October Book Bracket
Many books tried, and many books put down this month. I credit much of it to realizing my Audible subscription ends early in November, and trying to capitalize on the free books while I can, as well as to the open hours of parent teacher conferences. I was a bit choosier about where I was spending my reading and listening minutes, as there are plenty of books I want to get to (especially in my own home) and never enough time to read them and do all the crafts and chores I want to get around to.
Greenmantle, by John Buchan**
The hero of The Thirty-Nine Steps, now in the British army, takes on a secret spy mission to discover and thwart Germany's wartime plans to raise the support Middle East by producing an heir to Mohammad that will unite the Muslim peoples.
Why I picked it up: This book was on my to-read list and available through the Audible membership.
My impressions: This was a fun book to read. I regret to say I enjoyed the first half better than the second half, but it's a top-notch adventure story. It's the sort of book I might tell my older brother about - it seems like the sort of book that would interest him. Well, it's a great example of the "pull together an elite squad" take on the adventure story, with all the elite members being memorable, likeable fellows. They had a good camaraderie and the sort of "I've got your back" feel that you'd want a group like that to have. I found the author's attempts to make a certain woman seem evil not super convincing, rather like he just said "She's evil!" without giving any more evidence for why she's the worst human in the world - it was a big difference from a description of another baddy in the book, who I could tell was a bad guy from the things he did during the story. Anyway, there were a few insinuations or comments here and there that indicated some "adult content" was maybe happening, but the story stayed miles away from anything explicit. The main character and his pals didn't always do the most moral things, but the reader could tell they were overall trying to do the right thing and not be cads about it. It's a book that I think boys would enjoy, especially those with an interest in adventure tales and WWI. I would probably say high schoolers and older would be a pretty good audience for this book.
Forty Reasons I am a Catholic, by Peter Kreeft**
Famous Catholic philosophy professor provides a quick book with - as advertised - forty of the reasons for why he is a Catholic.
Why I picked it up: I was doing lots of housework and wanted to keep listening to audiobooks (that subscription is ticking down), but found I was being rather sensitive to what I was reading/listening to lately. This short book seemed like a pretty safe choice for something that would fit where I was at.
My impressions: This book was a good little exercise for me in trying to figure out what I'd say if someone asked me why I was Catholic. Some of the reasons Kreeft gave were articulations of some of my own reasons. Others were ones that I wouldn't say myself in the scenario I considered about giving a reason for my faith, but it acted as a little sample of what you might say when trying to explain an aspect of the faith in a nutshell. Short, sweet, well-reasoned, it was a good work to read in anticipation of being in situations where I might be asked to explain something to someone who's not a Catholic.
At Home in Mitford, by Jan Karon
Fr. Timothy, the pastor of a small-town Episcopalian parish in an Appalachian valley, faces health problems and burnout, only to have one of the most eventful year-and-a-half's in his life in a long time.
Why I picked it up: My sister-in-law had been working through this series and raving about it. I knew I wanted to give it a try sometime, but didn't make the plunge until I needed to ice another book that threw me for a loop when it gave me a murder scene I hadn't been prepared for.
My impressions: This book was comforting, enjoyable, and calm - and yet, it had me neglecting household cleaning duties to finish it. There wasn't a lot of plot in this book - in fact, it made me think a little bit about Jane Austen's books, how there's not a lot of "doing" going on, but there's an awful lot of talking. There were things happening in this book, definitely, but it came across more as the continuous everyday tale of the eventful things that were happening in Father Tim's life. But, even with my long-time tendency to dislike books with weak plot lines, I had trouble putting this one down. I think I must have been in need of a gentle book like this one. My sister-in-law said these books are "cozy," but I think "gentle" is the word I'd use for them. The author doesn't whitewash everything - there are moments where we see people making bad decisions or coming through hard circumstances - but most characters, with all their flaws, are pretty likeable. There are humorous moments, and sweet moments, and a few great food-description moments, but it was a grand book for me to read right now. I really enjoyed some of a conversation later in the book between Father Tim and his friend, the bishop. It's one of the best-put explanations I've heard for why people need to make sure they're taking care of themselves, so that they can love and serve the people in their lives...and it's not just being selfish.
