One of the things we have let slide in this past year in America is hymn study. To be honest, because we go to church several times a week, we are getting far more exposure to hymns in America than we ever did even with deliberate hymn study back in China. It just goes to show that there is no substitute for natural experiences in our children’s education. Singing The Old Rugged Cross in a group of many hundred people is a powerful experience that needs little explanation. It’s been wonderful for Sprite to become familiar with a mix of both classic hymns and modern ones in our home church.
Of course, it’s beneficial to study the hymns as expressions of poetry and theology back at home during the homeschool day. So when I had a chance to read Then Sings My Soul Book 3, I was excited to add a hymn study reference to our bookshelves. This third book in the series continues the same format — short chapters with background histories about the writers of the hymns and how they composed them.
What I love about this volume is that it features hymns of all ages from modern writers such as the Gettys and Stuart Townsend (In Christ Alone which I love) to as early as the 1600s. In between the extremes there are popular hymns, lesser known hymns, and even gospel songs by William Gaither and Andre Crouch. The eclectic mix matches the music at our own church, so this book serves as a great complement to expand on what we sing every week.
So far we have been picking out a familiar tune from the chapters every now and then and reading about it. It’s a very informal study, but I believe in Charlotte Mason’s assurance that a little done often reaps large benefits. The book opens with a few chapters that trace the history of hymnody — Biblical hymns, ancient hymns, medieval hymns, German hymns, English hymns, and gospel and contemporary praise. At some point, I hope to cover this material with Sprite. For now we are enjoying the language and the truths of the songs and a bit of background information.
The bulk of the book is one page stories about various hymns. The left side has the music and lyrics of the featured song, just like what you would see in a hymnal. The background or narrative is on the right side. Some of the stories are more gripping than others, and many of the hymns are unknown to me (a former Methodist turned Baptist).
The one thing I do not like about this book is cosmetic. This book has rough cut paper along the side — deckle edge or feather edge, it is called. It looks as if it were torn. While I would love this look on crafts, it has no place in a modern book. It makes it impossible to thumb through the book since the pages are of varying lengths. Do the publishers think it makes the book holier to have a contrived “old” appearance? Not a fan of deckle edge on homeschool books.
Disclaimer: I recieved a copy of this book as part of the Booksneeze program in which I share an honest review in exchange for a free book.
Candace says
Jimmie, I love hymn stories!! As a musician, I love lots of different kinds of music and hymns are one of my favorites. 🙂 I had to comment, though, because your one dislike of this book made me chuckle! I love books with these edges…I think it looks artistic and vintage!! I found it so funny that you had such a strong dislike for it. Just had to share my little laugh for today. 🙂
Shannon AKA WordGirl says
Thanks for this post. Hymn studies are something I intended to do when I started homeschooling, yet I never get around to it. This book is appealing because it seems like an easy way to incorporate hymn study whenever we have time. My only question for you is whether you think starting with this book (Book 3) is an OK place to start. I’m inclined to simply start here because I like what you mention about it including hymns from a 400 year span. Let me know if you think starting with Book 1 of this series is essential.
As always, thanks for sharing your wisdom and experience!
Jill says
I have Book 1 and I wish is there was a CD to go with this series of books. I just had to leave that comment as it would make the hymn study so much better and since you offer a book review, maybe someone will add that feature to these great books.
Dee P says
I hadn’t heard of this book, but it does serve a wonderful purpose in studying hymns. I have read 4 books by Douglas Bond about Mr. Pipes. These books tell of 2 children who learn much about church history from a church organist. These would be wonderful read-alouds to my kids, when there is some down time (summer?).
Michelle says
This is fantastic! I have books 1 and 2, (I had no idea there was a 3rd!) and I have been meaning to incorporate them into our school. I also hate that rough edge, though. I actually thought that the printer made a mistake until I got the second book and it was the same way.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and I’m glad you liked our R&S review cards. They have been a lifesaver for us.
God bless,
Michelle
KM Logan says
I found your blog through booksneeze.com (I’m also a booksneeze blogger) I’m releasing an e-book at the beginning of next month. It’s for Christians who have thought about teaching music lessons. If this is something you might be willing to review for me, please e-mail me at lessonsfromivy at gmail dot com. I’m a relatively new author so I will take all the reviews I can get : )
Thanks!