September Book Bracket 2025

 Book Bracket September 2025

Looking at the books this month, I feel that I didn't have a great four weeks of reading. Yes, I got through 10 books in October, a month that I feel historically has fewer rather than more titles completed depending on the year. However, I can't look back on most of the books this month and consider many of them excellent reads. I think this is the result of trying to make the most of the free titles on Audible and attempting to finish off a few more slots on a last reading challenge for the year. There were one or two books that were good, though, and I'm happy to share about those.

Louis and Zelie: The Holy Parents of Saint Therese, by GinaMarie Tennant

This children's chapter book describes the lives of Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin, the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux.

Why I picked it up: I've been meaning to read this since we received it as a wedding gift from a cousin, but hadn't gotten around to it until a summer reading challenge pushed me to finally read it.

My impressions: This is a great book for anyone, child or adult, to pick up to learn about the lives of these saints. It covers their lives, from moments in their childhood, through their meeting, marriage, and raising a family together - all the way to their deaths. The writing is straightforward but includes events that were important in their lives. I knew many of the stories from reading some of their letters and books like A Family of Saints, but it was nice to not have to try to piece things together from what was described in letters, which sometimes provide a fragmented picture of what happened. It is a sweet book, and though several hundred pages, not too difficult of a read for kids. I'd recommend it to those who want a thorough introduction to the lives of these saints.

Lad: A Dog, by Albert Payson Terhune; narrated by John McDonough**

A collection of stories about a purebred collie named Lad.

Why I picked it up: I recognized the author as the one who wrote The Heart of a Dog, and thought it would be fun to try on Audible.

My impressions: I was shocked to learn these were stories about a dog that had actually lived; perhaps there was some stretching, since Lad ended up sounding like super-dog throughout, but they are fun. I think these could be enjoyed by a whole family, and they have the wholesomeness of Lady and the Tramp and other animal stories like it. 

Rise of the Rocket Girls: The Women Who Propelled Us, from Missiles to the Moon to Mars, by Nathalia Holt

This history book describes the accomplishments of the female coding mathematicians and engineers of Pasadena who helped form and forward the United States' space program.

Why I picked it up: I think I might have heard somewhere that my great grandmother, a resident of California, may have worked with rockets. I needed a book on American history to read for a summer reading challenge, and figured this one - which was on my to-read list - would be worth a try.

My impressions: For a book about rocket science, this work was much easier to read than I anticipated. It's a hefty book, of almost 300 pages, but it moved at a pretty good rate. It was interesting to see how rocketry developed, starting in the '50s in the U.S., and seeing how they could get chunks of metal into space by calculating the math by hand. Just crazy! It was also eye-opening to consider how often things went wrong with launches. I guess that, when you make only so many of a certain kind of highly specialized vehicle, there's a lot more opportunity to get things wrong since there's fewer chances to test them. Some parts were a bit slower than others, but I appreciated that mathematical patterns and scientific phenomena were often described with incredible ease. It was cool to see how a group of women formed a tight community in a time and place where women in the workplace just weren't supported like they are today, but I was saddened to read about the divorces some women experienced. There was a description of a coworkers' office with scandalous photos in it, but nothing explicit. There was also a short but positive blurb about the "benefits" of birth control that I certainly disagree with. There was certainly a feminist lens applied in this work, but it wasn't heavy-handed; at least, I recognized it, but it didn't irritate me. This could be a good book for readers interested in learning about this specific party of space exploration history, but it wouldn't hurt to skip over paragraphs here and there. I'd say this is a good book for mature readers, but some high school students might tackle this one, minus those paragraphs here and there, just fine.

Light and Peace: Instructions for Devout Souls to Dispel Their Doubts and Allay Their Fears, by R. P. Quadrupani

This spiritual classic is a practical guidebook for those Catholics who lean more towards scrupulosity.

Why I picked it up: This is a book that came from my younger sister's collection and it looked like it would be a good one for me to read. 

My impressions: This book is probably joining my lineup of books that I'll reread for my morning meditation time, or my spiritual reading in general. This book hits all the right notes, and even though it pulls extensively from St. Francis de Sales, it works. It's like getting a little primer on everything St. Francis de Sales wrote that is applicable to this subject. Maybe it doesn't have everything he wrote, but I feel it sets me up for my next spiritual read, which is, in fact, going to be St. Francis de Sales! I recommend this book to Catholics who struggle with scrupulosity, but it might also be helpful to discuss this work with a spiritual director.

Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fate of Human Societies, by Jared Diamond**

An anthropologist provides his theory on why some peoples were able to dominate others during the course of human history.

Why I picked it up: I first saw this book while I worked in a university bookstore, and it looked interesting. I saw it was available as a free selection on Audible and decided to give it a try. It won a Pulitzer in nonfiction.

My impressions: As a theory on why some peoples grew into civilizations that were later able to influence and dominate others, it does have the feeling of being a theory. While I think the author is right in some aspects, I think it's hard to say his take on civilization and the development of history takes all factors into account. There were some parts that discussed how people domesticated foods and animals, and that part was the most interesting to me - not surprising, really, considering how interesting I found Lost Feast and books about extinct animals. I can't say I'd recommend this book, but I wouldn't warn against reading it, either. It would probably be most appropriate for adults to read, although I'm sure high schoolers could handle it reasonably well. There might be some ideas that could be useful for world-building if one leans in authorial directions.

At Home in the World: Reflections on Belonging While Wandering the Globe, by Tsh Oxenreider*

A wanderlust-filled wife and mother of three writes about their nine months spent traveling the globe.

Why I picked it up: I'd heard of this before, and even marked this book for my "to-read" list on my library's ebook system. It was a corner spot on my last reading challenge, so I figured I could squeeze it in to get one last bingo or two.

My impressions: Travel narratives are not my thing - this book has helped me realize that - but this one seemed pretty good. It was cool to read about a whole family traveling, and seeing how that influenced their experience. It was really neat to learn about how different places can be. It sounds silly to say that, but I take for granted the exotic locations people live in because I hear names all the time or see movies filmed in those crazy, beautiful, amazing places. It gives me some ideas for where to look for inspiration in worldbuilding, if I ever do get around to writing that fantasy adventure. I would be very uncomfortable traveling the globe, but this book provides a good window into the lives of people who are magnetically attracted to roaming through places that require you to have a passport. I think this book would be fine for high schoolers and older to read, but there are a few very brief comments about more adult topics (for example, descriptions of billboards in one country discouraging inter-generational sex) and some grappling with issues of faith (not doubting God's existence, just trying to deal with life's difficulties).

The Art of War, by Sun Tzu; read by Aidan Gillen**

A classic on...how to war.

Why I picked it up: I've been curious about this work just from a general "If I were to write a battle scene, this would probably be a good book" perspective. It was free to listen to through Audible.

My impressions: This wasn't groundbreaking, and some of the information seemed common-sense or familiar from reading battle-featuring books like the Redwall series, but it has some good qualities. It is short, too the point, and considers many aspects of battling a foe, from the treatment and discipline of soldiers, spies, the lay of the land, and deceptive tactics. This work doesn't come with a Christian background, so some of its morals don't play well with Christian sensibilities - war is one of the worst things in the world, so doing it well...well, I leave it to other readers. I could see myself revisiting this work sometime, but not anytime soon, and not for mere enjoyment. High schoolers, and even middle schoolers, and above could read this.

Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital World, by Maryanne Wolf

A research scientist of reading and the brain presents her thoughts on the impact digital reading has on the brain, and what we could and should strive for going forward.

Why I picked it up: This is a continuation of my professional interest in the impact of screens on children's language and other abilities. I started reading this on a self-guided professional development day.