"Bodily fatigue, which nearly always accompanies this hateful malady, can wear down the spirit. And how can the Holy Spirit work with a vessel that's leaking as fast as he can fill it? ...If you're going to extend your life in the body of Christ, Timothy, you must act at once to restore, to revive, to refresh your energies." (pp. 370-1)
I think women would enjoy this book. I don't know that men would as much - if my husband's reflections are any indication, men gravitate towards action, and this is a lot closer to Pride and Prejudice than it is to The Lord of the Rings as far as action goes. I'd recommend this especially for women who are post-college and needing something to read to help them recharge.
The Screwtape Letters, by C. S. Lewis
An experienced tempter provides insight into spiritual warfare through instructive letters to his nephew, a new tempter who is trying to get an English man to turn away from God at the beginning of a world war.
Why I picked it up: This was the book a galpal and I agreed to read for a book discussion group. It is a reread.
My impressions: This book is somewhat uncomfortable to read, but it's also good food for thought. It is not a long book, but if the reader is going to give it a little time to breathe between letters (which I recommend, for reflecting and letting ideas connect), it will take a little longer to go through. It's a book about a man from a discrete era, but the issues are, for the most part, timeless and applicable. I think the last time I read it, I realized that there's always something that the reader can take away from it. Different parts will likely hit differently depending on life circumstances. I'd say this is a great book for anyone to read, high school and older.
Blood Red Horse, by K. M. Grant**
The DeGranvilles set out on a Crusade, with William de Granville taking his extraordinary horse, and Ellie, the ward, facing adversity in their absence.
Why I picked it up: This book had been recommended somewhere at some point, perhaps in a Facebook group I follow.
My impressions: This book doesn't look away from the horrors of war and the suffering of the Crusading experience, either for the knights, or for those left at home - but the figure of a wonderful horse woven throughout brings a hint of something noble to the story. It was sometimes hard to read about the harsh realities of life in that time, but I did feel like I received an insider's look at that time by reading this work. I think the author did well with her juxtaposition of similar situations in which characters found themselves, and this contrast (or comparison?) showed off character flaws and development. No character was perfect, and some were quite dislikeable, but I think that helped make the characters realistic. I enjoyed seeing King Richard the Lionheart as a dynamic individual in this book, not just as a side character in yet another Robin Hood retelling (although I do love me a good Robin Hood tale). I liked the horse, Hosanna, although I wasn't always comfortable with the way he was described - almost as if the horse had miraculous powers. Comments here and there, and a confused scene of prayer, made me feel that morality was sometimes displayed slightly askew, but it could be my great sensitivity at work in taking note of that. In any case, I liked that people on both sides of the Crusading war were shown with flaw and with admirable traits. It's possible I might pursue the series further in the future, but for now, I'm content to put this series aside and pick up something else. The book deals with some heavy topics, such as a maiden's reputation being thrown into doubt, so this book would be best for high school readers and older. I think that boys especially could appreciate this work, as there is lots of action and plenty of battles.
What Katy Did, by Sarah Chauncey Woolsey (a.k.a. Susan Coolidge)**
Katy, who wants to do all sorts of amazing things, does a lot of growing up after she makes some poor choices.
Why I picked it up: This book made it onto my to-read list at some point and it was on Audible.
My impressions: While this book felt like a somewhat aimless precursor of Anne of Green Gables in the first half, I found the second half of more value and enjoyable. This is a book that made me think a little bit of L. M. Montgomery's works, or Betsy Understood; it had a similar tone. I did get bored after listening to the first third of the work, but it was nice to finish it, and not just so I could get it crossed off my list. I'm interested in what Katy does after the conclusion of this story, so I've gone ahead and downloaded the next work onto my Kindle (yay for public domain!). I think this is a book that girls who enjoyed the works mentioned above would like.
How God Hauled Me Kicking and Screaming Into the Catholic Church, by Kevin Lowry**
A Protestant describes his conversion journey into the Catholic Church.
Why I picked it up: Parent-teacher conferences and a desire to listen to as many audiobooks as possible before my subscription expires led me to try this one out.
