Book Reviews and More

Wednesday, 22 July 2020

The Mission of Joan of Arc Issue 1 - Philip Kosloski, Alexandre Nascimento and Jesse Hansen

The Mission of Joan of Arc
Issue 1
Philip Kosloski
Alexandre Nascimento (Illustrator)
Jesse Hansen (Illustrator)
Voyage Comics & Publishing
ISBN 9780578578606
ASIN B07XZMTRNF

Over the years I have read a lot about the maid of Orléans. At one of the church collages at the university I attended there was an entire course offered as both Religious Studies and English Literature on books about Joan of Arc. Unfortunately, the course never fir my schedule, but I did get the syllabus from the professor one year and read through much of it. So the story hand how Kosloski and crew would handle it was of much interest to me. I have been very impressed with Kosloski’s nonfiction works, and have been enjoying the stories he is bringing to life through the comic book format. I will admit I am not much of a comic book or even that much of a graphic novel guy. I have a few authors who have done cross overs that I have enjoyed. And a few stories I have followed. I know I will pick up the other offerings in this story line as they come available.

This first installment in the story follows Joan from a young age as a simple peasant girl. Through her calling by the Archangel Michael, to the battle to reclaim Orleans. The story is well told. But the artwork is more hit or miss for me. Some of the artwork I love. And some just does not work for me. The frames with oversized mouths and teeth are in a style that does not appeal to me. But some of the other pages and frames are stunning. The overall story is well executed between the text, the lettering and the artwork.

A good beginning in what looks like it will be a fun comic book run. Looking forward to the next installment.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Philip Kosloski:
Basic Field Manual for Hearing God's Voice
3 Methods of Prayer That Will Change Your Life
In the Footsteps of a Saint: John Paul II's Visit to Wisconsin
Star of the Sea: A Mariner's Journey
A Practical Guide to Discern God's Will
Serviam: A Practical Guide to Discerning God's Will
Distractions: A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Stay Focused During Prayer
The Horarium: A Simple Guide to Creating a Daily Prayer Schedule That Will Change Your Life
The Last Monks of Skellig Michael
The Tale of Patrick Peyton
...

Finnian and the Seven Mountains:
Issue 1
Issue 2
Issue 3
...

The Mission of Joan of Arc:
Issue 1
...

Tuesday, 21 July 2020

Josephine Bakhita - Jean Olwen Maynard - CTS Biographies

Josephine Bakhita: A Survivor of Human Trafficking
CTS Biographies
Jean Olwen Maynard
Catholic Truth Society
ISBN 9781784690250
eISBN 9781784692988
ASIN B072JPZHCC
CTS Booklet B667

Over the last few years I have read over 150 books and booklets from the Catholic Truth Society. I have read many in the CTS Biographies and also Saints of the Isles Series, and the Great Saints Series. I have read a six different volumes by Jean Olwen Maynard. And recently I decided it was time to give this one a read. I knew parts of it would not be easy to read, and I was correct. But it was an important read, especially in the world today. Reading this little volume was of great benefit. This book was first published in 2002, revised in 2015, and the eBook was released in 2017. The description of the book is:

“St Josephine Bakhita was a trafficked child: abducted from her home and family by slave raiders, sold and re-sold, and horribly abused. To a succession of cruel owners she was a thing, not a person, and even her name was taken from her. Yet her discovery of Jesus Christ, her true master, gave meaning to her appalling suffering.”

And the chapters are:
What is human trafficking?
Out of Africa
Another Bakhita
Passed from hand to hand
Catechumenate
In the house of Our Lord
Canonisation

The beginning of the Introduction states:

“Slavery is supposed to have been abolished, but it’s come back. Today we call it trafficking, and it’s alive and well and thriving in the 21st century. Traffickers prey on the poor and powerless, using force or deception to abduct and imprison them, or otherwise establish control over them and deprive them of any freedom of action. Often the victims are removed to distant places, far from any family members or social networks that could protect them, and it is common practice to smuggle them across national borders. Huge profits are generated for organised crime by exploiting and selling the sexual services, labour and organs of trafficked human beings.

