August Book Bracket 2026

 Book Bracket August

The start of school meant a serious drop-off in my reading habits. However, I'm grateful to have finished the following books.

Belisarius: The First Shall Be Last, by Paolo Belzoni, read by AI-generated voice**

This historical fiction work follows the life of a young man, Belisarius, as he trains in the army, learns strategy, and begins battling the Persians.

Why I picked it up: I think this book was recommended on a list at some point, and I obtained it with an Audible credit a while ago.

My impressions: This wasn't the most engaging work of historical fiction, but it wasn't terrible, either. It felt a little like a biography with a little more story to it, and I think that's why the final showdown was not the exciting pinnacle I hoped it would be. I think there was a decent sense of the decline of Roman power, including military might, which prepares the ground for Belisarius' rise to fame. There were comments here and there that referred to mature topics, such as getting drunk and sleeping around with women, so this isn't something that would be appropriate for just any middle schooler. I think the focus on military action would make this book more interesting to boys than to girls, but I don't think this book is necessary to read.

The Medieval Mind of C. S. Lewis: How Great Books Shaped a Great Mind, by Jason M. Baxter

A scholar describes how C. S. Lewis' professional interest in Medieval works was more than just professional, and the many ways it influenced his creative writing.

Why I picked it up: A friend expressed excitement about reading a different work that had been translated by this author, and I figured this book would be worth a try. Available through my public library system.

My impressions: This book helped answer some questions about some works of Lewis that I'd read previously, including  Till We Have Faces. I felt like my previous reading of many of Lewis' works made me already familiar with some of the points Baxter was making, including Lewis' love of the Medieval model, but he deepened my knowledge in some areas. This book would probably be most interesting to adults who are already fans of C. S. Lewis and his writings.

Clinging: The Experience of Prayer, by Emilie Griffin

A woman describes what the experience of prayer is like, as well as the changes it creates in a person's soul and life.

Why I picked it up: My sister had recommended this book to me, and I bought it within the last couple years from my favorite bookstore. I picked it up recently because I was trying to do that bookstore's summer reading challenge. Although I gave up on the challenge, I wanted to finish this book so I could reduce how many books I'm actively reading right now.

My impressions: Some of the first chapters were really thought provoking for me, and the author writes in a unique blend of metaphor and references to Scripture and poetry. I liked much of what the author had to say, and it made me desire to pray more often and pray well. Unfortunately, as I think back on the book, I have difficulty remembering specific details; I think this is a result of so many metaphors being employed, as opposed to practical, concrete details about how to pray with greater devotion. I think this can be a decent book for Catholics and Christian adults to consult as they seek to grow in prayer, but I suspect other works might have more practical applications.

The Invisible Child: On Reading and Writing Books for Children, by Katherine Paterson

Award-winning children's literature author Katherine Paterson shares her ideas on writing for children, and the role of children's literature, in a series of talks and speeches collected in this book.

Why I picked it up: A good friend of mine recommended that I borrow her copy of this book.

My impressions: I've never read this author's works, and although I think I'd be less than likely to enjoy them, I found she had some excellent insights into creativity, wonder, and writing for children. I wrote down many quotes. While I don't agree with all her ideas or much appreciate the heavy topics she tackles in her stories, I'm now curious enough to want to try reading two of her books. She makes me want to be a more creative type, a better writer, and someone who writes the story she can write. She doesn't sugarcoat her writing process: writing a good story is hard work, and even coming up with a plot is difficult. I appreciate that she owns she is an author of children's literature and that she defends that profession as not being something less-than compared with authorship for adults. For those who want some good food for thought on writing, and particularly on writing for children, this book would be a good choice.

Draft that I Beta-Read for Someone I Know

I'm not at liberty to discuss the contents of this work, but it is fiction.

Why I picked it up: The author asked me if I'd be interested in beta reading their draft. I've never beta read before, and I was excited to be asked!

My impressions: Again, I'm not at liberty to discuss, but I will say that I hope I get the chance to beta read the next book.

Until the Streetlights Come On: How a Return to Play Brightens Our Present and Prepares Kids for an Uncertain Future, by Ginny Yurich**

The founder of the 1000 Hours Outside movement writes about her experience of discovering the benefits nature provides to families and especially children who spend time outdoors.

Why I picked it up: I wanted an audiobook and this one, which I'd picked up on Audible a while back, sounded good to me.

My impressions: It's good to revisit the "nature is good!" genre, and this book is a great book both for those being introduced to the benefits of time outdoors, as well as casual readers like me who already believe nature has so much to offer modern Americans. Yurich includes many points that I cheer along with - what's the rush to educate kids formally? Isn't the college and sports track a rat race? There's a time and place for technology, but there's so much we're missing outside if that's all that we do. She does a great job of synthesizing many sources and presenting a compelling case for spending as much time outside as possible.  This book would be a great resource for families who want to learn about and possibly embrace a more outdoors-y lifestyle.

Bracket Play

The bracket is pretty small this month. As always, I paired weaker books against stronger ones in the first round. The audiobook about the benefits of letting children play outside won over the historical fiction work based on the ongoing violence between Constantinople and the Persian empire, Belisarius. Katherine Paterson's collection of essays on writing for children won over Baxter's analysis of Lewis' formation in Medieval texts - a good scholarly book, but not one that changed my understanding of Lewis too much. Paterson's book also won over the playing-in-nature book in the next round. I put Clinging, the book on prayer, in the best slot on account of its subject - and as excellent as I found parts of it to be, I chose The Invisible Child as the winner for this month. I felt like I was really engaged with Paterson's ideas, whether I agreed with them or not, while I currently have difficulty remembering many details about the book on prayer. 

Books Attempted and Put Down

Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men, by Caroline Criado Perez, read by the author**

A researcher provides data and stories to argue that the research we use to do so many things, from city planning to technology design, is skewed and fails women.

Why I picked it up: A gal pal said she'd listened to this audiobook and it sounded interesting.

Why I put it down: I found myself feeling dissatisfied with certain aspects of my life, even though I was calling out the author's bias as I listened. I figured that continuing to listen to this audiobook would lead me to focus on minor inconveniences that don't really matter to me, and I'm actually quite happy with the life I am privileged to live. I think there would have been a lot more to interest me in the book, but I didn't want to focus on so much negativity while I listened.

July 2026 Reading Bracket

Book Bracket July 2026

My year of reading is halfway over, but there are plenty more titles to be enjoyed! I was late getting this month's bracket posted because of my return to work.

The Poisoned King, by Katherine Rundell**

This sequel to Impossible Creatures follows Christopher back to the Archipelago to solve the mystery of the death of the great dragons, while the Princess Anya discovers an evil plot to take over her grandfather's kingdom.

Why I picked it up: One of my relatives really liked the first book. Even though I wasn't a huge fan of the original work, I figured I'd try this one out. It was available through my local library's e-system.

My impressions: I thought I'd give Katherine Rundell's writing another chance, and while some aspects of the book were better than I expected, I'm not glad that I committed to finishing it out. I remember being put-off by some of her analogies - in audiobook form, I think some of them worked better, but not always. The story of the princess was quite intriguing and I was caught up in it, but once she started focusing on her desire for revenge, she became a less compelling character. The book ended with most of the right notes regarding revenge, which was good, but I was made uncomfortable by a reference to an immortal being, this time reincarnated as a male (had been female in the previous book). There were references to creating an antidote that sounded a lot like making a magic potion (eye of this, heart of that, etc.), which is not my favorite sort of fantasy, and there's a legendarium or appendix at the end that talks about mythical creatures, the first one containing a story with an LGBTQ element. I can see how this sort of book might appeal to some readers, but Rundell's writing isn't for me, and outside of personal taste, I don't recommend this one, because there is no lack of excellent fantasy books to choose from.

Come to Mary's House: Spending Time with Our Blessed Mother,  by Shawn Chapman

A Discalced Secular Carmelite shares reflections on Our Lady, ending each of 39 reflections with an imaginative meditative exercise that invites readers to spend time encountering Mary in her house.