My impressions: There is some good information here, but the writing style wasn't for me, and the book felt guided more by the author's opinions, at times, than research. Specifically, her views on what we should try to establish going forward definitely have the feel of, "I think this is how it's going to play out, so we should take [x] steps now." The author draws from plenty of research - that's true - but some sources are not cited in such a way as to make it easy to track them down. Her writing style is very allusive to literature and bears the marks of someone whose writing style has been influenced by those great authors. Wolf is clearly well-read, but I felt her more difficult prose style makes the book a little less accessible to those who want to learn about this topic. I was surprised by her opinion that we should try to develop strong tracks in the brain for both physical and digital texts, with kids learning which texts are betting for which form of delivery. On the one hand, if her ideas here are right, I think we can just tweak some things with our current culture and basically be there - I feel like I have a good grasp for both forms of reading, and that came with a slow- to moderately-paced introduction to technology as I grew. On the other, I don't know that her anticipation of this dual-reading model, with an encouragement of digital reading to a degree, is something that will benefit all kids who are becoming readers these days or has research to back it up. I suppose that she, a reading researcher, probably ought to know out of anyone. I guess I'm pretty set in my anti-digital, non-screen mentality. To that point, I'll try to look up one study which she referenced as showing that some kids are just naturally better at reading and prefer print, and some are just naturally better at reading digitally, and prefer it. This book would be something an adult would read, but it's not my recommendation if you want to get a good sense of what's going on in the screen-versus-print debate. On the other hand, it references at least one study that shows digital media could be a better avenue for some struggling readers, and it's the first pro-digital research I've come across in my reading. My apologies for the lengthy review.

Dragon Masters: Rise of the Earth Dragon, by Tracey West

Book one of a fantasy series for some of the earliest readers that centers on Drake being whisked away to the king's castle to discover he's a dragon master, someone who has a connection to a dragon.

Why I picked it up: My nephew sent me home with it. He is so good about talking to me about whatever books he's reading and enjoying that, with this being such a short book, I felt I should read it for him.

My impressions: If you want a child to get an early taste for fantasy, this could be a good option. This first book, at least, was very gentle, while still having some hallmark elements of a fantasy story. It is a very simple tale, but makes sense, considering the audience, and sets up nicely for a book to follow (many have followed, in fact!). It's not a book I'd recommend to read to adults or upper elementary, but it could be a good story for someone who's not an advanced reader yet.

Books Children Love: A Guide to the Best Children's Literature, by Elizabeth Laraway Wilson

This reference book was made for Christian homeschooling parents who are interested in teaching their children in large part through reading, inspired by the model put for by Charlotte Mason.

Why I picked it up: This book ended up on my to-read list, and I stumbled across it at a massive weekly library sale when in Nebraska.

My impressions: I read the original version, from the 80's, rather than the 2002 revised edition, so some recommendations felt dated, but I still finished with at least a dozen books or authors to add to my to-read list. I skipped or skimmed some sections that weren't as relevant to me, but was intrigued to find which books were recommended, and why. If this book were to be written today, I'm curious about what changes would be in it, but I suspect the biographies would look much different, as many are out of print. I sensed a Protestant Christian rather than Catholic Christian viewpoint, so it seemed like famous figures that are more familiar to Protestants were present in place of saints that would sound more familiar to Catholics. I also thought that some of the books recommended were not the best representative work of the author - for example, one by Rosemary Sutcliff that I'd never heard of was mentioned several times, and there was no mention of The Eagle of the Ninth, which has been turned into a movie. Likewise, I noticed The Princess and the Goblin wasn't the MacDonald work recommended highest - rather, The Princess and Curdie was mentioned, as was, I believe, At the Back of the North Wind, neither of which I find as good as the former work, even with Curdie being a solid sequel. I was glad to get the chance to go through this. However, rather than recommending this book, I'd recommend the more recent version (in spite of that one's 20+ year age, it is at least newer than the original).

Bracket Play

It actually was a little tricky to figure out the first round placements, as there were few books that I really enjoyed this time around. In the offset section, the glowing book about the collie lad lost to Quadrupani's spiritual work, although Lad could have definitely earned a spot in the second round elsewhere. The remaining round one winners easily beat their opponents, as did the round two winners, although Louis and Zelie was far different from the reference book Books Children Love. In the final round, it was the spiritual work for anxious souls that faced the children's chapter book about saints. As much as I enjoyed the throwback feeling that I had when reading saint stories as a kid for summer ice cream treats, I gave the win to Light and Peace because it definitely had some of the feel that Fr. Jacques Philippe's Searching for and Maintaining Peace has. I have already made plans to offer to loan it to a friend, and I imagine I will return to it someday myself.

Books Attempted and Put Down

Echo North, by Joanna Ruth Meyer, read by Elizabeth Evans**

A fairy-tale in which a girl with a scarred face leaves the cruelty of her stepmother and agrees to live a year with a mysterious white wolf in exchange for saving her father's life.

Why I picked it up: This book hit my to-read list at some point. It was available for free through the Audible subscription.

Why I put it down: This book was heading in the direction of a YA romance and I was not on board with that. Nothing inappropriate at the time of reading; just definitely not looking for that right now.

The Lifegiving Parent: Giving Your child a Life Worth Living for Christ, by Clay & Sally Clarkson, read by James Anderson Foster and Ann Richardson**

Christian father of four remarkably creative kids, who has lived a lot of life in his marriage and in ministry, reflects on practices to make Christian homes places where God is truly present.

Why I picked it up: Free on Audible; generally like or am okay with Clarkson content; why not?

Why I put it down: I just wasn't feeling it. I didn't feel like listening to this book just to check it off and not really get anything from it - at least, not at this point in my life. I might come back to it later, but it just wasn't for me right now.

Miss Buncle's Book, by D. E. Stevenson*

Dowdy Miss Buncle writes pseudonymously about her neighbors and becomes the subject of great fame abroad and great ire locally.

Why I picked it up: I was looking for a beach-read-type book to help complete a bingo for a summer reading challenge. This one sounded promising and was recommended by a friend.

My impressions: Man, I was really enjoying this book! And then I started reading something into one aspect of the book and it basically ruined the read for me. I couldn't recapture the charmed feeling I had toward it and keep enjoying it. Maybe I can come back to it someday (hopefully after forgetting what bothered me initially), but it was one I had to put down for now.

Persuasion, by Jane Austen

Jane's last completed novel, about Anne, a woman who followed a friend's advice to end her engagement to a sailor with uncertain future, and her experiences of finding him back in her neighborhood years later.

Why I picked it up: This one was for a book club.

Why I put it down: One reason was that I've read it before, and as much as I've enjoyed it in the past, I have plenty of other books waiting to be read. There was another reason, but I won't get into it here.

Too Many [Reading] Challenges

The Summer of the Reading Challenge

Brian Jacques' Redwall books generally include some naming of the season. For example, if the adventure begins at the start of summer, there's usually some sort of celebration bestowing the title of "Summer of the Late Rose", or something like, to the new-come season. Though it is the end of summer, I feel like I can justly term this season in retrospect: "The Summer of the Reading Challenge". I wanted to reflect on my experience of trying to complete four separate reading challenges in the space of three to four months.

Challenge 1: Wichita Public Library

I'm not including an image of this one because that would require getting up to find the paper. Suffice it to say, it wasn't impressive. For the adult portion of the "Summer Reading Program: Color Our World", one had to either complete five activities or read five books. The activities, if I remember, involved items that were creative, community-based, or books read that could fulfill various art-based parameters (reading through a book of art, I think, was one). Or you could just read five books of your choice. It seemed too easy - by the time I'd learned what the challenge was, I'd already completed it. 

The prize offering was anemic, but it matched the level of effort I put into the challenge. Participants who completed the challenge were entered into a drawing at the end of the just-over-two months of the program. I think there were three gift card prizes. I didn't favor my chances, but it would have been nice to at least have received an email that the drawings happened. Oh well. I wasn't highly invested, so I didn't lose out on anything.

Challenge 2: The Rabbit Room

Oh, this was a fun reading challenge and delight to find. Open to children and anyone who wants to participate, anyone who read 500 points worth of books by the end of August (about three months?) could win a free t-shirt, to be shipped to them. I even double checked with the group to make sure I didn't have to be a paying member or a child to win the prize, and received the confirmation that I could be in the offing to win. Hot dog! There's just something about free t-shirts that I can't resist.

