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The Last Crusader: Isabella of Spain

Book cover: The Last Crusader: Isabella of Spain
Author(s): 
William Thomas Walsh
Number of pages: 
515 pages
Copyright: 
1930
ISBN: 
9780895553201
Publisher: 
TAN Books and Publishers
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Setting: 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

Queen Isabella (the Catholic) of Spain is one of the most influential and controversial women in history. She and her husband were responsible for supporting Columbus' voyages to the New World, the re-conquering of all of Spain from the Moors, the expulsion of the Jews, and the establishment of the Spanish Inquisition. Her daughter, Catherine of Aragon, was the unfortunate first wife of King Henry VIII of England (who founded the Anglican church because he didn't accept the Pope's refusal to grant him an annulment of his marriage to Catherine). The story is fast-paced and gripping (as well as complex), but also very sad and even disturbing at times. It's an important period of history for Catholic to understand as many aspects of this story are frequently used to attack the Church. Reading the whole story will also dispel some common myths about history in general – particularly ones that try to make blanket statements about history and assumptions that as history progresses things always get worse.

Recommended for upper high school or adult.

This book mentions at least one disturbing story of violence against a child that appears to follow the pattern of anti-Jewish myths debunked by the Church as early as Gregory X's 1272 document on "Papal Protection of the Jews". The link takes you to the document at the EWTN Library. In addition to reading this document (which particularly highlights problems with Christian violence against the Jews), further discussion and research are recommended on this topic.

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
3-25-2000

The Last Lecture

Author(s): 
Randy Pausch
Jeffrey Zaslow
Number of pages: 
206 pages
Copyright: 
2008
Publisher: 
Hyperion
Binding: 
Glued Hardcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 
What would you do if you knew you were going to die? For most of us, that is a reality that we push to the back of our minds as someday, but not soon. In the case of Randy Pausch, that reality came much sooner than he expected with a diagnosis of terminal, pancreatic cancer. In The Last Lecture, Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon, shares the PowerPoint presentation he gave as his last lecture on September 18, 2007. Besides the salient points and accompanying stories from his lecture, The Last Lecture includes much more. Not in the least maudlin, The Last Lecture is a book about daring to dream the impossible and achieving those dreams. It is a book of hope and inspiration. He opens the story with the reasons that motivated him to consider this last lecture, then delves back into the past to show the many influences on his life’s journey, especially his remarkable, loving parents, mentors, teachers, or coaches who profoundly influenced his life. Each chapter is short and to the point. While it would be easy, as with any autobiography, to fall into the trap of naval gazing, it is a refreshingly honest portrait of his life and life’s situation, his strengths and human failings. In a world filled with negative news, it is uplifting to read his genuine love and admiration for his parents and those who encouraged him along the way, as well as had the honesty to point out his faults, so that he could become a better person. The book is broken down into five sections: The story behind the last lecture, achieving his dreams, the lessons he learned, enabling the dreams of others, “It’s about How to Live Your Life,” and closing thoughts. With humor, wit, and common sense, Pausch relates his quest for happiness through achieving his childhood dreams. Over the years, he has gained much wisdom, from his parents, mentors, teachers, and students. His advice as a teacher can be applied to many situations. In The Last Lecture, he shares this legacy of memories, hopes, and advice for his three young children to see someday. As a teacher, he wanted to continue to teach them long after he was not with them; the result was this inspiring lecture about the joy of life; each day is a gift. Incredibly uplifting, full of hope and inspiration! Thank you, Randy for sharing your story. Thank you, Jai for sharing Randy during your precious time together. Randy Pausch died on July 25, 2008.
Because this is a secular book with a few adult issues, the parent will want to read and discuss this with their teenage children. If you choose to view the lecture on YouTube, since the lecture is prepared for college-age students, the parents may want to preview it to determine the appropriate age of the children who are viewing it because of some language.
Perspective: 
Secular
Additional notes: 

His last lecture can be viewed on YouTube: Randy Pausch The Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.

