Join us for a book-centered conversation with guest Jan Bloom. You'll catch a glimpse of homeschool life in the early years, hear how BooksBloom, their traveling bookstore (a favorite stop at many of the Great Homeschool Conventions) came to be, and even hear a bit about what it's like to homeschool as a grandparent. You'll hear about several favorite books, and come away inspired, with a renewed sense of the joy of homeschooling and the fun of reading good books.

Guest biography

After hearing about homeschooling at a L'Abri seminar in 1982, Jan and Gary Bloom embarked on a new adventure with their three children. It evolved into a life inextricably intertwined with homeschooling, books, and travel.

Although they didn't necessarily plan for such a mobile lifestyle, Gary and Jan have been on the road for over 20 years with their traveling bookstore, BooksBloom. Though they've slowed down a bit in the last couple of years and are homeschooling their 8 year old grandson, they still travel thousands of miles a year to set up their cozy used bookstore at homeschool conferences and BooksBloom seminars. Families who come to their booth can find both good books and great recommendations for parents and kids who are looking for just the right book on whatever they are interested in, enjoy, or need to study.

Jan writes, "Our lives are full of adventure - traveling, talking, rescuing books, sending great books to new homes, laughing, and experiencing God's kindness and mercies daily. We are grateful to the Lord that He allows us to live such a crazy life."

Host biography

Janice Campbell, a lifelong reader and writer, loves to introduce students to great books and beautiful writing. She holds an English degree from Mary Baldwin College, and is the graduated homeschool mom of four sons. You'll find more about reading, writing, planning, and education from a Charlotte Mason/Classical perspective at her websites, EverydayEducation.com, Excellence-in-Literature.com, and DoingWhatMatters.com.