Years ago, when my husband and I were considering home education for our first two daughters, we were excited, but also a bit uneasy. Knowing hardly any homeschoolers at the time, we wondered if our children would grow up lonesome, missing out on the seemingly irreplaceable social activities available through school. How many nights I agonized over these concerns, wishing for some reassurance!
Now, over a decade and many happy memories later, it seemed a good time to give some of that reassurance to other families. My prayer is that "Haystack Full of Needles: A Catholic Home Educator's Guide to Socialization" (coming soon from Hillside Education) will do just that, encouraging new homeschoolers while sharing ideas with the veterans.
Far from being a weakness of home education, socialization is its greatest strength--and joy! Among other things, the book will discuss a "Fatima Model" for gatherings, show how our St. Francis Nature Club was formed nine years ago, and tell the story of that full-length production of Shakespeare performed in the backyard. It will demonstrate how home education leads to life-long friends--not only for the children, but the parents as well--sharing numerous ideas for clubs and activities.
"Haystack" provides a hopeful and positive message, making it a good book to pass along to family and friends or anyone interested in knowing more about the social lives of Catholic homeschoolers. I am hoping it will go a long way toward answering the age old question, "But what about Socialization?"
Many thanks to my publisher, the incomparable Margot Davidson of Hillside. She has been a joy in every way and yet another friend met thanks to the blessing of home education.
If you have a moment, please say a prayer for this project as it nears completion. I would very much appreciate it!
But so much more important than that, please pray for a friend of mine who is having an important medical test done tomorrow.
Thank you very much!
Dearest darling Alice!! I am so happy for you!! And for the rest of us who can read this lovely book! Congratulations on this wonderful achievement. I am full of so many happy feelings, they can not be contained in mere words.
And prayers for your friend - remembering always the troubled in our times of joy.
Posted by: patience | February 12, 2008 at 10:07 PM
Just this morning I thought to myself, "I need a new refresher with this hs-ing thing! I hope someone writes a book!" (I'm not kidding) Alas, I see this news and feel hope once more. I will pray it all goes well. Cannot wait. . .
Posted by: Sarah | February 12, 2008 at 10:14 PM
Wonderful! I'll be praying for the successful completion of *your book* (how awesome! :o)) and your friend.
Posted by: Wendy in VA (now in MD) | February 12, 2008 at 10:48 PM
All the best to you Alice - as you finish up this great project of yours! Congratulations!
Posted by: Christine M | February 12, 2008 at 11:14 PM
Fantastic! Yeah! I can't wait to read it and then buy copies for family and friends! You should feel very proud, Alice. Congratulations!
Much love,
Erica
Posted by: Erica | February 13, 2008 at 12:03 AM
I am so happy for you, Alice! Congratulations.
I'll be praying for your friend, as well.
Posted by: Layla | February 13, 2008 at 12:16 AM
Congratulations, Alice! I can't wait to read it.
Posted by: Account Deleted | February 13, 2008 at 12:59 AM
This sounds wonderful Alice - thank you! I look forward to its release.
God Bless, Anne
Posted by: aussieannie | February 13, 2008 at 01:05 AM
Such exciting news, dear Alice! I will be praying for you and this beautiful project! :)
Posted by: Dawn | February 13, 2008 at 06:58 AM
AWESOME!!! Congrats, and kisses, and hugs!!!! You are AMAZING! :)
Posted by: Lorraine | February 13, 2008 at 07:46 AM
Congratulations Alice! I can't wait to read this gem! :)))
Posted by: Cheryl M. | February 13, 2008 at 08:10 AM
Wonderful news! All my prayers for you, your friend, and this project!
Posted by: Paula in MN | February 13, 2008 at 08:14 AM
Alice, this is fabulous news! I am so very happy for you. I love the title. After reading many of your articles I know this book will be excellent. Once again congratulations my friend!
Posted by: Lee | February 13, 2008 at 08:38 AM
I can't wait! And what a beautiful cover they've given you. You have my prayers. :-)
Posted by: Angel | February 13, 2008 at 08:44 AM
!!! I can't wait. How exciting - we struggle so much with self doubt in this subject. Wonderful, wonderful news.
Posted by: Jennifer | February 13, 2008 at 09:25 AM
Congratulations, Alice! THat's wonderful news!
Posted by: Beck | February 13, 2008 at 09:31 AM
What a blessing this book looks to be. Congratulations and many prayers for a tremendous success!
Posted by: Jane | February 13, 2008 at 09:45 AM
This is the best news of the week, perhaps the month or year at that!!! Many prayers for you sweet lady, congratulations!!!
Posted by: Meredith | February 13, 2008 at 09:49 AM
How wonderfully exciting! Congratulations, Alice! Coming from you, I know this will be a classic in the homes of homeschoolers. And a bestseller for sure!! What happy, happy news. Deo Gratias!
Posted by: Kristen Laurence | February 13, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Oh Alice, congratulations!! This looks so wonderful. I can't wait to read it.
Posted by: Amy | February 13, 2008 at 10:46 AM
I love the cover! Can't wait!