My impressions: I'm glad I gave this one a go. I find people's conversion stories interesting, and this one had the added bonus of Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, be one of the settings of the story. It was cool to hear about Lowry's experience of school there, and compare and contrast his schooling with my impression of what it's like to be a student there now (not that I went there myself - but I have visited and know others who went there). This work reminded me of a course I took through an online group about writing and how sharing our faith experience can be a work of evangelization. I don't have a story of converting to Catholicism, but this man's interesting, but not necessarily dramatic, conversion story show that there is value in sharing life with others. I enjoyed listening to this book and probably won't read it again, but it was kind of comforting to listen to it as I did pretty light work today.
Amos Fortune, Free Man, by Elizabeth Yates**
This biographical work follows the life of an African prince, who is kidnapped, taken to the United States, and sold into slavery - after which, he buys his own freedom and that of several others.
Why I picked it up: I kept looking for other Elizabeth Yates books on Audible and at the library, but no luck - but this one was on Audible.
My impressions: This is a good biographical work, and it reads easily. It was interesting to get a look at the life of a slave who came directly from Africa, as well as to see what his life was like in one of the northern colonies. I wondered if his described acceptance of his life as a slave would have created a different reception for the book today (it was a Newbery winner), but Amos, as portrayed in this book, was an honorable man who would be a good role model for anyone. This is a book that didn't have much plot, but Amos led an interesting life and it was a solid story to listen to. This book would be good for elementary-aged readers.
The Search for Delicious, by Natalie Babbitt
In a land where fantastical beings live forgotten by humans, the lad Gaylen polls the kingdom to find out what most people deem is "delicious," but finds that the animosity engendered his quest - and the machinations of Hemlock - may lead to war.
Why I picked it up: This book ended up on my to-read list at some point and then I found it at a garage sale this summer - yay! I needed another book to put space between me and Peace Like a River, so this children's book seemed like it would be a good fit.
My impressions: This was a fresh take on the fairy-tale world, without needing magic to make it a wondrous place. It made me think of The Ordinary Princess, but it was very free of both the tropes of a fairy tale and the need to twist those tropes into a fractured fairy tale. It was a fantasy that I found I liked reading, perhaps because the fantastic elements were not so wildly out-there. However, even with these points its favor, it was not the hidden gem that The Ordinary Princess is. I can see this being a book that a child likes to pull off the shelf, but it's not one that I'm going to make sure I read aloud with all the children. For those looking for a fresh, simple fantasy tale, this is the book for them. Elementary school-aged children would probably appreciate this story best.
Augustine Came to Kent, by Barbara Willard
The teenaged Wolf and his father return to their homeland as translators and lay assistants to the Benedictine monks who travel with St. Augustine of Kent to evangelize England.
Why I picked it up: I don't know if this one was on my to-read list or not, but I recognized the author and knew I wanted to give it a try. This was one of several books I found stashed under the guest bedroom at my brother's house.
My impressions: This book is one of those tales that follows some events in the life of an individual without there being a driving plot, but there are enough problems and developments happening in it to make it enjoyable to read. I appreciated how life in the "dark ages" was presented, and how one society might look completely different from another. The story was clearly about a religious mission to evangelize a territory that had fallen back into paganism, but it wasn't overly religious. Loose ends were tied up by the ending, but it had been a good read the whole time. I wouldn't call this an adventure book, but I think there was enough going on to make it a fair book for elementary and middle school-aged readers.
The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers, by Meg Meeker, M.D.**
A pediatrician lays out her ten principles that she believes are common to happy mothers.
Why I picked it up: I had the author on my to-read list, but no specific titles. I found this one was available through my Audible subscription, so I decided to give this one a try, even though I'm not a mother yet.
My impressions: I think that this book had some good ideas at work in it, but it came across as something of a self-help book and had some elements I didn't love. The stories Meeker uses to illustrate her different points are engaging (the human interest element of real-life examples), and many of her 10 points line up with a Christian worldview (trusting in God, living a simple life, not striving primarily after riches, etc.). However, there was a pluralistic feeling about religion that I gathered from the author - for example, it's important to have belief in God, but maybe it doesn't matter and you can just have a faith system of any sort. A few comments here and there about spouses or divorce also didn't sit as well with me. This could be an encouraging book for women who aren't confident about their mothering skills, but due to the questionable perspective in some places, this is not the first book I'll be coming back to for tips and tricks with doing a good job mothering.
The Bible; Volume II: Acts, Letters and Revelation, printed by Word on Fire
This second volume in Word on Fire's set contains the New Testament following the Gospels.
