A Midsummer Night's Dream - Stratford 2026

A Midsummer Night's Dream

2026

Stratford Festival

Director Graham Abbey

Set Designer Lorenzo Savoini

Costume Designer Joshua Quinlan

Lighting Designer Kevin Lamotte

Projection and Video Design Normal Studio

Composer and Sound Designer Thomas Ryder Payne

Movement Director Stephanie Graham

Fight and Intimacy Director Anita Nittoly

Executive Producer David Auster

Creative Planning Director Jason Miller

Casting Director Ari Weinberg

In the weeks leading up to seeing this production, I reread The Pelican Classic edition of the play. Often the kids and I will watch a previous production either filmed from stage or movie, but time did not work for that. My youngest 15 went in fairly blind. My Son had read part of it, and I have read it a few times over the last 40 years, and seen a few productions over the years. It is to be honest not one my favourite plays by the bard. I am not a big fan of comedies either on film or stage, usually, there are some exceptions like Something Rotten which my son and I loved 2 years ago and are looking forward to seeing again this year. So this ended as one of the 5 plays we picked over the season because my son 18 and daughter 15 both really wanted to see it. If I had been going by myself I would not have picked this one, but I am very thankful we attended. And we attended the first public performance of the preseason. 

Over the last few years my children and I have been attending Stratford and reviewing all the plays we attend. We have a great appreciation for the bard, and typically attend all plays of his works, and usually a few others as well. Prior to attending my son and I try and read a copy of the play, usually the Oxford School Shakespeare or the Pelican Classic Editions. I believe the festival has put on A Midsummer Night's Dream 9 times, the first being in 1962 and this season 2026. Antoni Cimolino directed a version in 2018 thought it does not appear to be one that was filmed. Antoni Cimolino is in his final season as artistic director and he selected plays based on his favourites from his tenure at the festival. It would have been interesting to compare the 2018 version with this one directed by Graham Abbey.   

The summary of the play on the festival site states:

“Magic, mischief and moonlight 

Strange things happen in the woods by night, with neither spirit nor mortal safe from the wiles of the trickster Puck. For mismatched lovers, romance runs delightfully amok, but true love triumphs at dawn.”

The synopsis in the house program states:

“Hermia and Lysander are devoted to one another, but her father forbids their marriage and insists she wed Demetrius, with whom Hermia’s best friend Helena is besotted. Hoping to escape her father’s demands, Hermia and Lysander flee into the forest, with Demetrius and a determined Helena close behind. There, Oberon, king of the fairies, sets an enchantment on his queen, Titania – and, through the meddling of Puck, Oberon’s jester, the four lovers are unwittingly ensnared in the magic’s confusion. Meanwhile, Puck tangles with a troupe of amateur actors, heightening the night’s mischief. As night deepens, identities blur, lovers quarrel, fairies and mortals intermingle, and the boundaries between dream and reality dissolve. What resolution will the dawn bring?”

When we go and see the play in person we have an almost an hour drive home, and usually spend the time discussing the performance. I could hardly get a word in as they both loved the production so much. One of the things we talk about is our favourite performers. It was a very heated discussion this time. We each pick our top 5. Our picks are:

My top ranking for the performers would be:

Mike Nadajewski as Puck

Jessica B. Hill as Helena

Sara Topham as Titania 

Jordin Hall as Lysander 

Vivien Endicott-Douglas as Hermia

My son's (18) top picks are:

Mike Nadajewski as Puck

Jordin Hall as Lysander 

André Sills as Oberon 

Sara Topham as Titania 

Tim Campbell as Egeus

My daughters (15) were:

Mike Nadajewski as Puck

Sara Topham as Titania

Jessica B. Hill as Helena

Michael Man as Robin Starveling especially as the Moon

Jordin Hall as Lysander

The full cast is:

The Courtiers:

Theseus - Evan Buliung

Hippolyta - Ijeoma Emesowum

Hermia - Vivien Endicott-Douglas

Helena - Jessica B. Hill

Lysander - Jordin Hall

Demetrius - Thomas Duplessie

Egeus - Tim Campbell

Philostrate - Rylan Wilkie

Philostrate’s Associate - Richard Lee

The Fairies:

Oberon - André Sills

Titania - Sara Topham

Puck - Mike Nadajewski

Fairies In Titania’s Court

First Fairy (Viola) - Laura Condlln

Nightingale (Violin/Mandolin) - Dominique Leblanc

Peaseblossom - Davinder Malhi

Cobweb - Anthony Palermo

Moth - Silvae Mercedes

Mustardseed - Tarique Lewis

The Votaress - Sara-Jeanne Hosie

Fairies In Oberon’s Court:

Brimstone - Heidi Damayo

Limestone - Derek Kwan

Burdock - Richard Lee

Twig - Angel Lo

Changeling Children:

Rose Petal - Vivienne Abbey

Daisy - Alexandra Krohn

The Mechanicals

Nick Bottom - Michael Spencer-Davis

Rita Quince - Sarah Dodd

Francis Flute - Aaron Krohn

Snout - Sara-Jeanne Hosie

Snug - Steven Hao

Robin Starveling (Piano) - Michael Man

Understudies:

Hippolyta - Laura Condlln

Hermia - Heidi Damayo

Titania - Ijeoma Emesowum

Francis Flute - Steven Hao

Rita Quince - Sara-Jeanne Hosie

Theseus, Snug - Derek Kwan

Oberon, Philostrate’s Associate - Cyrus Lane

First Fairy Music - Dominique Leblanc

Egeus - Richard Lee

Demetrius, - Robin Starveling

Tarique Lewis

Cobweb, Moth, Mustardseed, Peaseblossom, First Fairy - Angel Lo

Lysander - Davinder Malhi

Helena, Snout, The Votaress - Silvae Mercedes

Puck, Philostrate - Anthony Palermo

Nick Bottom - Rylan Wilkie

This was another great production. We attended the first public performance, and were amazed by the play. It is visually fascinating, the moon almost becomes a character in the play. The use of lighting and projecting on the moon is incredible. The set is almost minimalistic, often empty, a large tree and a large stone at times. The flow in and out of the cast as they transition from court, to words, to fairy and back is wonderfully executed. And the fairies in both courts are excellent. Puck is outstanding. Particularly his interactions with the audience, in the prior to the start or the play announcement, and the post intermission interactions from the stage. The costumes are great. My daughter loved many of the dresses and wanted many of them. 

My kids and I often keep an eye out for the filming taking place at Stratford, and would go back to see this again for the filming without hesitation. I am incredibly thankful my children have discovered a love for theatre, and for the amazing productions at Stratford. As mentioned earlier I am not typically a fan of this play, but this production was so well put together I did greatly enjoy it. And my kids absolutely loved it! It is an excellent production. I highly recommend it, if you have the chance go this season, and if not maybe on Stratford@Home or other streaming in the future!

Note: Photos by David Hou/Stratford Festival or our own.

Reviews of Other Stratford Productions:

The Tempest - Stratford Festival 2019 

Richard III – 2022

Hamlet – 2022

The Miser – 2022

King Lear – 2023

Frankenstein Revived – 2023

Grand Magic – 2023

A Wrinkle in Time – 2023

Goblin MacBeth - 2023

Something Rotten – 2024

Romeo & Juliette – 2024

Cymbeline – 2024

Twelfth Night – 2024

Macbeth - 2025 

As You Like It - 2025  

The Winter's Tale - 2025 

Annie - 2025 

Anne of Green Gables - 2025 

Goblin Oedipus -  2025 

The Tempest - 2026  

Something Rotten – 2026 

A Midsummer's Night Dream - 2026 

Othello - 2026 

Saturday, Sunday, Monday - 2026 

…

Reviews of Shakespeare Movies:

Cymbeline – 2014

The Hallow Crown 2012-2016

Macbeth - 2015

…

Related Posts:

A Weekend of Three’s A Trip to Stratford

Romeo & Juliet - Oxford School Shakespeare 

MacBeth - Oxford School Shakespeare 

King Lear - Oxford School Shakespeare 

Cymbeline - The Pelican Shakespeare

Twelfth Night - The Pelican Shakespeare

Macbeth - Pelican Shakespeare 

As You Like It - Pelican Shakespeare  

The Tempest - Pelican Shakespeare 

A Midsummer Night's Dream - Pelican Shakespeare 

…

Books by Ted Neill:

Post Apocalyptic Space Shakespeare Series:

Hamlet

Othello

Twelfth Night

As You Like It

A Mid Summers’s Night Dream

…

Novena and Consecration to Our Lady of Guadalupe: for Nine Days or Nine Months - Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke

Novena & Consecration to Our Lady of Guadalupe

For Nine Days or Nine Months 

Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke

Guadalupe Shrine

ISBN 9781963716023

ASIN B0GQDB2FP2

I greatly enjoyed following the novena the year before this volume released and really looked forward to going deeper with a book during a second consecration. My only complaint is almost all of the material is that which was shared the first year via emails and videos from the shrine. I was really hoping to dig deeper and it was basically the same material in a different delivery method. DO not get me wrong it is great material. Jut was not what I was expecting or hoping for.