Why I picked it up: I acquired this book through a cousin book-exchange before Advent, and decided I needed to dip into it after it sat on my shelf for half a year. Yes, this is another book in the "anti-library" that I decided I needed to try.

My impressions: There are some very good reflections on Mary included in this work, some engaging personal stories, and moving imaginative meditations. However, I found that not every reflection or imaginative meditation reached me. As always, there were times when I was mentally ready to make time for reflecting, but much of the time, I was not. I think that this book could be a really powerful one for some readers, and I think the reflections might be more relatable to female readers. This book could be worth a try for someone who is interested in more imaginative prayer and/or is looking for a different way of encountering Mary.

Rebellion 1776, by Laurie Halse Anderson(*)

Elsbeth, a serving girl separated from her father, must wait out uncertainty in the midst of battle, changing employment, and plague.

Why I picked it up: I'd enjoyed another book by this author, and since it was buy-one-get-one-free at my school's book fair, I figured I'd give it a try.

My impressions: This book was an interesting picture inside Boston during the start and early part of the American Revolution, especially with smallpox raging in the city, but the story fell short in some ways. There were far too many descriptions of puking and poxy patients. The story was surprisingly sad at one point. While I found many characters multi-faceted, I didn't truly like any of them. The playing out of the smallpox issue within the story was interesting, but there was definitely a scene that felt like it was a historical version of COVID vaccine debates, with the scene playing out a little woodenly, too. I didn't like that the main character tried justifying her deception and stealing to herself, even though it made her feel awful - there was also a lack of negative repercussions for those actions. I didn't find this book as good a historical fiction as Tolliver's Secret or Carry On, Mr. Bowditch, so I wouldn't recommend reading this one.

A Lion to Guard Us, by Clyde Robert Bulla

In 1609, three children make their way across the ocean to reunite with their father in Jamestown.

Why I picked it up: I saw this on Audible and recommended reading lists and thought it would be interesting to try. This one was available through my alma mater's library.

My impressions: This book is a quick work of historical fiction about the early settling of America. I learned a bit about how people might come to make the move across the sea and felt some solid research underpinned this work. The story was simple and focused, which I liked, but I felt the illustrations were a little too stylized and, therefore, distracting. This is a quick read, and while I won't recommend it as a must-read, there's certainly nothing to object to, other than the deaths of some adults and a description of a poorly-made toy as a "demon doll." Mid and upper elementary readers could tackle this book without issue.

The Reb and the Redcoats, by Constance Savery, narrated by Karen Savage**

Four British children wonder why their once-warm injured uncle is so mean to the American prisoner of war during the time of the Revolutionary War.

Why I picked it up: I obtained this with an Audible credit at some point. I think I was intrigued by the story looking at an aspect of the Revolutionary War I hadn't considered before - that some soldiers would have been captured and held as prisoners of war.

My impressions: This book lacks a lot of action, but has enough interpersonal conflict to keep things interesting. This work of historical fiction depicted a time and place that felt real, and also portrayed characters doing realistic things. The story hangs well together, with an object introduced in the first paragraphs showing up and playing an important role through the length of the story. There's some discussion of a doll working "magic", but I didn't get the sense that this was a significant element in the story, and pretty easy to gloss over. Readers will still enjoy happy and complete lives without reading this book, but it could be a good one for upper elementary readers who are interested in a slightly more British look at the Revolutionary War.

The Light Princess, by George MacDonald, narrated by Fox in the Stars**

This fairy tale about a weightless princess depicts the beauty of giving one's life in love for another.

Why I picked it up: I'm starting to get concerned about being able to finish a reading challenge this summer, and this book gave me twice as many points as the other books I've been reading. I accessed this one through Librivox (thus, the interesting name of the narrator).

My impressions: This fairy tale can get pretty sad in one or two parts, but it is a beautiful story and worth revisiting from time to time. I'm not sure that this one was written to be read aloud, but it is still very good. I like that the author doesn't just establish an oddity - that a princess has no gravity; he explains or hints at some different ways this problem is truly a problem, and not just a plot device. The prince is truly noble, and I think the best part is seeing how his love transforms his beloved. This might be a good read-aloud (or would it be?), but elementary readers would probably be able to tackle this story.

Tree and Leaf, by J. R. R. Tolkien

This slim volume is a combination of his famous essay, "On Fairy-Stories," and his short story "Leaf by Niggle."

Why I picked it up: I needed to reference the essay for something I'm writing, and wanted to finish the volume for the purpose of some reading challenges I'm doing this summer. Grateful once again for university libraries, which sometimes have books available when I need them!

My impressions: Still so good, even on the third or fourth reading. If you are interested in the creative life, this book is a very interesting look into it; it's theory, but also art. The essay is excellent, even if the beginning is a bit slow, but I love Tolkien's writing. The short story is simple and beautiful. People should read this.

St. John Henry Newman A Doctor of the Church for Our Time: Spiritual Guide for the Catholic Heart, by Sr. Mary Catherine Blanding, IHM

A religious sister introduces Americans to the newest Doctor of the Church, St. John Henry.

Why I picked it up: I have a personal connection with the author, attended a university named for this saint, and wanted to learn more about him.

My impressions: This is a great introductory work, but it's also important to treat it more like meditation material than a biography. I felt called out by some of the things this saint had to say, but was also encouraged and shown areas where I could work on my relationship with God. There is some biographical information, but I liked that the author spent more time discussing major themes St. John Henry concerned himself with, as well as his personal convictions. She really brought home just how relevant this Victorian saint is to our time. This is a great book for anyone who is not familiar with the saint and would like a place to start.

Runaway Ralph, by Beverly Cleary

The motorcycle-loving Ralph from The Mouse and the Motorcycle feels suffocated by his family's priorities and runs away to what he imagines will be a grand time at a summer camp.

Why I picked it up: This is a book my husband and I read together this summer.

My impressions: The first chapter was dynamite. The rest of the book couldn't live up to that high standard, but it was still excellent in so many ways. We laughed throughout the reading of the book and were happy to share how much we enjoyed that incredible first chapter. The plot did feel a little weak, but the ending was satisfactory. This would be a good book for younger elementary readers after they've read the first book in the series.

The Magician's Nephew, by C. S. Lewis, narrated by Kenneth Branagh**

This book from the "Chronicles of Narnia" series introduces readers to the origins of Narnia when two children in Victorian England travel to different worlds by means of a vain uncle's magic rings.

Why I picked it up: I'm continuing to read through this series with cousins, and this was the next book on the list. I started reading the physical book but eventually transferred to the audio version.

My impressions: This book is so good! I actually got a little creeped out by the dying world, which is often one of my favorite parts, but it wasn't so bad once I moved to the audiobook version. C. S. Lewis can feel a little heavy-handed at times when it comes to communicating a message in this series, but it still works. It's still an engaging adventure. This book, as well as all the other Narnia books, should be read by pretty much everyone who is upper elementary age or older. Well, I don't have such positive feelings for the final book, but that is future Jessica's problem.

A Right To Be Merry, by Mother Mary Francis, P.C.

A Poor Clare nun beautifully writes about life as a contemplative in a newly-established monastery.

Why I picked it up: This book was recommended to me by a family member who is discerning a vocation to become a religious sister. I've been yearning to find this book, and finally realized that my alma mater had a copy! Happy day! Although, this copy is old enough that the author was known as "Sister Mary Francis" rather than "Mother Mary Francis".

My impressions: Wow, this book was even better than I thought it would be! It's been a while since I've marveled at the quality of writing in a book - I think Elizabeth Goudge was the last author to amaze me this way. I wrote down a lot of quotes from this book and wouldn't mind acquiring this one for my own library. I do wonder if Poor Clare orders still live in the manner described in the book (pre-Vatican II), but even if changes have occurred, I think this book captures the spirituality of St. Francis and St. Clare - and shows the beauty of contemplative life so charmingly - I still think it is relevant for Catholics today. The author does briefly discuss the penances and difficulties that are part of the life of a contemplative nun, but she focuses much more of her time on the joys of her life. This is a great book for Catholics of all ages to enjoy, I think, starting with as young as mature middle schoolers.