In order to appeal to a wider audience, he avoids how his faith played a role in the development of his character.

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
8-29-2008

The Last Straw

Book cover: The Last Straw
Author(s): 
Frederick Thury
Illustrator(s): 
Vlasta Van Kampen
Number of pages: 
32 pages
Copyright: 
2006
ISBN: 
0881061522
Publisher: 
Charlesbridge
Binding: 
Sewn Hardcover
Grade / Age level: 
Resource Type: 
Review: 

To celebrate Christmas, in addition to baking Christmas cookies, setting up the manger scene, decorating the tree, and numerous other seasonal activities, we also like to pause in out preparations to cozy up together and read good books that encapsulate the true meaning of Christmas. The Last Straw by Frederick H. Thury is one such book.

Hoshmakaka is a grumpy, old camel, who would rather do anything than carry gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Bethlehem. He is sleeping peacefully one night when he is visited by voices informing him that the wise men have chosen him for this task. He balks at the idea, providing feeble excuses, but when a furious wind blows the sand, he changes his mind.

The next day as the servants of the wise men are placing the precious gifts on his back a group of young, admiring camels comments that he must be very special. His pride puffed up, he brags that he is “as strong as ten horses” and then allows the young camels to accompany him along the journey. This could be his downfall. Will they find out the truth?

Along the way, one after another person or animal begs Hoshmakaka to carry a gift to the newborn king, creating a mountainous pile on his back. Finally, he comes within sight of Bethlehem. Feeling the strain of the weight, he doubts he will make it when a small voice asks him to carry one more gift for the baby.

Can he do it? Will he make it?

The pictures are delightful. My children enjoyed picking out the gifts piling up on his back. It has also become a familiar line in our home to say, “My joints, my gout, my sciatica.” And the ending is superb! All ages will enjoy this wonderful story.

Perspective: 
Judeo-Christian
Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
12/4/2007

The Laviniad

Book cover: 'The Laviniad'
Author(s): 
Claudio Salvucci
Number of pages: 
80 pages
Copyright: 
1994
ISBN: 
0964423405
Publisher: 
Evolution Publishing
Binding: 
Sewn Hardcover
Subject(s): 
Setting: 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 
The Laviniad is a truly unique work; the story is unique and the book itself is unique.

First the story: The author successfully writes in the style of the ancient epic in modern English, picking up the thread of the story of the Aeneid. The Laviniad takes up the tale of the Trojan settlement of Latium following the death of Aeneas. His son, Ascanius, assumes the leadership and almost immediatley must deal with the threat of Italians still hostile to the Trojan presence.

There are some pleasant similarities to the ancient epics, such as prophecies that are fulfilled in not quite the way the people expect, and the descriptions of the deaths of the heroes. The Trojans prevail in the end and Lavinia, Aeneas' widow gives birth to his child, the true and final mix of the blood of the Latins and the Trojans. Hope is restored to a people wearied by years of war and loss of life. Lovers of classic tales will really appreciate the poetry and the plot.

The poem reads easily and naturally with the flow and flavor of the ancient epics. A complete glossary in the back will help anyone who has not read the Aeneid or the Iliad to understand the relationship of the characters and the various names of the Greeks, Trojans, and Latins. It is not, strictly speaking, a sequel, however, a knowledge of the events of the Aeneid is helpful. A highschooler could appreciate the story whether or not he has read the Aeneid.

Now the book: I learned from the publisher that the author hand makes each book, binding and all! The story is printed on parchment and handsewn, not glued. The outer cover is a light blue cloth cover. It is a beautiful, elegant edition, wonderful for gift giving.