If you're not sure what the Rabbit Room is, like me when I stumbled upon this challenge, it's a group based in Tennessee that, like the Inklings, gives creators a community of support. They're associated with books such as The Wingfeather Saga, and poets such as Malcolm Guite. They print their own books as well as those published by others, and many of these children's books were found on their summer reading list. 10 books were worth 50 points each, and the other tiers included books that were worth 30, 20, and 10 points each. 13 books that I read this summer were already on my to-read list, or a reread I wanted to get around to.

So, not only was I motivated to get to books that have been living on my to-read list for a while, but it was easy to fulfill the requirements since I could read OR listen to the audiobook version. Amazing! 500 points was pretty steep, but I was able to complete the program with a week to spare. This would have been a hard challenge for kids, I think, but it was fun, too, because the way you showed completed progress was by coloring a picture!

I'm still wondering if a free t-shirt is too good to be true, but I'm hopeful I might check the mail one of these days and find a surprise waiting for me. I hope to at least look into what their challenge is next year, even if I don't do it.

Challenge 3: Summer Reading Challenge 2.0

I decided the summer reading challenge I came up with last year was worth repeating, so I created a version based on the same format: 5 tiers of five challenges, with four or five gift cards or prizes of varying amounts available in a raffle at the end of summer party. Participants had three months to complete activities, and there were three alternatives people could do if they really didn't care for some of the activities. It was a little heavier on reading this time, but also on creative activities. I barely finished in time - memorizing a psalm was one of the last activities I wanted to do, and I almost didn't get it done.

It was fun for me, and the party was a good time, too. The only downside with the party is that there simply isn't enough time to talk about all the activities. I think people enjoy discussing what they did - especially if they composed something themselves - but that made it hard to move in a timely manner. We finished pretty late for an old-timer like me, but I had a nice time. A friend even sent us a thank-you note for holding the event. I hope to do this again next year, but I also need to remember to send out a survey for people to complete. This challenge was good, but I think I had more fun with the Rabbit Room challenge.

Challenge 4: Eighth Day Books

This challenge ran for three months, from June 22 through September 22 - so it's still going on now. Participants can earn "bingos" on a bingo card for reading books that fulfill the given requirement - for example, by reading a spiritual classic, or a book from the 21st century. The prizes are a social gathering with snacks and a special sale for participants, and a chance to win a mug or one of two gift certificates to the hosting store.

I started out fired up to cross off all 25 boxes! I had plans that would incorporate books I was reading for other challenges, so I didn't have a methodical way of working through the bingo card.

That was my downfall.

The deadline is a few weeks away, and I don't have a single bingo yet. I'm close in several places, but I find the bingo format limiting. I feel like my greed to succeed has pushed back other projects I should have worked on an exacerbated a relationship with books and reading that I had already started suspecting of unhealthy attachment. I had grand plans for which specific books I would read, but I've had to put down several because of my sensitivity to what I read.

It's been hard to accept that I probably can't get more than the one bingo, but I also think it's good for me. My current goal is to push myself to be content with that. I'm trying to focus harder on making sure I'm fulfilling the duties of my station in life, but most especially of being present to my husband during out time together.

Conclusion

This has been one of the best-read summers of my life. It has also been a time when I've grown an unhealthy attachment to books and reading, and that is a lesson I want to carry forward with me not only into next summer, but into the present. I'll keep reading, but work for a better balance of books with real life. Books will be my good friends, but my best friends will be the people in my life (as Bishop Kemme said in a recent kick-off event for the new book club year).

August Book Bracket 2025

 Book Bracket for August 2025

August was a mad dash of trying to squeeze more reading in for some summer reading programs, two of which were ending this month and I needed to get done. A free t-shirt was on the line! Lots of audiobooks, but also many physical ones made up the list for this month.

A laptop cord that I didn't feel comfortable using delayed the composition and release of this post.

The Tale of Despereaux, by Kate DiCamillo; narrated by Graeme Malcolm**

A runty mouse outcast works to save the human princess he loves from the machinations of a rat.

Why I picked it up: I have decided DiCamillo's works aren't for me, but I told myself I'd try to get through this one because my nephew read it a year ago...and it's worth points for a reading challenge. I forgotten I'd tried reading this in middle school, but I gave up on it because I didn't like the attitudes of Despereaux's parents in the first two chapters.

My impressions: Out of DiCamillo's oft-lauded works, this is the one that I've been most alright with. What struck me most was probably the oddness of a mouse falling in love with a human - which the narrator also comments on. I appreciated DiCamillo's writing craft and thought there was the right amount of description of light versus dark in the midst of the story - there wasn't too much. I liked the ending and that the different elements tied together at the end. It's not the most impressive story and I don't plan to reread it, but it would probably be a read that was fine for upper elementary readers.

The Black Cauldron, by Lloyd Alexander; narrated by James Langton**

Taran, the assistant pig keeper, is invited on a quest to help obtain and destroy the evil black cauldron, but finds himself leading his companions through grave trials when the adventure goes sideways.

Why I picked it up: This was another book worth points for a reading challenge and I thought it was worth exploring since the first one was pretty good.

My impressions: This book helps Taran develop more and more into a likeable character, and brings in those lovable companions who made his first adventure so colorful. I took issue with the representation of the three witches, who were accused of being evil, but in the end seemed only like more "neutral" forces, somewhat like the Fates, who are merely concerned with helping "destiny" happen. There is some discussion of destiny in this book, but my favorite parts were Taran choosing to make sacrifices. I love his friends as he does, seeing in all of them stalwart qualities that would make them so wonderful to have as companions in an adventure. This series feels darker and weightier than many other fantasies for children, so I wouldn't recommend it to readers much younger than middle school. Parents should probably be aware of the episode involving witches, but otherwise, I think the book is a good follow-up to the original.

Glow Kids: How Screen Addiction is Hijacking Our Kids - And How to Break the Trance, by Nicholas Kardaras, Ph.D.

An addictions counselor specialist takes addictive video games and digital screens to task, especially regarding how they can derail the mental processes of both healthy and vulnerable youths.

Why I picked it up: This seemed like another good book to read before I gave my presentation on the impact of excessive screen time to my coworkers.

My impressions: Like other books on this subject, I think there's a lot of good information, but some is dated, and some of it probably needs to be taken with a grain of salt. I felt like the author really belabored the addicting qualities of video games for much of the book, and kind of felt that I could have use wider-ranging views of other types of screens. However, I thought his description of the forays of tech companies into the educational world were quite interesting - although his wording came across as a little overdramatic at times. I did end up skipping a chapter on the Newtown shooter and multiple paragraphs here and there which were a little too heavy. There were also a few sections I wish I'd skipped because there was way too much detail of some pretty horrific things. Not a book for kids, and some sections not for adults, either. It was a pretty doom-and-gloom book and I was feeling glad to be done with it by the end. I might be all read-out on this topic for the time being. It might be a book to consider if you want to learn more about the dangers of excessive screen time for kids, but I would issue some pretty stark warnings about the mature and sometimes graphic content that pops up in some places.

The Way of the Wilderking, by Jonathan Rogers; narrated by the author**

The final book in the trilogy reimagining the early adventures of King David follows Aidan and his friend Dobro leaving the swamps and rejoining his outlawed family, living the life that unfolds before him as the Pyrthan empire threatens again.

Why I picked it up: Yes, this book counts for a lot of points for a summer reading challenge, but I immediately got it from Audible as soon as I restarted this stint because I'd enjoyed the second one so much.

My impressions: This book is not quite as strong as the second one, in my opinion, but it was a lot of fun and went deeper into tying off some strings than I expected - or even suspected were there. I do think there was one string that wasn't tied off as well as I would have liked, but it was a minor issue. I didn't expect to get more exposure to the different areas of the kingdom, so it was a pleasant surprise to encounter sandy mines, a sort of Wild-West town, and more of the capital city. Dobro, the friend from the swamps, was a delight and the highlight of listening to this audiobook. I think this is a good ending to a great series and I think it is an underappreciated trilogy. Elementary readers who can handle the reading level should be able to enjoy this adventure quite well.

