The Pioneer Woman
“This book will fully resonate with moms who have already walked this path, but also serve as encouragement and comic relief for those who are considering homeschooling their children. Julianne’s character moves from a very frantic, unsettled mother to a more relaxed and introspective one, all the while realistically addressing so many of the lingering questions and self-doubts of first-time homeschooling moms.”
Read Heather’s whole Pioneer Woman review here >
San Francisco Book Review 5 stars
“Homeschooling parents around the world, rejoice! Charity Hawkins’ The Homeschool Experiment is the mainstream, hilarious, and refreshingly accurate homeschooling book you’ve been waiting for…Whether you homeschool or not, you’ll be able to relate to Julianne’s struggles, fears, joys, and accomplishments as a parent.”
Read the whole review here >
Christian Homeschool Moms
“The Homeschool Experiment is by far the most realistic, fictional novel for the homeschooling community I’ve ever had the opportunity to read. In sort of a “Shopaholic” meets Christian homeschooling mom twist, I found this book both entertaining and substantially motivating.”
Listen to my interview with Demetria on the Christian Homeschool Moms podcast >
Southern Literary Review
“. . . parents staying home with young children will appreciate Julianne’s struggle to find a little bit of peace each day. More than that, Julianne’s story is a wonderful reflection on savoring the journey parents and children take together.”
Read the whole review here >
Read the author interview by Patricia O’Sullivan here >
Oregon Christian Home Educator’s Association Network (OCEAN)
“Charity Hawkins succeeds beautifully with this book for so many reasons. Her heroine, Julianne, is real. She reminds me so much of myself. She hates that she yells at her kids sometimes. So do I. She doesn’t always have all the answers. Neither do I. This book is also hilarious. I read most of it while flying across the country, and I struggled multiple times not to snort as I laughed out loud. Don’t mind her. She’s reading a book about homeschooling.”
Read Amy’s whole review here >
5 Minutes for Books
” . . . and just like a conversation with a good friend, I came away with tips and ideas, or at least encouragement — feeling like I’m not alone on this journey of motherhood.”
Read Jennifer’s whole review here >
The Heart of the Matter Review
“The characters are well-defined and honest. Very honest. From the three kids to a supportive husband to the not-so-supportive in-laws, the characters in this book just will probably seem very real to fellow homeschooling moms.”
Read Pamela’s whole review at The Heart of the Matter here >
Our Homeschool Reviews
“I found myself laughing at the many stories included in The Homeschool
Experiment, some of which sounded all too familiar. Whether you are a
homeschool mom of one {like me} or many, I think you will relate to these
stories on some level.”
Read Christine’s whole review here >
Home Educating Family Association
“What I loved the most about The Homeschool Experiment was just how real Julianne was. I could relate to her in so many ways as I read the book. . . . The only thing I didn’t like about The Homeschool Experiment was that it ended! ”
Read Teisha’s whole review here >
I Can Teach My Child
“At first, I was a bit reluctant simply because I am not technically homeschooling (my oldest son goes to a church-based preschool 3 mornings a week). As I quickly found out, however, this book exemplified my life and the daily challenges of raising children all the while attempting to teach them in the process.”
Read Jenae’s whole review here >
The Cypress Times
“Looking for a spring break read? I have one to recommend. . . .
I highly recommend The Homeschool Experiment. It’s funny, honest, and so relateable. You don’t have to be a homeschooling family to enjoy this. In fact, I recommend it because I think it will help you appreciate these families and perhaps find a way to encourage them.”
Read Julie’s whole Cypress Times review here >
also posted at www.juliearduini.com
Homeschool Share
“A few days ago I picked it up off the shelf, started reading, and kept reading until I finished it that same night. It’s that good!”
Read Jen’s whole review here >
Joy in our Journey
“First of all, do not attempt to read this book while driving (oops, I mean riding) in a car on a long trip and the nearest bathroom is still an hour away. You will be laughing hard every now and then, and you want to arrive at your destination still wearing dry clothes and looking somewhat presentable. . .
