December Book Bracket

Two classes I'd been auditing since August ended this month, so I had to decide between reading a lot of books for fun because I finally have the time, or reading ahead on the books that we'll use for the spring courses.

My Reviews

Phantastes, by George MacDonald

A young British noble embarks on a journey through the enchanted Fairyland and has many adventures there before he returns to his old life.

Why I picked it up: This book is by one of my favorite authors, and it has been recommended to me by a galpal and, in a general way, by C. S. Lewis, who I believe found it helpful to him in his journey to belief in God. I decided to read this book "for fun" instead of reading ahead for class.

My impressions: This was a weird book. This highly symbolic, somewhat allegorical, plotless piece follows the main character, Anados, as he travels through Fairyland and has magical adventures. The sheer number of times he came across a forbidden thing and decided to do it anyways was noteworthy, resulting in loss or pain to himself and others. I'm sure that's one of the key themes of the book, but the fact that there was no real plot was disappointing. Some of the descriptions were interesting, but I couldn't tell what the symbolism represented in some situations (e.g., why was most of the Fairy Queen's palace made of black and white stone, but some halls had red lights or curtains in them?). We never met the Fairy Queen, so allusions to her ultimately seemed inconsequential. The tale was laced with many songs, poems, and smaller stories framed within the greater narrative, some of which were poignant, but most of which were strange or downright creepy. The overall impression was one of a mishmash of different literary elements and genres that never settled into a really compelling tale. Certainly, Anodos changed from the beginning to the end of the story, but to little purpose other than to maybe live better in the mortal realm - but even this is brought into question by the implied question of whether he will have to relearn all these lessons in his normal life. I wouldn't recommend this book for reading - there are far better works of fantasy to be read, especially by this author. Creative minds would likely find fodder for their imagination from the various strange and fantastical elements that are found in Phantastes, but I don't think the whole thing would be worth reading for that reason; skimming might be of service instead.

My Imitation of Christ, by Thomas a Kempis, Revised Translation

This spiritual work explores different aspects of the spiritual life.

Why I picked it up: This book was my morning spiritual reading for a few months.

My impressions: The content of this book is fantastic. Reading a little bit to meditate on each morning was the perfect way to approach this book - which was mentioned in the introduction-that-actually-came-after-the-content-of-the-book. I was able to pick out a key nugget that really spoke to me to reflect on throughout the day. I was called to greater detachment, caring less about worldly things, encouraged in my efforts to fight temptation and win the eternal prize, and admonished to strive for greater devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist. I felt some sections were directed more towards priests or those living a vocation in a religious order, but most of it felt very applicable to my life as a laywoman. An interesting connection I made was through my adoration hour spiritual reading, "The Story of a Soul" by St. Therese of Lisieux, in which she references this work as one of her favorites several times. She even wrote that she could recite some sections of it from memory when her aunt started the wording. If this work was loved by an amazing saint, how could I not try to learn from it? I felt called out by some parts, and found that this was a good work for me to read. I anticipate this is something that I'll come back to again in the future...hopefully...so long as I can read through some other spiritual works I have sitting on my shelf. I will comment on my particular edition's formatting: it was a little strange. At first, I liked the vivid illustrations that start off each little meditation, but I eventually found them a little dated, lacking in diversity, and sometimes a little strange. What I would've considered the better introduction and even the table of contents were located at the end of the book, not at the beginning. Oh well. I highly recommend the reading of this book to any Catholic high school and older, although some younger readers would undoubtedly benefit from it as well.

Young Prince Hubert, by Sidney Baldwin

Spoiled Prince Hubert is sent away from court to learn better manners and to judge fairly between peasants and nobles.

Why I picked it up: I ordered this 1930s-era title and another book by the same author on sale from a homeschool curriculum company. I didn't have any books to read ahead for my next audited courses, so this one filled the gap.

My impressions: This is a simple, straightforward book. I think of it as the homely "bread and butter" of my reading palate. It doesn't have a lot of protein-filled staying power, and it might be considered "fluff" by some, but it was a wholesome read. The moral of the story is obvious, but as the book was written for children, I did not mind that. The book floated somewhere between a historical fiction novel and a fairy tale - it lacked details, like a fairy tale often does, but the lack of magic and basic verisimilitude played like something that might have really happened in some kingdom in some bygone day. The writing was nothing spectacular, but there was a touching scene at the end, and I did wonder a little bit about what happened to some of the characters after the story ended. I think parents should feel comfortable passing this book on to the children in their families as long as the reader reads at this level. It's a quick book, so adults who have a mind to pick up something easy in this genre probably would not be too upset if they invested the little time it takes to read and didn't love it.

