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Mother Teresa

October 10, 2025 by Esther Filbrun · Leave a Comment

10 Oct

Title: Mother Teresa: Angel of the Slums
Author: Lewis Helfand
Series: Campfire Heroes
Major Themes: Biographies, Graphic Novels
Synopsis: A fast-paced, easy-to-read overview of Mother Teresa’s life and accomplishments.

I’ve come to really enjoy biographies in graphic novel form. And while I’ve had my eye on Mother Teresa: Angel of the Slums for over a year, I never took the time to pick it up until a few days ago. As I expected, the way this book was written and illustrated made the story quite interesting. I enjoyed getting to see the different things that happened in Mother Teresa’s life that led her to set up an organization helping poor people, and I felt like I learned quite a bit about her life.

Publisher’s description:

In the 1940’s, Calcutta had become decimated by famine, poverty, war and unemployment. Slums began to surface throughout the city and thousands were homeless, dying of disease or starvation. Alone and forgotten, these poorest of the poor were desperate for someone, anyone, to recognize their plight and help them. That help arrived in the form of Mother Teresa.

Albanian-born, Mother Teresa knew from a young age that she wanted to become a nun and devote her life to God. What she could not envision, however, was exactly where that service to God would take her. Sent to Calcutta to teach history and geography from within the safe confines of a convent, Mother Teresa could not ignore the plight of the homeless and the dying. So she chose to give up everything in her life to serve those most in need.

With nothing but her faith to guide her, she took to the slums with the hope that she could make a difference in the lives of at least a few lost souls. And with her pure heart and beautiful spirit, she wound up touching millions.

My thoughts:

I remember Mom reading a book about Mother Teresa to me in school, and found her work fascinating. I don’t remember a lot about that book anymore, but it was a good introduction to her as a person. This book feels much the same way—an overview of her life and enough detail to give a bit of an idea of her dreams and motivations.

What surprised me the most about this story was how much I ended up struggling with some of the things Mother Teresa stood for. I don’t agree with all of her perspectives and principles, and while I expected some of that, I didn’t expect the extent to which I disagreed with her.

I also felt like this book bordered on the worship of Mother Teresa at times—I struggled with that aspect. I know she’s been made a saint by the Catholic church, but I don’t appreciate worship directed her way that should go to Christ.

Still, I feel like Mother Teresa: Angel of the Slums is a fairly accurate representation of the life and work of this woman, and I agree that there’s a lot to admire about her determination to make a difference in people’s lives. Though the illustrations aren’t my favorite style, they get the point across and help to flesh out the text. I was also impressed at the way this book kept moving—I picked it up late one evening, intending to just read a couple of pages, and before I knew it, it was even later, and I’d finished the book! If you want an easy, fast way to learn about Mother Teresa’s life, this book could be a great start. I’m glad I took the time to read this book, even if it didn’t end up being a favorite read of mine.

WARNING: Page 8: Children stealing jam. Page 30: Illustration of people fighting each other, bloody swords. Page 33 and 51: Illustrations of dead people. Page 54: Mother Teresa talking: “Of course, we convert. We convert you to be a better Hindu, a better Muslim, a better Christian.” Page 82: Mention of a miracle Mother Teresa supposedly caused after her death.

Age levels:

Listening Level—Ages 8 – 12, 10 – 12
Reading Independently—Ages 10 – 12, 12 – 15, 15 and Above, Adults

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Paperback
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com

In the Light of the Sun

October 8, 2025 by Esther Filbrun · Leave a Comment

8 Oct

Title: In the Light of the Sun
Author: Angela Shupe
Major Themes: World War II, Italy, Philippines, Opera, Family
Synopsis: Though separated by war and a great distance, two sisters cling to their love of music and their family to survive World War II.

I love reading books that teach me something about history, so when the cover of In the Light of the Sun caught my eye, I made sure to take a closer look. I realized sometime this year that I didn’t have a very good grasp of the Pacific side of World War II, so I was thrilled to see that this book covered part of that. I’ve hardly read anything about the Philippines at all, so having that location as one of the primary settings for this book was especially appealing.