Additional notes: 

Binding details: Hardback with cloth covering

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
8-12-04

The Legend of Odysseus

Author(s): 
Peter Connolly
Number of pages: 
80 pages
Copyright: 
1986
Publisher: 
Oxford University Press
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Setting: 
Review: 
The Legend of Odysseus, by British author Peter Connolly, was first published in 1986. It tells the legend of the Trojan War and of the homecoming of Odysseus. The Legend of Odysseus is a wonderful recounting of Homer's classic tales, The Iliad and The Odyessey. The most outstanding feature is the vivid, full-color drawings in every page. This book is suitable for most children, ages 10-16. There are additonal informative pages telling about life in Ancient Greece. My only caution is that it has some questionable pictures in it. (Two of the goddesses aren't wearing any tops in three pictures.) This book is an excellent complement to any unit study on Ancient Greece.

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
1998-99

The Legend of the Poinsettia

Book cover: 'The Legend of the Poinsettia'
Author(s): 
Tomie de Paola
Illustrator(s): 
Tomie de Paola
Number of pages: 
32 pages
Copyright: 
1994
Publisher: 
Paperstar Books
Binding: 
Softcover
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 
This lovely retelling of an old Mexican legend transports us to the mountains of Mexico, where a young girl, Lucida, prepares for Christmas with her family. Her mother is a fine weaver, and the Padre asks her to make a new blanket for the Baby Jesus. When her mother falls ill, she longs to help finish the blanket, but only seems to make a mess of things. With no gift for the Baby Jesus, Lucida hides and watches the procession from afar. An old woman assures her that "any gift is beautiful because it is given" and that "Whatever you give, the Baby Jesus will love, because it comes from you."

Feeling more courageous, Lucida picks a bundle of weeds and brings them to the Baby Jesus in the manger scene at church, where they are beautifully transformed.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
11-29-06

The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien

Book cover: 'The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien'
Author(s): 
Humphrey Carpenter (ed.)
Number of pages: 
432 pages
Copyright: 
1981
Publisher: 
Houghton Mifflin
Subject(s): 
Setting: 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 
This book is not a "must read", but it is an enlightening read (best for high school and up). I have not read any other compilation of letters like this, so even the concept was new to me. There isn't a format, a thesis or an argument to unify the book. Rather, it is the life, work and times of Tolkien which generate the letters. He writes to his wife, his children, fans of his work, his publishers and various friends. The book is a subset of his letters (edited with the help of his son Christopher). Much of what is represented is in response to questions about his works - Middle Earth, elves, hobbits etc. - and so it is much more interesting to read if one is familiar with his works. One missive in particular was written to his son about love and marriage (MOST interesting). Others relate events of his life. The letters to his publishers reveal how difficult it was for him to write.

In explaining these things, much is revealed about his understanding of the world (both philosophically and theologically). Reading the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings, he, in one letter, describes as a "keyhole" view of his subcreation, Middle Earth. This in itself is revealing. It seems to have been very time consuming and difficult for Tolkien to produce his works. Through the letters, you begin to see that this is partly due to the fact that he was a perfectionist. He would let you see something through the keyhole (eg. a fairly brief mention of the story Luthien Tinuviel looked upon as an historical event) but wasn't really satisfied until he tackled the complete story of Luthien as well. He must have had an enormous amount of material in his study and in his head! He indicates that there are only two things in the Lord of the Rings that he does NOT know about - one being "the cats of Queen Beruthiel". ... the point being that he DOES know about the rest in great detail. He has firm ideas about the creation and descent of the elves, the work and character of the Valar/Angels, the history of the landscape, the fables associated with the morning star, Earindel. And nothing gets more attention than the languages used. He made them up for fun - it was a true love of his. He knows where they started, how they mingled with others down through Middle Earth's history, their forms, changes and pronunciations.

But I lost my thread. His philosophy and theology are very evident in his works of fiction - they make the world of Middle Earth seem real BECAUSE they are so well grounded. They blossom in these letters. He can stand back from the events and tell an inquisitor WHY something in Middle Earth happened - and that is very edifying. His perfectionism has driven him to understand our own world well enough to figure out what is really possible in Middle Earth. He makes the critical distinction between what is accidental and what is essential so that Middle Earth may diverge from our own place in space and time yet still appear REAL.

