Monday, 30 June 2025

Top Ten Fiction and Non-Fiction Books Second Quarter 2025

 Top Ten Fiction and Non-Fiction Books Second Quarter 2025


It has been a good year for reading so far. I am averaging just over a book a day. It my best second quarter’s ever and one of my top 5 of all time. 

In April of 2023 I wrote a piece called How I Read So Much? Because I get asked the question so often, read the piece linked above if you are looking for some ideas on ways to read more. But a lot of it goes back to my dyslexia, and once I learned to read there were all these worlds and all this knowledge out there. I have been addicted since then. I wrote about that in 2006 Confessions of a Bibliophile #5 - How I Became a Bibliophile, From Dyslexic to Addict. 

This quarter I read 118 books, my best second quarter since I started tracking, the comparison with the last 8 years:

     2025 - 118
     2024 - 78
     2023 – 109
     2022 – 110
     2021 – 104
     2020 – 85
     2019 – 102
     2018 – 102
     2017 – 112
     2016 – 36

But back to this quarter by the numbers:

Books Read: 118
First Time Reads: 105
Fiction: 39
Non-Fiction: 79
5/5 Stars: 72

As mentioned one of my best quarters since I have started keeping track. Here is my top ten fiction and non-fiction books of the second quarter of 2025.

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books:

 6. Great Spiritual Teachers Series - Ave Maria Press
 8. CTS Deeper Christianity Series - Catholic Truth Society 
Providence and Prayer - Francis Selman
Union with God Living the Christ Life - Father David Vincent Meconi

Bonus Books:
  
Top Ten Fiction Books:

 2. Armstrong Adventure Series  - Nick Donnelly (Unpublished manuscripts)
02 Snares of the Demons
03 Faith of the Armstrong
 7. Gordon Korman Books
          Swindle - Swindle Book 1
          The Contest - Everest Book 1 
          Shipwreck - Shipwreck Book 1 
          The Discovery - Dive Book 1 
          The Stowaway Solution - On The Run Book 4 
          Slap Shot Series:
          Monday Night Football Club Series:
          Nose Pickers from Outer Space Series:

Bonus Books:
Richard Paolinelli - Dreams of the Storyteller

My reading has been staying pretty consistent at about a book a day over the last several years. I attribute in part to Brandon Vogt’s course Read More Books Now, removing all games but 1 brain game from my devices. And I was commuting to work on a bus and read on the bus every day. Working from home reading took a little more discipline, and we are now back to a hybrid model with 5 days a month in the office, so things are changing again.  

Note: I do not include books that have been read in previous years and were reread this year in my top ten lists, they are sometimes in the bonus section.
 
 
But if you want more options check out my favourite books year by year list. 


Relates Posts: 
Top 10 Fiction Books 1st Quarter 2010
Top 10 Fiction Books 2nd Quarter 2010
Top 10 Reading Goals for 2010
Top 10 Fiction Books 3rd Quarter 2010
Top 10 Fiction Books 4th Quarter 2010
Top Ten Reading Goals For 2010 - Recap
Top 10 Fiction Books 2010
Top 10 Picture Books of 2010
Top 10 Non-Fiction Books of 2010
Top 10 Graphic Novels for 2010
Top Ten Reading Goals For 2011 
Top Ten Fiction Books 1st Quarter 2011
Top Ten Fiction Books 2nd Quarter 2011
Top Ten Reading Goals for 2011 Update 
Top Ten Fiction Books 3rd Quarter 2011 
Top Ten Fictions Books 4th Quarter 2011
Top Ten Fiction Books 2011
Top Ten Reading Goals 2011 - Recap
Top Ten Reading Goals 2012
Top Ten Fiction Books 1st Quarter 2012
Top Ten Fiction Books 2nd Quarter 2012
Top Ten Fiction Books 3rd Quarter 2012
Top Ten Fiction Books  4th Quarter 2012
Top Ten Fiction Books 2012
Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2012
Top Ten Reading Goals 2012 - Recap
Top Ten Reading Goals 2013
Top 10 Fiction Books 1st Quarter 2013
Top 10 Fiction Books 2nd Quarter 2013
Top 10 Books Second Half 2013
Top Ten Fiction Books 2013
Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2013 
Top Ten Books First Quarter 2014
Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2014
Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2014
Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2014
Top Ten Fiction Books 2014
Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2014
Top Ten Books First Quarter 2015
Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2015
Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2015
Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2015
Top Ten Fiction Books 2015
Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2015
Top Ten Books First Quarter 2016
Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2016
Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2016
Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2016
Top Ten Non- Fiction Books 2016
Top Ten Fiction Books 2016
Top Ten Catholic Books
Top Ten Books First Quarter 2017
Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2017
Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2017
Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2017
Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2017
Top Ten Fiction Books 2017
Top Ten Books First Quarter 2018
Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2018
Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2018
Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2018
Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2018
Top Ten Fiction Books 2018
Top Ten Books First Quarter 2019
Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2019
Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2019
Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2019
Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2019
Top Ten Fiction Books 2019
Top Ten Books First Quarter 2020
Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2020
Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2020
Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2020 
Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2025
Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2025
...  