Trafficking wrecks the lives of millions of women and men, girls and boys across the world today. In 2013 a group of religious women met with Pope Francis to ask him to establish a worldwide day of prayer for victims of human trafficking. When he asked them what date they thought would be most suitable, they proposed the feastday of St Josephine Bakhita: 8th February, and so it was agreed. Herself a trafficked child who not only survived to tell her story, but went on to find inner healing and true happiness, Josephine Bakhita brings home to us the horror of trafficking, yet also offers a message of hope to its victims.”

As mentioned, this story was not an easy read. Nor are the new accounts of human trafficking today. But Saint Josephine Bakhita story is one that we should be aware of. And a Saint we should be praying to in these times. The story follows her from a happy childhood, to capture you will read of her changing hands a number of times, and abuses heaped upon her. But you will also read about her becoming a catechumenate. Her love of Jesus. Her devotion to Mary. And her living to serve others, even once she was freed.

This is a deeply moving and powerful story. It is another great biography from the Catholic Truth Society. An excellent read, I highly recommend it. But not for younger readers.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.

For other reviews of CTS Biographies click here.

Published work by Jean Olwen Maynard:

Privately published by religious orders/parishes:

Greyfriars Convent, Elgin (2006)

A History of St Mary and St Michael’s Parish, Commercial Road, East London (2007)

Sisters of Mercy Bristol (2008)

150 Years of Mercy: A History of the Sisters of Mercy Commercial Road East London (2009)

The Saint of Hoxton (2011)

Saint Monica’s Church Hoxton Square (2018)

150th anniversary history brochure for Parish of Guardian Angels, Mile End (2018)

150th anniversary history brochure for Parish of Our Lady and St Catherine of Sienna, Bow (2020)

Immaculate Heart of Mary and St Dominic, Homerton 1873-2023 – 150 Years: A History of the Parish (2023)

…

CTS Booklets:

Isidore Bakanja

Joseph Vaz

Saint Josephine Bakhita: A Survivor of Human Trafficking
Saints of North America
Saints of Africa
Gianna Molla
The Atlas Martyrs
Margaret Clitherow
Saints of South Asia
The Gypsy Saint Ceferino Jiménez Malla, El Pelé
No Greater Love: The Martyrdom of the Ulma Family

…

Articles:

Between Christendom and Islam, The Martyr Mystic Christian de Chergé and the Atlas Cistercians in Algeria, in: Catholic in Religious Dialogue: Monasticism, Theology and Spirituality, ed Anthony O’Mahoney and Peter Bowe OSB, Gracewing, 2006

Campaign for the Catholic Workhouse Children, in: British Catholic History, Vol 31: Issue 4 Oct 2015

…

Author Profile and Interview with Jean Olwen Maynard.

Monday, 20 July 2020

Immortal Combat Confronting the Heart of Darkness - Father Dwight Longenecker

Immortal Combat:
Confronting the Heart of Darkness
Father Dwight Longenecker
Sophia Institute Press
ISBN 9781644132906
eISBN 9781644132913
ASIN B086RR37VZ

I have followed Father Longenecker on social media since I started blogging 15 years ago. I have picked up a few books that he has written, and also a few that he has contributed to. I became aware of this volume around the time that I finished Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits by Dan Burke, Ad the two make excellent reads, ad really compliment each other. And both are books that are much needed in our world today. Michael H. Brown states in the introduction:

“You have in your hands a very good book, a very much needed book in an era in which the Church has largely lost sight of a major mission: direct confrontation with the devil. Is this not what Jesus was about? Did He not say He had come “to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8)? Wasn’t it Christ who said He would recognize His followers — would know them! — by several standards, the first of which was casting out devils (Mark 16:17)?

Other questions rise from those. Do we emulate Jesus? Does the modern Church? Do those at the helm of Catholicism roam the hinterlands, commanding demons to leave the afflicted, as Jesus and His apostles did?

