What does a book recommendation mean?
Any book recommendation is a recommendation of that specific book. We are of the mind that since all of creation points to God, that we can appreciate the beauty found in people and things, even people and things that aren’t overtly religious in nature. That said, one book by a particular author may be a great fit for recommendation on this site, while another book may not. An author him or herself may or may not share our Catholic worldview. Please take a book recommendation as a recommendation for that specific book, and not as an endorsement of an author’s entire set of works, or of the author’s worldview as a whole.
What are your guidelines for recommending a book?
Our children’s review guidelines are as follows:
1- The book does not need to be specifically religious in nature, but it must contain themes and content that are worth pursuing. It must have something that rings true, good, and or beautiful through the lens of the Catholic worldview to receive a recommendation. For example, a qualifying book might contain a virtuous theme, or demonstrate the triumph of good over evil, or contain a positive depiction of a person of faith.
2- It must be free of any content that lifts up or glorifies anything that is contrary to our faith. For example, I will never recommend a book that showcases a character using tarot cards in a positive light or a friendly demon sidekick. (Both of these actually exist in the kidlit space!)
3- The content must be appropriate for the recommended age of the reader. Older readers may be ready for more complicated, nuanced themes than younger readers. Stories geared towards younger readers must be appropriate in terms of word complexity and readability on the page.
Our adult review guidelines are as follows:
We utilize guidelines similar to the children’s review guidelines above, although the overall merit of a book will be taken into consideration when making a recommendation. Some recommended books may have some aspects in conflict with a Catholic worldview, but the book as a whole must have other aspects to it that elevate the story and make it worth reading. These conflicting aspects will be noted in the review so readers can use their discretion.
How do you handle recommending books with magic?
As a person who has greatly enjoyed stories in fantastical worlds (and who also writes them), I will often recommend books with elements of the fantastical or magical as well. However, I will only recommend books where magic is a part of the rules or possibilities of the world of a particular story, and will make note in my recommendation of the fantasy elements a reader will find so parents can make an informed decision for their children. I will never recommend a story where characters live by the rules of our normal world, but who discover or seek anything like spells or witchcraft.
Why do you sometimes recommend scary stories?
You will sometimes find, especially in the middle grade space, that I may make a “spooky” book recommendation. For this, I draw from GK Chesterton who wrote: “Fairy tales are more than true. Not because they teach us that dragons exist, but because they teach us that dragons can be beaten.” I will not recommend a story that utilizes fear for the sake of fear itself. Any scary book recommendation will be specifically chosen because it showcases good triumphing over evil, and contains a theme of great merit. Though we may not face actual, literal monsters as we often see in these types of stories, in life we will at times face things that seem overwhelming or scary--monsters of a different kind. Seeing a character in a book overcome fear and face something scary head-on can help us grow our bravery muscles too.
How can I support you?
Please buy books through my Bookshop site or my Amazon affiliate link!
And, of course, share this Substack with friends!