DJ1972** · 12-10-2008, 02:23 PM

Originally Posted by Jeanna

DJ if you love Beverly Lewis you should try Wanda Brunsetter. I really like her books also. I like some of the other books Laura Ingles Wilder wrote or were compiled of her writings like Saving Graces: The Inspirational Writings of Laura Ingalls Wilder and
Little House in the Ozarks: A Laura Ingalls Wilder Sampler : The Rediscovered Writings by Laura Ingalls Wilder and Stephens Hines. These are both writing she did about her home and running the farm after she was married.

Another friend just told me about Brustetter. I will have to see if the library has any of her books. Thanks!

**LastDragonfly** · 12-10-2008, 02:25 PM

I like Brunstetters books too. One time I was reading a Brun book and a Lewis book at the same time and I got so confused! LOL

**staciah** · 12-10-2008, 02:43 PM

Another book that know body has mentioned is "Little Women". I love watching the movie this time of year.

**lmbaker520** · 12-10-2008, 03:20 PM

Ooo good thought on Little Women!

**pat in east texas** · 12-10-2008, 08:21 PM

Lots of the O. Henry stories - "The Gift of the Magi", "Onions For the Soup" (or is it stew?, etc.
Huckleberry Finn.
Books set in England during WWII.
Neville Shute's books.