Why I picked it up: I try to read the Bible regularly, although I've really gotten away from that practice.
My impressions: This hefty book was beautifully made and had some great commentary in it from a variety of people. I loved some of the artwork, presented with commentary, but some of the art included wasn't my favorite. What does one say about the Bible? It's great, and everyone should read it. The Bible is in its own class, so it will not be subjected to the tournament - God's words to us don't go on a bracket.
Help, I'm Drowning: Weathering the Storms of Life With Grace and Hope, by Sally Clarkson**
Homeschooling mom and evangelist considers the struggles - or downright disasters - of her life as a training ground in the virtues and lessons she would need to have to become a "seasoned sailor," or experienced servant working in God's vineyard.
Why I picked it up: I generally like ideas I find in Clarkson books, and I wanted to sneak in another one before my Audible subscription ended.
My impressions: Overall applicable and clear messages, accompanied by personal stories, Scripture verses, and practical applications help make this book work. It's not one that I needed to read in this season of life, but I still felt there was something in it for me. I was the tiniest bit bummed about references to COVID (I guess I just want to pretend it didn't happen), but it was important to get the book going and gave some great context for struggles she discussed. I can't say that any particular points she made stick out to me, but some of her stories certainly did. That woman has had a lot of intense experiences! She nearly lost an eye, was secretly doing missionary work in Soviet-era Poland with strangers practically trying to break down her door, and experienced heartbreaking strife in the context of a church community. That last one did make an impression - I have not been involved in a community maelstrom (outside that one time a small dust-up resulted from my poorly worded college newspaper article), but it's good to remember that people can make harmful choices even within a church or parish family. This isn't the first book I'd recommend to someone who's feeling their life is one long series of disasters, but I imagine it's a good one for some people, especially Christian mothers.
Mattimeo, by Brian Jacques
This third Redwall book follows what happens to Mattimeo, son of hero Matthias, when a cruel enemy kidnaps the children in Redwall to sell them into slavery - and of the epic quest to bring them back home.
Why I picked it up: Aaron and I decided that this was the book we wanted to read out loud to each other.
My impressions: This book is an exciting adventure. I remember not liking this book as much as others in the series when I was growing up, but I think it's at least partly because the TV show was so embedded in my memory as to color the reading experience. The show wasn't bad, it was just very memorable and fixed in my mind what I thought the characters would look and sound like. Also, the element of surprise, or of discovering the story for myself the first time, wasn't possible. However, given enough time not reading or watching the show, I was able to appreciate the story more. (Spoilers coming starting now.) The stakes were high (recovering kidnapped children tends to be), but having Redwall truly almost taken over in the absence of the warriors really did have me wanting to read more. This is one of the closest brushes the abbey has with being conquered. The ruins of Loamhedge were interesting and creepy at the same time. I will say that there are still weak points, such as the author perhaps trying too hard to make Slagar appear cruel, and at least one character randomly showing up and leaving at opportune moments. It's still not my favorite Redwall book, but it's got some good adventure elements in it. Strong readers as young as elementary-age could appreciate this book.
A Light in the Window, by Jan Karon
The second book in the Mitford series follows Fr. Timothy's ongoing relationship with his lovely neighbor Cynthia, and the events that happen in the small town of Mitford during the year.
Why I picked it up: I started hankering for more story about these characters, so I asked my contact if I could borrow the second book from her.
My impressions: This book was even better than the first one. I felt interested in what was going on right from the start and read almost 80 pages in one evening (starting off with a will-they-won't-they romance can do that to you). The descriptions of the town in winter dumped fuel on the fire of my cozy desires - I felt like I needed a blanket of snow on my house right now, and a cup of hot chocolate. (I'm not sure if it's related, but I broke out the hot chocolate for the first time this season sometime this last week.) It's a sweet book and had nothing in the romance to make me uncomfortable, although one of the parishioners very much did make me uncomfortable. There are a few things that struck me as, "Oh, I don't think that would go over so well if it were written today," but nothing alarming - just a few unfortunate or sad associations. Anyone who enjoyed the first Mitford book would probably really like this one.
Bracket Play
There are too many books to do play by play, at least in the first round. I paired the books in such a way as to allow the stronger books to beat weaker books, generally of similar types. The Mitford books got the pass because they were so enjoyable.