The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict, by Trenton Lee Stewart, narrated by Del Roy**

This prequel of sorts to the "Mysterious Benedict Society" series introduces readers to the orphan Nicholas Benedict as he faces challenges in a new orphanage, including bullying, loneliness, and narcolepsy.

Why I picked it up: I saw a family member reading one of the other books that take place later in the series. I looked up a different book by this author, found it was unavailable as an audiobook at the time, but discovered this one available through my library's e-system.

My impressions: The book was pretty lengthy, but it had a lot of good elements in it. A timeless quality in a fun setting - who wouldn't enjoy exploring a manor-converted-to-orphanage with Nicholas and his friends? Those friends were developed well, and the main character displayed some excellent growth. There were some elements of mystery, but it was not a mystery book. As I recall from reading other books in the series, there continued to be an implication that, if you're extraordinary and clever enough, maybe the rules don't apply to you. The ending wrapped up all the loose strings as well. This book would be worth considering to read if you've enjoyed the books in the "Mysterious Benedict Society", which is good for middle grade audiences.

The Elements of Style, 4th Edition, by William Strunk Jr. and E. B. White

A resource for writing well, including sections on grammar, misused words, and style.

Why I picked it up: I purchased this book years ago. I started reading it months ago and bogged down. This summer, I decided it was time to finish reading it. I want to improve my writing skills.

My impressions: This book sometimes was so slow that I got bogged down. However, I wish that it was something that had been suggested to me during my high school or college education. It is just a beginning place; a reference book; a collection of some writers' opinions; but it is a great starting place if you're trying to write well. I haven't applied much (if anything) so far, but I hope to revisit it in some future revision activities.

Bracket Play

Thirteen books this month made for another full bracket. I paired as many similar books as I could in the first round, which took slight precedence over pairing weakest books against strongest ones. That's why some good books didn't make it past the first or second round, when they very well deserved to do so. Included in the books that I felt should have gone further in the competition were the writing guide The Elements of Style and The Light Princess. I'd also give the same distinction to The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict, which maybe should have won that first round...but I couldn't deny that the first chapter of Runaway Ralph is the strongest one that I've read of any book, children or adult, for a long time.

The second round sent one really good book out of the fight, Tolkien's Tree and Leaf, a great little work with some of his most iconic thoughts on Story, as well as one of the best short stories I've ever read. Runaway Ralph fell to Lewis' The Magician's Nephew, which was fantastic as an audiobook narrated by Kenneth Branagh. I was glad that the book about St. John Henry, by a local author, made it through this round, as did the Poor Clare book, A Right to Be Merry. 

In the closing battles, Lewis' fantasy beat the book about St. John Henry, but ultimately fell to A Right to Be Merry, a book so beautifully written and so encompassing of the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi that I would happily read it again - and, indeed, aspire to own it someday. This is a deserving winner for the month.

Books Attempted and Put Down

Christy, by Catherine Marshall

Idealistic young Christy volunteers to teach at a poor mission church in the Appalachians, and finds her soul expanding and maturing in response to the extreme poverty, violence, and beauty she encounters there.

Why I picked it up: This was a book chosen for one of my book clubs.

My impressions: I made it through quite a bit of the book, skimming some sections here and there, before I finally decided to quit. There were parts of the story that I liked quite a bit - it had Christian messages without being too preachy, it took a good look at hard things, it had some elements that were a little reminiscent of the Little House books, like their regional foods and preparations. However, there were some pretty bald conversations about adult topics, including rape and infant death. I won't say there was no plot to the book, but the plot that it had was certainly unconventional. Maybe that's because the book was focused very much on the change in Christy as well as the events happening around her. I think I put it down because I reached a point where I thought, "They're really talking about that?" one too many times (another adult topic), and I wasn't interested enough in seeing how she changes from being engaged to one man to...well, I won't spoil it here.

Lincoln's Lady Spymaster: The Untold Story of the Abolitionist Southern Belle Who Helped Win the Civil War, by Gerri Willis** (narrated by??)

Biography of Elizabeth ..., who from the heart of the Confederacy ran a spy ring in service of the Union.

Why I picked it up: I came across this on my library's app and it sounded interesting.

Why I put it down: My experience with the first book of the month helped me decide to put the book down - even though I was 80% finished. There was far less information about the subject and her life than I expected, and too much about the Civil War and its events in general. Too much time spent on other people - John Wilkes Booth, Ulysses Grant, etc. I'd gotten probably what I was going to get from listening to the book, and I moved on to others.

The Scarlet Pimpernel, by Baroness Orczy*

An Englishman navigates a potentially treacherous relationship with his wife as he disguises himself to save French noblemen in danger of death by the French Revolution's guillotine.

Why I picked it up: I've read this one before, but some friends wanted to read it for book club, so I obtained it in ebook form.

Why I put it down: Honestly, there was too much focus on the relationship of the married couple. While I'm getting back into attempting books that have clean romantic elements, I'm still pretty limited. It's good to have tried this one, and I'd possibly be interested in trying other books in this series if there's more focus on the adventure side of things.

The Sword in the Stone, by T. H. White, narrated by Jason Neville**

Wart learns much from his magical tutor, Merlin, in old England.

Why I picked it up: I read this in elementary school and wanted to try it out again. Available through my state's e-library.

Why I put it down: There were some elements of the writing that I didn't like, and I just felt too familiar with the Disney version to really enjoy this retelling. I figured my time would be better spent on something I enjoyed listening to more.

June 2026 Book Bracket

Book Bracket for June

This month saw the completion of many books, some from my "anti-library," but others more spontaneous.

Blue Willow, by Doris Gates

Janey, always moving with her parents after they lost the ranch in the dust bowl, are in a place she finds she wants to stay permanently, but even in uncertainty, she finds consolation and perhaps a means of staying there in a Blue Willow china plate.

 Why I picked it up: I acquired this book a long time ago, I think for free - the "Newbery Honor" designation probably appealed to me. It's been part of my "anti-library" for years, and this summer, I'm working on knocking out some titles from the anti-library.

My impressions: I didn't think this book would have much to appeal to me, but it had me invested by the end after a moving scene or two. Not a lot happens as far as action goes, but the author does a great job of creating a plot that is realistic and gets the reader to care about what happens. There were a few comments about Janey noticing her friend's darker skin - I don't think those were necessarily problematic, but I do want to mention the formal "N" word is used to describe a black man. I thought the ending was very satisfying. I probably won't hold on to this book, I think it's a pretty good one for an  introduction to the Depression and migrant workers.

Echo Mountain, by Lauren Wolk, narrated by Holly Linneman**

Ellie's family had to make a life on the mountain following the stock market crash, but when she takes on the burden of the secret of what really happened on the day her father was injured and fell into a coma, she finds friends more willing to accept her than some of her own family.

Why I picked it up: I aquired this book for free from someone somewhere, but to get it out of my "anti-library", I found it through my local library's audiobook selection.

My impressions: The author presents a very reflective book that captures the desperation of economic hard times and the absence of a protective, providing father. The main character is intriguing, as is the "wild" life she leads as she harvests food from the mountain. There are some good messages in here about not judging based on appearances or incomplete information, as well as the importance of caring for the world and not just taking from it. However, regardless of the merits of this story as a work of historical fiction, I ended up disagreeing with the way some events played out - spoilers ahead. Ellie, the main character, decides to spare her siblings from the truth that they both, in different ways, contributed to a tree falling on their father, sending him into a coma. The consequences are unfair, with both her mother and her sister keeping her at arm's length from their affection. She maintains this silence to the end, and feels vindicated that her father knows the truth, even if nobody else does. I took issue with this part because I felt like the better course to take would have been to be honest about the incident. Even if she wasn't believed fully, it would have been better to have an additional narrative for the family to consider, instead of ostracizing one of their own. The second issue I had was that Ellie seemed unrealistically understanding and adult-like in her reflections and conversation - I believe 12-year-olds can have deep thoughts, but I the thoughts she has are not what I'd expect from a girl her age. Finally, I was frustrated by the continuing trope that a child ends up knowing better than an adult. While this may be true in some circumstances, Ellie's blatant refusal to obey her mother in some regards really rubbed me the wrong way. Towards the end, a few characters ask, "Tell me what is true?", throwing into question the idea of objective truth. I considered stopping reading this book, but I think I finished it because I was frustrated with the characters and wanted to see how things ended up. I also want to note there are some scenes where pretty gnarly wounds are described and that's not something that every reader would be cool with. I wouldn't recommend this book. It isn't bad, but it has some elements that I didn't like. If you want an introduction to the difficulties of the Great Depression, I think Blue Willow would be a better place to start.