Princess Hildegarde, by Sidney Baldwin

Hildegarde's life in her homely cottage with Greta and Joyson, and her new friendship with Eric, are interrupted when strange soldiers wreak havoc on St. Anne's Island

Why I picked it up: This was the other 1930s-era book that I bought for a bargain. It was paired with "Young Prince Hubert", both works by Baldwin.

My impressions: Most of this book (about 93% of it) is wreathed in utter mystery. I could not help but compare the two books by Baldwin with each other. I found the mysterious element of this book was compelling in a way that the other lacked, but I eventually tired of it. Like the titular character, I just wanted to know her backstory. It was a little frustrating, especially considering that the essence of the surprise is spoiled in the title (it's hard to really wonder WHO the elegant young maiden with a secret past could POSSIBLY be with a word like "princess" on the cover). In spite of the lull I experienced in the last third of the book when I realized Baldwin was going to hold the real story back until the very end, I found the greater complexity of the plot refreshing after the solid, but extremely straightforward "Young Prince Hubert." The author makes a few attempts to convince her reader that Hildegarde is not perfect; the result is a nearly perfect young lady who, in spite of a few bad moments, still has noble qualities ingrained in her person naturally. I found one character especially - Greta, her nursemaid - was more interesting for the flaws she manifested. Most of the ends were tied up nicely, although one character was dropped out of the story about halfway through and resurfaced only as part of the overall story. This would be another safe read for children who are at this reading level, and it's a fun little jaunt through castle-strewn landscapes that, with the addition of just a little magic, would make a prime fairy tale.

Brideshead Revisted, by Evelyn Waugh

Charles Ryder reflects on his former associations with the Flyte family when he returns to their estate, his company's new station in 1940s wartime England.

Why I picked it up: This book was required reading for one of the classes I will be auditing beginning in January.

My impressions: This is a book that I had not expected to read for another twenty years. I'd heard that it was excellent - one of the greatest books of the twentieth century - and some other comments made it sound like the kind of book that I would decidedly NOT enjoy. Well, I can't say that I loved it, but I can say that I tolerated it better than I had anticipated. The quality of the writing is undoubtedly lovely - but that is not great praise coming from someone who's not that great of a critic in that area. There's not much "action" in the plot (if we are generous enough to say there is a plot), but there is a very decided and discernible motion in the characters away from or towards God. As reviews of the book indicate, it is primarily an account of God's grace acting in the lives of these different characters. This is not a book that I would recommend to anyone - rather, I think it's one of those works that have the ability to grow in its power over the reader with different readings. If a high school - or even college student - just picked it up to read without knowing the "key," I doubt they'd like it. Even a year or two ago, I think I would likely have despised this work. Now, I can say that I have read it and, although I didn't enjoy the work, I can say that I appreciate its point.

The Diary of a Country Priest, by Georges Bernanos

The new parish priest in Ambricourt, France, records his everyday actions, conversations, and reflections in his personal diary.

Why I picked it up: This book was required reading for one of the classes I will be auditing beginning in January.

My impressions: This is a book that needs time for reflection and demands to be visited again. When I was reading it, I had the feeling that, like C. S. Lewis' "Screwtape Letters," this novel would have something different for me to take away the next time I read it. I'm not sure what the main takeaway was this time, but I know I'll be thinking of my relation to the poor in the world and how to look for the presence of God in each person I meet. I worry that if I write more, I will write an entire essay. How do I sum up my impressions of this book? Like "Brideshead Revisited," there is not much in the way of plot - mostly characterizations and the development of separate situations and encounters with different people. However, the reader walks through very personal reflections on extreme dryness and temptation with the diarist. This is indeed the sort of fiction that lets one have experiences of life that might otherwise remain foreign, at least perhaps for a long time. In spite of the diarist's negativity about his abilities, I found him quite loveable, even when he had trouble loving himself. I did wonder how much of his reflection was erroneous (such as when he felt certain he had to keep his dryness to himself, only to realize later that was a temptation) and how much was really correct - this questioning had a strong feeling of verisimilitude about it. I would recommend this book to Catholic adults, college-age and older, who are ready to sit with a book and really ponder it, at least in places. It is a beautifully written work and I think it would be great to return to in future years.

Story of a Soul, by St. Therese of Lisieux

Autobiography of a 19th-century French Carmelite nun who became one of the most honored saints of the Catholic Church.

Why I picked it up: I needed some new spiritual reading and, since her feastday happened (in October), I decided it would be good to reread this beloved book written by my chosen Confirmation saint.