All Top Ten Lists on Book Reviews and More

Statistics Books Read By Year:
250 – 2025 January - June
363 - 2024  
455 - 2023 
438 - 2022
365 - 2021
317 - 2020 
392 - 2019
359 - 2018
380 - 2017 
272 - 2016 
177 - 2015 
130 - 2014 
 88 -  2013
176 - 2012 
163 - 2011
302 - 2010
142 - 2009
 98 - 2008
 83 - 2007
191 - 2006
151 - 2005
 60 - 2004
 52 - 2003
 97 - 2002
 50 - 2001
 41 - 2000
 71 - 1999
 73 - 1998
131 - 1997
101 - 1996



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Sunday, 29 June 2025

Prayer to Pope Benedict XVI A Prayer of the Day

Prayer to Pope Benedict XVI
A Prayer of the Day 

Eternal and Almighty God, who inspired in the heart of your servant Pope Benedict XVI the sincere desire to encounter you and announce you, becoming a humble “co-operator with the truth” and offering himself as a servant, for Christ and for the Church, make me also know how to love the Church of Christ and to be able to follow in my life the eternal truths that she proclaims. Deign, Lord, to glorify your servant, Pope Benedict XVI, and grant, through his intercession, the favour I now ask of you ... 
Amen.

Pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.

A Prayer of the Day Prayer to Pope Benedict XVI

I encountered this prayer shortly after Pope Benedict XVI passed. And it really spoke to me. I have been trying to pray it daily since I first encountered it.

Relates posts and links:

Books by Benedict XVI:
Way of the Cross Meditations and Prayers
Way of Calvary: Stations of the Cross 
Spiritual Masters Fathers and Writers of the First Millennium 
Spiritual Masters Medieval Fathers and Writers
Jesus, the Apostles and the Early Church and Church Fathers 
...                        

Books About Pope Benedict:
Habemus Papam! Pope Benedict XVI - Regina Doman and Sean Lam
Benedict XVI - Helena Scott and Ethel Tolansky
A Pope of Surprises: The First Five Years of Pope Benedict XVI's Papacy - Helena Scott and Ethel Tolansky
Be Saints! An Invitation from Pope Benedict XVI - Amy Welborn and Ann Kissane Engelhart
Friendship with Jesus: Pope Benedict XVI talks to Children on Their First Holy Communion – Amy Welborn and Ann Engelhart
Take Five: Meditations Pope Benedict XVI - Mike Aquilina and Fr. Kris Stubna
Related Articles:
Daily Study Prayer of Pope Benedict XVI
Which popes do you have a devotion to and why?
...


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Saturday, 28 June 2025

Blessed Carlo Acutis The Boy Who Showed the World Jesus - Paddy Bréagnamh - Mini Saints & Missionaries Library

Blessed Carlo Acutis: 
The Boy Who Showed the World Jesus
Paddy Bréagnamh
ISBN 9798281655736
ASIN B0F6M48JTX

Blessed Carlo Acutis: The Boy Who Showed the World Jesus - Paddy Bréagnamh

I have read a bit about Carlo prior to giving this little volume a read. I picked this up mainly for my youngest two children, but have enjoyed the other two in the series I have read, especially the volume on Pope Leo XIV. The description of the book is:

“Can a kid who loved video games and soccer become a saint? Carlo Acutis did—and his story is inspiring kids everywhere!

Blessed Carlo Acutis: The Boy Who Showed the World Jesus is a powerful chapter book (ages 8–10) that tells the true story of a modern teen who used his talents for God.

Inside this inspiring book, young readers will discover:
How Carlo Acutis loved the Eucharist and built a website about miracles
How he lived with joy, kindness, and deep faith—even when facing leukemia
How he became the first millennial on the path to sainthood

Perfect for:
Catholic schools, homeschool curriculum, and First Communion gifts
Kids who love real stories about faith, courage, and technology!