In round 2, the Mitford sequel beat out the original because it had more of a plot and better pacing. Kreeft's book lost to Greenmantle because I remember more of the adventure book and can think of a specific person I'd recommend it to. Lewis' book won because his books almost always do and The Search for Delicious wasn't as amazing as I'd wanted it to be. The last match could have gone either way, but I thought Clarkson's book could be very beneficial to the right person at the right time.
I'm skipping the next round because it was obvious to me which two books were superior. And, in the final round, as badly as I wanted A Light in the Window to be the winner (I couldn't put it down!), I had to give the win to C. S. Lewis. Though uncomfortable to read, it had insights that I've been drawing from since I reread it. It's a good book, although a dark one in some ways.
Books Attempted and Put Down
Calico Captive, by Elizabeth George Speare**
A young woman on the verge of romance and moving away from danger instead finds herself, and her sister's family, captured by Indians who are allied with the French enemy.
Why I picked it up: I had enjoyed The Sign of the Beaver by this author previously, and decided to put her other works on my to-read list.
Why I put it down: I was very sensitive to somethings at the time. Well, most things, really. And, I was reflecting, while I have recently enjoyed similar books, or at least children's literature based in that time period, this one wasn't doing much for me. There was some early character development happening, and lots of episodes of trials, triumphs, and things happening to the characters, but there wasn't a driving plot outside of "we've been captured by Indians and must now try to...survive? But they're friendly and want us to live. Get along? Maybe escape eventually?" With so many other books to try to sample before the Audible subscription runs out, it seemed worthwhile to put it down and try something else.
The Midwife's Apprentice, by Karen Cushman**
An orphaned, despised girl is taken in by the generally disliked midwife in a medieval town to serve as cheap labor.
Why I picked it up: This was a Newbery Award winner and had been on my list to read for a while. I'd read another work by the author that was...alright, I guess.
Why I put it down: I could handle the depressing circumstances the main character was in, but when I reached the scene where she observed some adulterous kissing between folks, I was shocked and had to put the book down. This is an award-winning kid's book? Yikes!
The Moorchild, by Eloise Jarvis McGraw**
A fairy baby is switched with a human child in a fantastical Irish tale.
Why I picked it up: This book was recommended on a list or two I came across on Pinterest, had runner-up recognition for the Newbery Award, and was written by the same author who wrote Mara, Daughter of the Nile and The Golden Goblet.
Why I put it down: I had trouble getting into this work and something about the tone didn't sit well with me. A comment early on suggested that the human child was able to be switched with a fairy child because she was baptized late, and that struck an uncomfortable note.
Chaucer's People: Everyday Lives in Medieval England, by Liza Picard**
In brief: I tried this one on Audible, and decided to pause on this one because I think I'd appreciate it more if I'd read Canterbury Tales all the way through (and recently, at that). It wasn't bad; it just wasn't something I was connecting with at all and would be fine with coming back to later.
Peace Like a River, by Leif Enger
A preteen boy describes his family's journey and the miracles he witnesses in the presence of his father after his older brother kills two local troublemakers.
Why I picked it up: I've heard this book highly recommended for years, and it was the first one my book group was reading for the new cycle.
Why I put it down: I was enjoying this book in large part up to the murder scene, and that really got to me. I wasn't ready for the detail there. I put the book down for a few weeks, but when I picked it up again, I just couldn't find the enjoyment. I wish people could write great modern literature that wasn't always so emotionally difficult to push through.
The Lost Art of Reading: Why Books Matter in a Distracted Time, by David L. Ulin
A book critic reflects upon reading in a technological age.
Why I picked it up: This was sitting on the library shelf next to other books, like The Read-Aloud Family, and is caught my interest.
Why I put it down: At about 150 pages, this little book seemed like it would be a breeze. But the author was taking forever to get around to making his points, or reflections. I lost interest as he explained his lifelong, enduring excitement (or obsession?) with books. I figured there'd be other things I'd rather read right now, so I put it down.
Red Scarf Girl, by Ji-li Jiang**
A woman recounts her experience of being a child during the cultural Communist revolution as it took place in China.
Why I picked it up: This was recommended on some list somewhere.
Why I put it down: I wasn't enjoying listening to it and decided to dedicate my time elsewhere. It was not a pleasurable listen.