Publisher’s description:

Two sisters, separated by oceans and global conflict, are bonded through music and love in this gripping novel based on true events from World War II.

The year is 1941, and in the Philippines, Caramina Grassi dreams of training in Italy to become an opera singer like her older sister, Rosa. But as war erupts, her world is shattered, forcing her to cling to the music that has always been her refuge. When her family’s lives are threatened and they are forced to flee to the jungle, she comes to understand that music is more than comfort. It becomes a muse that fuels her courage, sacrifice, and unwavering focus on the light.

Meanwhile, in Florence, just as Rosa Grassi’s long-awaited opera debut arrives, Mussolini tightens his grip on Italy. Drawn into la Resistenza, the underground resistance, Rosa feels lost in a fog of deception that clouds everything she thought to be true. In a time when family or friend could be foe, Rosa will learn that performing isn’t just for the stage. Facing a devastating betrayal, she must decide how far she’s willing to go to protect the one she loves.

Inspired by true events, In the Light of the Sun is an unforgettable story of sisterhood, hope, and the enduring power of music to uplift the human spirit—even in the darkest of times.

My thoughts:

Almost as soon as I got into this story, I realized I knew hardly anything about how Italy fared under Mussolini, which meant that both locations in this book were relatively new to me, and the history was equally new! That was pretty special.

The family element of the story was especially endearing to me. I loved how the girls’ father did his best to protect the family—both in what he did and what he said—and I loved that the sisters kept up close relationships, even though they were separated by both distance and war. Despite what they faced, everyone did their best to support one another. I loved that!

Unfortunately, I did struggle with the way the story was written, to some extent. This is told in dual-perspective format, which I love, but both perspectives are first-person, present-tense. I don’t mind first-person perspective, but the present-tense factor kept jerking me out of the storyline, so I never felt invested in the story, like I normally would with a book of this caliber.

I felt like Angela Shupe did an incredible job for this being her debut novel. At one stage, I complained to Mom that the book didn’t feel all that realistic—things weren’t happening the way I thought they should, it being a war story and all—but when I got to the end and read the author’s note, my complaint instantly turned into admiration. I love how she took some of her family members’ stories and wove a cohesive story around them—that took some skill!

In the end, while I struggled with some aspects of In the Light of the Sun, I did end up enjoying it. I believe it would be the perfect fit for anyone who enjoys historical fiction that actually teaches you some history, books with some sweet romance in them (there were several threads of that in here!), and overall, books that show the strength in families living, loving, and working together to support each other through dark times. It was a good read.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

WARNING: Characters drink wine occasionally. Unmarried characters frequently hold hands, hug, or kiss—generally, this is not described more than a brief mention (there is occasional dancing, too). Chapter 1: Thank goodness (twice). Chapter 2: Thank goodness, a bomb, and girl hurt. Chapter 4: Bombing. Chapter 7: My goodness. Chapter 9: Seeing people being tortured and killed (somewhat graphic). Chapter 12: Man beaten up. Chapter 19: Stealing, seeing a man hurting a woman, knowing he’ll take advantage of her. Chapter 20: Hearing a woman being raped, people almost drown. Chapter 22: Telling of a man killed, bastard, my God. Chapter 27: Man killed, fighting (somewhat described). Chapter 35: Woman in labor. Chapter 37: Girl thinks about how her breasts have grown. Chapter 38: Man tries to rape a woman, a brief fight, bastardo. Chapter 44: Man badly hurt. Chapter 46: Man corners a woman with his body and hits her. Chapter 47: Thank goodness. Chapter 48: Man tries to rape a girl, some self-defense, men hurt, and some killed (described).

Age levels:

Reading Independently—Ages 15 and Above, Adults

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Paperback | Kindle | Audible Audiobook (unabridged)
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com

A Noble Scheme

October 6, 2025 by Esther Filbrun · Leave a Comment

6 Oct

Title: A Noble Scheme
Author: Roseanna M. White
Series: The Imposters, book 2
Major Themes: Mysteries, Spies
Synopsis: When a young boy goes missing, Gemma Parks and Graham Wharton have to ignore their broken hearts to work together to find him.

