November 2023 Book Bracket
I was quite pleased with how many books I ended up reading - and it resulted in a nice, balanced bracket of eight books!
Ben Hur, by Lew Wallace
This epic tale follows a well-off Jewish lad in Roman-occupied Jerusalem who is sent to the galleys for an accident and tries to find his family, recover his hereditary possessions, serve and a long-awaited mighty ruler.
Why I picked it up: I was assigned to read this book for a book-discussion group of which I am a part. I originally accidentally picked up an "abridged adapted" version from the library, and in a foolish full-blown reaction, promptly picked up the unabridged version.
My impressions: This was a hard book to read (unabridged and unadapted) because the author, frankly, is too verbose (like me in this review). It sometimes drove me bonkers. But, I figure that, if I'm going to go to the effort to read a book this long (skimming some parts, yes), then I can give it a review as long as I like. The book certainly does have parts that are more interesting, and it was neat to see how events were originally portrayed, as opposed to the excellent movie adaptation starring Charlton Heston. I had the sense that a lot of research and perhaps even experiences of places in the Holy Land helped shape the narrative and make it more realistic. However, there was quite a bit that I didn't like. I don't think the portrayals of Mary and Joseph were fair - in St. Joseph's case, I thought it was quite unflattering, and that made a trying, slow beginning even more difficult. I didn't love the beginning, which was a creative reimagining of the Gospel Infancy narratives, but I appreciated and liked the same approach when it came to the Crucifixion of Christ at the end of the book. I didn't think it very believable that one of the Magi would have a daughter who believed and acted so differently than himself, but perhaps it goes to show that no one inherits their parents' spiritual growth - everyone has the need to develop their own relationship with God. I thought there were some parts that didn't ring true with a Christian narrative. First, Ben Hur somewhat achieves revenge against the Roman who wronged him, and there's not really anything in the narrative to indicate that there would have been a better path to follow. Second, the story ends with Ben Hur's family and fortune restored and increased, and him about to use it to help persecuted Christians in Rome. Granted, he always held his wealth with the intention of using it to serve the Savior, but when I think of the absolutely radical way the first Christians sold all their possessions to give to their community, it felt like not enough was being asked of me, the reader, to change my life. I don't think there's anything wrong with reading this book, but if someone decided they wanted to take on the 600+ page project, I'd say 1) consider if you might not just be satisfied with the Charlton Heston movie, which is excellent and (in my opinion) better, and 2) if you do read it, consider researching if there's a good abridged version out there that only cuts out some of the unnecessary verbiage, as opposed to cutting out entire subplots or adapting the actual writing.
The Christmas Book, by Francis X. Weiser
A priest explains the history of Christmas celebrations and traditions.
Why I picked it up: This book made it onto my to-read list within the last year or two and I decided it would be fun to try leading up to Christmas this year. I actually read it before Advent even started.
My impressions: I realized, upon perusing the table of contents, that there would be very little in the way of meditation upon theological truths - it would pretty much be an explanation of how traditions and celebrations came to be. However, there's nothing wrong with that - just don't pick it up if you want something in the way of Advent spiritual reading. So, once I knew what kind of book it was, I was very excited because the desire for Christmas is hitting differently - harder - this year than I think it has just about any time before. I really enjoyed learning about where things came from, and a few comments here and there helped provide some perspective on how, even if a few elements here and there can be traced back to pagan feasts, they have been reinterpreted by Christians over the ages. I was fascinated by how crazy some things seemed to get in history when Puritans tried to erase this or that feature of Christmas celebrations. It was also interesting to learn about how the Protestant Reformation put an end to many beautiful traditions, at least for a time, if not permanently. I'm hoping to skim through the book again and dedicate a whole blog post to this book. It wasn't necessarily life changing, but there were some interesting things in it that I don't want to forget. I would recommend this book to any Catholic or Christian who wants to learn more about the history of where we get certain Christmas traditions from. It should be good for any high schooler and older, but perhaps even middle school-aged students, as well.
No Turning Back: A Witness to Mercy, by Fr. Donald H. Calloway
A priest recounts his wild youth, subsequent conversion, and entry into a religious order.
Why I picked it up: This book has been on my to-read list for years. I finally decided I needed to read it and picked it up from my local library.