The answer, all too often, of course, is no: too often, at Mass, the reading of the day concerns demonic manifestations, but the subsequent homily doesn’t mention them. There is little or no instruction in this regard. We rely instead on movies. In our hyperscientific, academic age, spiritual warfare has become subjectum non gratum. There are more canon lawyers — substantially more — than there are exorcists.”

The end of the description of this volume states:

“Here, without fear or favor, Longenecker maps out the myriad places where evil lurks in our world, shines a light on its many faces, and details the countless clever tricks it uses to hide. He delineates ten sturdy principles that must motivate all Christian warriors who hope to expunge evil and stop it from returning. And finally, he explains in fascinating detail the art of immortal combat, showing how self-sacrifice and contemplation of the Cross can bring victory over any evil, no matter how hidden or how grave.”

And that is what we get. We have a volume that was fearlessly written. It tackles many issues others would shy away from. And it brigs the light and love of Christ into those places. The chapters in the volume are:

Introduction
Part 1 The Heart of Darkness
1. War in Heaven
2. The Minotaur and the Labyrinth
3. The Dragon in the Garden
4. The Three-Headed Hound of Hell
5. Medusa and Her Sisters
6. Geryon and the People of the Lie
7. Murder and the Mob
8. Sacrifice and Scapegoats

Part 2 The Sword of Light
9. The Secret Son
10. The Little Lady
11. The Full, Final Sacrifice
12. Victim and Victor
13. Only the Penitent Man May Pass
14. Behold the Lamb
15. Liturgy and Liberty
16. The Swords of the Spirit

Further in the introduction we are told:

“And so it is that Father Longenecker ably tackles our culture of idolatry. He drills deep into this time of prevarication. Citing the mirages, exaggerations, and blatant untruths of our time, he shows how “people of the lie” have caused distress in every corner — and among those (don’t be fooled!) of every politico-cultural stripe.”

The volume will help us look at ourselves and be honest with ourselves. Fraying from a mythological example and from the ‘people of the lie’. Father Longenecker uses the Heart of Darkness to look at ourselves and the fallen world. Then in the second part of the book he focuses on the Sword of Light.

This book will help us realize the way the gospel has been watered down, and because of that why it is ineffectual. In our lives and in the world. We will gain afresh insight into our true enemy. How he slithers and how he hides, and how he constantly tries to manipulate. And we are given tools to help in the battle against him. This book is a manual, a guide, and also a warning.

You can take the challenge and like a soldier entering bootcamp pick up the book and work through it. And using this book to help prepare for the battle ad then enter the fray. This is an eye-opening book and one that I believe every Christian should read!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Father Longenecker:
A Sudden Certainty: Priest Poems
Adventures in Orthodoxy
An Answer Not An Argument: Essays on Apologetics
Catholicism Pure and Simple
Challenging Catholics: A Catholic Evangelical Dialogue
Christianity Pure and Simple
How to be an Ordinary Hero
Immortal Combat
Is Anybody There?: The Question of God
Letters on Liturgy
Listen My Son: St. Benedict for Fathers
Mary: A Catholic-Evangelical Debate
More Christianity: Finding the Fullness of the Faith
Mystery of the Magi
Our Lady?: A Catholic-Evangelical Debate
Praying the Rosary for Inner Healing

Praying the Rosary for Inner Healing: Second Edition
Praying the Rosary for Spiritual Warfare
Saint Benedict for Busy Parents
Slubgrip Instructs
St. Benedict and St. Therese: The Little Rule & the Little Way
The Gargoyle Code
The Great Battle: Living by Faith
The Path to Rome
The Quest for the Creed
The Romance of Religion
The Vicar of Great Snoring
Why Do You Believe That?: A Protestant-Catholic Conversation
…

Friday, 17 July 2020

The Case of the Haunted Chapel - Karen Kelly Boyce and Sue Anderson Gioulis - Sisters of the Last Straw Book 1

The Case of the Haunted Chapel
Sisters of the Last Straw Book 1
Karen Kelly Boyce
Sue Anderson Gioulis (Illustrator)
TAN Books
ISBN 9780982895924
eISBN 9781505111859
ASIN B00BWBKG3C
ASIN B07DKV8D1V

Late last year I read the fifth book in this series, The Case of the Christmas Tree Capers, a Christmas story. I enjoyed it and appreciated the concept. I stated that it reminded me of Tales of a Magic Monastery by Theophane the Monk. And that sense is even stronger after reading the first volume. It is a cute read, and I have picked up the rest of the books in the series. I am prereading them, and then reading them with my youngest two children. A fun story in a fun and entertaining series.