Posted by: Ana Braga-Henebry | February 13, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Congratulations Alice, how wonderful. I know your book will touch so many. I love the cover too. Love Clarice
Posted by: clarice | February 13, 2008 at 11:10 AM
Congratulations, Alice!
Posted by: Suzanne Temple | February 13, 2008 at 11:18 AM
Dear Alice,
The book you have written is very timely for this homeschooler! Thank you!
Posted by: Genevieve | February 13, 2008 at 12:01 PM
How exciting, Alice -- congratulations! And I love the title :)
Goodness, I think the kids would be considerably less social and socialized if they weren't hs'ed :)
Posted by: Becky | February 13, 2008 at 01:39 PM
Congrats! I look forward to reading it (even though I no longer homeschool).
Posted by: Mary Beth P | February 13, 2008 at 03:13 PM
What a great accomplishment! And with all you've got going on, I'm sure it's been quite an undertaking. I look forward to reading it. I've often felt the socialization provided by the schools was probably the least desirable; I like that you've put a more positive spin on it --that a huge plus of homeschooling is the social aspects. Good luck and again, congratulations!
Posted by: Michelle | February 13, 2008 at 03:21 PM
Oh, I can't wait. Congratulations, Alice!
Posted by: KC | February 13, 2008 at 04:38 PM
A book by the lovely Alice Gunther! I can't wait!
Posted by: Jennie C. | February 13, 2008 at 05:42 PM
Congratulations Alice!
Posted by: Rebecca | February 13, 2008 at 09:25 PM
WOW I am so proud of you - cogratulations Alice. I cannot wait to read it.
Prayers also for your friend.
Lee
Posted by: Leona | February 14, 2008 at 12:13 AM
Oh Alice, I simply can't wait to have this in my home, ready to share with friends. Congratulations!
Posted by: Maria Ashwell | February 14, 2008 at 08:46 AM
This book and this subject was earmarked for you! God knows what He is about! I'm going to get your book and I don't even homeschool :o)
Congratulations and thank you for sharing your talents .
Hugs and prayers,
Lynn
Posted by: Lynn | February 14, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Many thanks for sharing your wisdom with us!
Posted by: Abigail | February 14, 2008 at 11:43 AM
I'm so excited, Alice! Something beautiful to look forward to holding in my hands and reading. A chance to learn from someone I greatly admire. Praying for you and for your friend.
Posted by: Lisa Mladinich | February 14, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Oh Alice, how wonderful!!! I can't wait to read it. I'm sure it will be a treasure.
Praying also for your friend.
Posted by: Theresa ♥ | February 14, 2008 at 07:31 PM
Congratulations, Alice! You're in my prayers
Posted by: Ruth | February 14, 2008 at 07:54 PM
Congratulations, Alice! You're in my prayers
Posted by: Ruth | February 14, 2008 at 07:57 PM
Alice, this is such wonderful news, and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy! Your writing is such a delight, I can only imagine what a pleasure it will be to have an entire bookful to peruse.
And, in other news, my 8yo daughter is desperate to make sure I remember to do your Lenten Tea for our Good Friday dinner again this year. (She brings it up every few days, now that Lent is here.) What an impact you are having on us! :)
Warmly,
Eileen
Posted by: Eileen | February 14, 2008 at 11:01 PM
Ooooh, I can't wait to read it. Congratulations!
Posted by: Blair | February 14, 2008 at 11:32 PM
The cover looks so warm and gentle. I know the inside will be the same along with helpful and informative suggestions. So proud of you!
Posted by: Tracey | February 15, 2008 at 07:30 AM
Congratulations, Alice! I can't wait to get my copy. Perhaps I might get the author to sign it? :-)
Posted by: Nissa | February 15, 2008 at 08:15 AM
Can you imagine the lines at book signings? :-) We can't wait to get hold of a copy of this treasure!
Posted by: Karen Edmisten | February 16, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Alice,
I look forward to looking at your book. I am wondering if you deal at all with social isssues for the special needs child? I have a son with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and our main struggles are social ones.
Posted by: Heidi | February 17, 2008 at 08:13 AM
Congratulations! I'm putting your book on my "to order" list for the upcoming school year.
Posted by: Crimson Wife | February 17, 2008 at 06:39 PM
I loooooooooooooove your cover mom, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D
Posted by: Margaret | February 18, 2008 at 10:24 PM
Alice,
This book will fill a much needed place on our Catholic Homeschooling bookshelves (after we read it of course!). I am looking forward to reading your new work, and sharing it with others.
I'll be praying for your friend, too.
Posted by: Nancy Brown | February 18, 2008 at 10:43 PM
Oh wow, Alice! How wonderful! I can't wait to get your book! (Margot is my cousin's wife:) She's the dearest of dears! Prayers for your lovely project!
Posted by: Julie at Trinity Acres | February 24, 2008 at 09:03 PM
What a wonderful title! This is sure to sell well! I wish I could have used the analogy of a "haystack full of needles" when questioned about socialization during my homeschooling years!
Posted by: Elizabeth | March 01, 2008 at 08:48 PM