Women of the Catholic Imagination: Twelve Inspired Novelists You Should Know, edited by Haley Stewart

Scholars present essays on the works and lives of twelve famous female Catholic novelists from the last century and a half.

Why I picked it up: I was intrigued by the title when I saw it on the Word on Fire website, and asked for it as a gift. I wanted to move this one off my "anti-library" list as well, and was glad to add some variety to my recent reading fare.

My impressions: As wonderful and impressive as the works and lives of these Catholic women were/are, this book has me thinking that I don't think I want to become a great novelist. Expect more on this in a different blog post. It was interesting to see how different these authors were and how their faith came out in their (sometimes very secular) works. I was familiar with only about half of the authors presented, and I hadn't even read the books of several of the ones I'd heard of before, so this was a very informative book. I like that the essays provided biographical information as well as some literary analysis, and each section concluded with a list of suggested reading and a blurb about the academic who penned the essay. This book is basically an advertisement to go hunt down some little-known novels, and I think it's great that someone wanted to discuss the literature that Catholic women have been writing the last 150 years or so. I did end up skimming a few parts (often analyses of difficult parts of the authors' works), and I would say that this book would be best for Catholic adults looking for some new-to-them authors who wrote hefty novels.

With God In Russia: The Inspiring Classic Account of a Catholic Priest's Twenty-Three Years in Soviet Prisons and Labor Camps, by Walter J. Ciszek, S.J., with Daniel L. Flaherty, S.J.

This memoir shares about the life of Father Walter Ciszek, who spent two-plus decades ministering to God's people in Communist Russia, first in disguise as a laborer, then through his trials in the prisons and labor camps of the U.S.S.R., his life as a "free" man, and his return home.

Why I picked it up: I loved Fr. Ciszek's next book, He Leadeth Me, and I wanted some more of the details about what actually happened to him in Russia - and it turns out, there was a whole book that shares that story! I found this copy at my favorite local bookstore.

My impressions: This book was heavy (understandably), but I felt like I learned so much about the U.S.S.R. by reading about Fr. Ciszek's experiences there. I will also not be picking up anything about Soviet Russia for a while. Fr. Ciszek did mention God's providence and protection from time to time, but I think his other book, He Leadeth Me, carries the spiritual message, whereas this book focused on the biographical information of his life. His youth fascinated me, including his choices to do the hard thing simply because it was hard. What an intriguing person! I could also see how his toughness earlier in life stood him in good stead during his privations in Russia. This was a pretty lengthy account, but it was good. It is a book to make one grateful for small blessings, and probably best for readers high school or older who are not sensitive readers and would like to learn about life in Communist Russia.

The Last Dragon on Mars, by Scott Reintgen, narrated by Landon Woodson**

Lunar's attempt to recover treasure from the wastes of Mars results in an adventure beyond his imagination, involving dragons and space travel.

Why I picked it up: A family member said he really enjoyed this book, so I figured I'd give it a try, too. It was available through my state's e-library.

My impressions: This was an impressive middle-grade adventure novel, right up there with Glitch from earlier this year. I don't want to say more than I already have in the sentence summary above to avoid spoilers, but it was a wild ride. You do have to go into it knowing that there's not a Christian worldview underpinning the world-building - humanity is not brought about by an act of creation by God, but through other means - but otherwise, one could say there are some themes that align with Christianity. There even seems to be a subtle distinction between just anger and sinful anger, with just anger being a force to change injustices, and sinful anger being a rage in which people can lose themselves. I do admit I felt a little uncomfortable with dragons "choosing" humans, as well as the special bond between them (instead of being chosen by God for a mission, being chosen by dragon? I may be reading into it). However, I don't think it's something that would be worth putting down the book for. If you want a fantasy adventure in a sci-fi setting, look no further than this book! This book would probably be best for middle grade readers and older.

Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief, by Wendelin Van Draanen

Sammy is about to start seventh grade when she witnesses a crime committed through her binoculars...and then waves at the criminal, starting a quest to find the thief before he finds her.

Why I picked it up: This one lived on my to-read list for a while, and then I found a physical copy at a library sale. It was an anti-library selection that I knew I needed to tackle.

My impressions: With the exception of a few scenes, this was a very enjoyable and exciting mystery. The stakes and concerns were realistic, and the main character has one of the strongest narrator voices I've heard in a while - her narration sounds like she's telling the story out loud to you. I like Sammy's gumption and how much she really seemed like a middle school student. I didn't like a scene where she talks to a robbery victim in her workplace - the victim is an astrologist, and goes into detail about a birth chart - not something I'd want my kids to be reading about, and not necessary for the story, either. Fortunately, this was a short section. There was one snotty classmate I really disliked, and I think Sammy's way of dealing with her bullying was a bit extreme - and it would definitely violate some HIPAA laws today. Sammy disobeys or doesn't tell her grandmother everything, which isn't great, but I think it's pretty clear that Sammy wasn't right to do those things, and knows it. With the exception of a page or two about some astrological stuff, it was a fun book that I was excited to finish, and would be good for upper elementary and middle school readers.

Listening for Lions, by Gloria Whelan

Rachel's parents die of influenza and she agrees to masquerade as a greedy couple's dead daughter, the couple hoping she will restore them to the good graces of the husband's distant and wealthy father.

Why I picked it up: Same situation as the previous book.

My impressions: I wasn't sure if I'd like this book since I wasn't a huge fan of one or two of the author's other works. Her tendency to tell stories about children in situations where they're taken advantage of until they overcome, while evident here, felt milder than in her other works, so it was more enjoyable. The beginning and end of the book were a little slower paced than the middle part, but it was still enjoyable, and I found it quick to read. The main character is likeable and one roots for her to succeed. There is a good exploration of the importance of telling the truth and the experience of unexpectedly good outcomes from difficult circumstances, although one or two comments indicated telling the truth was complicated, and didn't go much further than that. Also one comment about different takes two missionaries had on polygamy and church involvement. I found the author's consistent use of African animals in similes a little off - it wasn't bad, it just happened throughout the book and didn't quite work for me There's just the faintest hint of feminist ideas, but they don't distract from the story and almost everything plays out believably. This book would be fine for upper elementary and middle school readers to look into. While I don't think that it's a must-read, I do think it's good.

The Phantom Tollbooth, by Norton Juster, narrated by Rainn Wilson**

Upon discovering a car and tollbooth in his bedroom one day, the blasé Milo embarks on a stimulating journey with a ticking dog and a blustering bug through lands of words, numbers, and sounds to save the Princesses Rhyme and Reason from their prison in the land of the demons.

Why I picked it up: I remembered reading the book as a child and acquired it cheaply at some point. It was mentioned on a podcast as someone's favorite or most influential book growing up, and it made me want to revisit this book I recalled enjoying but barely recall now.

My impressions: I'm not going to lie - the beginning was so slow and dull that I had a hard time continuing to listen to the audiobook. However, once Milo got to more of the adventure of the story, and less of just meeting embodied puns or turns of phrase, I found the book much more enjoyable. The deeper meaning of the book definitely went over my head when I was younger, but I appreciate its championing of the adventure it can be to learn. I think this book would be fun to read out loud, but many elementary aged independent readers might be able to read this book - although some words might be difficult to work out ("dodecahedron", for example).

33 Years in the Holy Land: What Jesus Saw from Bethlehem to Golgotha, by Fr. A. G. Sertillanges

The priest who wrote What Jesus Saw From the Cross also wrote a shorter set of meditations on Jesus' life leading up to Holy Week.

