November Book Bracket 2025

Book Bracket for November 2025

There were multiple books that were disappointments this month, and several that I wouldn't end up recommending, but there were also books that were meaningful and some that were just plain fun and a delight to read. 

Philothea or An Introduction to the Devout Life, by St. Francis de Sales

A saint explains in detail how to make a start in living one's life for God.

Why I picked it up: This is what one of my small book clubs chose for this round. I had read it before...or had I? It turns out I have because I remembered two specific features that did eventually show up in the text, but I had forgotten most of its content.

My impressions: This is a book to sit with and do some good reflection and meditating on to get the most from it. I felt called out by quite a bit of it and sped through the meditations early in the book, but at the end I did try to sit with the concluding meditations at least a little bit. I feel like I'm a far cry from holiness, which is probably a good feeling to have occasionally. Some of the saint's words seemed a little strict - at least, my struggles with scrupulosity won't have me following everything he said about confession, etc. The parts that I felt most understood by and understanding of were those regarding anxiety and sadness. I think St. Francis de Sales does a great job covering a lot of ground, including the basics of discernment of spirits, so far as consolations and desolations go - I hadn't appreciated what I was reading at the time of my first encounter with this book. This is a great Catholic classic that high schoolers and older could appreciate.

Surviving the Applewhites, by Stephanie S. Tolan, narrated by Robert Sean Leonard**

This Newbery award finalist follows the artistic and sometimes odd Applewhite's struggles to put on a musical production shortly after taking a troubled youth into their unschooling lifestyle.

Why I picked it up: I think I've seen the cover in different places, and that Newbery Award finalist medal is usually a good indicator of a book that's at least worth trying (in my opinion). This one was available as a free audiobook through my local library.

My impressions: The odd, zany, creative characters are the big draw for this story, but it doesn't hurt that there's Jake, a rough-around-the-edges bad boy who's learning what life is like here, and an attempt to put on a musical - "The Sound of Music"! One of my favorites! I enjoyed the plot and seeing the tough kid change from his contact with this imperfect but wildly unique family. I also really appreciated E.D., the very structured girl his age who just doesn't fit in with her very artistically-inclined family. There's so much to love and enjoy about this book; it's a rollicking ride where you don't necessarily know what's happening next, but can start to see things coming as certain elements appear. I did notice that several characters practice an Eastern mysticism - one being a guru - that feng shui is mentioned, that the wider powers of the universe are called upon in a family blessing of a meal, but no characters that are overtly Christian, so that was a downside for me. Though no specific swear words are used, we definitely know that there is a lot of swearing going on, so that could be a downer for some readers. A boy spends some of his time thinking about and looking at pretty girls; he thinks something about a girl not having a figure yet. This book would probably be good for upper elementary or middle school aged readers, but with some of the warning tape that might accompany The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. 

Screen Kids: 5 Relational Skills Every Child Needs in a Tech-Driven World, by Gary Chapman and Arlene Pellicane

The researcher who developed the 5 Love Languages co-authors a book on how to parent children in an age where there is so much - sometimes too much - focus on technology.

Why I picked it up: A coworker mentioned this book to me after I gave a presentation at work on the dangers of excessive screen time. I borrowed it from her and read it during a professional development day.

My impressions: If you're going to read a book that speaks to the dangers of excessive technology and what parents can do to guide their children through this digital era, this is probably the best book I've seen so far. It draws from almost all the books by authors I've been reading this year, is highly readable, and includes great practical advice and strategies to implement. Although it explains a few different studies, it's not very heavy on referencing all the research. So, if you're looking for a lot of studies, you might reach for a different book. Other than that, I think this book is great for anyone who wants a summary of the issues and could use some ideas to apply. This book has at least one section that is written within the framework of the Five Love Languages, so it's pretty clear at that point, at least, of the psychological paradigm from which it operates. One note - I skimmed the chapter that focused on single parenting because it didn't feel very applicable to me. One of my favorite parts was the "Top Ten Questions and Answers" chapter at the end of the book. The first question asked how to know if your child is ready for a smartphone, and it listed almost a dozen tasks a child needs to be able to do responsibly and without a lot of nagging. They're not pushover tasks, either - they include contributing regularly to household responsibilities, caring for a pet, cooking a meal by themselves, and doing well in school, amongst numerous others. I think it's a good reflection of how weighty the decision is to hand someone a handheld computer and communication device. This is a good book for high schoolers and older to read, and while I'm confident the reading level is approachable to readers younger than high school, I don't know if they'd necessarily find it interesting, since it is written for parents.