I don’t know where I was reading this book when I laughed so hard that everyone stared at me. Was it at my hairdresser’s shop? Or during an orchestra rehearsal? I don’t remember. All I remember is that I could NOT contain my laughter, no matter how hard I tried to be polite.”
Read Julieanne’s (the real person, not my character!) whole review here >
So You Call Yourself a Homeschooler?
“Hawkins’ sense of humor is what this book so intriguing to me. Even though the book takes on several real life issues that are not a laughing matter, Hawkins was able to write it in a way that kept it lighthearted throughout.”
Read Carlie’s whole review here >
Owlhaven
“I have to tell you, I wasn’t sure how the concept of this book might work. I don’t tend to read much fiction these days, and I’d certainly never read fiction about a homeschooling mom. However, I found this book to be a delight. Within five pages I was laughing out loud. Within ten I was nodding over wisdom being shared by the friends of this new homeschooler. And within twenty I was sure this novel was well worth my time.
Read Mary’s whole review here >
My Life and Kids Library
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say the author, Charity Hawkins, was peeking in my windows and following me around. How does she know so much about my life?! I can so relate to Julianne Miller in this story. . . I recommend this book to any and every homeschooling family. You are not alone out there. We all go through some of the same things. This really brings everything close to home. . . This is a very encouraging novel. I received at just the right moment. God knew I needed this.”
Read Michele’s whole review here >
The Sweet Bookshelf
“As a mother, I laughed out loud through most of the book. The stories are
so…real. Hilariously so. If they happened to me I’d probably cry or something.
But, happening to someone else’s kids is just fine. Yet, we’ve all been there.
Kids are unpredictable! If you’re a Mom you’ll really identify with this book. A
lot of really great one-liners.”
Read Mary’s whole review here >
Sam’s Noggin
“This is the first book by author Charity Hawkins, but the book won’t give that away, the writing is fantastic!. . . I tabbed pages and pages with books to read, audios to order, poems to memorize, and lessons to learn. This book has been a blessing to me, and I almost missed out on it!”
Read Sam’s whole review here >
My Blessings From Above
“If I did not know better I would swear that The Homeschool Experiment was written about me! Those were my first thoughts when I started reading this book! Really.”
Read Michele’s whole review here >
“The Homeschool Life” radio show, 970 AM in Tulsa.
(I will link to this interview once it is archived on their site.)
Call Her Happy
“Let’s just say, if Becky from the Shopaholic series decided to homeschool her daughter, this would be the book written about it. The Homeschool Experiment is hilarious, uplifting, genuine and inspiring. It really feels like an honest look into the life of a homeschooling family. . . So, maybe you are looking into homeschooling. I most certainly am. I want to make sure I explore all of my options before Ellen is school-age. Maybe you’re a gawker and you just want to get a better look into this lifestyle. Maybe you are just in the mood for a light, Spring-y read that leaves you feeling excited about life.”
Read Jenna’s whole review here >
Laugh With Us
“I loved this book. It is so real. Change a few details here and there and this is my homeschool experience! Which curriculum to use? How do I deal with family and friends that think I’m crazy? How do I get all the things done in a day without going nuts? Julianne wrestles with these questions and many more.”
Read Esther’s whole review here >
Carey Jane Clark, author
“When it comes to novels, I want to be awed by the way the author puts words together, and I was not disappointed. But perhaps the most disarming thing about this book is the main character, Julianne Miller, and her very real life. Any mother who’s ever compared herself to others (and what mother hasn’t?) will relate to this down-to-earth character.”
Read Carey’s whole review here >
Being Made New
“I’m in the process of reading it for the second time in six months, and I’ve
gained valuable insight from every chapter both times. And all 24 women in my
two book clubs using Experiment as its study guide for the year -
whether newbies or women with years of experience – have found it equally as
enjoyable.”