In this volume we find out how the Sisters of the Last Straw were formed, and from whence they got their name. We meet a grouchy neighbour, a family in need, and a kindly priest.

The sisters in this story are fun, and the tale is often funny.

Sister Krumbles
Sister Shiny
Sister Lovely
Sister Lacey
Mother Mercy

The black and white illustrations by Sue Anderson Gioulis add to the story. The book teaches us about human nature, about living the gospel, and about trusting God. It also teaches us about the different strengths and weakness in different characters, and how to live in community. The nuns seem to end up in a lot of pickles. And from the chapter titles you always have a preview of what is about to happen next:

In a Big Jam
Goats on the Run
Sheer Genius
Up In Smoke
Strange Visitors
Secret Passages
Hidden Housemates
Continuing Capers

They lessons they learn, and the work they do can serve as examples to us, especially living in larger families. There are great lessons for the young readers the series is written for, and also for us older folks who might read it with or to them. It is a fun story in an entertaining series. And we look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Karen Kelly Boyce:
A Bend in the Road: A Year's Journey Through Breast Cancer
Down Right Good
According to Thy Word
Into the Way of Peace
In the Midst of Wolves
…

Sisters of the Last Straw Series:
The Cause of the Haunted Chapel
The Case of the Missing Novice
The Case of the Stolen Rosaries
The Case of the Flower Phantom
The Case of the Christmas Tree Capers
The Case of the Easter Egg Escapades
The Case of the Campground Creature

The Case of the Missing Maps

The Case of the Mixed-up Marathon

The Case of the Saintly Staircase

…

The Hope Trilogy:

Jenna's Journey

…

Thursday, 16 July 2020

Camino Island - John Grisham - Camino Island Book 1

Camino Island
Camino Island Book 1
John Grisham
Dell Bantam
Random House Publishing Group
ISBN 9781524797140
eISBN 9780385543057
ASIN B01N2ABE60

I read several of Grisham’s early novels. But the last of his offerings I read was 19 years ago when I read Skipping Christmas. His writings just sort of fell off my radar as I pursued new authors and genres. This book was mentioned by a director at work recently, so I picked it up and read it in three sittings over a weekend. It was a very good read. As a confirmed bibliophile, and former collector of first editions and signed volumes the book was fascinating on many levels. I have many friends who are authors and as a book blogger who published my first review over 15 years ago the book was very entertaining ad often amusing.

The story has a number of threads that merge together in a surprising way. The first is a gang of thieves who steal 5 original manuscripts from a Princeton University Library. The second is Bruce Cable a book shop owner and book collector who live and works on Camino Island. The third is Mercer Mann a young novelist who had a great first offering but has yet to write her second novel. She is recruited by the insurer of the manuscripts to go back to Camino Island and try and befriend Bruce and sort of spy on him.

Having been friends with several bookstore owners, both for new and used books. I can state I have yet to meet one like Bruce Cable. Bruce lives in an open marriage. Both he and his wife live the writer’s scene and entertaining. But he has also dabbled in the shadowy side of rare volumes.

I have known a few serious collectors over the years, and most of them would have taken a shady deal to get their hands on something they really wanted or desired. And when the story was recommended my director stated, “Didn't know the life of a book store owner could be so adventurous!” and I would agree. I doubt I would have picked up this or even another Grisham novel if not for the friends suggestion. But I am thankful for their sharing about this book, and my responding to it.

The story was great to read on a summer weekend. And I have already picked up the next volume Camino Winds. There are some authors I tried to return to after long breaks and just could not get back into the author or their books. That was not the case. In reading this it was like visiting with an old friend. Grisham does a masterful job of the crime thriller genre ad I will likely be adding some of his works from the last few years into the mix over the next few months. A very good read in what is shaping up to be an excellent series for book lovers, or just fans of the crime literature genre.