The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell, by Chris Colfer

Brother-sister twins Alex and Conner have lost their father to tragedy, but find adventure when they fall into their Grandmother's magical Land of Stories book and must collect magical fairy tale items to return home.

Why I picked it up: A family member mentioned he'd read this series and really enjoyed it, so I decided to check it out from the library.

My impressions: This is a fun take on the fractured fairy tale, in which readers get to meet numerous characters from classic fairy tales with Alex and Conner, but the morals guiding this story are fractured, too. It was exciting to see fairy tale characters interacting with each other, and considering how they might live in their "happily ever after" phase, or how child characters, now teenagers or older, might act. There were plenty of chases and escapes and close calls, and a unique storyline happening alongside the twins' quest to get home. Unfortunately, this is another one of those stories where we can't just let evil characters be evil - well, at least one of them. There's an exploration of one villain's backstory and how it motivates her evil deeds, with something of a failure to establish what was happening with that look. It felt like we're supposed to understand the Evil Queen (Snow White) was villainized by her circumstances...but I couldn't help but think she still made plenty of decisions that were still very evil. They empathize with the Evil Queen, and that seems to be the end of it. Some of the "good" characters aren't very good, either, with Goldilocks living her own life of crime, on the run, and seeking to kill another character in an act of revenge. I have plenty more to say in this area, but I'll leave it at that. The writing wasn't great, with lots of showing and telling, and some jokes and descriptions that I didn't appreciate (describing that there was a passionate kiss, a character showing too much skin, etc.). There were even a few instances of swear words, and multiple uses of the Lord's name in vain. It's unfortunate, because there are 5 more books in the series, and I was intrigued enough by this one to look up what happens in the next books. I knew I wouldn't continue the series after this first book (I have way too many others to get to), but the flaws of the book confirmed me in that decision. I don't recommend this book.

Essays on Woman, 2nd Edition, Revised, by Edith Stein

This collection of essays contains this Catholic philosopher saint's ideas on Woman, including her role in salvation, the Church, and the society of her time.

Why I picked it up: This was the book a friend and I agreed to read together as our book-club-of-two. This is one she had access to even as she moved towards pursuing a completely different potential life path.

My impressions: This book has a mix of accessible, albeit academic, essays, and essays which are heavy on the philosophy, lengthy, and harder to follow. I absolutely loved the first essay in the collection, "The Ethos of Women's Professions", and found much to like in her other essays, although some ideas are restated throughout. I felt St. Edith had much to say that was applicable to her time, but also to contemporary times. At the same time, some of her ideas, especially on the schooling system in Germany during the time of writing, felt more foreign to me since they were so connected to education as it was in her day. I am certainly thinking about education and, for women, emotional education in a different way. I see ways in which I've perhaps not developed a mature emotional life, as seen in my extreme sensitivity to "depressing" parts of books and movies. Edith saw men and women as different in very real ways, and I think it's helpful to follow her thinking in those regards. I am curious about what current Catholic philosophers would say in conversation with Edith's works. This book would be best for those who can handle academic and, at times, philosophical language, and some ideas that may seem dated...but are not therefore automatically incorrect.

The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy, by Jeanne Birdsall, narrated by Susan Denaker**

Four sisters, their widowed father, and the family dog vacation in a cottage behind a mansion and many adventures are had by all as they try to help their new friend, Jeffrey, avoid an army school fate.

Why I picked it up: I've heard this series is great and it was really talked up by Sarah Mackenzie of the Read Aloud Revival podcast. This audiobook was available through my local public library system.