Read Tina’s whole review here >
Forgetful Momma
I quickly read every word in this book. It was a easy read and well written. I would and do highly recommend it, and would love to see her have another book.
Read Ashley’s whole review here >
ChristianBook.com
Purchase on ChristianBook.com
“The Homeschool Experiment is by far the most realistic, fictional novel for the homeschooling community I’ve ever had the opportunity to read. In sort of a “Shopaholic” meets Christian homeschooling mom twist, I found this book both entertaining and substantially motivating. Don’t expect a perfect, airbrushed account of home education in this no bars held back, tell-all pictorial of the real deal.” – Demetria Zinga, Christian Homeschool Moms Podcast (visit CHS blog OR listen to CHS Podcast Interview here)
“…your book was the best thing I purchased at our state homeschool convention! I just finished reading it this afternoon and as a church school administer in Alabama, I hope to use it with the group study guide this fall. You did a great job addressing some of the issues we homeschooling moms struggle with. I enjoyed your style of writing and I’m looking forward to discussing the questions with other homeschooling mom in my area. Yes I had 4 preschoolers at one time and went through some of Julianne’s struggles, now they are teenagers and I don’t know if it gets easier, you just have different struggles. . . . Thank you again for giving of your time to share with other homeschooler moms. May God bless you and may you continue to use your gifts for His glory.” – Debra S., Alabama
“… I just finished reading The Homeschool Experiment this afternoon. I loved the book! Your characters were very real and I could relate to most of the things you wrote about. Our family is in our 14th year of homeschooling and while I am often a ‘Lisa’ to many of our friends, I have to confess that I am still Julianne more often than I wish. When will my confidence grow? Perhaps when my youngest is grown with children of her own and all are well adjusted citizens 
Thanks for writing a book that is encouraging, reassuring, and at the same time helps your readers focus on what is really important. As Todd Wilson says, the good stuff is hard, but the hard stuff is good.
P.S. My 10 year old daughter wants me to tell you that she is reading the book, too, and that she loves it.”
- Judi W., Rockledge, Florida
” I “Kindled” your book after the Pioneer Woman rec., and I haven’t been able to put it down. As a homeschooling mom in exactly the same shoes (kids of similar age as well), I feel utterly understood and encouraged…and inspired to push on despite all odds! I can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed laughing along with your characters. My resolve has been strengthened in my homeschool endeavors. It wasn’t until I found myself reading her epiphanies of spirit that I realized how often I let the secular world-view eat away at my confidence as a homeschooler. Thank you…and many blessings” – Amy
“I wanted to give my input of how I believe this could really encourage people who want to homeschool but have not given it a try yet, or those who are new at it. We are in our 5th year and I am still just trying to make it. By no means do I feel like I know what I’m doing yet! Each year around May, I think to myself, “Well, I think we did an okay job this year. Maybe we can do it again next year…” And having other moms to share the journey with is what makes it feel like something I can accomplish, and do a good job doing it. When I first started, I was overwhelmed by stories from moms who had homeschooled for 15+ years and who seemed to know everything about everything. Hearing those sort of stories is what made me choose NOT homeschool the first time I wanted to because I felt that I could NEVER know as much as they know or do as good of a job as they had done (of course, I came back to it a couple of years later). Hearing stories like yours, those that let me see that not many of us homeschool moms has all the answers, but it works out to be the best thing ever- those are the stories that allowed me to feel like I could do this. I think your candid stories about struggle and triumph (well I have not gotten to the end of your book yet, but I know you are triumphant in your homeschool journey) will be so encouraging to many mothers. ” - LaDawn, Oklahoma
“I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed reading your book. My husband bought it for me for mothers day and I just could not put it down. I was actually just going online to see if(hopefully) you were working on something else when I ran across your blog. Keep writting and inspiring I say! Thanks and praise to God for your gifts.” – Kristen D.
