July Book Bracket 2025

 July 2025 Book Bracket

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hannah Coulter, by Wendell Berry

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

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

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

The Little White Horse, by Elizabeth Goudge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Rise and Fall of Mount Majestic, by Jennifer Trafton

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

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

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

Triss, by Brian Jacques**

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

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

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

Bracket Play

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

Notable Book

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

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

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

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

Books Attempted and Put Down

Ender's Game, by Orson Scott Card

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

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

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

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

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

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

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