My impressions: There were moments when I was invested in learning what happened next to these unique girls, but it's the kind of mostly plotless book that doesn't hold my attention well - kids experience family dynamics as they have some kiddy adventures during the summer. I can see how this could be a charming read for some folks, but it's just not my cup of tea. I liked that the sisters were all unique, but I felt like the radically different interests each one has doesn't line up with the families I know - at least, I don't feel like I often encounter families where one kid is an absolute math and science nut, and another the author type, and another the shy and sensitive one, etc. In any case, the characters and situations had a sense of realism and the personality clashes played out in ways that seemed likely to occur. I didn't appreciate the fact that the kids shot arrows at a target painted with the face of a highly disliked adult, and that they fantasized about doing things to unlikable folks for revenge, even if it's something that a kid might actually do. A family situation is discussed, in which it is said a certain marriage was a mistake from the beginning, and the woman was remarrying, and a boy had never known his father - just mentioning it because parents might want to be aware the situation comes up. I also thought it a little odd or off that a good chunk of time is spent considering the oldest daughter's crush on a boy 6 years older than her. Though completely innocent, I just don't think I would want my young kids reading too much about having crushes...but that's just me. Though probably one of the better books of this type in some areas, it's not a book that I found super interesting and I wouldn't recommend this one.

A Nest for Celeste: A Story About Art, Inspiration, and the Meaning of Home, by Henry Cole

This heavily-illustrated novel follows a little mouse and how her life changes as she is found and cared for by John Audubon's assistant, Joseph, and as she seeks to establish herself in a place that is truly her home.

Why I picked it up: I went through another round of looking at Read Aloud Revival book list recommendations, and this one sounded interesting. I've been more interested in Audubon's bird paintings over the last several years, and I thought this would be worth a try.

My impressions: I wasn't impressed by this book. The historical fiction side of it wasn't super strong, and I didn't feel invested in Celeste's journey of finding a permanent home. I generally like stories with little critters as characters, but this one didn't do anything for me. It was a book I probably should have put down, but I figured I'd go ahead and finish it because it was an easy read. I didn't find anything objectionable in this book, but I did note that birds are killed and then pinned or wired into poses for the artist to depict the birds, so sensitive kids might struggle with those parts. The illustrations felt inconsistent, with some looking more realistic and some looking cartoony. This book might be really great for some folks, but it definitely wasn't for me and I don't recommend trying this one out.

Knights vs. Dinosaurs, by Matt Phelan

An illustrated novel for young readers follows a group of four knights and a squire as they face off with dinosaurs before traveling forward in time to return to King Arthur's court.

Why I picked it up: I learned of the title and thought, "Say no more." Partly inspired by a relative who loves knights and dinosaurs, I knew I had to try this series out (there are three books total).

My impressions: This book is a fun romp with lots of dino chomp and knightly deeds. There was some cross-dressing that happened (females hiding their femininity when participating in roles historically reserved for men), but it was innocent and wouldn't have made me uncomfortable if it weren't for all the gender ideology craziness of the last however many years. There were knights. There were dinosaurs. There was plenty of action and some growth and lessons learned. The main five characters were all unique and they were a lot of fun to follow through this story. I didn't expect to find King Arthur characters in this book, but their inclusion helped create a pretty tight story. I think this book is pretty fun for middle and upper elementary readers, depending on grade level.

Knights vs. Monsters, by Matt Phelan

Sequel to Knights vs. Dinosaurs finds the formidable company of five traveling to Scotland to face off against monsters which are magicked up by Queen Morgause each night.

Why I picked it up: This one came home with me the same time as the original book. Quick reads, so this one opened up very soon after the first one closed.

My impressions: This book works more Arthurian characters into the warp of the tale, but the monsters were sometimes creepy and just not as much fun as the dinosaurs. I liked learning about more people who animated Arthurian legends - and finding out this story stayed close to the legends in some ways. I didn't like the feeling that an intellectually delayed character was a literal throw-away character (killed by being tossed off a cliff), but there wasn't anything else that made me too uncomfortable. Some characters and monsters were a bit creepy, so sensitive readers might not handle this book as well as the dinosaurs in the original, but it wasn't too bad for me. Readers who enjoyed the first book can consider this one as a potential next read.

Knights vs. The End (of Everything), by Matt Phelan

Third and final book of the Knights vs. trilogy, which picks up some time after the second one concludes, but continues where the threat of last villains left off.

Why I picked it up: I had the other two and this one was at the library as well.