Books by John Grisham:
A Time to Kill (1989)
The Firm (1991)
The Pelican Brief (1992)
The Client (1993)
The Chamber (1994)
The Rainmaker (1995)
The Runaway Jury (1996)
The Partner (1997)
The Street Lawyer (1998)
The Testament (1999)
The Brethren (2000)
A Painted House (2001)
Skipping Christmas (2001)
The Summons (2002)
The King of Torts (2003)
Bleachers (2003)
The Last Juror (2004)
The Broker (2005)
The Innocent Man (2006)
Playing for Pizza (2007)
The Appeal (2008)
The Associate (2009)
The Confession (2010)
The Litigators (2011)
Calico Joe (2012)
The Racketeer (2012)
Sycamore Row (2013)
Gray Mountain (2014)
Rogue Lawyer (2015)
The Whistler (2016)
Camino Island (2017)
The Rooster Bar (2017)
The Reckoning (2018)
The Guardians (2019)
Camino Winds (2020)
A Time for Mercy (2020)
…

Children's legal thrillers:
Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer (2010)
Theodore Boone: The Abduction (2011)
Theodore Boone: The Accused (2012)
Theodore Boone: The Activist (2013)
Theodore Boone: The Fugitive (2015)
Theodore Boone: The Scandal (2016)
Theodore Boone: The Accomplice (2019)
…

Short Stories:
Ford County (2009)
The Tumor (2016)
Partners (2016)
Witness to a Trial (2016)
…

Wednesday, 15 July 2020

20 Answers Faith and Works - Jimmy Akin - 20 Answers Series from Catholic Answers

20 Answers Faith & Works
20 Answers Series from Catholic Answers
Jimmy Akin
Catholic Answers Press
ISBN 9781683571742
eISBN 9781683571766
eISBN 9781683571759

A few years ago, I have read 30 of the books in the 20 Answers Series from Catholic Answers. I started with the 20 Answers Challenge when there were just 20 books in the series. And I have benefit from each that I have read in the series. And each one has been education, informative and encouraged my faith. I have a Religious Studies Degree with a specialization in Roman Catholic Thought. I would have loved to have had these books as resources back then. They are great reads, and this is an excellent offering from the pen of Jimmy Akin. Part of the description of the volume is:

“Perhaps no single theological issue divides Catholics and Protestants, and along so many fine lines, as the question of salvation: namely, are we saved solely by profession of our faith in Jesus, or do our actions (and omissions) play a part? Is it enough to commit ourselves interiorly to Christ, or do we need things like sacraments, sacrifices, and acts of love, too? 20 Answers: Faith & Works gives a short and clearly readable explanation of the basic disagreements, provides a compelling case for the traditional Christian understanding that the Catholic Church professes even today, and holds out hope for increasing unity among all believers on this critical issue.”

The questions answered in this volume are:

1. How have Protestant authors understood faith and works?
2. What are legalism and antinomianism?
3. What is the gospel?
4. What is justification?
5. What is the “New Perspective on Paul”?
6. What is grace?
7. What is faith?
8. What are works?
9. What is the role of baptism?
10. What is sanctification?
11. What is merit?
12. Can salvation be lost?
13. What assurance of salvation can we have?
14. What is the role of purgatory?
15. What is the role of indulgences?
16. What is predestination?
17. Does the Church use the formula “faith and works”?
18. Should Catholics use the formula “by faith alone”?
19. To what extent do Christians agree on justification?
20. How can we integrate faith and works in our own lives?

This book came at a timely junction. We had friends who has watched American Gospel on Netflix, and they were concerned about offending us because the show did not portray Catholics in a good light. And it lead to a discussion on faith and justification ad works.

In these 20 questions you will delve deep into the history, church teachings and practical advice for those of us trying to live out our faith today. Some of the answers highlight the differences and some highlight many similarities. For me it was particularly chapters 14, 17, and 19 were impactful. And the final chapter on integrating faith and works into our lives.