After reading A Beautiful Disguise early last year and loving it, I knew I wanted to read A Noble Scheme. These stories are highly improbable but oh so very fun. And since I love mysteries, that just adds to the enjoyment of these stories. The setting—Edwardian England—is intriguing, not so far back that it feels like ancient history, but long enough ago that I love trying to imagine what it was like and how people like those described here may have lived their lives back then. Then, too, there’s the twist that comes early in this book—catching me by surprise! That was delightful!

Publisher’s description:

In the opulent and perilous world of high society’s most elite—and most dangerous—families, two investigators must set aside their broken hearts to uncover the truth.

Gemma Parks is known to the London elite as G. M. Parker, a columnist renowned for her commentary on the cream of society. Behind the scenes, she uses her talents to aid the Imposters in their investigations by gathering intel at events and providing alibis for the firm’s members through her columns. Yet her clandestine work would be more exhilarating if it weren’t for the constant presence of the gentleman who broke her heart.

Graham Wharton has never had eyes for anyone but Gemma, and she left his heart in tatters when she walked away from him. When the Imposters take on a new job to recover a kidnapped boy mistaken for his aristocratic cousin, Graham is determined to use the time with Gemma to not only restore the missing boy, but to also win back the only woman he’s ever loved. As they trace the clues laid out before them, Graham and Gemma must devise a noble scheme to save the boy’s life and heal their hearts.

My thoughts:

This book has so many different facets to it. I can’t expound on many of them for fear of giving spoilers, but I will say that I think this could just possibly be my favorite Roseanna M. White book so far. This story is packed with truth and grace, and I appreciated the way White handled certain themes in the story—they were very realistic and yet hope-filled. This book has the distinction of making me cry. I’m not a crier, but this one did that to me—that’s a mark of good writing!

As I’ve noticed with other books Roseanna M. White has produced, she does an excellent job at forming her characters. I immediately connected with Gemma and Graham, and felt for the boy’s situation. I loved seeing how Gemma and Graham both grew through the story—though they were not in very good spaces at the beginning of the book, I loved seeing where they were by the end of the story. The faith element was well done; I found that side of the story encouraging. The mystery, too, was well done. I loved watching as the characters pieced together all the different clues to figure out what was going on and how to help the situation!

There wasn’t much that I didn’t like about the story. The biggest thing for me was the kinds of lies the characters had to use to try to piece together their case. That seemed to happen fairly often, and although it was in the name of protecting people, it still doesn’t sit that well with me.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Noble Scheme. It was a gripping story, well-told and well-executed. I’ve gotten to the point where I’ve read enough of White’s books that I can generally foretell the plot points before we get to them, but I honestly don’t care—this is still a fun, easy-to-read, enjoyable story. If you enjoy mysteries, historical fiction, and romance, you’ll likely love this book. I’m thankful I got the chance to read this, and I’m looking forward to reading An Honorable Deception, book three in the series, when it comes out!

WARNING: Lionfeathers is used as an exclamation in ch. 1, 3 (twice), 4, 5, 9, 14, 15, 16, 18 (twice), 19, 21, 25 (twice), and 26; “leopard stripes” is used as an exclamation in ch. 1, 3, 5, 6 (twice), 8, 9, 15 (twice), 16, 18 (twice), 19, 23 (twice), 25 (twice), and 26; blast or blasted is used in ch. 2, 3 (twice), 6, 7, 9, 10 (twice), 11, 12, 13 (twice), 15 (three times), 16, 18, 21, and 26; swear is used in ch. 2; “heaven knows” or a variant is used in ch. 2, 4, and 20; blighters is used in ch. 3; dratted or a variant is used in ch. 3, 9, 11 (twice), 12, and 13; “thank heavens” is used in ch. 4 and 16; gracious is used in ch. 6, 14 (twice), and 16; “dash it to pieces” is used in ch. 11; sworn is used in ch. 11, 12, 13, 21, and 23; “thank goodness” is used in ch. 14; blighted is used in ch. 19; and curses and swore are used in ch. 26. There is lying in ch. 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 20, and 21.