Why I picked it up: I ordered this book to give to my Dad for Father's Day since he'd wanted to read What Jesus Saw From the Cross. I decided I needed to read it before I gave it to him.

My impressions: This book was another great set of meditations to sit with. Not meant to be read cover to cover in a single sitting, this book begins with the Nativity, goes through his infancy and hidden life, and considers different aspects of His ministry, including His relationship with His disciples, the authorities of the time, and nature. It's a short read, but full of beautiful reflections. It's a great book for any Christian or Catholic, possibly as young as middle school.

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles, by Julie Andrews Edwards

Three children befriend an award-winning geneticist and overcome resistance to explore a fantastical land and meet the remarkable creature who rules there, the last of the whangdoodle species.

Why I picked it up: This book made it onto my to-read list sometime, and I obtained it through inter-library loan.

My impressions: This book was definitely a mixed bag of impressions: the opening third was pretty slow moving (sometimes painfully slow), the middle section was a pretty cool adventure with fantastical creatures, and the last bit just got weird. It was a fun, whimsical adventure that took a decidedly weird scientific turn at the end - cloning was apparently the answer? I really didn't like the final speech one character made about playing God with genetics and at least trying to do it in a honorable, decent way. Because of that element, I wouldn't recommend this book - I definitely take issue with the idea of going ahead with scientific work even if, it is implied, it's outside what God intended. However, outside the weird genetic stuff and the beginning that felt really slow at times, there were some definite positives in the book, such as the enchanting highlights of Whangdoodleland, the importance of imagination, using good manners, and watching for temptations that feed on our virtues as well as those that appeal to our vices. I don't recommend reading this book.

The Rise of Neptune, by Scott Reintgen, narrated by Landon Woodson, Kevin R. Free, and Gail Shalan**

The second book of the Dragonships series, Lunar Jones, the dragon Dread, and the dragon crew must fight to survive against an enemy whose abilities they did not anticipate.

Why I picked it up: I LOVED the first book in this series, recommended by a relative. I was eager to try out the second in the series; the third comes out later this year.

My impressions: Wow, a great sequel to a great first book, with only one or two lines that I have to complain about. Action, stakes, world building, interesting characters, all these elements were fantastic. The issues I had were these: there were more references to dragons going to the bathroom than I would like. Second issue: there was a moment when a male character wondered if a [male] dragon had a crush on him, before realizing it was a girl who was crushing. That was just weird - no thanks, but at least it was just one sentence. Even so, it's a sentence I'd like parents to know about before letting their child read this book. There is also an element of romance - crushes, specifically - that is introduced in this book after being absent in the first one. It's not my favorite, but I think it's pretty mild and not problematic. The book is great at being a complete adventure, but it definitely would not make as much sense without the first book; it sets up well for the next book, too. With a caution regarding the elements I mentioned earlier, and a reminder that this book is is a fantasy and doesn't have the Christian understanding of human origins, this book is a lot of fun and a great adventure.

Lilibet Lynn and the Children of Sherwood: A Thimble in Time Adventure, by Elizabeth Amy Hajek*

Lilibet turns twelve, and after her Mom starts acting weird, encounters a magical thimble that allows her to time travel to Nottingham in the time of the Robin Hood legends.

Why I picked it up: I had to read a self-published book for my own reading challenge, and I'd purchased this one several years back.

My impressions: The reimagining of the Robin Hood legend was from a unique angle - looking at key characters as children - but I can't say that it was a story that I found captivating. Part of that might have come from the necessary set-up: a young girl suddenly finds herself traveling through time, and she doesn't understand the mechanics of it, so that takes time to explore. The story felt very historically accurate for the most part, which was good, but the historicity felt too in-your-face at times. The ending of her time travel was the one part that didn't feel historically accurate to me, but it brought everything together. The books sets up well for a sequel. I think this book might hit the spot for the right audience - maybe upper elementary female readers - but I don't consider it a must-read.

Bracket Play

Another month of solid book numbers, and another month of easy first round picks. I purposely paired weaker books with stronger ones in the first round. As it turns out, just a few books in my "anti-library" made it past round one - significant, considering that half the titles this month are from my collection of unread books.

In round two, the choices were still pretty straightforward - both Dragonship series books moved on, as well as Fr. Sertillanges' book of meditations on the life of Christ before his Passion. While this latter book made it to the final round, I feel guilty for once again picking a secular book as the best one I read this month. As beautiful as some of the reflections were in Fr. Sertillanges' book, I was really swept away by The Last Dragon on Mars. It's a month where I wish I could have two winners, but I have to narrow it down to just one.

Books Attempted and Put Down

Daughter of the Mountains, by Louise Rankin

Momo has longed for a special dog, like the Buddhist monks have, but when she finally obtains one, it is stolen and she must embark on a journey to recover it.

Why I picked it up: Again, the Newbery Honor sticker appealed to me, and I found it cheap at a local Bookaholic store. I attempted it since it's in my "anti-library".

Why I put it down: There was a lot of focus on Buddhism, more than I was comfortable with for a story about a girl trying to recover her dog. If it had been passing, I wouldn't have minded, I think, but there was a lot of talk about demons, too, and I just didn't need that in my life. I skimmed the book, and I don't know if I would have enjoyed this or not otherwise. In any case, I'm alright with moving another book to the "discard" pile and freeing up more time for books that I'll probably enjoy reading more.

Fablehaven: Rise of the Evening Star, by Brandon Mull*

Seth and Kendra rejoin their grandparents at Fablehaven, the reserve that protects mythical creatures, both light and dark, in the hopes that the enchanted grounds can save them from the evil Society of the Evening Star and traitors in their midst.

Why I picked it up: One of my book clubs was reading this.

Why I put it down: I was alternately uncomfortable with the dark creatures (some referred to as "demons") and feeling to sucked into the story. I really enjoyed some of it, but ultimatly, decided it was best for me to put the book down. I skimmed most of the second half of the book, and still understood much of what was going on with the help of Wikipedia. It's not my favorite fantasy series, so I'm okay with putting this one down and focusing on other books.

Refining My Writing Goal

 Why I Don't Want to Be A Great Novelist

For all my life since at least middle school, I've dreamt of becoming a world-famous author. I recognize that there's much that sounds like pride and vainglory in that statement, but the desire to write a book is something that has been with me for a long time. Though not the typical Anne Shirley-type writer, who needs to write, I've only just within the last year committed myself to write more regularly. 

First, I decided to start a journal to assist my memory of what happened from week to week. I don't always get to it daily, but I aim for as close to that as I can manage. In the late fall, I got off Facebook entirely; this freed up all sorts of time that I had been wasting online. In the spring, I spoke with my spiritual director and committed to writing 5 minutes every day in an attempt to discern if God wants something to grow out of my long-term desire to be an author. I'm now looking for resources to consult as I work to improve my writing skills, and one of those resources I read was called Women of the Catholic Imagination: Twelve Inspired Novelists You Should Know, edited by Haley Stewart, and published by Word on Fire.

As excited as I was to read this book, which had been given to me as a gift, I found myself settling into a train of thought I had not expected: I don't want to be a great novelist. This article is an attempt to clarify what I mean when I say those words.

Reading the Book

The book had lots of good things going for it: its subject was interesting, I am a fan of the editor, and I've appreciated the work of the Word on Fire Ministry and what they've started doing with books during the last five years. I was curious especially about the works of these "inspired" female authors and what it was that was so great about their writing. Essay by essay, I came to know a little bit about another incredible woman and her writing. Chapter by chapter, I grew less enchanted with the idea of being a "great writer." The reason for this experience of diminishing returns upon increased knowledge had to do with the brief encounters I was experiencing with the novels of these writers. I appreciated the brief glances I was treated to of the best writing each woman gave to the world, but those peeks were unsettling rather than encouraging.

Granted, many of the academics who contributed to this book made it quite clear that their subject did not write coddle her readers. For example, the works of Flannery O'Connor are not meant to be "encouraging"; they're intended to be the blunt force trauma to the head which enables the character - and the reader - to see reality for what it is. That is what these women were working at: the awakening of their readers to spiritual realities. As it turns out, the way these novelists primarily worked to make those spiritual realities capable of comprehension was through an investigation of the human state, particularly in its brokenness: the characters (often despicable) pursue their vices and reap the wages of their sin until the consequences - often extremely violent - shake them from the track they have been following.