Another excellent read in a great series.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!

20 Answers: Relics & Sacramentals - Shaun McAfee

20 Answers: The Communion of Saints - Karlo Broussard

20 Answers Eastern Catholicism - Father Daniel Dozier

20 Answers Anti-Catholic Myths - Jimmy Akin

20 Answers The End Times - Jimmy Akin

20 Answers The Rosary - Tom Nash

20 Answers Seasons & Feasts – Michelle Arnold

20 Answers New Age - Michelle Arnold

20 Answers Catholic Social Teaching – Mark Brumley

20 Answers Prayer – Hugh Barbour O. Praem and Sebastian Walshe O. Praem

20 Answers Faith & Reason – Christopher Kaczor

20 Answers The New Testament – Jimmy Akin

20 Answers Protestantism – Jimmy Akin

20 Answers Marriage & Sex – Todd Aglialoro

20 Answers The Early Church – Jim Blackburn

20 Answers The Old Testament – Jimmy Akin

20 Answers Judaism – Michelle Arnold

20 Answers The Sacraments – Father Mike Driscoll

20 Answers St Thomas Aquinas - Dr. Kevin Vost

...

Other Books from Catholic Answers:
Hard Sayings: A Catholic Approach to Answering Bible Difficulties - Trent Horn
A Daily Defense: Apologetics Lessons for Every Day - Jimmy Akin
The Apostasy That Wasn't: The Extraordinary Story of the Unbreakable Early Church - Rod Bennett
Answering Atheism - How to Make the Case for God with Logic and Charity - Trent Horn
Persuasive Pro Life: How to Talk About Our Culture's Toughest Issue - Trent Horn and Fr Frank Pavone
The Protestant's Dilemma: How the Reformation's Shocking Consequences Point to the Truth of Catholicism - Devin Rose
Behold Your Mother: A Biblical and Historical Defense of the Marian Doctrines - Tim Staples
Handed Down: The Catholic Faith of the Early Christians - James L. Papandrea
Demons, Deliverance, Discernment: Separating Fact from Fiction about the Spirit World - Fr. Mike Driscoll
Navigating the Tiber: How to Help Your Friends and Family Journey Toward the Catholic Faith - Devin Rose
100 Biblical Arguments Against Sola Scriptura - Dave Armstrong
The Drama of Salvation: How God Rescues You from Your Sins and Brings You to Eternal Life - Jimmy Akin
The Truth is Out There (Brendan and Erc in Exile Book 1 - Brother Amadeus and Amadeus
...Memorize the Reasons! Defending the Faith with the Catholic Art of Memory - Kevin Vost
Marching Orders: A Tactical Plan for Converting the World to Christ - Dan McGuire
The Fathers Know Best - Jimmy Akin
Why We're Catholic: Our Reasons for Faith, Hope, and Love - Trent Horn
The Old Evangelization: How to Spread the Faith Like Jesus Did - Eric Sammons
What the Saints Never Said - Trent Horn
...

Books by Jimmy Akin:
The Salvation Controversy
Cracking the Da Vinci Code
The Fathers Know Best
The Drama of Salvation
Justification by Faith and Works
A Daily Defense: 365 Days ( plus one) to Becoming a Better Apologist
Mass Revision: How the Liturgy is Changing and What it Means for You
Pope Names: The Definitive Guide to the History of Papal Naming, Why Popes Choose the Names They Do, and What Name the Next Pope Will Choose
Why Mormonism Is Not Christian: The Essential Facts Every Catholic Must Know
Mormons: The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints: A Catholic Perspective
20 Answers Salvation - 20 Answers Series from Catholic Answers
The Bible Answer Man Debate: Jimmy Akin vs. James White
Annulments: What You Need to Know
Islam: A Catholic Perspective
Mark: A Commentary
The Nightmare World of Jack Chick
God Is Love: Understanding Benedict XVI's First Encyclical
Words of Wisdom from the Church Fathers
20 Answers Faith and Works - Jimmy Akin