“I just finished your book and I loved, loved, loved it. My daughter (17 years old) read a few of the first pages before I got my hands on it and told me I would like it because it sounded like my life. My oldest daughter has always said she would write my memoirs. She is in her sophmore year of college. She has settled on a title of “It would be funny if it were someone elses’ life”. I’ve homeschooled since 1995 and I thought I should have it down pat by now, but I am realizing that there is no such thing! I love novels and find that I can learn from them sometimes more than a non-fiction book. Thank you so much for writing this book.” – Angela W.
“I just wanted to Thank You for writing this book! I adored every minute of it, from laughing to crying to laughing again I could relate to almost everything Julianne went through. You encouraged me, and made me feel like I was reading my “sister’s journal” I felt so akin to the book and her experience within. Recently moving myself I was feeling very alone in my journey. You not only encouraged me on those homeschool days where nothing goes right, but the book made me realize I’m not alone and look forward to the new friends I’ll meet here. I will continue to recommend your book to everyone I know and meet!” - Deanna K, Oklahoma
“You will meet a normal mother of normal children facing a normal, chaotic year of trying to figure out what it means to homeschool and love her family. It’s not always pretty… and that’s why my wife likes this book. It tells it like it is and serves as a reminder that she’s not alone in her struggles and frustrations. When you read it from someone else’s perspective, it helps you to laugh and see things more clearly.”
- Todd Wilson, “The Familyman”, speaker, author of Lies Homeschooling Moms Believe, and homeschooling father of eight
“Certainly 5 stars …Absolutely lives up to the hilarious promise of the back cover description. I think it might confirm most people’s conviction that they should or that they could not homeschool – the book tells how honestly difficult & often frustrating it is to stay home with several young children, but it also explains the spiritual & family & learning benefits of being able to do it… Encouraging spiritually. Definitely emphasizes the special-ness of children. Also the fact that they are nuts. ” - Liz; homeschooling mother of five; Tulsa, Oklahoma
“There is definite food for thought here: depth to the content and characters, depth to the intelligence of the protagonist, and depth to the rendering of the experience of parenthood. There’s depth and beauty, too, in the images and impactful, thoughtful arrangements of words. I think it’s a very special combination of smooth-reading and depth, really maximizing both.”
- Jessica; Germantown, Maryland
“Especially for first time homeschoolers… I think it’s very helpful to know these things before you start, instead of jumping in blind and thinking everything will work perfectly. … I couldn’t put it down. … It definitely made me feel like a more normal mom….I loved how real it was…. I already recommended it to my sister-in-law.”
- Dana; mother of four and former homeschooler; Paris, France
“Stinkin’ Hilarious”
- Julie; mother of a preschoolers and a toddler; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
“Just finished it! Could NOT stop reading it. I never stay up late reading! It’s great … I love it!”
- Tammy; mother of a preschooler and a baby; Austin, Texas
“I had to force myself to put it down! …Made me feel better about the stunts my almost 4yr old pulls.” - Katie; mother of toddler and preschooler; Fort Worth, Texas
“Four stars. I enjoyed how honest the author is in describing Julianne’s struggles with mothering and homeschooling. I believe it was a truthful depiction of everyday life in a homeschooling household. …Julianne’s advice from her friend, Lisa, about chores is excellent. …concrete ideas and suggestions specifically related to juggling a homeschooling household.”
- Erica; mother of three, considering homeschooling; Fort Worth, Texas
“I especially like the first page of each chapter and … the schedule or drawings or calendars- great idea! … As a reader, I was drawn in by the subject matter because this is the life I live.”
- Amy T.; homeschooling mother of three; Tulsa, Oklahoma
“Read this book if you need a good belly-laugh (especially you Moms!). Love how the author goes from a silly, hair-pulling Mommy moment and then right into a tender, joyous, quiet moment. The adventures of parenting are well-described and the sweetness of being a Mom in a household of crazy-fun kids is well put.”
- Amy B.; admirer of homeschool-teaching moms; mother of 7 year old twins and a toddler; Tulsa, Oklahoma