My impressions: This was a good book. Parts of his wild youth were difficult to read, just because he made so many decisions that hurt himself and those in his life. But, those lows helped me appreciate his story even more because of their stark contrast with his life when he converted. I remembered watching a video about his conversion story in high school, but it was an even more intense experience to read about it. No Turning Back was a great book for me, personally, to read because of the Fr. Michael Gaitley books I read about mercy earlier this year. It also reminded me that I need to reencounter Mary and I think helped me pick up a book about her soon after finishing this book. I liked looking at the full-color pictures at the end of the book and remarked several times to my husband something along the lines of, "How is it possible that these are all pictures of the same guy?" This is a powerful conversion account and a concrete example of the efficacy of prayer and the fact that God works miracles in our own day. I'd recommend this book to Catholics and even Christian adults who could use a true account of conversion to love of God; I don't recommend it to high school students because some of the content is pretty heavy - however, some high school students might be able to handle it. As I have found, so often "appropriate readership" depends on the individual person.
The Reading Life, by C. S. Lewis
This book is actually a compilation of excerpts about reading from other essays, major works, and letters by C. S. Lewis.
Why I picked it up: This book first called to me from the shelves of a local bookstore, where I used my self control to not impulse buy it. I then impulse checked it out from the local library.
My impressions: This book is fine, but I'm glad I didn't buy it myself. I appreciate the sentiments expressed in this work, but much of the time, I found myself thinking either, "I've already read this essay, so I'm going to skip this excerpt," or "Hmm...I wonder if I shouldn't just go and read the full work instead." I went ahead and finished it (but skipped some decent portions), but I think there is a case to be made for just going and reading the full works. As great as the excerpts are, I wonder how much I'm losing from the quotes being taken out of context. It's a fast read and pretty light, so it could be a great book for readers who just want all the key things C. S. Lewis ever wrote about reading, but it's not necessary to buy for a bookshelf. If you have other nonfiction C. S. Lewis books in your possession, it is quite possible it is already at least partly already in your possession.
Here's an out-of-context quote taken from the introduction, by the way: "In the case of good books, the point is not to see how many of them you can get through, but rather how many can get through to you." - Mortimer Adler, quoted in The Reading Life
The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden, by Karina Yan Glaser**
This sequel to The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street follows the Vanderbeeker kids during the summer as they secretly create a community garden - with many shenanigans - to encourage and celebrate their brownstone neighbors after Mr. Jeet suffers a second stroke.
Why I picked it up: I was excited to learn from browsing Audible that there's a whole Vanderbeeker series, and it wasn't long before I sought out a new audiobook and found this one through my public library system.
My impressions: This was a sweet book. I like that this series bridges the gap between plotless summer-in-the-life-of books and strong plot-driven adventures. It's jsut a story of the shenanigans a the kids in a family get into, and the trouble they stir up, but there's also a reason for doing it - there are problems to solve and conclusions to reach. I have to admit that when the kids didn't make the best choices, it was a little uncomfortable - but I feel that way just about any time someone does the forbidden thing or clearly decides to do something that's a bad idea. But, it was cool to see the siblings working together and growing their friendcircle. I remember that there were some aspects of the first book I didn't love - starting off with a discussion where the kids thought a divorce was coming, describing the interesting clothing of a passing character, imagining violent things while doing activities - I didn't really pick up on any of those things in this book. It seems that the Vanderbeekers may not be churchgoers on Sundays, but that's really the main thing I noticed, and that wasn't even said outright (besides those poor decisions, like using other people's items without permission). We got to see some good character development and selfless acts within the family, and that was really lovely. My hopes for the series are cautiously rising. I think anyone who enjoyed the first book in this series would like this one, too. It is a book that's probably best to read only after the first one has been read, because references are made to events that were explored a bit more fully in the first book. It can still likely be read and enjoyed, but it'd fit better after the first book.
Saintly Creatures, by Alexi Sargeant
This gorgeously illustrated picture book contains the general stories of 14 saints or blesseds and, in particular, an episode from their lives which involve animals.
Why I picked it up: This is a pricey Word on Fire book that I've had my eye on all year. I finally ordered it (but from Amazon since it was out of stock with WoF) and then read before I wrapped it up to give to one of my godchildren (Yes, I sometimes read the books I gift to others before I give them.)