Now We Are Six, by A. A. Milne

A short book of poems for children by the author of Winnie-the-Pooh includes illustrations by the artist of the same books.

Why I picked it up: This one has been on my shelves for a while and I've never read any of the Winnie-the-Pooh books - and, sure enough, this one fulfilled requirements for two different reading challenges.

My impressions: I think this is a very good book of poems for children. Some are more charming than others, for sure, but the illustrations are great, and some of the poems are really sweet. I believe Milne does a good job of observing children and, at times, depicting how they think. I appreciated that Milne made a point of having solid rhythms for most of his poems, as well as a rhyming scheme. I appreciate both those things in a poem. This is a great book of poetry for kids, and my intuition is that I think it would be best appreciated if read aloud.

Henry and the Chalk Dragon, by Jennifer Trafton; narrated by Rebecca K. Reynolds**

Henry's artistic talents, stymied by "boring" school projects, find an outlet in a dynamic chalk dragon creation that gets away from him - in more ways than one.

Why I picked it up: Summer reading challenge! This one has been on my to-read list for a while, and the audiobook was available through my public library.

My impressions: Although I found the first half to be the stronger one, what a delight this story was! Characters, literary allusions, imagery, word choice and word play were all energetic and wonderful. This was an enchanted and enchanting view of the world from a child's eyes and I was there for the adventure. I think this would be an excellent read-aloud, and there's enough humor in it that adults will hopefully be chuckling at it, too (poking fun at higher-ups that tell schools what to do? Yes please!).

Louis Pasteur and the Hidden World of Microbes, by Louise Robbins

This biography covers the life of the organic chemist who invented Pasteurization and spearheaded the efforts to cure rabies.

Why I picked it up: I needed to read a biography for the summer reading challenge and I couldn't easily access biographies that were quickish reads about people I'd be more interested in learning about. But, Louis Pasteur has been of more interest to me than other folks, so I got this one from my public library system.

My impressions: This biography doesn't hold back on pointing out Pasteur's character flaws, sometimes belaboring them at times, but it seems to provide a good survey of his life, from beginning to end. Some parts were a bit grimmer than others, specifically when talking about how searching for cures could go wrong, but there was a lot of interesting information. It was weird to have the author somewhat making him out to be a secular "saint" of science at the end, when describing his super fancy tomb, but I was glad she didn't leave out the fact that he was a religious man. She might have mentioned a bit more on that (was he Catholic? did his faith inform his work?), but it was clear the focus of this biography was on his scientific achievements. The book does what it sets out to do, but it's not one I'd recommend to read just for fun.

To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee

This coming of age story in Depression-era small-town Alabama ponders racism, a mysterious shut-in resident, and their effects on a community.

Why I picked it up: My book group wanted to keep going during the summer, and we agreed this one was a better fit for the theme than several of the books chosen for the year. It also fulfills another reading challenge requirement.

My impressions: This is my third time reading this book, and I think it gets better with every reading. The understated humor of the narrator, who expresses a child's views with grown-up insights, provides an incredibly unique storytelling voice. We love Scout, we love Jem, and we love Atticus. The different parts of the book seem so different from each other, but they weave together so beautifully in the final chapters. I could go on and on about this book, but one of my main thoughts is that I didn't appreciate this book nearly as much in high school. I'm so glad I read it again. This book has some hard content in it, so it's definitely not for kids, but it's an amazing book. I'd definitely recommend it.

Meditations Before Mass, by Romano Guardini

A priest/philosopher/theologian presents over 30 meditations upon the Mass itself as well as how to engage in it.

Why I picked it up: This is a book I was able to pick out from my sister's collection when she gave away her books to try life in a convent. I needed a new morning meditation and knew that this one was it.

My impressions: Of the books I've read on the Mass so far, this one is the best. It is an excellent book. It is substantial without being esoteric and good for reflection. I found that I appreciated it best when I read the whole meditation at once, instead of breaking it up into smaller chunks. The meditations are generally all less than 10 pages, and some feel pretty short, indeed. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to think about the Mass more deeply, learn how they can participate in it better, and hear about areas in their own engagement that they might wish to improve.

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life, written and read by Barbara Kingsolver, with Steven L. Hopp and Camille Kingsolver**

One family spends a year almost entirely eating only the foods that are grown locally or in their own backyard.

Why I picked it up: A while back, I think I tried to find a book similar to Lost Feast on Audible and this one came up. Or, a galpal had read it and written a review on it. Either way, I found out I could listen to it through the local library, so I put it on hold. It became available in the thick of a very busy season.

My impressions: This was a fascinating book that got me out to my local farmer's market, even with the section or two that I skipped over (more details on turkey rituals than I wanted to know). I have never thought that much about farming in a sustainable way, although I've heard of it before. I'm not ready to go to the same level as this family when it comes to sourcing my food locally, but I recognize the importance of buying locally when possible now. There were a few points on which the author's view of the world diverges from my own, and one incident in which she got some facts wrong about the origins of Halloween, but much of what she says makes sense to me. I do think it would be cool to grow a few vegetable plants in my backyard. And read more Wendell Berry. And just go live on 40 acres of land in a hilly, forested area. In any case, I feel up to eating a greater variety of foods and trying harder to catch those that are in season. This book would be good for people who want to learn more about sustainable eating and would like to read up on one family's experiences of taking the deep-dive into local food producers. However, I would note that this book should probably be more for adults, as the author sometimes makes suggestive similes and drops comments here and there that are sexually allusive. Also, there's a chapter near the end that chronicles a whole turkey courtship thing that I was not wanting to get into.

The Castle of Llyr, by Lloyd Alexander; narrated by James Langton**

The Chronicles of Prydain continue with escorting Eilonwe to an island kingdom, where a fearsome sorceress machinates to claim Eilonwe's power as her own.

Why I picked it up: I needed one last book for the reading challenge, and these books have been pretty good so far. This one was available through my public library system.

My impressions: This one had a touch of romantic feeling discussed in it, but it was, for the most part, the same great style of adventure seen in the first two books. I thought it was better than the second book, and I continue to love to see Taran develop; the assistant pig keeper is still pig headed, but growing. Those who enjoyed the first two books will find much to love in this one, as well. It may be a while before I pick up the next one, but I wouldn't be surprised to get around to it at some point.

Haroun and the Sea of Stories, by Salman Rushdie; narrated by Neil Shah**

Haroun's storytelling father loses his yarning abilities when Haroun's mother leaves, causing Haroun to embark on a whimsical, fantastical adventure to help his father regain those abilities.

Why I picked it up: As a free offering on Audible, it looked like it would be worth trying out.

My impressions: If you want a light-hearted fantasy story with some whimsy, this is one worth looking into. I thought the focus on story was kind of clever, but also maybe a little too much. I found Haroun's mother leaving with the upstairs neighbor kind of rough for a children's book, but the story doesn't focus on it more than it has to. There are certainly bad guys, but nothing in the story that made me ever feel creeped out. The narrator did a great job with all the many voices. It's not a book I would probably sit down to reread, and it had some elements I might be a little wary about throwing in the way of kids, but overall, it was a decent children's fantasy.

Notable Book

The Lost Spells, by Robert Macfarlane, illustrated by Jackie Morris

This book is a follow-up to The Lost Words, read last month.

Why I picked it up: Honestly...I was hopeful to learn more about the birds and plants mentioned in British literature. It was in my library system, so why not?

My impressions: I loved seeing the animals and plants, but I didn't feel like the illustrations were quite as amazing. Maybe it was partly due to the fact that this book is a third of the length and width of the original? A poem or two made me uncomfortable from leaning into the "spell" or "conjuring" aspect of the book (it's not actual magic, just using the idea that the names of these beings sort of brings them into the moment), but one had a very bad use of the Lord's name in a curse, which kind of shocked me. Any way, I read it. As it turns out, it fulfills a requirement for a summer challenge, so I'll check this off my list and move on.