There is remembered kissing in ch. 6. There are more kisses (barely described) in ch. 17, 20, 24, and 27 (also a hint a man wants more with his wife). In ch. 9, a character thinks about how secret liaisons and trysts often happen at parties, and there is a mention of mistresses. In ch. 11, a character thinks about a tragedy where a young child died (this is referenced multiple times throughout the rest of the book). In ch. 19, there’s a mention of a man who likes gaming dens and brothels. In ch. 21, there’s a mention of a man who had a mistress and a child out of wedlock (this is discussed several times throughout the rest of the book). In ch. 26, someone threatens to commit suicide.

Age levels:

Reading Independently—Ages 15 and Above, Adults

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Paperback | Kindle | Hardcover | Audible Audiobook (unabridged) | Audio CD (unabridged)
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com

Daddy-Long-Legs

October 3, 2025 by Esther Filbrun · Leave a Comment

3 Oct

Title: Daddy-Long-Legs
Author: Jean Webster
Series: Daddy-Long-Legs, book 1
Major Themes: Orphans, Epistolary, Classics
Synopsis: An unknown benefactor has paid for orphan Jerusha Abbott’s education, with one stipulation—she must write him letters and update him on her progress.

I’ve been a fan of classics for many years, and I love following people online who also enjoy classics. A while back, I heard Chantel Klassen, a Booktuber, talking about Daddy-Long-Legs. That reminded me that it had been recommended to me years ago, but I never took the time to pick it up. We didn’t have it on our shelves at home, though, and I never quite got around to opening the digital version I had. I’m so glad I waited, because not too long ago, I found a copy in a used book store while on a trip—and this made the perfect traveling companion! What a lovely story!

Publisher’s description:

From poor lonely orphan to sophisticated young woman—Jerusha Abbott can hardly believe her good fortune.

All her life Jerusha has lived at the dreary John Grier Home for orphans. Now that she’s seventeen, her time there is up and her prospects for the future are dim. But suddenly an anonymous benefactor sends her to a posh northeastern college for women. All Jerusha must do in return is write to the man she nicknames Daddy-Long-Legs and tell him of her progress.

And what progress there is! Jerusha—now Judy because she has always hated her name—reads everything from Mother Goose to Plato, joins the basketball team, buys her first pair of stockings, writes a novel, wins a scholarship, lives with two roommates who couldn’t be more different; and, for the first time in her life, falls in love.

My thoughts:

I fell in love with Judy from almost the first page. She’s naturally self-deprecating in the best sort of way, and as she starts to build a new life for herself outside the orphan’s home she always knew, she has the most hilarious observations about her new life and those around her! She’s a rather jovial sort, always seeing the bright side of life (or as close to it as she can); that’s something I long to do, but haven’t attained to yet. And yes, sometimes she offers rather scathing criticisms of some people, which is also amusing to read about. Plus, her drawings depicting important events are hilarious!

Daddy-Long-Legs is a short book, but it contains a lot of character, imagination, and joy. I didn’t agree with her perspectives on everything; she does tend to be fairly critical of the church and Christian faith in general—if not outright antagonistic at times. Overall, this is a fun read, and I can’t wait to dive into Dear Enemy (which we do have on the shelf at home) and find out where she goes from here. A sweet, humorous story, fast-paced enough and gripping enough that it doesn’t feel like it was first published in 1912! Recommended.

WARNING: First year: 15th November: Thank goodness. 19th December: “I didn’t know that people used to be monkeys and that the Garden of Eden was a beautiful myth.” On the Eve (sometime in December): Lying, “On the topmost branches of her family tree there’s a superior breed of monkeys.…” Sunday (in July): “Their God…is a narrow, irrational, unjust, mean, revengeful, bigoted Person. Thank heaven I didn’t inherit God from anybody!”

Second year: 31st December: “…we don’t have to say grace beforehand. It’s a relief not having to thank somebody for every mouthful you eat.” Saturday (after 25th August): Going fishing instead of going to church, unmarried people spending time alone together.

Third year: 9th November: A mention of evolution and another about wishing women could vote. 11th January: Thank heaven.

Fourth year: 3rd October: Mention of a married man who left his wife and eloped with someone. 14th December and 27th August: Mercy!