Each academic explained the elements that made the writing of each novelist "great,"  but I was so burdened with the darkness of some of these stories that I had to skim quotes and even parts of the synopsis in some cases. At one point, I put the book down completely for a few days to allow myself the time to regain enough emotional equilibrium to finish it. In those final chapters, as I neared the time when I would close the cover on the last page, I realized that I needed to write about a conclusion I'd reached throughout this reading encounter.

The Novels I Enjoy

I still would like to be a great writer. I recognize now that I shouldn't pine to be world famous, but I certainly aspire to write well. However, I don't believe I want to be a great novelist, if being a great novelist means writing in the same way the women celebrated in Women of the Catholic Imagination wrote. They wrote with technical excellence and striking prose about universal themes: suffering, sin, life, death, reality, truth, redemption. I would like to do the same. However, when I write, I want my books to be of the sort that I would enjoy if I were a reader reading it.

I must be careful here, because I know that personal taste is not usually an indicator of a novel's worth. That's especially true of me, a sensitive reader who has managed to dislike a good majority of the serious classic novels she's sat down to read. However, the fact that there have been a few classics that I loved reading gives me hope that there is, perhaps, a narrow path that I can travel as I stretch my writing muscles. However, as the list below will show, these books have some marked differences from those that seem to gain the greatest acclaim as novels.

The fiction classics I enjoy sometimes fall in the category of "adventure story", but there are just as many that would go into a different genre. I will focus on the works that generally have adult audiences and greater literary merit. These works include:

- The Betrothed, by Alessandro Manzoni

- The Lord of the Rings, by J. R. R. Tolkien

- the works of Jane Austen

- North and South, by Elizabeth Gaskell

- Silas Marner, by George Eliot

- To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee

- A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens

The reason I love these books include: excellent plot, engaging characters, adventure, growth in virtue, heroic characters, deep and meaningful interpersonal interactions, and fantastic prose. These works are not fluff; they concern themselves with those universal themes one hopes to find in any classic. Some of them get into heavier topics, such as rape and racial hatred (To Kill a Mockingbird), just and humane conditions for laborers (North and South, A Christmas Carol), revenge (The Betrothed), and hope in the face of despair (The Lord of the Rings). These are qualities shared with the books written by the female novelists of Women of the Catholic Imagination.

However, the main differences that I can identify between my favorite classics and at least some of those of the female novelists are two: overall atmosphere and heroic characters. 

By atmosphere, I refer to the primary feeling that flavors the tale. Is it a story that is refreshing for the reader, even if there are difficult episodes? Is it a book that one looks forward to with anticipation because it engenders positive emotions in the reader, or is it one that a reader anticipates in the same way as someone who cranes their neck to see a car wreck ahead, determine what happened, and wonder who was at fault? Or is it even a book that a reader dreads because it presents its tale in the darkest and starkest colors? This is what I mean by "overall atmosphere." Based on the descriptions I read of many of the female Catholic novelists, it sounds like their works, by and large, dwell more in the "depressing atmosphere" camp than otherwise. The books I gravitate towards do not.

Regarding heroic characters: amongst those classics which I listed above, the only books in which the main character(s) start as despicable ones are Silas Marner and A Christmas Carol, and in both books, the author gets to work rehabilitating these characters in short order. Certainly, the main characters in the remaining books are not perfect, but they are likeable for the most part, even with their flaws, and do the work of growing in virtue or coming to terms with reality in the course of the book. Though harder to judge the characters in the novels of the Catholic women, my encounters with Flannery O'Connor's short stories focus uncomfortably on the corrupt and sinful tendencies of the characters. I know that's the point of her literary methods - but I really don't enjoy it. Some descriptions of the works by those other Catholic female novelists implied that the authors might have used the same strategy. I'm alright with having some pretty terrible people in the books I read - after all, there's not much plot if there's no villain in some stories - but focusing on the darkest corners of the human spirit don't make me look forward to picking up a book and reading it from cover to cover.

Insight

Doing this comparison/contrast between the classics I enjoy and the classics of the finest Catholic female novelists of the last century and a half has given me more peace than I originally had when I finished Women of the Catholic Imagination. Perhaps the greatest novelists trade heavily in dark themes and explorations of depravity. But, there are plenty of excellent novelists who explore deep, meaningful, and sometimes heavy topics with a lighter touch. I do not presume to say I'll ever be a great novelist, or even a near-par writer. However, I do think there is reason I can hope to improve my writing skills and find the works I produce satisfactory to me.

After all, it doesn't seem to me like the novelists in one group are actually superior to the others - they're just different. There are many ways to consider a classic, and while I find it important to try to understand what makes them "great," I by no means feel compelled to enjoy any given work. I cannot change my reading tastes on a whim, and I wouldn't want to. 

With this in mind, I feel confident in moving forward with writing the sort of stories I would enjoy reading. I do not have to suffer a sneaking suspicion that brilliant female Catholics are surreptitiously looking over my shoulder at my compositions and shaking their heads in disapproval. God provides a great variety to the scope of human creativity, and I am grateful to see now that I can stay true to the writing I believe He wants me to do, and hopefully, enjoy doing.

May 2026 Book Bracket

 Book Bracket for May 2026

I didn't intend to be sick with strep throat almost as soon as summer started, but it meant that I had a lot more time and patience to devote to reading. I was able to enjoy a variety of genres this month.

The Borrowers, by Mary Norton

Pint-sized Arrietty and her doll-sized parents "borrow" items from the humans who dwell in the big Victorian house, but when a boy sees Arrietty and her father, the two youngsters strike up a friendship that brings turmoil to their quiet existence.

Why I picked it up: This was another book in my "antilibrary" and I needed my next book.

My impressions: I'd written off this book for a long time, but I'm glad that I tried it! I was drawn in during the very first chapter, and though there wasn't a lot of action, I found that I was invested in familial conflict, which consisted of Arrietty's desires for freedom and adventure clashing with her parents' wider knowledge of the dangers of the world and their desire to keep their home. I thought the writing was good, but it's a subtle sort of good writing. The line illustrations aided the imagination when it came to picturing the characters. I think this book could be a good read-aloud. It won't be everyone's cup of tea, but I found it charming and will probably tell a family member about it soon.

Ten Ways to Destroy the Imagination of Your Child, by Anthony Esolen

A cultural commentator satirically describes the best ways to stunt the imagination of children so as to make them materialistic automaton pawns who will submit to whatever the government and the economy demand.

Why I picked it up: I don't remember why this one ended up on my to-read list, but it had been there for a while. I saw it sitting on the shelf of a priest friend, and he generously loaned it to me. I've been reading it slowly for three months.

My impressions: Oh yeah, I'm glad I read this book! It brought together several different hot-take soapboxes that I've encountered and laid out so many things that are wrong with our culture. I did skip about one and a half chapters - about cheapening love so it's all about sex, and denying any difference between men and women - and I'm alright with that. I think this book hit the spot for me because it touched on some deficiencies I've seen in myself. I fault no one, but our society doesn't really help kids learn what they are really interested in. Several of my interests haven't blossomed until I became and adult, and even now, I'm wishing I'd pursued some things more when I was younger - if only I had known! But all shall be well. This is the most palatable satire I've encountered, and it helped to know that it was a work of satire before beginning it. This book would be good for parents and teachers who want to consider what they can do at home to help their children flourish, although I would warn there are a few comments here and there - and those two chapters - which would probably not be suitable for youths.

Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers, by Ralph Moody**, narrated by Cameron Beierle**

Ralph Moody and his family move from Massachusetts to Colorado, where they live poor in money but rich in neighbors, ranching, and homesteading experience.

Why I picked it up: This has been on my to-read list, having been recommended in multiple places. I was looking for a wholesome audiobook, and this one was available through my state's e-library.