Bracket Play

Another month with many contestants leads me to say: I paired the books this way on purpose, so that weaker books would fall to stronger ones. There were some things to like about several of the losers in the first round, but not enough to help them win.

The second round also ended up being straightforward, although, again, there was much to like in the losers. To Kill a Mockingbird had a bye after this round, so the delightful and enchanting Henry and the Chalk Dragon faced Meditations Before Mass; the religious book won. While Guardini's book is extremely good, it just didn't hit me the way Harper Lee's classic did. I do feel guilty giving the win to a nonreligious work, but I will comfort myself with the thought that I intend to reread Guardini's book. I now know it's best to read a whole meditation at once, so maybe I'll feel more of its impact and imbibe the lessons more fully the next time.

Books Started and Put Down

Literary Landscapes: Charting the Worlds of Classic Literature, by John Sutherland

The role of landscape in literature from the 1800s till now is considered.

Why I picked it up: I want to learn more about what purpose landscape descriptions (usually very long and boring) have in literature! I obtained this one via interlibrary loan.

Why I put it down: I'm glad I didn't buy this one, because it didn't explore the narrative purpose of landscape anywhere near to what I hoped for. I didn't recognize most of the books, so I stuck primarily with the ones I did recognize. There was a description of some aspect of landscape - city, location, descriptive feature, such as "mud" in a Dickens novel; some consideration of place, either what it looked like in its day, or just a brief description of the scenery itself, but only on occasion was there commentary about how the landscape functioned in a way that told something about a character or how it affected the reader. At least, that was my impression. I got exactly what I was hoping for from the sections on The War of the Worlds and Anne of Green Gables, but not as much from the parts about The Betrothed, To Kill a Mockingbird, and, sadly, even Little House on the Prairie. I don't recommend this book.

The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World, by Robin Wall Kimmerer; narrated by the author**

A member of the Potawatomi tribe reflects on how nature is full of gifts, and how we can incorporate gratitude for that bounty into our lives.

Why I picked it up: I came across this book in either Barnes & Noble or Audible, and added it to my to-read list. I accessed it through my public library system.

Why I put it down: I'm not sure what I was hoping would be included in this book when I first considered it, but it just didn't end up being something that I wanted to dedicate time to. I think the focus on gratitude is good, but it just seemed like there was a lack of someone to give that gratitude to in the author's discussion. Yes, we can do things in gratitude for the gifts of nature - but there was no talk of offering gratitude to the ultimate Giver of gifts, God - at least, not in the first 25% of the book. This book is a small one, so it's a quick listen, and probably would be fine to finish, but it wasn't what I wanted to give time to right now.

Five Little Peppers and How They Grew, by Margaret Sydney; narrated by Sally Darling**

Five kids have lost their father and...I'm not sure what happens.

Why I picked it up: Audible is back for now, and it was free. I'd seen the title recommended on different lists and gave it a try.

Why I put it down: It really wasn't interesting and there were other books I wanted to get to!

The Language of Trees: A Rewilding of Literature and Landscape, by Katie Holten

A collection of essays on the beauty of nature, with contributions from famous authors.

Why I picked it up: This was going to be my "nature read" for a summer reading challenge.

Why I put it down: I ended up asking if a (much shorter) book would work, and it did! I wouldn't be opposed to trying it again someday, but I just have way too many other books I think I'd rather read right now.

July Book Bracket 2025

 July 2025 Book Bracket

16 books last month, and 15 this month! I'm hopeful of reaching a hundred books this year - especially since I'll have to keep reading and listening hard for the summer reading challenges that I'm working on.

The Discarded Image: An Introduction to Medieval and Renaissance Literature, by C. S. Lewis; narrated by Richard Elwood**

C. S. Lewis, a specialist in Medieval literature, wrote book based on lectures he gave concerning the influences that shaped Medieval worldviews and, therefore, the literature from that time period.

Why I picked it up: This was another work I wanted to zip through while I had Audible. It was by C. S. Lewis, and I do find Medieval history interesting.

My impressions: I think that this book is a good resource for those interested in pursuing Medieval studies as well as for those who want to write about this time. This work wasn't the most interesting of Lewis' oevre as it is more academic in nature, but I hadn't really though before about how a conception of fortune, history, or the arrangements of the heavens may affect the literature of a specific time period - and how such things might not have any effect at all on the sciences, although in this period, there was some overlap. I learned about the heavens, humors, Boethius, and other ancient authors whose works were passed down or, in some cases, transplanted into Medieval trappings. At least one portion spoke of suicide as it was commented upon in ancient texts; I don't remember if there were discussions of sexual topics or not. I might revisit this book sometime in the future. This work would be best for mature high school students or adults who was researching the outlook of Medieval folk or their general understanding of space and philosophy, instead of someone who wanted nitty gritty details of daily life during this time period. 

Water Sky, by Jean Craighead George; narrated by Kerin McCue**

Lincoln Noah from the Eastern seaboard spends time in an Eskimo whaling camp while he hunts for his Uncle Jack, who disappeared there several years before.

Why I picked it up: This book was my final listen on Audible for this session. It was on my to-read list, from some other recommended titles list I'd come across.

My impressions: This window into modern Eskimo life explores tensions of racism, modernization, and ecological preservation as it manifests in Arctic whaling. I think this book takes on a lot and does a good job of showing these tensions and resolving some differences, but there is more bitterness than sweetness in the ending that implies that outsiders can rarely be part of the "in" circle of understanding in this situation. To be honest, this message felt most forced of the pretty obvious themes and the least satisfactory to me, perhaps because it was overplayed. In any case, I was more engaged in the story than I anticipated, although the frequent inclusion of Eskimo religious practices - such as asking forgiveness of the animals killed - often, alongside the Judeo-Christian "Hallelujah" - is something that would be good for prospective readers to be aware of. There's also mention of a character obtaining cocaine and being "wasted," so I might be hesitant to recommend it to more sheltered listeners. I didn't like a certain message the author sends about being one's own hero, but there are many other ideas that are neutral or good. There are some other elements that were less to my liking, but not problematic. This book would be upper elementary or middle school reading level as far as the text and comprehension goes, but the drug content and blending of religious traditions are definitely elements to take note of.

The Mythmakers: The Remarkable Fellowship of C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien, by John Hendrix

The friendship of CSL and JRRT is explored in graphic novel form.

Why I picked it up: A friend told me I should read this, and she loaned me the book.

My impressions: I think this book is a good introduction to the friendship of these two famous authors, but I would caution readers from taking every view the author presents as absolutely certain. For example, he draws conclusions about why Tolkien distanced himself from Lewis and didn't encourage the writing of "The Chronicles of Narnia" series, which although likely to have some truth in them, may not present the whole picture. Especially after reading Holly Ordway's book Tolkien's Faith, and more recently, Diana Pavlac Glyer's Bandersnatch, I am hesitant to assume we know all the dynamics of Tolkien's and Lewis' friendship. I'm uncertain I can even take some of Tolkien's comments at face value. In any case, I do appreciate that the author put a lot of research and love into this project and I think he did an amazing job on that front. However, there was at least one error, and this was regarding the origin of two words. I did fine with depictions of trench warfare in this book, but some more sensitive readers might want to be aware. My favorite part of the book was a last supposed meeting between CSL and JRRT, in which they have the chance to say the things they didn't get the chance to earlier at their own private Inklings session. It brought a beautiful sense of closure to me to imagine with Hendrix what their meeting in the afterlife might be like, and what they might have discussed if they'd been able to end their lives on closer terms after all. This book would be good for any middle school student or older who is a fan of CSL, JRRT, or both, but with the caution that there are depictions of trench warfare and some conclusions arrived at that may not reflect the complete reality of some aspects of their friendship.

Abuse of Language--Abuse of Power, by Josef Pieper

A philosopher warns against the wiles of modern sophistry and explains in what circumstances scientific knowledge can be free - or not - in these two essays.

Why I picked it up: I needed to read a book less than 100 pages for the bingo challenge, and this one had been sitting on my shelf for a while. This may be the best-read few months of my life - look at me getting in some philosophy!