Age levels:

Reading Independently—Ages 12 – 15, 15 and Above, Adults

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Paperback | Kindle | Hardcover | Audible Audiobook (unabridged) | Audio CD (unabridged)
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com

A Papa Like Everyone Else

October 1, 2025 by Esther Filbrun · Leave a Comment

1 Oct

A Papa Like Everyone Else by Sydney Taylor

Title: A Papa Like Everyone Else
Author: Sydney Taylor
Major Themes: Czechoslovakia, Jews, Family
Synopsis: With her unknown Papa in America, Gisella is happy with the life she has and doesn’t miss him—but when he arranges for their family to go to America, can she accept that it’s for the best?

I don’t remember where I first saw A Papa Like Everyone Else, but I saved it to my Goodreads “To Read” list, and determined that at some point, I’d check it out. I’ve known for years that I love Sydney Taylor’s books, and although I don’t think I ever ventured beyond the All-of-a-Kind Family series, I’ve always wanted to try out some of her other stories. I’m so glad I finally got around to this one! It’s a unique story, but one that is heavily reminiscent of childhood joys, family, and community. I adored this read!

Publisher’s description:

From the author of the beloved All-of-a-Kind Family books comes a timeless story of a family’s struggles and triumphs in early twentieth-century Eastern Europe.

Mama and her two young daughters, Szerena and Gisella, never thought they would be without Papa for five long years. Ever since he left their small farm in Czechoslovakia for America, they have been waiting for him to send for them. In the meantime, with the help of family and neighbors, Mama and the girls work on the farm. While Szerena wishes for “a papa like everyone else,” Gisella can’t remember their father, and wishes he had not gone away without them.

Finally, the big day arrives, and Mama and the girls leave for America to reunite with Papa. What will it be like to travel on a train and a ship? And what will happen when at last they see Papa?

A delightful evocation of Jewish life in the “old world,” A Papa Like Everyone Else is the perfect companion to the seminal All-of-a-Kind Family books.

My thoughts:

I love children’s books that depict children living busy, happy, wholesome lives. Much like my experience with Seacrow Island earlier this year, this book reminded me of my happy childhood, and I loved watching these girls go through a bit of life in their Czechoslovakian village. I can’t imagine what it would have been like for Mama, separated from her husband for five long years; that part of the story is never explored, but it was interesting to see what childhood looked like in this area in the early 1900s.

Historically speaking, A Papa Like Everyone Else is a treasure trove. First, there’s the setting—I’m struggling to remember if I’ve ever read a book set in Czechoslovakia before. What’s described here is similar to what I remember of The Good Master and The Singing Tree by Kate Seredy, but that was set in Hungary, and not with Jewish characters. The old-style farm life—caring for crops by hand, raising geese to sell in the market, growing linen for their clothing, harvesting goose down for different uses, or making prunes over an open fire—is so foreign to us these days, but it was normal for villagers back then. Then there’s the whole community atmosphere in the story, as people gather together at different times to help each other with their work, thus making life easier for everyone. And the Jewish element, too, was fairly strong—I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the lead-up to Passover, and some of the other instances where culture and tradition played a part.

If you’re looking for books set in the early 20th century in Europe, I’d highly recommend you check out A Papa Like Everyone Else. This is a gentle, heartwarming read, but it has a lot to teach us about family, community, hard work, and hope for the future. I’m looking forward to reading it to my sisters and possibly all my siblings at some stage—I’m sure they’ll enjoy it! The ending, too, was super sweet. A great read!

WARNING: Chapter 4: Children are disobedient (this is dealt with), a robber steals things, “heaven knows”, some anti-gypsy talk, a man hits a woman, a man hits a man for making fun of him. Chapter 10: Someone remembers a story about a man who tried hanging himself, a girl thinks about witches and hobgoblins hiding and wanting to jump out at her. Chapter 11: A boy is whipped, and a fox shot and killed.

Age levels:

Listening Level—Ages 5 – 8, 8 – 12, Family Friendly
Reading Independently—Ages 8 – 12

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Paperback | Kindle | Hardcover | Audible Audiobook (unabridged) | Audio CD
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com