My impressions: Other than cuss words and different characters using the Lord's name in vain, this was indeed a wholesome book - part Laura Ingalls Wilder feel, part Wild West adventure feel. I loved the character shaping that Ralph experienced through the discipline and love of his father. It was uncomfortable at times, but I grew to love Ralphs' father. The narration was very good in this book, and helped create a picture of Ralph's dad as a soft-spoken but no-nonsense man. I was glad I had a hint about the ending, which I'll say is sad, but it is so powerful too. Minus the language, this would be a great book for youngsters who like the Little House books, or could use more boy-adventure-shenanigans in their reading lineup.

How to Get Away with Myrtle, by Elizabeth C. Bunce, narrated by Bethan Rose Young**

The second book in the Myrtle Hardcastle mystery serious follows the irrepressible "young lady of quality" Myrtle, as she is forced into a seaside holiday with her governess to get her away from the morbid drama of the murder she solved - only to find herself mixed up in another murder mystery.

Why I picked it up: It's pretty dead for me at work and I wanted another audiobook to listen to. I'd enjoyed the first book in this series, and was interested in trying this second one, available through my state's e-library.

My impressions: I think "irrepressible" Victorian young ladies with spunk must hit some secret spot in my reading heart. The first-person narrator voice of the main character is delicious, and it's fun to experience her personality as much through her inner thoughts as through her - often ill-timed - outbursts and conversation. The other characters are also well-developed and well-described. Even the cat, who offers catlike one-word contributions to the discussion, is charming. The audiobook version was beautifully narrated. There was just one point in the book where it got a little dark for me, but that may have been as much a lack of sleep and its resulting sensibility as anything. However, I must note that, as this is a murder mystery, more sensitive children might not find this book to be the perfect fit for them. Myrtle and her governess exhibit an admirable sense of justice in their desire to hunt down the criminal, but they don't always do things aboveboard, such as when they withhold evidence from the dislikable but rightful authorities. There is also a comment that indicates a character kept something for personal use at the end that ought to have been returned along with other items which were originally offered as a bribe. This book would be fun for those who enjoyed the first book - and it really ought to be read only after the first one - otherwise some characters won't make as much sense. Middle schoolers and older who can handle some descriptions of murder scenes and insinuated long-term poisoning and who want to enjoy a murder mystery should look into this series.

Wild Trek, by Jim Kjelgaard

The trapper, Link, and his half-husky, half-wild dog Chiri brave virgin wilderness and animals that do not fear man to save a pair of men who were stranded when their plane crashed in the Caribou mountains.

Why I picked it up: My dad was always a fan of books by this author, and I saw it sitting on my parents' bookshelves. It had been a while since I'd read a book about a "remarkable animal" (although I listened to one, Lad, last year). I also felt like I should get to this one, which has been hanging out at my house for several months, before I got back to working on reading through my "anti-library."

My impressions: I expected more of this book to be focused on the dog than it actually was, but that did not weaken the story. It was, I found out, a survival tale, and I love me a good survival story. The characters' personalities were evident in both their speech and in the thoughts revealed to the reader, but one character spent a little too long theorizing what helped man become the dominant being on earth. There was a lot of action, a lot of wilderness how-to, and a lot of danger. There is some death in this book, and the characters are reduced to pretty dire circumstances (eating raw meat at times), so more sensitive kids might not find a good fit in this book. Middle grade readers and older who like adventure and wilderness living might consider reading this book.

Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion, by Gregory Boyle**

A Jesuit priest relates stories and reflections from his ministry to "homeboy" and "homegirl" gang members in a dangerous L.A. neighborhood and in the incarceration system.

Why I picked it up: Way back in the day, this book was the subject of much discussion at my alma mater - maybe when I was a freshman. I wasn't in the honors program, so even though I think the author came and spoke at my little university in the middle of the Great Plains, I didn't read this book or go to the talk. However, something drew me to it recently, and I found it in my local library system's online audiobook collection.

My impression: There's a lot that I really liked about this book, and I feel like that's saying a lot, since it included heavy topics, violence, and the death of many young people. I really didn't feel as if the "homies" were "other" - I loved them along with Fr. Boyle, or "G," as he was often called. The author helps us encounter some really tough customers and see them with the eyes of love. His Jesuit heart really came through here. There were a few things that raised my eyebrows, including an assessment of the issues Jesus would have with both political parties (I'm not saying he's wrong, just not sure I'd reach the same conclusion - or maybe I'm just feeling called out), and quoting all sorts of people and writings, Catholics as well as Buddhists and Nietzsche. Maybe he was trying to show that we can find God's Truth reflected in unexpected places? In any case, there were some amazing stories of the ministry he runs and the people who he has come to know. This is a great nonfiction work and does so much to humanize people who join gangs, but there might be a few elements that readers could find a bit off-putting.

Fablehaven, by Brandon Mull

Kendra and younger brother Seth find out their reclusive grandparents are secretly the guardians of a preserve in which mythical, magical creatures of all kinds live - but disobeying the rules in a magical place can have deadly consequences.

Why I picked it up: This book has been on my to-read list for a while - I think one of my cousins said he loved this series. I finally got a copy from the library when one of my small book clubs' members agreed that this would be our next read.

My impressions: Like later works, such as Impossible Creatures, this fantasy action tale brings together a wide variety of mythological creatures and explores the ways that the human world (mostly doesn't) mix with a magical one. There are definitely two sides, one good and one evil, and some good world building for how even familiar fairy tale creatures act in this specific world. There are some good deep discussions between some characters, an exploration of the consequences of disobedience, and some realistic sibling interactions, including teasing and disagreements. There were also a few pages I skipped because they were too creepy for me - a grown woman. Although the story was engaging - especially when the ante increases around the halfway mark - there were a few things that didn't quite work for me in a moral sense. For example, it's pretty obvious that a character is evil and shouldn't be messed with, and yet the "good guys" go to her multiple times to undo to magic mischief that's been done. I feel like that was sending a little bit of a mixed message. There was also a comment one character made about not finding any religion that contains all the truth - about mythical creatures, presumably, but there are some negative implications about religion there.  Finally, there is mention of demons, and mythical creatures being at best "helpful when it serves them" (if I remember correctly), but no mention of Christianity or truly selfless magical creatures. A cursory look at online review seems to indicate parents like that there's clear good vs. evil messaging in this book, but I find the above elements to be problematic. Also weird: formerly beautiful fairies, transformed into ugly imps (no sex indicated) are cured by being kissed on the mouth by fairies. This isn't a bad book and doesn't have the worst good vs. evil action, but I have found some fantasy books to be better in areas where this one doesn't quite reach the standard for me. This book would be best for middle school students.

The Case for Jesus: The Biblical and Historical Evidence for Christ, by Brant Pitre

A Biblical scholar and professor describes modern errors in Bible scholarship and explains the good historical evidence for the Gospels being historical ancient biographies by eyewitnesses or their close associates, as well as the context of first-century Judaism that shows Jesus' clear claims to divinity and lordship.

Why I picked it up: This book was sitting on our shelves and I needed a break from a good but heavy book. I liked the other books by this author that I'd read before.

My impressions: This is a great book of Scriptural apologetics. Pitre presents the arguments or thoughts of Biblical scholars who have different theories that downplay the authenticity of the Gospel accounts, or deny that Jesus claimed to be God, etc. He systematically walks the reader through the evidence that these faulty theories - often disturbing to Christians - ignore. This book was at a good level for me - readable, but thorough, and ultimately leading me to ask in awe, "Who is Jesus?" This is a great book for any Christian adult serious about their faith to read. It counteracts so many false claims that come up from time to time and can prepare one to explain the reasons for his or her faith.

The Horse and His Boy, by C. S. Lewis

Shasta and the Talking Horse Bree flee slavery in Calormen for the free country of Narnia, but they and their companions find themselves racing cruel invaders who threaten to destroy the small nation of Archenland.

Why I picked it up: This is the next Chronicles of Narnia book I'm reading in my cousin group.