Plus:
Timeline of Carlo’s life
Reflection questions
Glossary

Whether you're learning about saints for the first time or looking for a fresh story of faith in today’s world, Carlo’s joyful witness will inspire every young heart.

Be original. Be brave. Be bright. Follow Carlo’s highway to Heaven!”

I do not know if the author, Paddy Bréagnamh, is a real name or pen name, I can only find the 5 volumes in this series and the one on Saint Patrick in several book stores online. This third volume I have read in the series is a great read and I look forward to the remaining two. The chapters and sections in the volume are:

Introduction 
 1: A Kid Like You 
 2: A Heart for God 
 3: Gifting the World 
 4: A Big Challenge 
 5: The Race to Heaven 
 6: A Future Saint 
 7: The Canonization That Waits 
 8: Be a Saint Today Reflection Questions Timeline of Blessed Carlo Acutis Glossary Mini Saints Library Series
Mini Saints & Missionaries Library Series

This volume is written for young readers, it would be considered an early chapter book. Each chapter has an illustration on the chapter title page. The material was put together very well. It is a great introduction to the soon to be saint, or a reminder about him and his life. I highlighted several passages while reading this volume some of them are:

“Some saints lived a long, long time ago. But some saints lived only a few years ago—just like Blessed Carlo Acutis. Carlo wasn’t a king, a knight, or a famous explorer. He was a kid who loved soccer, computers, and hanging out with his friends. He also loved Jesus with all his heart—and he found ways to bring that love into everything he did.”

“This is the true story of a boy who lived in the busy, modern world—and still chose the highway to Heaven.”

“Carlo was born in London in 1991, but his family soon moved back home to Milan, Italy. He was an only child, and from the very beginning, he was lively, cheerful, and curious about everything.”

“He didn’t wait for someone to tell him to pray. He didn’t go to church only because he had to. He wanted to be close to Jesus all on his own.”

“Carlo just wanted to be close to Jesus in the Eucharist—the way you want to stay close to your very best friend.”

“Every day after school, Carlo would stop at a church on his way home. Not because he had to. Not because he wanted to impress anyone. But because he wanted to spend time with Jesus, hidden in the Eucharist.”

“But everything he did—his games, his studies, his friendships—was offered to God, like a beautiful gift.”

“Carlo believed that holiness wasn’t about doing big things. It was about doing small things with big love. 
  ● Smiling at someone who felt alone. 
  ● Helping a younger student understand homework. 
  ● Saying thank you, even when no one noticed. 
“Our aim must be the infinite,” Carlo said. “Not the finite. The Infinite is our homeland. Heaven has been waiting for us forever.””

“When he couldn’t go to Mass, he asked for Holy Communion to be brought to him. He clutched his rosary. He whispered prayers. He trusted that God had a plan, even if it didn’t make sense.”

“Carlo was now known as Blessed Carlo Acutis, the first millennial—a kid from the modern world—to be recognized on the path to sainthood.”

“Even though he had lived just fifteen years, Carlo had proven that holiness isn’t about age—it’s about how you live, how you love, and how you say “yes” to God every day.”

“Carlo is already shining in Heaven—whether the official ceremony happens tomorrow, next year, or even farther in the future. His life is still changing the world. His example still calls young people to be brave, joyful, and close to God.”

And I especially loved this quote from Carlo that appears a few times in the book: 

“All people are born as originals,
but many die as photocopies.
Don’t be a photocopy.”

I hope those quotes give you a feel for this volume. Over the years I have read two other volumes about Carlo, and this is an great little read about this Blessed. At the end of the volume is a selection of reflection questions for group discussion with kids. It was a wonderful little read. I enjoyed this volume. I can easily recommend it, and this Mini Saints and Missionaries Series. 
  
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan! 

From Pirates to Parades: The Story of Saint Patrick and His Day - Paddy Bréagnamh

Blessed Carlo Acutis: The Boy Who Showed the World Jesus - Paddy Bréagnamh

Saint Lorenzo Ruiz: The Brave Witness - Paddy Bréagnamh

Pope Leo XIV: From Chicago to the Vatican: The First American Pope - Paddy Bréagnamh

Saint Joan of Arc: The Girl Who Heard God's Call - Paddy Bréagnamh


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Friday, 27 June 2025

Shipwreck - Gordon Korman - Island Series Book 1

Shipwreck
Island Series Book 1
Gordon Korman
ISBN 9781546131809
eISBN 9780545630740
ASIN B00CFTA1RQ