My impressions: This philosophical work took my full attention to grasp, but it seemed decently within the circle of my comprehension. That doesn't mean I can discuss it intelligently, but I'll try to sum up. It was a pretty quick read, but I had to take it in chunks just to let some of it sit for a while. I think I understand ancient Sophists better, as well as how sophistry is the entire aim of modern marketing, and of propaganda. The second essay seemed a bit easier for me to follow, although it helped lull me to sleep (I was short on rest). This essay was about the true freedom of philosophical thought as opposed to the limits of practical scientific knowledge - it is, in a way, a microcosm of his thoughts on leisure, looking at things that are turned to practical purposes and showing how these are not as free as things done for their own sake. This could be a good book if someone wants a little touch of philosophy to consider, or some thoughts by Pieper specifically.

Be a Man! Becoming the Man God Created You to Be, written and narrated by Fr. Larry Richards**

A Pittsburgh priest urges men to be true men of God and explains how they can do so.

Why I picked it up: Father Larry is speaking at a local conference in the next month, and my husband and I have loved catching pieces of his talks on the radio as we drive home from adoration. This one was available through the Formed app.

My impressions: The book is an amalgamation of his radio or conference talks, but they are wonderful! He has some great stories to share, presents himself authentically, and does a great job of calling men to be great men of God. Fr. Larry challenges men, but also encourages them by believing wholeheartedly that they can become holy men. I enjoyed hearing his story of growing in closeness to God and I'm excited to hear him speak in person. I recommend this book to all Catholic men who are high school aged and older.

Hannah Coulter, by Wendell Berry

A woman looks back on her life of farming, considering her marriage, widowhood, remarriage, and her observations about the big questions.

Why I picked it up: My book club decided to keep meeting during the summer and one of our members requested that we read this one. This is a reread for me.

My impressions: If this book doesn't make you want to turn farmer and invest in land to keep it from being developed to its ruin, I don't know what will. I think I'm finally at a place in my life in which this book can speak to me - at least, more than it did when I first read it in high school. The aches that Hannah feels about the land and how her community has changed are ones that I can feel, too. This book takes its time and isn't afraid to wander now and then. I like the ending, even though it is openended; it still leaves room for hope for the next generation. There are quite a few references to marital activities, although they're stated more tastefully and not at all graphic. It was just more referencing than I was wanting. This could be a good book particularly for women who are married and want a slow and reflective book to ponder.

The Little White Horse, by Elizabeth Goudge

Recently orphaned Maria delights in her new home on the ancient family manor, but learns of its sad past and the necessity of her cooperation with her family, friends, and pets to undo the evils of the past.

Why I picked it up: Goudge has been floating around my to-read list for a while, and I bought this book secondhand several years ago at Bookaholic. I had an extra incentive to read it for the bingo challenge, but I'd wanted to read this one this summer anyway after enjoying Goudge's work on Saint Francis earlier this year.

My impressions: This mix of recent history and fairy tale elements was well worthy of Great Britain's Carnegie Medal (the British equivalent of the American Newbery Medal). While the prose was not as gorgeous as I found Goudge's writing to be in her biography of St. Francis, it was masterful and had consistent symbolic imagery that was rich and connected. I struggle with calling this work a fantasy since some of it felt so grounded in real life; rather, I'd say it had some fairy tale qualities that were more mythic than magical. For example, there are references to fairy figures, but no actual magic used. Animals acted with greater intelligence than in real life, but don't cross the line of fantastic. Prophecies and legends and strange physical phenomena play their part, and - perhaps most shocking of all - I found the landscape and scenery descriptions to be just right for this book. The reader is meant to fall in love with the beauty of the property just as Maria does. I don't know the last time I had to look up so many words as I read, but it was good to have my comprehension challenged. I loved the food descriptions and found characters endearing, although there was one page where the characters were speaking about a household member - a dwarf - kind of like he's a second class person. There was a scene where a property is "returned to God", so to speak, and while it was sweet, it also made me uncomfortable because it seemed kind of like a Eucharistic procession without the Eucharist or a proper liturgy. I guess it's the experience of seeing a hollow shell of something that I know and love in its fulness, and it's disconcerting. Also, close relatives marrying each other - no thanks. It is a slower paced book, but there is indeed a plot and problems that are tied up quite beautifully by the end. The ending was ridiculously happy for all involved, but not saccharine for me (although it might be for others). I think that the last two paragraphs are a reminder that, no matter how happy things turn out for us in this life, there is always going to be something that pricks us and makes us long for the happiness of heaven, which will fulfill all our longings. This is a great book and I think many readers from upper elementary and onward would enjoy it, but I'd point out the religious elements look a little off since the characters aren't Catholic.

A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, by W. Phillip Keller*

A Christian minister who formerly had a career as a shepherd provides religious insights into a popular psalm by explaining how caring for sheep works.

Why I picked it up: A cousin had recommended this book to me and it had been on my to-read list for a while. The gals in one of my book clubs agreed this was one that they were up to trying out. I went with the cheapest buying option since I'm trying to limit how much money I spend on books this summer, so I got an ebook version.

My impressions: This book does exactly what it sets out to do - help readers engage more deeply with Psalm 23 by informing about the experience of shepherding. There were a few times when I felt the author went a little long on making religious tie-ins, but I think that's because I've enjoyed stories about James Herriot, a farm-animal veterinarian, and that meant learning about how sheep live and operate were my favorite parts of the book. Keller did provide some insight I was lacking, especially for the second half of the psalm, when the tie-ins to shepherding sheep are not nearly as clear as in the first half. Keller is a Christian rather than a Catholic, which meant I didn't necessarily agree with everything he presented from a theological standpoint. He also seemed to engage in some "declinism" when he makes generalizations about society being worse and more ungodly now than ever - but I can't say that he's entirely wrong: there is a lot that's wrong with our world right now. Psalm 23 is one of my favorites, and I'm glad that I read this book, because I do appreciate it more now. I'd recommend this book to any non-Catholic Christian middle school or older, just with the warning that you might be cautious to accept the theological views as always being completely accurate. So, that makes the recommendation trickier in a way - for concerned Catholics or other Christians, it might be better to approach this one as a read aloud and discussion in a family setting if the reader (or listener) isn't as strong on their theology.

The Bark of the Bog Owl (The Wilderking Trilogy, Book 1), written and narrated by Jonathan Rogers**

In an American-style reimagination of the first recorded events in King David's life, Aidan Errolson finds himself having adventures, from wandering in the swamp to sticking up for his beloved kingdom against a mighty empire.

Why I picked it up: This has been on my to-read list for a while, and since the public library system here had only book 2 of the trilogy, I failed to pick it up until I used one of my last Audible credits on it. Then, sure enough, I found a FOURTH summer reading challenge that assigned 50 points to this book and knew that now was the time to listen to it.

My impressions: This was a fun retelling of the early part of King David's story, one that is lively in its creativity but true to the original in key moments. I recommend listening to the audiobook, since the author also narrates this work and he really imparts the American flavor this story has. It's a good adventure and something that I imagine youngsters - especially boys - might find well worth their time. I'd recommend this book for mid- to upper elementary and beyond. This one would make a pretty good read aloud, too.

Beyond Mulberry Glen, by Millie Florence; narrated by Lyssa Browne**

Lydia doesn't want her life changed by apprenticeship, but finds herself in all sorts of change when she chases down adopted family, makes new friends, and fights the darkness that threatens her world.

Why I picked it up: I heard about it through the Read Aloud Revival; I needed to use an Audible credit, and this seemed like a good one to check out; AND it counts as a 30 point read/listen for one of the summer reading challenges I'm participating in.