My impressions: This one had a different feel from both of the books before it, and while it had some adventuring elements like the previous story, it felt less action-packed and somewhat disjointed. A cool character from Arthurian legends is introduced, but his storyline is concluded prior to the climax. More Arthurian legends and characters are woven into this tale, which makes the experience pretty fun for someone like me, who has encountered some of these stories before. The main villain in this book, Ash, the king of Faerie, didn't feel as menacing as some previous antagonists, although a lot more time is spent on him than on Morgause, who is still plotting the downfall of Camelot. I did love that the final battle incorporates an element that throws back to the original book in the series, which made my heart very happy. This book is a good conclusion to the series, although I don't think I'd say it's the finest of the three books.

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making, by Catherynne M. Valente**

The youth September is spirited away from WWII-era Omaha, Nebraska, to Fairyland, where she encounters many folks of fairytales and has many adventures, such as being forced to serve a cruel Marquess to save her friends.

Why I picked it up: This book was highly recommended as the comfort read of Haley Stewart, and I figured I'd use and Audible credit on it and give it a try.

My impressions: There are many things I really liked about this book, but there were also elements that I'm not on board with and make me too uncomfortable to recommend it. The writing in this story is excellent - it's top-notch, and makes me want more writing like this. The author narrates the audiobook and nails it. However, there were some elements that made me really uncomfortable, such as two witches marrying the same werewolf dude - but saying it's okay because one married the wolf side, and the other marrying the human side. Yikes. No thanks. There's a chaotic blending of all sorts of staples from fairytales and folklore all over the world, including some I've never heard of before, but it all works together. Another weird part is a discussion of "not being really naked" even with all your clothes off...and there are several parts where the main character is described as not having clothes on (in a bath house, and when she removes her dress to make a sail). There's also discussion of a mythical creature being the offspring of a dragon and a library. It's just awkward, man. But wow - the ending is incredible! The villain's backstory is a gut punch, and no mistake. Incredible writing in a fun-and-serious adventure with high stakes, but enough questionable content in it to prevent me from recommending it.

The Sherlock Society, by James Ponti, narrated by Mark Sanderlin**

Alex, his sister, and two friends decide to be detectives for their summer job, but find adventure while searching for Al Capone's missing million dollars in a highly polluted pocket of the Everglades.

Why I picked it up: This book was connected with the book fair that came through the school at my parish, and a relative told me they were reading it.

My impressions: This fun mystery adventure is a great, well-paced example of the middle grade genre. I learned a lot about Miami and appreciated the naturally-occurring discussions of personal character that emerged amidst realistic tween-teen episodes of pushing boundaries. There is some discussion of characters experiencing parents divorcing, but it certainly wasn't discussed as a positive event in itself, and there's a great example of the happy marriage of the parents of the main character siblings. As with most middle grade novels I seem to read these days, the middle schoolers sometimes choose to do things that their parents wouldn't approve of, or choose to do things that are illegal or not entirely honest. However, I think it ends up being clear that those weren't good or safe things to do, and there were serious consequences in the offing. Tons of fun, and I didn't think any of the parts were slow. This would be a great book for upper elementary and middle school readers who want a fun mystery.

Bracket Play

How great to have a month with a big book count and no books put down after a month where it seemed like I was mostly starting and putting down books before I finished them! As always when there are many books competing in the bracket, I paired weaker books with stronger ones so the winners are pretty self-explanatory.

In the second round, St. Francis de Sales' spiritual work beat the fictional middle grade novel about a troubled youth finding his passion in theater. There was some non-Christian spirituality in Surviving the Applewhites that wasn't balanced with Christian expressions, and it just couldn't compete with the great spiritual lessons found in the saint's work. The mystery The Sherlock Society beat the second book in the Knights vs. trilogy - it was the better work and had some really great aspects to it. And, as much as I loved Knights vs. Dinosaurs, it certainly couldn't hold a candle to St. Edith Stein's essays that she wrote about Woman and her role not only in earthly life, but also in salvation.

From the second round, St. Edith's essays had a bye. St. Francis' work also beat The Sherlock Society, but I leaned towards Essays on Woman being the winner this month. It is something that sparked much reflection in me and is something I'd like to read again someday, and have others read so they can be in discussion with her work as well. Introduction to the Devout Life, however, would certainly be a great first-place pick, too - it's just not the one that hit me as hard at this time in my life.