Shipwreck - Gordon Korman - Island Series Book 1 Rebranded

This book was originally published in 2001 and went through a rebranding in 2025, I really love the rebranded covers, but the eBook editions still have the old covers. According to Goodreads there are 37 editions of the first volume in this series, including editions in English, French, Japanese, Spanish and Turkish. My introduction to Korman’s works was the 39 Clues back in 2009. Since then I have read 63 of his books including this volume. I am over half way thorough his canon, and have completed all the stand alone books and am now just working my way through the remaining series. Not counting omnibus editions I believe that as of the summer of 2025 Korman has published 109 books. With each that I read I am entertained and often challenged, and I am always entertained. I do plan on trying to read them all. My son, who is 17 often, reads these books to me or with me, and he still loves them. 

A description of this volume states:

“An action-packed survival suspense from bestselling and award-winning author Gordon Korman.

Six kids. One shipwreck. One desert island. They didn't want to be on the boat in the first place. They were sent there as punishment, or as a character-building experience. Now the adults are gone, and the quest for survival has begun.”

Each chapter title is a date and time in military time with no year. For example: Sunday, July 9, 2140 hours. This is a first story in a trilogy. It sets of our main characters: Luke, J.J. Will, Lyssa, Charla, and Ian and for the most part their backstory on why they had been sent away for the summer to be at sea, and not with their family or friends. From the beginning there is some conflict with the youths, and none of them like the first mate. The captain seems to have a good heart. Each of the youths appears to be in some way running from something, even from themselves. 

It is a story in the adventure survival genre, and it is one that is well written. Much like the book Holes by Louis Sachar, some of the kids deserve to be there, some do not, and some we wonder about their back story. When things go sideways it happens quick, and heads downhill fast. The event from the tilt e of the book, happens about two-thirds of the way through, And the rest of this second story is the youths trying to survive.

This series is published as three short works, it is also published in an omnibus edition with all three stories in 1 volume. But what I like about the shorter versions, is they are great for the classroom, or reluctant readers. This volume is short, grabs your attention, draws you in, after the accident it is survival adventure that leads directly into the next volume. 

This story is another great read from Korman’s pen. 

I still have about 40 books from series left to read to have completed the canon of Korman’s works. I am grateful I finally gave this a read it is an excellent start to a series! 

Shipwreck - Gordon Korman - Island Series Book 1
 
Books by Gordon Korman:
MacDonald Hall Series:
         (formerly The War With Mr. Wizzle)
          (aka Macdonald Hall Goes Hollywood)
          (formerly Something Fishy at Macdonald Hall)
…

Bugs Potter Series:
…

Jeremy Bloom Series:
…

Monday Night Football Series:
…

Masterminds Series:
Masterminds (2015)
…

Slapshots Series:
Cup Crazy (2000)
…
4-in-1 Slapshots: The Complete Collection (2008)
…

Nose Pickers Series:
…
4-in-1 The Ultimate Nose-Picker Collection (2006)
…

Island Series:
Shipwreck (2001)
Survival (2001)
Escape (2001)
…
3-in-1 Island Trilogy Collection (2006)
…

Son of the Mob Series:
…

Everest Series:
The Contest (2002)
The Climb (2002)
The Summit (2002)
…
Everest Trilogy Box Set (2002)

Dive Series:
The Deep (2003)
The Danger (2003)
…

On the Run Series:
…

Kidnapped Series:
The Search (2006)
The Rescue (2006)
…

Swindle Series:
Swindle (2008)
Zoobreak (2009)
Framed (2010)
Showoff (2012)
Hideout (2013)
Jackpot (2014)
Unleashed (2015)
Jingle (2016)
…

Titanic Series:
Unsinkable (2011)
S.O.S (2011)
…

The 39 Clues Series:
Flashpoint (2014)
…

Hypnotists Series:
Memory Maze (2014)
…

Ungifted Series:
Ungifted (2012)
Supergifted (2018)
Hypergifted (2026)
…

Slacker Series:
Slacker (2016)
Level 13 (2019)
...

Non Series Books:
Born To Rock (2006)
Schooled (2007)
Pop (2009)
Restart (2017)
Notorious (2019)
War Stories (2020)
Game On (contains The Chicken Doesn’t Skate and The Toilet Paper Tigers (2021)
Unplugged (2021)
Linked (2021)
The Fort (2022)
...
 

Shipwreck - Gordon Korman - Island Series Book 1 original and rebranded covers


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