My impressions: Therese's writing has beauty and depth in a very approachable combination that brought me to tears several times. I feel inspired to try to become holier when I read this work. Everything else I could say about this book would be praise of its qualities. I recommend this book to any Catholic who can handle the reading level. I imagine that non-Catholic readers could appreciate this work as well. 

The Cay, by Theodore Taylor

After a U-boat sinks the ship he and his mother are traveling on, Phillip finds himself blind and fighting for survival, and against his prejudices, with Timothy, a black man.

Why I picked it up: This book ended up on my "To-Read" list after it was recommended in another book about reading. I found it on sale at the local Book-a-holic store.

My impressions: This was a fast and interesting survival story that provides its own version of the deserted-island narrative. Written in the late '60s, it took on the issue of racism in its own way, using World War II as a backdrop to the interpersonal drama depicted in the book. The book has the "N" word several times, but it disappears later, keeping pace with the reduction of Phillip's prejudice. Parents might want to be aware of references to voodoo practiced by one of the characters in the book, specifically in chapter eleven. This could be a fun survival book to read or read aloud and discuss, so long as parents are aware of what is in the book.

Bracket Play

The books paired up nicely for the first round: two modern classics, two books of the same historical fiction style by the same author, and two spiritual works. Only the two remaining works of fiction - one historical fiction, one fantasy - were a little mismatched. "The Cay" breezed past the strange and plotless "Phantastes", while "The Diary of a Country Priest" edged out "Brideshead Revisited" as being equally substantial, but straightforward and more comfortable to read. "Princess Hildegard" won the first round against the slightly weaker and simpler "Young Prince Hubert", and the book by one of the best-known "little souls" around won against "My Imitation of Christ."

Round Two was also fairly easy to decide, with the weightier spiritual works winning out - "The Diary of a Country Priest" and "Story of a Soul" facing each other in the final round. Though a worthy opponent, Bernanos' work could not hope to beat the heavyweight champion, "Story of a Soul," which is the best book I read this month.

Advent Songs

 This is a step away from my usual fare; instead of giving my impressions on books, I'm going to consider music in this post.

I've found in the last few years that a key theme of Advent emerges as that liturgical season progresses. Most memorably was the recent Advent where I really tuned in to the sense of longing the Israelites felt and that I, myself, feel (but towards very different things). This year, my Advent theme has been the connection between the birth of Jesus Christ and His death, and this meaning came to me through music.

A Facebook group, from which I gain the majority of my book recommendations, included several threads about Advent playlists. I knew I wasn't doing much in the way of liturgical living this Advent, but I figured I could make a point of listening primarily to Advent-y music, instead of the secular radio tunes that are typical of this time of year. So, I indulged in a free premium Spotify account (I'm going to have to remember to cancel it in February before it automatically renews with a fee) and loaded some playlists. Here were the most influential finds:

I Wonder As I Wander

This song is apparently an older song from the 1930s that I encountered for the first time this year. The singer marvels that Jesus Christ came to die for us - and how interesting it is to hear His birth not mentioned until the second and third verses of the song. The slow pace and somber melody invite the listener to reflect upon such an incredible thing - that God should stoop to such an ignoble level and die for him or her.

Handel's "Messiah"

I have not listened to this work much this year because I've been exploring other music, but I highly recommend listening to the whole work when Christmas or Easter approach. It goes through key prophecies, the birth of Christ, His Passion, and what His Resurrection means for mankind. I suppose one could listen just to the portions that concern the prophecies and Nativity, but I argue it is best to ponder the arc of salvation with this incredible piece.

Sarah Sparks' "Advent, Pt. One"

I was floored when I heard the news that Sarah Sparks, singer of my beloved "Into the Waste" album (music inspired by C. S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia), had dropped (the first half of???) an Advent album. Not every song is gold, but the good ones are stunning. Of particular note for their Pasch-focus are "The King, Pt. One" and "Behold the Man, Pt. One". The "Pt. One"s are tantalizing in their implications (will there be a Pt. Two? and if so, when?), but I guess that is fitting, considering Advent's focus on anticipation.

My Thoughts

I loved having the Passion be such a focus during my Advent because it shows me another reason why Christmas matters. In a society that has appropriated the trappings of a religious holiday and created a capitalist behemoth that focuses on feel-good sentiments like "goodwill" and vague goals like "spending time with loved ones," it was a refreshing reality check to encounter the hard bones that provides the frame of real meaning for this time of year. I think it is important that Christmas points to our redemption - a redemption achieved at the death and resurrection of our Lord, not at the moment of His birth into the world. As important as His birth is, these Advent songs remind us that the Cross completes the story.