My oldest son is about to enter the teenage years, and I’ve been giving more thought to what he’s reading. I read Young Adult (YA) books myself from time to time, but they are generally books that would appeal more to young women than to young men.
So, where to start in finding good books for your Catholic (or Christian) teen? Try the Facebook group Books for Catholic Teens.
Our tree is filled with a mishmash of unrelated ornaments from different families, different eras, and different interests. Somehow they’ve all found a home with us.
SLOW work of Advent? What’s that? It seems it was just yesterday I rooted through the closet for the Advent wreath that wasn’t there and filled the Advent calendar with chocolate kisses that were devoured posthaste by a toddler. Now all four Advent candles are lit, and I worry whether that last nub of purple, the first candle lit, will make it until Christmas.
Due to the “obligations” of Christmas, Advent often seems anything but slow, perhaps the quickest wait we ever endure. That’s why this sign outside a church I pass caught my eye:
The novella is the perfect format for this busy time of year! Fit in a quick read between Christmas preparations or while relaxing in the glow of the Christmas tree. I’ve selected five of my favorites followed by a few other recommendations for Christmas short stories (which can easily be read in one sitting) and novels as well as a few items on my Christmas reading pile!
And as a bonus, a Christmas snippet from my novel Rightfully Ours, which I hope to be sharing some exciting news about soon!
Though I’d rather not think about how long it’s been since my teen years, I’ve enjoyed immersing myself in teen fiction – Catholic teen fiction in particular.
A.J. Cattapan’s Angelhood could easily have fit into my October reviews, Dealing with Demons. It explores the forces of good and evil (angels and demons) that either pray for or prey upon humans. Roland West, Loner also includes an other-worldy dimension, the communion of saints. Theresa Linden‘s true-to-life novel is the perfect intersection of the natural and supernatural. Finally, Cynthia Toney‘s second novel in The Birdface Series, 10 Steps to Girlfriend Status, is planted firmly on earth, as young Wendy Robichaud navigates a multitude of big changes in her life. All three are relatable stories of hope and blossoming maturity suitable for young teens and up.
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Why small success? Because that’s the only kind I know! Even the big ones come in small steps. The cupboard, the closet, and Christmas planning. Here’s my paltry offering for the week:
4 CommentsLast week, my friend Theresa Linden released her Catholic teen novel Roland West, Loner, first in a series including the West brothers and their friends. It’s simply a great novel for teens of all ages, Catholic or not. The author deftly handles common teen experiences from sibling problems and the school social scene to first attraction and rediscovered faith.
What follows is a fun interview with the neighbor boy who befriends Roland, making him less of a loner. As you’ll see, Peter’s a charmer.
Author: Thank you for agreeing to this interview, Peter. It’s nice to sit face to face with a character in my story and really get to know him.
Peter: Yeah, okay. Whatever that means. Hey, I don’t mean to sound rude, but can we make this quick because I’m in the middle of a project? I’ve been working on this transmitter and receiver, and I finally got some parts in the mail so I can finish . . . never mind. What was your question?
6 CommentsIf you’d like to give a little something in honor of #GivingTuesday and are looking for a worthy nonprofit, charitable organization to donate to, I have a suggestion for you: Real Alternatives.