My impressions: Excluding frustration from editing errors with chapter order (a later chapter was randomly placed earlier in the narrative), this was a very enjoyable listen to a fantasy story that has some depth to it. It's a squeaky-clean story, and for a young authoress, a very good first work! This was something she self-published several years ago, but then Sarah McKenzie of Read Aloud Revival and Waxwing Books picked it up and it has been rereleased after some revisions, I believe. Lydia's experience of darkness - specifically, through the feelings she has - sounded very much like my lived experience of anxiety and some other more-difficult-to-manage emotions. I loved her focus on Lydia's primary problem (not wanting change) and how that situation developed throughout the story. The characters were not the most sparkling I've read, but many were well-developed and one standout - a librarian hobgoblin - really shone. Some of the figurative language wasn't my favorite, but it didn't hinder the tale, either. Readers shouldn't expect to find the mastery of Lewis or Tolkien here, but they can expect to enjoy a thoughtful, compact fantasy narrative. I'd say beware of audiobook versions - I hope there's been an updated version to fix the chapter flipflop, but I don't know for sure. Besides a few voices the narrator had that weren't my favorite, the audiobook was otherwise solid. Upper elementary and above can enjoy this book.

The Book of Three (The Prydain Chronicles, Book 1), by Lloyd Alexander; narrated by James Langton**

Assistant pig-keeper Taran longs for adventure, but finds the life of a hero is more difficult than he ever imagined it could be when the Horned King scares off the prophetic pig, Hen Wen.

Why I picked it up: I am determined to get a t-shirt from a summer reading challenge, and this one was worth 20 or 30 points. I'd heard of this book before and it's floated on the edge of my to-read list, but wasn't something I figured I'd get around to.

My impressions: This well-written adventure immerses readers in a fantasy world filled with unique characters and a young main character who makes a terrible hero but has the qualities that I think (in the next four book) will help him become one. In that sense, I think we're all like Taran in some way. The action builds nicely, and the language of the characters helps define them as well as create a sense of a world in which there is magic, but also a sense of honor, duty, and friendship. There is magic in this tale, but other than a few things, I didn't think the magical element was too problematic. Both good and evil characters use magic, brief mention is made of obtaining or needing "divining rods" to understand the pig, and a character is mentioned as training to be a sorceress, so I guess those who are more sensitive to magical elements in fantasy might want to read it before handing it to kids. No exploration is made into how the magic works. I am not opposed to looking into listening to more books in this series, but it's one that I'd be content with not finishing. I think the Disney movie "The Black Cauldron" was based more on this book than the second book in this series, which bears that title. I think the reading level would be around upper elementary or middle school, but readers who are nervous about magical elements should note those that I mentioned above.

The Secret of the Swamp King (The Wilderking Trilogy, Book 2), by Jonathan Rogers

In an American-style reimagination of King David's life, Aidan Errolson loyally embarks on an impossible mission to the Feechifen Swamp for the king who hates him.

Why I picked it up: Also on my to-read list after the first and earning 50 points for a summer challenge, this is the one book in the trilogy available at my local library. I'm still trying to work out how this one is in the system, but not books 1 or 3.

My impressions: This book was even better than the first one, and it was a delight to read. It didn't seem to follow the life of King David's younger years super closely, but that was alright with me because it was a great story. There were some mysterious happenings, and although I guessed one major plot point long before it was revealed, there was much that wasn't predictable. I enjoyed the battle at the end, and found Rogers' description of the deep swamp areas to be enchanting. The drama of the climax played out in a way that was lofty and exciting; it was not overdone. This book sets up well for number three, which I'm looking forward to either listening to or reading.

The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, by Jonathan Haidt

A professor and researcher dives into how the mental state of adolescents fell apart, starting in the 2010s, when smartphones spread ubiquitously.

Why I picked it up: This one has professional interest for me and some information that I want to include in a presentation I'm giving at work in a few weeks.

My impressions: I think this author is either on track or pretty spot-on with many of his conclusions about tech, but he has some "hot takes" which may or may not reflect reality, and he tended to be very off about the morality of some of the issues that come up when discussing tech. He presents much of the research with his understanding of it, but with the caveat that new research might reveal more or that there just might be things that he's wrong about. There was also an entire chapter that I skipped because he talked about the, for lack of a better term, "spiritual" things we can do counteract the bad effects of tech, such as going into nature; this chapter didn't seem as data driven, and it certainly wasn't Catholic, so I moved right past it. A friend asked me if I thought it was worth reading. I said...yes, if you're looking for more of the research, but I'd specify the research is about mental health and the timeline of when things started going south for adolescents. It also contains some good broad ideas for what governments and schools can do - as well as specific ideas, especially for parents, but, at least for schools and governments, those are big institutions that would be hard to get change going in. I don't think this is a "must read" if you're already familiar with much of the information on this topic, but it could be useful to those who have professional or strong personal interests in the topic. I would not recommend this book for children, and there were several parts that discussed topics that were too heavy for me personally, talked about sexual activities, or would be important for readers to discern if they were sections that should be read.

The Rise and Fall of Mount Majestic, by Jennifer Trafton

Persimmony leaves her daydreams of adventures to have a real one in which a selfish young king, worried little man, strict twiggy creatures, and fun-loving frolicking creatures work to solve the mystery of whether or not something is happening with the mountain in the middle of their island.

Why I picked it up: This book has been on my to-read list for a few years and I got it from the library to earn points for a summer reading challenge. It ended up fulfilling a requirement on another challenge, too.

My impressions: This fantasy work was not a remarkable specimen of the genre, although it ended better than it began. The work never really got me hooked and invested, and it was one I would have put down sooner if I hadn't been reading it for a summer challenge. I think it has all the right elements that could capture the imagination, but I think I would've needed a child's imagination for that to happen. Those elements - maps, made-up peoples, magical pots, variegated characters, word play - never quite gelled for me. The characters had some good development, but the ending didn't wrap up as nicely as I would have hoped, and one or two references to hypothetical nakedness and throwing oneself out a tower to the ground that weren't necessary. I don't recommend reading this book, although I think that some children might enjoy it. 

Triss, by Brian Jacques**

An escaped squirrel slave, pursued by an evil ferret princess, connects with other runaway warriors and residents of Redwall as a mysterious terror stalks Mossflower Woods.

Why I picked it up: This book was worth 30 points for a summer reading challenge; I'd put this book down on a previous attempt because the villain's accent was off-putting, but wanted to revisit this story. I found it in audiobook form in the state library system.

My impressions: Though not at the stellar level of some other Redwall titles, this is still a solid representative of the fantasy adventure talking-animal genre. My irritation with reading the accents was completely obliterated by the amazing performance of the cast - led by the author as narrator. This is a solid book - the puzzling element wasn't as robust as in some other books, but better than in Taggerung. This is a great book for any fantasy animal adventure lover, middle school (or even upper elementary) and older.

Bracket Play

Well, this bracket is a right old mess. I'm going to skip to the section of the bracket that has only six titles left. At this point, it hurt to knock out The Secret of the Swamp King, a wonderful children's lit retelling of King David's early years in an American bayou, but it fell to the Wendell Berry masterpiece, Hannah Coulter, a worthy opponent. Father Larry Richards' book about being a man of God beat the graphic novel The Mythmakers, probably mainly because my husband and I have enjoyed listening to Father Richards on the radio so much. Elizabeth Goudge's children's book, The Little White Horse, was so well done that it beat the Christian book reflecting on sheep and a popular psalm in the Bible. This gave The Little White Horse a buy to the final round. Berry's book beat Fr. Richard's to the other semifinal round. In the end, Hannah Coulter won because it was such a reflective book that had me thinking a lot about living in closer connection with land and community, although The Little White Horse is certainly a strong runner up.

Notable Book

The Lost Words: A Spell Book, by Robert Macfarlane, illustrated by Jackie Morris

Words describing the natural world were removed from a children's dictionary in Great Britain because they weren't used often enough by children; the author protests the loss of these words by creating "spells", or acrostic poems, that try to evoke the wonder of these plants and animals.

Why I picked it up: This big picture book joined my to-read list when I became more concerned about the loss of encounters with nature we experience in our world. I hesitated to pick it up sooner because of the descriptions "spell book", but it was also worth points for one of my summer reading challenges.

