A Charlotte Mason Education by Catherine Levison
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Book Reviews of A Charlotte Mason Education
Book Review: Not great, not worthless
Summary: 3 Stars
This book is a very brief, very basic primer on constructing a Charlotte Mason-style education for one's child. The author herself acknowledges that Mason's writings should be consulted before a parent attempts to implement Mason's methods. In this, I believe, she is correct. I would assert, additionally, that there are many other books which serve as much more helpful companions to Mason's writings than this little tome.
I was, frankly, surprised that so many found information in this book to be so helpful. To me, it seemed very crude and rather obvious. I would also add that the writing style of this author is not at all polished or professional. I felt as though I was reading a high schooler's essays rather than the thoughts of an adult who teaches her children the information she is sharing in this book. These chapters sound like thoughts randomly assembled on a blog, complete with informal sentence structure, etc. I'm glad that the book has been enjoyed by others, but I, for one, don't enjoy having paid good money for this sort of casual conversation in print.
If you are looking for some wonderful Charlotte Mason resources, consider first the truly excellent, "A Charlotte Mason Comapnion." Another worthy accompaniment to Mason's writings is the compilation, "When Children Love to Learn." For those struggling with Mason's writings, "Charlotte Mason Summaries" is very helpful and can serve as a "cliffs-notes" of sort for the one in need of more introduction to Charlotte Mason.
Bottom line on this book -- save your money. The info is widely available elsewhere in a much more pleasurable read.
Book Review: An ok Charlotte Mason starting point...
Summary: 3 Stars
If you know absolutely nothing about Charlotte Mason, this might be the book for you. Frankly, I would recommend Karen Andreola's book over this one as a starter for those interested in Charlotte Mason, or better yet, if you can afford it, buy Charlotte's books! :-) I am surprised at all the high reviews of the book...someone is seeing something that I didn't, and maybe you would too? I am a homeschooling mom of four boys and use a classical/charlotte mason style in my home. I have been homeschooling now for five years and come from a family filled with educators. I felt that this book was lacking in meat/substance, and had I not been familiar already with Charlotte Mason's overall ideas, probably would not have felt that a Charlotte Mason education was worth my time or consideration...however, in all fairness, the author does give some resources and ideas for implementing Charlotte Mason in your home that are nice to know. I'd check it out of the library though, or look for it used at yardsales? I will be reading her second book since I bought it for a steal at one of those aforementioned yardsales, and I understand that her second volume has more meat, and maybe that one is better? I hope so.Book Review: Practical information but skimpy...
Summary: 3 Stars
This short book is a wonderful introduction to the application of the Charlotte Mason approach to homeschooling. But I would recommend reading Karen Andreola's book first. What Andreola's book lacks, you can find in Levinson's little book. It tells you what to do...it gives you more cocnrete ideas. There are problems with the book. SOmetimes the author mentions someone as if the reader is supposed to know who the person is. I foudn myself going to her bibliography to identify names. This was distracting. Also, the book does not really explain how the author implements the method. The method is described but I would have liked reading more about how she has done it. Andreaola covers that much better. Read both books. One supplements the other.Book Review: Brief Overview of the method
Summary: 3 Stars
This is a VERY brief overview of the Charlotte Mason method. It gives a very bare-boned outline of the important aspects, but does not go into enough detail for most people who are new to the method. I would recommend searching out information on the internet, rather than spending money on this book.Book Review: Tell Me More
Summary: 2 Stars
I could tell this book was written by a homeschooling mom and not a professional writer...not because of grammar, but the book was lacking in information and flow. I know homeschooling mom's are great resources, nothing against them, I just was very frustrated with this book. I have read many books about Charlotte Mason and her methods, and I think this is the reason I was dissappointed with this book. My friend read it and learned a lot. I think Catherine Levison's second book "More Charlotte Mason" does a much better job. The second book is basically a rewrite of the first adding all the information that was missing from the first book, like more detail on Charlotte Mason and what she stood for. So if you are wanting to read this book, just skip it and read her second one.