by Mindi Popovich-Schneider
Each year, I like to share a “wrap-up” of the best books I’ve read throughout the year. This year, I’m pleased to join my recommendations to those of our wonderful team of interns. We hope that if you pick up any of these books, you’ll not only enjoy them but you’ll get something meaningful from them as well!
Picture Books:
The Three Wise Kings by Tomie dePaola
Since we pulled this book out a couple weeks ago, my toddler has been talking endlessly about “Herrod evil man, Wise Kings so happy!” With dePaola’s signature illustrations, this is a simple, lovely tale that follows the Wise Men on their journey to Bethlehem. My two favorite illustrations are a full-spread depiction of the flaming star and a tableau of the Wise Men finally greeting the Theotokos and Christ child. Recommended by Mindi
Peter, Apostle of Jesus: The Life of a Saint by Boris Grebille
This story retells the gospels from the perspective of Apostle Peter. The illustrations are sweet and approachable, and the text, while somewhat lengthy, is simple and straightforward. We enjoy singing the hymns of the Church while we look at the illustrations together. Recommended by Mindi
Children’s/Middle Grade:
Ferris by Kate diCamillo
Like all of Kate diCamillo’s books, this story touches on many of the difficult aspects of life in a profoundly hopeful way. Ferris’s younger sister is a complete menace. Even worse, their beloved grandmother is ill and sees a ghost who insists that they must light the great chandelier in the dining room. Convinced that following the ghost’s orders will help set everything to rights, Ferris undertakes this great task with the help of her eccentric uncle and virtuosically talented best friend. Recommended by Mindi
The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin
Sepetys and Sheinkin are known for their meticulous work in historical fiction and nonfiction, respectively. Here they join forces to offer a fictional upper-middle grade story about the work of the Bletchley codebreakers during WWII. Escaping from being sent to live with her grandmother in the states, 14-year-old Lizzie ends up at Bletchley with her older brother, a codebreaker. Her brother Jakob wants to focus on his work to help the Allies win the war, but Lizzie is determined to uncover the truth of what happened to their mother–no matter the cost. This book would also appeal to teens and adults! Recommended by Mindi
Young Adult:
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
When her beloved (the son of a duke) is kidnapped, Tress–a window-washer–stows away on a pirate ship to rescue him, even though she knows they can never be together. This book was so whimsical and cozy. I was immediately drawn in by Tress and Charlie’s story. I loved seeing Tress grow as a person throughout her intense journey. It’s the perfect read for fans of The Princess Bride or anyone who loves fantastical and fantastic world-building. Recommended by Caroline and Mindi
Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater
As a child, Theodora was cursed by a faerie during his unsuccessful attempt to steal her soul. With only half a soul left, she does not experience feelings such as fear or embarrassment, which often leads to awkward misunderstandings in polite society! When her curse catches the attention of the Lord Sorcier, Dora reluctantly gets pulled into the peculiar affairs of faeries.
Set in an alternate Regency England, this is a charming, fluffy, and very quick read. It’s perfect for anyone who is interested in Bridgerton or other loosely-historical romance novels but wants to avoid mature content (please note that there is some very mild language). Recommended by Mindi
Classics:
The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
This book was a very meaningful and amazing read. There is a reason why it’s regarded as the greatest book ever written. Dostoevsky explores many different themes and attempts to answer some of life’s most difficult questions. Recommended by Caroline
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
This novel follows the coming of age of an orphan Pip, who moves from Kent to London, England, encountering an array of characters along the way. This novel was serialized, so the story was published bit by bit, thus incentivising Dickens to highly develop even the smallest of characters and write with creative, vivid prose to keep his readers hooked. This book offers fascinating insights on the time period! Recommended by Cecilia
Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
This is Austen’s affectionate and playful satire of Gothic literature. It follows the young, naive heroine Catherine Morland who loves reading Gothic novels. Austen is able to portray the typical Gothic themes, cliches, and psychological tensions in this clever novel. Such a fun read! Recommended by Cecilia
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
This book might be my favorite of all time. I reread it earlier this year and remembered why I adored it. It is a witty and brilliant exploration of beauty, youth, pride, and evil. It proposes the problem of having no consequences for your actions and the effect of vanity. Recommended by Caroline
White Nights by Fyodor Dostoevsky
White Nights is about a young man who has been lonely his whole life. While walking through St. Petersburg, he meets a young girl named Nastenka who he spotted crying on a rail one night. Gradually, he gets to know Nastenka and falls in love with her. This short but meaningful story had such a big impact on me. It draws into the themes of loneliness, unrequited love, friendship, and yearning. Recommended by Caroline
Nonfiction:
Every Sigh can be a Prayer by Fr. Arsenie Papacioc (+2011)
Such an interesting read alongside Man’s Search for Meaning!
This book is a compilation of the teachings of the modern Romanian elder Fr. Arsenie, who was arrested over forty times and spent many years in Romanian communist prison. His warm, gentle voice can be heard through the pages of this book. There are several chapters concerning practical spiritual advice for family life. Fr. Arsenie emphasizes the importance of continual communion and conversation with God, not strict, mindless rules and orders. He says that “every moment is a taste of eternity and every sigh can be a prayer. This provides much greater benefit than many prayers or prostrations done mechanically.” As he lived so recently, he is able to offer knowledge of our world’s contemporary struggles. This is truly a must-read! Recommended by Cecilia
Joy to Serve by Juliana Schmemann
Although this book is primarily intended for priest’s wives, I think it is an important read for all mothers and women involved in a church ministry. Mat. Juliana walks through some of the common struggles (burnout, lack of time, child discipline) that mothers experience and encourages her readers to persevere joyfully. Recommended by Mindi
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
In this book, the Austrian neurologist and psychologist Viktor E. Frankl explains his psychological theory called Logotherapy, or “healing through meaning.” He survived three Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz and Dachau, proceeding to write this eye-opening book. He first chronicles his personal experiences and then his own “existential analysis.” I have included some of my favorite quotes below:
“In some ways suffering ceases to be suffering at the moment it finds a meaning, such as the meaning of a sacrifice.”
“What is to give light must endure burning.”
“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”
Recommended by Cecilia
Words of the Heart by Venerable Gerondissa Makrina Vassopoulou (+1995)
This book includes Gerondissa Makrina’s life and homilies. The first section of the book chronicles the inspiring story of her life of faithfulness. She was the daughter of pious parents and the spiritual daughter of the hesychast fathers Elder Joseph the Hesychast (+1959) and Elder Ephraim of Philotheou and Arizona (+2019). In her beautiful homilies, she speaks simply and practically. She especially holds a deep love for the Theotokos, which is inspiring to read about. You might try reading a homily or two each day. I am sure that any words from Geronidssa will inspire and help you! Recommended by Cecilia
Of course, our wrap-up wouldn’t be complete without sharing the books that we hope to read in the next year!
Mindi:
Christy by Catherine Marshall
Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset (Currently reading)
Feast of the Sisters by Alex Scott (a Young Adult Orthodox novel about vampires)
The Sunflower: Conforming the Will of Man to the Will of God by St. John Maximovitch
Caroline:
The Aeneid by Virgil
Demons by Fyodr Dostoevsky
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Everyday Saints by Archimandrite Tikhon
Cecilia:
Middlemarch by George Eliot
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Laurus by Eugene Vodolazkin
Moby Dick by Herman Melville
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
Letters to Saint Olympia by St. John Chrysostom
What books are you and your family planning to read in 2025?