My impressions: These beautiful pictures helped me imagine more of the landscape and wildlife described in my beloved English literature, while the extremely robust vocabulary had me reaching for my phone to look up definitions. There ended up being very little to worry about, after all, as far as the "spell book" element is concerned. One poem mentions a raven "hexes" as a reply to a question, which I didn't love, but the author mostly meant that these "spells" bring words to life, or sort of make present that which they describe. The illustrations are gorgeous and I'd love to have this book if only as a reference for when I read British lit. However, that one line about hexing makes me hesitant to get a copy right away to just have around to share with kids. I think there's a sequel book, and I'm probably going to look into it, too. I've really put my library system to work this summer! This books is great if you love gorgeous nature illustrations or want visuals for some of those plants and critters that come up in your British novels. This one won't end up on my bracket, but I wanted some record of having read it.

Books Attempted and Put Down

Ender's Game, by Orson Scott Card

This science fiction classic follows a kindergarten-age boy through his recruitment and training for war against an alien race that will certainly return to wipe out life on earth.

Why I picked it up: This book was picked for my book-club-of-two with a friend.

Why I put it down: I gave this one a good college try, but I tried discerning if it was a good book for me to be reading, and it didn't seem to be bearing good fruit. There was a lot I was enjoying about it once I got past some initial yucky feelings, but some of the games and interactions were pretty violent and there was one element about a girl in a boy's wing that made me uncomfortable but stuck with me later.

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, by Alexander McCall Smith

Precious Ramotswe sells her inheritance of cattle and sets up a detective business in Botswana.

Why I picked it up: One of my summer reading challenges calls for a "beach read". I'm not about that romance stuff, so I did some research and this one looked to be a light, fun detective read.

Why I put it down: Light and fun this book was not. It didn't pull me in, so I figured I'd try to find a book that might already be on my to-read list that still would count as a "beach read". 

Literary Considerations: The Element of Coziness

 What is the Essence of "Coziness"?

In the winter of 2024, I decided to pick up a collection of stories under the title of A Year in Brambly Hedge. I had heard of these children's books at some point over the years, and decided to check it out on a whim. The result is that, while my life hasn't changed in any appreciable way just to look at it, this book led me to the conviction that, if I ever am to actually write a work of fiction, it must include some element of coziness in it.

And what is "coziness"? I plan to explore the topic here, looking not at books that I crave when I'm stressed, but at the elements that I've distilled from reading books that have a recognizable ambience of coziness.

Space and Physical Features

Warm, Firelit Location

One of the first elements that comes to mind when I think "cozy" is that the setting has to be warm. One simply cannot have a cozy gathering in a drafty, damp area. Warmth of a cozy sort is almost, of a necessity, created by a fire, and best of all if there is coolness or wetness without. A good, warm autumn day celebrating a homecoming at the end of a Redwall story isn't really a cozy setting, even though it may be a festive one. Rather, coziness may be found at Redwall in Cavern Hole, which, especially during winter months, is typically described as containing a large fire.

Light and Color

Speaking of fire, the light associated with cozy spaces is also important. A yellow or orange glow - literal "warm" light - is a must. The early books of the "Mitford" series feature Fr. Timothy looking longingly across the yard to see the windows of his neighbor's house, which is lit from within by a warm light - I imagine the windows aglow with panes of a honey-hued yellow. Other objects included in the scene should also incorporate warm colors. Cozy spaces in literature typically are described at night, in keeping with the need for a good fire. Here, the darkness of the night brings into relief the strength of the warm colors inside.

Small Area

A cozy area is a small area. The sense of being shoulder to shoulder with neighbors, or even being tucked into a smaller space, such as a comfortable armchair, adds to the sense of comfort. The space need not be packed, but there needs to be some definition to the space. A vast hall fading into dark, unseen recesses does NOT create a homey atmosphere. The "Brambly Hedge" books have some illustrations that demonstrate good, small, firelit spaces.

Vittles

Food: A Sense of Abundance

One cannot be properly cozy without being properly fed. Coziness would never happen on a stomach that isn't full and content. Most descriptions of cozy places are accompanied by descriptions of the food available to the characters in the scene. While a sense of abundance is important, I would argue that "abundance" is not a completely physical reality. A poor family could still provide a cozy feast so long as there is enough food for everyone to eat without feeling concerned about stinting on portions or going to bed slightly hungry. They may not have enough for eating like this every day, but they can provide a fine meal for their guest at least tonight.

Food: Simple but Filling Fare

And, on the topic of food: it's not unusual for the board to be of simple yet hearty options. Basic breads, plain fruits and cheeses, and soups and stews come to mind. There may be tea treats, but one would not expect the fanciful flights of fine cooking. Brian Jacques' Redwall descriptions of the food in Cavern Hole typically lean in this direction.

Hot Drinks

Is it possible to have a cozy scene without a nice warm beverage? Yes, but it is rare. Mulled cider, warmed punch, tea, coffee, or even hot chocolate would be appropriate in such a setting.

Other Considerations

Time of Year

I suppose cozy spaces can exist anywhere and at any time, but "coziness" is the property especially of the fall and winter seasons. Again, the presence of a fire makes coziness less of a thing in the heat of summer - after all, many people are trying to find the cool places in their homes at that time of year. A very cozy scene early in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe features Lucy joining the faun Tumnus for some tea during the winter that has lasted for a hundred years.

Textiles and Textures

A cozy place is replete with comfortable, nonsynthetic fabrics and natural materials such as wood, wax, clay, or stone. The character would not be drinking their coffee from a disposable cup while sitting on a molded chair at a formica countertop; rather, they would likely lounge in a goose-feather overstuffed wingchair of a homely, worn design, an earthenware pipe in mouth, china teacup on the wooden end table, and a fire roaring in the stone or brick hearth.

Hospitality and Solitude

The welcome extended to a friend or stranger is a necessary part of the charm of a cozy place. Brian Jacques does a great job of inviting readers to "visit" Redwall again at the end of almost every book, and this sort of "so grateful you've come, please return someday!" sentiment makes coziness what it is. Now, there is a certain element of solitude that also seems necessary at times; for the quiet reader, solitude indeed makes sense. However, I would posit that coziness is an atmosphere in which others, if they should join, would be made welcome.

Domestic Activities

The practice of domestic activities can also contribute to a cozy atmosphere, specifically if they are related to old-timey food preparations and animal husbandry. Consider the "Little House on the Prairie" series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. The Ingalls family works hard on the farm, but daily chores like baking pies, preserving jams, milking cows, feeding chickens, and darning socks somehow focus the reader into a comforting rhythm of work and rest that feels cozy. Sitting by the fire at the end of the day is all the more restful because it has been preceded by hard labor that warrants rest.

Peace and Quiet

These last elements may be the most important of all. If there is no peace in the hearts of those in the household, coziness will not be present. Additionally, the volume of activities taking place cannot be so great as to disturb the sense of peace. Conversation may carry on, and children may place, or the dog worry at its bone, but raucous laughter, screaming, and barking would violate the peace of the cozy environment.

In a Word: Comfort

In his book Bilbo's Journey, Joseph Pearce shows that Bilbo and Smaug are similar in that they are both greedy for comfort - the dragon through the comfort of riches, but Bilbo through the comforts of home. He is reluctant to give up the comforts of his hobbit hole, whether to share food with guests or to leave it for a time for an adventure. He spend much of his journey longing for the coziness of his home.

When we linger in the coziness of a story, we too are enjoying comfort. When a book calls us to read it on a rainy day from the covers of blankets, we are seeking a physical and emotional warmth. While we, too, are in danger of becoming overly attached to these comforts, it is still important that at least some stories include cozy elements. Theology of Home, by Carrie Gress and Noelle Mering, has a great takeaway that I've carried with me since I first read it: every time we long for a house that is beautiful and lovely and everything we want it to be, we must remember that we are longing for Heaven. We have to keep our final home in mind and not be obsessed with our earthly home. The same can be said for coziness. Coziness isn't everything we should seek in this life, but its appearance in the books we read can be a device that is constantly pointing us toward our ultimate end.