I Saw the Angel in the Marble

This book has been a breath of fresh air to me. In reading it, I'm reminded of the fundamental reason why we have chosen to homeschool our children. I highly suggest that anyone interested in homeschooling read this book. This book will inspire and encourage you.

This is a wonderful book -- a must read. This is for those thinking about homeschooling, just beginning to homeschool, or a great review for veteran home schoolers. Chris Davis has the best advice for schooling and parenting.

This book is well-written and easy to follow. It not only explains the "whys" of homeschooling, but delves into various methods of homeschooling. It helps the reader explain better to others questions such as, "What about socialization?" and "What about the REAL world?" This and Rick Boyer's book are better than the more popular ones you see at homeschool conventions and catalogs. These authors have no agenda except to help you in your endevour to homeschool. Nothing to buy, no gimmicks.

I was shocked to see that there was only one review on this wonderful book! For those who have never heard of it, it is a compilation of articles written by Chris & Ellyn Davis in the many years that they ran The Elijah Company. My veteran homeschool friends hang on to their old catalogs like gold for these articles but you can find them all in this excellent resource. The title is based upon a quote from Michelangelo "I saw the angel in the marble and I carved until I set it free." I can't think of a better metaphor to explain why we carefully craft the individualized education that is right for each of our uniquely created children! I should add that it is also an excellent gift to pass along to those friends and family members who still don't get why you have chosen to homeschool. This book was a tremendous blessing for me and my whole family.

I've read a lot of homeschooling/parenting books. This one is the cream of the crop. I only wish I would have had access to the Davis' insight and wisdom 4 years ago. Each essay was full of wisdom and ecouragement, and "jewels" from their years of experience. They hit on some of the very core issues of the life of learning at home together, many that I had not even considered before. My favorite was essay #9-get a copy, it's wonderful! I especially appreciated the fact that they addresss the role of the father in homelearning. I would suggest reading this book, along with Educating the Wholehearted Child by the Clarksons BEFORE you begin a home learning lifestyle. It will undoubtedly save you from unnecessary anxiety and stress about "academics" and give you the tools you need to start learning together, and stay learning together.