My impressions: This was a grand little book. I loved the illustrations. In fact, when I noticed that the haloes had designs on them, I went back through and looked at them all again to see how they differed. I also loved that the stories were short - the whole account usually took about three or four sides of paper, and that includes the illustrations. I think that the book does a great job of including animal stories without making it the focus. Or, maybe, it does a great job of making it the unifying theme of the collection, but the animals were never the focus of the entire story. Each one made sure to spend time talking about the whole saint's life, which was beautiful. I learned about several saints I'd never heard of before, including St. Germaine and St. Werbergh. I think this book would be great for young readers, maybe second grade and up (depending on reading fluency), although this book looks like it would be perfect for reading aloud as bedtime stories - or just because. It's a book that's on my list of books that I'd like to own eventually.
Christmas Remembered, by Tomie dePaola
Famous picture book author/illustrator Tomie dePaola describes about a dozen or so Christmases he enjoyed during his life.
Why I picked it: This was part of me craving all things Christmas, hearing somewhere about great Christmas books (Read Aloud Revival podcast?), and putting it on hold at the library.
My impressions: This was a delightful little book. It's apparently dePaola's first book for people of all ages, but it's incredibly readable. It features classic dePaola illustrations (which have never been my favorite, but are still cool) and a lot about his life. I was surprised to learn he was very Catholic, at least in his younger years, trying out life as a Benedictine novice, and living at least as a while as a Benedictine Oblate. He went to school for art, taught art, and lived in or visited several very different places across the country. I think my favorite parts were at the beginning, especially when he was describing candy. This book had all the cozy-Christmas-feelings I was looking for, and it was a quick read, too. I think this book would be great for anyone to read, young or old, or to read out loud as a family.
Redwall, by Brian Jacques
Young Matthias the mouse follows the path of his hero, the warrior Martin, as he recovers a legendary sword and defends his home, Redwall Abbey, from conquest by the rat Cluny the Scourge.
Why I picked it up: I wanted to share this delightful book, which had such a big place in my childhood, with my husband, so I read almost all of it out loud to him - he read a chapter here and there.
My impressions: This was sure a fun book to share with my husband! We read a special edition that had full-color pictures sprinkled throughout and had a different-looking map. I will say that Jacques has not really developed his style in this first book and has some features that are inconsistent with the rest of the series, but the shortcomings of style do not change the fact that it is a fantastic story following the classic hero's journey. There are a few moments of swearing that involve real swear words and a name that is rather uncomfortable considering its origins, but it's a great book for readers who love adventure, good versus evil, battles, and strategies.
Bracket Play
The weakest books were Ben Hur and the C. S. Lewis quote compilation The Reading Life. The second Vanderbeekers story was good and wholesome, but didn't necessarily stand out to me as a brilliant book. One book that could have made it to the second round but couldn't because the competition was so good was Tomie dePaola's Christmas Remembered, which gave me many happy, cozy, Christmas-y feelings as I was reading it. But it over half of the books that I read could easily have made it to the second round, that itself indicates that I read some pretty good books this month.
The second round battle between The Christmas Book and Saintly Creatures was the most difficult of this bracket. I almost gave the victory to Saintly Creatures because I said I'd like to own it, and I did not say that with The Christmas Book, but I feel like I've had aspects of The Christmas Book stick around a bit better and get me thinking more than Saintly Creatures. I mean, I dedicated a whole blog post to it, going through it chapter by chapter! In the end, either book would have ended up falling to No Turning Back by Fr. Calloway, but I wanted to make sure Saintly Creatures received an honorable mention.
Books Attempted and Put Down
Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas, by Ann Voskamp
Why I picked it up: I think I heard this one was recommended by Read Aloud Revival for Christmas and I was in the mood to pick up Christmas-y books from the library.
Why I put it down: This book, in spite of having the word "Christmas" in the title, is all about the Jesse Tree and is therefore definitely more of an Advent book. The main reason I put it down was because I wasn't feeling it. My husband and I are doing an Advent wreath this year, and the Jesse tree doesn't seem quite as feasible because the tree I usually dedicate to that purpose is actually our mini Christmas tree this year - and it is a very cute little Christmas tree. I think it would be a great resource for those who want Scripture passages, illustrations, and reflections all in one place, but it wasn't what I needed. There are plenty of other books I'd like to be reading, and it's possible someone is waiting for this one to come back in at the library. It'd be nice for it to be available to someone early in the Advent season rather than halfway through.