…

Tuesday, 14 July 2020

The Losers Club - Andrew Clements

The Losers Club

Andrew Clements
Random House
ISBN 9780399557576
eISBN 9780399557583
ASIN B01MZCNCNR

Four years ago, I discovered the works of Andrew Clements. I was instantly hooked and have now read 19 books by him. Many consider him the ‘master of school stories’, and I would agree. I have a dual form of dyslexia and did not learn to read until after grade 7. So I never read ‘school stories’ when I was young. That combined with having my own school aged children has instilled a great appreciation for the genre and specifically for the works of Andrew Clements. Clements passed away in 2019 and this was his second last published novel. The last was The Friendship War, which is an excellent volume. Around the time I discovered Clements works I also encountered Chris d’Lacey both write amazing stories for children, but they are also stories that any of us can learn from. Back then I set the goal of reading all of their works. And this story has inspired me to recommit to that goal.

I had no idea what this book was about when I picked it up. I grabbed it based on the author and title alone. And the cover grabbed my interest as well. It was an awesome read and one of my favorites of all his books I have read, maybe even one of my all time top ten children’s books. It is an excellent read.

The story focuses on Alec, a sixth grader that just can’t put a good book down. In fact, he loves reading so much that it keeps interfering with his school work. Principal Vance sets a new standard the first day of school. He needs to pay attention in class or else. And The principal has warned all the teachers. But Alec does not want to lose all his time to read. His plan is during the after school extended program to create a space so he can just sit and read. He calls it The Losers Club thinking that no one will want to join. He gets one other person to join so they can form the club, but he never knew how popular it would become. Soon he is migrating a mine field of parental expectation, a girl he is interested in, a former friend who is a bit of a bully, and the need to present at the school open house about the Losers Club.

And because they are a reading club, there are many books, authors and series mentioned in the story. Some of them are favorites of mine, and some were favorites of Andrew Clements. Not only is this a great read in and of itself, but it will likely leave a reader with at least a few other books they want to read that were mentioned.

As mentioned, this is one of my favorite books by Andrew Clements, and one of my all time favorite Middle Grade reads. A fantastic book for young readers, and for those of us who just love a great story!

Books by Andrew Clements:
Bird Adalbert
Noah and the Ark and the Animals
Santa's Secret Helper
Temple Cat
Mother Earth's Counting Book
Billy and the Bad Teacher
Who Owns the Cow
Bright Christmas: An Angel Remembers
Frindle
(Adapter)Philipp's Birthday Book
Riff's BeBop Book
Real Monsters Go for the Mold
Things That Go EEK on Halloween
Real Monsters Stage Fright
Music Time, Any Time
Double Trouble in Walla Walla
Workshop
Gromble's Haunted Halloween
Hey Dad, Could I Borrow Your Hammer
The Landry News
Look Who's in the Thanksgiving Play
The Mouse Family
The Janitor's Boy
Circus Family Dog
The Christmas Kitten
The School Story
Things Not Seen
The Jacket
A Week in the Woods
Slippers at Home
Naptime for Slippers
The Report Card
The Last Holiday Concert
Slippers at School
Slippers Loves to Run
A Million Is a Lot of Dots
Lunch Money
Things Hoped For
Room One: A Mystery or Two
No Talking
Things That Are
Lost and Found
Extra Credit
Troublemaker
About Average
The Map Trap
The Friendship War
The Losers Club
...

Pets to the Rescue Series
Ringo Saves the Day!
Brave Norman
Tara and Tiree, Fearless Friends
Delores and the Big Fire

Jake Drake Series
Jake Drake Know-It-All
Jake Drake, Bully Buster
Jake Drake, Teacher's Pet
Jake Drake, Class Clown

Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers of the School Series
We the Children
Fear Itself
The Whites of Their Eyes
In Harm's Way
We Hold These Truths

Reading Program Books
Karen's Island
Three Wishes for Buster
Bill Picket: An American Original, Texas Style
Hurricane Andrew
Ham and Eggs for Jack
Life in the Desert
Desert Treasure
Inventors: Making Things Better, Steck-Vaughn
Milo's Great Invention

...