As an example, he responds to a priest who challenges Tolkien's ideas about elves - elves are undying in Middle Earth. Tolkien explains the notion that this is not an essential problem with God's creative abilities - even if it seems impossible that we would see it ourselves. You have to read his explanation - the whole point being that he DID think about it and had reasons for it even before he put it in the books.

It is gratifying, as a Catholic, to learn that Tolkien's good philosophy and theology are heartily Catholic in nature. And to learn that his greatest inspiration, comfort and love was the Eucharist!

It is interesting to read that one letter of fatherly advice to his son about love and marraige. This is one area where he makes so much sense you want to cheer. It is not mushy sentimentalism and it is not clinical psychology. It is the very human assesment of the how fallen-nature and super-nature manifest themselves in finding and keeping a spouse. And as such it is darned good advice for anyone!

You will also learn a lot about Tolkien in this book. And even though he is not perfect - there is so much to learn. There are areas in which you want to emulate him. And areas in which you may find him shy of the mark. You can do your own philosophizing about where to draw that line - and his manner and style - so humble - INVITES you to reflect like this. This book is like a life experience. His life is, after all, another life. It is good and not so good and filled with the decisions that help make us who we are.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

also includes extensive notes and index

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
5-8-04

The Librarian Who Measured the Earth

Book cover: 'The Librarian Who Measured the Earth'
Author(s): 
Kathryn Lasky
Number of pages: 
48 pages
Copyright: 
1994
Publisher: 
Little Brown Publishing
Binding: 
Sewn Hardcover
Setting: 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 
This is a fascinating story, told for children and fully illustrated (beautiful full color pictures with interesting and at times humorous details) of the Greek Scientists, Mathematician and Astronomer - Eratosthenes. (Don't worry - the author does help you to pronounce the name). Eratosthenes was born in the 3rd century B.C. in the country we now call Libya to Greek parents. There he was educated in the classical Greel tradition and developed a keen interest in the world around him. As a young man he was sent to Athens to study where he became known as a scholar and historian. At 30 he was appointed tutor to the son of the King Ptolemy II of Egypt and so he settled in Alexandria. He became involved in the great Library at Alexandria where he eventually became head librarian. In this setting he worked on his most famous problem - attempting to calculate the circumference of the earth. The book takes us through the process he went through in solving the problem and illustrates the events and concepts involved in a way that can be grasped by young children (early gradeschool and up - although my preschoolers enjoyed the book without fully grasping all the details). The story is particularly interesting because his calculations were within 200 miles of our present day figures.

We enjoyed this book very much - the content is great and the illustrations are very nice. It would make a fine supplement for Greek History and encompasses a bit of Math and Science as well. The reading level is more challenging than your average picture book (perhaps 4th grade level) but it could be read aloud to younger children.

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
9-13-2000

The Library Of Alexandria

Author(s): 
Kelly Trumble
Illustrator(s): 
Robina MacIntyre Marshall
Number of pages: 
76 pages
Copyright: 
2003
ISBN: 
9780395758328
Publisher: 
HarperCollins Publishers
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Resource Type: 
Review: 

My fourth grader and Classics-minded daughter loved this one! The product description does a good job of explaining what the book is all about:

The Library of Alexandria was the largest library of its time and a major center for learning and scholarly research, particularly in the fields of astronomy, geography, mathematics, and medicine. Caesar and Cleopatra, Erastosthenes and Euclid, Archimedes and Alexander the Great are just a few of the famous people connected to its story. Today, historians still argue about how the library was destroyed, and no one knows exactly what it looked like, yet there is no question that the library continues to fascinate and intrigue us. This extensively researched look at what we do know about the Library of Alexandria features Kelly Trumble"s short, accessible chapters, and richly detailed full-color paintings by Robina MacIntyre Marshall. Together, they tell the story of one of the wonders of the ancient world, and show how its influence as continued long after its destruction. Glossary, suggested reading, selected bibliography, index. 

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
March 12, 2009

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