My impressions: This is my favorite book in the series. I know I often tell myself it's tied with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, but right now, it's the best. Maybe the sense of divine providence that pervades the book appeals to me. The story is just such a grand adventure. I love it! There are many great themes explored during the story, and several characters provide great studies for pride. I've read that some people find the depiction of the Calormene people to be a problematic and racist depiction of Islamic culture and Muslim people, so that is something parents might want to be aware of. However, it's not something I ever picked up on when I was reading this in middle school. This would be a great book for anyone who enjoys the Chronicles of Narnia series - they won't want to miss this one!

Mountain Born, by Elizabeth Yates*

Peter shares a special bond with the black ewe, Biddy, who grows from a near-lifeless lamb to the leader of the farm flock.

Why I picked it up: This book has been on my to-read list for ages, and it was never available to me locally. I used some of the remainder of a gift card I got from some Facebook class-action lawsuit thing to purchase an e-book version of this story. I needed something milder than Siberian work camps and French Revolution guillotining late one evening when I was sick, so this looked like a good option.

My impressions: This is yet another beguiling book with little plot that is so cozy that it captures my heart. It's just a description of life on a mountainous farm where sheep are the main source of income, and it describes the little trials and growing-up incidents that happen as a lad ages from youth to somewhere around middle-school age. I learned several things about sheep husbandry I hadn't known before, and just thoroughly enjoyed this quick little read. This would be a great book to read aloud (I've heard), but good for young elementary readers and older - especially those who might lean more towards the James Herriot style of animal story.

No Bullet Got Me Yet: The Relentless Faith of Father Kapaun, by John Stansifer**

This biography of Father Kapaun covers his whole life, as well as the identification of his body and return to the Diocese of Wichita.

Why I picked it up: I first became aware of this book when I saw it sitting in a Barnes & Noble. About a year and a half later, I decided I needed an audiobook to listen to, and this was available through my local library system's e-library.

My impressions: I'm glad I revisited the story of Father Kapaun. Some of the accounts sounded familiar, as I'd probably read them in another biography about Venerable Father Kapaun, but they remain powerful. The saints truly are inspiring. There is a lot of information about moving battlefronts during the Korean War, so I sometimes wouldn't quite catch everything if I was working on other projects, but it was easy to follow otherwise. I liked hearing the actual words he wrote in letters, and his steady communication with his bishop touched me. It's so interesting hearing about events that happened in my part of the world, as well as in faraway places to someone else from Kansas. In fact, the end of the book covered events that I remembered and participated in myself - the identification of his body, and the funeral service when he was returned to Kansas. The one thing that I have mixed emotions on is, I don't think my pronunciation of Fr. Kapaun's name is changing, but the audiobook definitely has his name pronounced the other way. This is a great book for any high schooler or older interested in learning more about Father Kapaun, or wanting to refresh themselves on the details of his life.

The Wheel on the School, by Meindert DeJong

Dutch school children consider why storks don't nest in their town like they do in others nearby, and with help from their teacher and older members of their small community, work to do something about it.

Why I picked it up: This book had been on my to-read list for forever, and I found it available at my alma mater. I know I should be working on my anti-library, but it's nice to cross items off the to-read list, too!

My impressions: I think the writing in this book was pretty good (it is a Newbery Award winner), and several phrases struck me, but it is a slower-moving work without a lot of action. There were a few parts that were more exciting, but it is a pretty slow-paced book. I think what I liked best was seeing the children interact with older members of their communities and see those bonds bring healing and purpose to some who otherwise were lost or lonely. It was a good book for showing how humans can interact positively with nature and how children can take initiative to make things happen. I wouldn't recommend this book - it's not bad - in fact, it enjoys multiple good points - it's just not one that I think everyone needs to make time to read.

A Long Walk to Water, by Linda Sue Park, narrated by David Baker and Cynthia Bishop**

A split narrative follows Salva in 1980's Sudan as he endures incredible hardships to escape war and survive refugee camps, and modern-day Nya, who must walk 8 hours every day to collect water for her family.

Why I picked it up: This book was recommended on a list at some point. I obtained a physical copy from a library sale at one point, but as it is part of my anti-library, I needed to work on that pile. This one happened to be available as an audiobook through my local system's e-library, so that's how I'm making it through this one.

My impressions: I'd avoided this one for a while because I was afraid the main character would experience the horrors of being made a child soldier; while he endured a great many shocks that no one should undergo, my original fear was not realized. The split narrative, switching back and forth between two characters who lived in different times, was an interesting storytelling device that worked for this book, although it's not a style I'll seek out. It certainly is a book for making one aware of the hardships that exist in the world, and how many opportunities open up when you're not fetching water for half of your waking hours. I liked how the author showed how Salva's experiences in his youth, as well as his desire to solve problems, led to a meaningful (and life-changing) project for him to work on. This could be a good book to consider reading to make big issues like war and clean water more human and accessible to children. Due to some very sad parts, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone under middle school, and even then, this book probably would not be a good match for some more sensitive readers.

Bracket Play

First round: as always, I placed as many weak books against strong books as I could. However, I read quite a few very good books this month, so I was sad to see Tattoos on the Heart didn't make it to the next round. I opted for The Case for Jesus to win over it, since this second book is a very good and well-researched work that explains the faults in some suspect Bible scholarship in the last half century or so.

In the second round, I saw quite a few works go down that I had really enjoyed reading. For example, there was much to love in Ten Ways to Destroy the Imagination of Your Child, but there were a few sections that I found worth skimming, and it just didn't have the excitement of Lewis' The Horse and His Boy. Pitre's book, which had won last round, fell to the Father Kapaun biography, which had a lot of personal interest for me (I'm not saying that knowing that the Gospels have good historical basis isn't personally interesting - it is). In fact, now that I'm thinking about it, Pitre's book could just as easily have won this showdown. It just goes to show how good the books were overall this month. I was also uncertain on the last showdown - the murder mystery almost took the win, but I opted for Mountain Born because it felt like something that might be more universally appealing.

Lewis' work won over the Fr. Kapaun biography, and it also went on to win against Mountain Born. The Horse and His Boy is my favorite of the Chronicles of Narnia series, and it's a strong book in so many ways. It is extremely enjoyable and rereadable. I highly recommend it.

Books Attempted and Put Down

Weapons of Mass Instruction: A Schoolteacher's Journey Through the Dark World of Compulsory Schooling, by John Taylor Gatto, narrated by ?**

The author of Dumbing Us Down discusses the questionable ideologies that have shaped compulsory schooling in the United States from its inception, as well as the disservice it does to the students who spent twelve or more years in the educational system.

Why I picked it up: Dumbing Us Down had the hottest hot takes on education I've ever heard. I knew I needed to try this next book by the same author.

Why I put it down: Turns out I didn't know what I needed to try. I started this one, but I was bothered by the fact that the author held up as a positive example someone who I certainly would not hold up as a role model. I could have kept listening, but I didn't feel the need to give more time to the book. Perhaps some of the takes are too hot for me (me, a person who works in the compulsory school system he decries). I agree there are problems with education, but I'm not ready to leave my job over it.

Handbook for Dragon Slayers, by Merrie Haskell*

Tilda runs into political intrigue and adventure in a world that is part-Medieval and part-fantasy.

Why I picked it up: It was on my to-read list, but I'm not sure how it got there. It was a relatively recent addition.

Why I put it down: It sounded like there was going to be a bit of a romantic story line, so, considering my current sensitivity, it made sense to put it down. I think it would have been an interesting read, so I wouldn't be upset if I came back around to it someday.

Elijah of Buxton, by Christopher Paul Curtis, narrated by Mirron Willis**

Elijah must leave his town of freed slaves in Canada to recover his friend's stolen money.

Why I picked it up: I think this was on a recommended list somewhere, and I found it at a local library's store. However, I was attempting it in audiobook format.

Why I put it down: I just wasn't digging it. I think the author has a lot of flavor - like explaining how the townspeople had tendencies to exaggerate in their storytelling, etc. - but it was taking far too long for the story to happen, and I just didn't think the payoff would be worth it. There was also a lot of time spent talking about a baby spitting up on someone - the story was exaggerated, of course - but more bodily humor like that isn't necessarily my thing.