The description of this volume states:

“Deepen Your Devotion with Cardinal Burke’s Powerful Guide to Spiritual Transformation

In a world often filled with darkness and confusion, Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke invites you to seek the maternal protection and powerful intercession of the Virgin Mother of God. Novena & Consecration to Our Lady of Guadalupe is more than a prayer book; it is a spiritual roadmap designed to foster faith, deepen your love for Christ, and help you live the truths of the Catholic faith in your daily life.

Why This Novena is Essential for Today

Just as Our Lady drew millions of souls into the Church in the 16th century, she continues to offer a grace of conversion and a transformation from the "culture of death" to a "culture of life and divine love". This book provides the tools to build a “sacred little house” for her in your heart, uniting your life more closely to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Inside This Book, You Will Find:

• Flexible Prayer Options: Detailed instructions on how to make the Novena and Consecration over nine days or nine months, making it accessible for any schedule.

• Authentic Catholic Teaching: Reflections from Cardinal Burke rooted in the mission of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

• Sacramental Encounter: Guidance on how devotion to Our Lady leads us to meet her Divine Son in the Sacraments of Penance and the Holy Eucharist.

• Daily Prayers: Includes the Novena Prayer and the Daily Prayer for those consecrated to Our Lady of Guadalupe.

• Inspiring History: Reflections on Saint Juan Diego’s relationship with the Mother of God and her enduring message of healing and hope.

About the Author:

Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke is a world-renowned prelate of the Catholic Church and the founder of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, Wisconsin. His works seek to support the faithful in navigating the challenges of the modern world through traditional devotion and prayer.

Take up your spiritual tilma today. Join Cardinal Burke in this journey of consecration and experience the maternal love of Our Lady of Guadalupe.”

The sections and chapters in this volume are:

Introduction

How to Make

the Novena & Consecration to

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Outline

Nine Day Novena

Day One

Day Two

Day Three

Day Four

Day Five

Day Six

Day Seven

Day Eight

Day Nine

Act of Consecration

Daily Prayer

of Those Consecrated

Nine Month Novena

March 2 Reflection One

March 2 Reflection Two

April 2 Reflection One

April 2 Reflection Two

May 2 Reflection One

May 2 Reflection Two

June 2 Reflection One

June 2 Reflection Two

July 2 Reflection One

July 2 Reflection Two

August 2 Reflection One

August 2 Reflection Two

September 2 Reflection One

September 2 Reflection Two

October 2 Reflection One

October 2 Reflection Two

November 2 Reflection One

November 2 Reflection Two

December 2 Reflection

Act of Consecration

Daily Prayer

of Those Consecrated

Appendix

This is followed by an excerpt from The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. I highlighted a few passages while reading this volume they were:

“During that time, when Our Lady of Guadalupe first appeared to Saint Juan Diego, he had the profound sense that, in some way, Heaven had come to earth. Through his conversations with Our Lady and his obedience in carrying out her will, his life was changed forever. It was Our Lady, or, rather, the Child in her womb, who had transformed his ordinary world and made it extraordinary: God was present in his midst. In time, Our Lady claimed the New World for Christ, drawing over nine million new souls into the Church by the time of Saint Juan Diego’s death in 1548.”

“Today, we hope for that same grace of conversion from our sins. Today, we pray for the same transformation of a culture of death to a culture of life and divine love. Today, we seek Our Lady’s maternal love and protection, which she offers to anyone who seeks her Divine Son through her intercession.”

“With this book, you, too, can pray a Nine-Day or Nine-Month Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Inside this book are the Novena Prayer, the Novena Reflections, the Act of Consecration, and the Daily Consecration to Our Lady of Guadalupe.”

“In the battle for the truth, we must never give way to discouragement which is always the first temptation of the devil.”

“We, too, receive Our Lady’s assurance in those same encouraging words: What afflicts you is nothing; do not let it disturb you; do not fear; she is here; she is your mother; she protects you; she is the source of your joy; she is holding you in her arms.”

It was great working through this. I did the 9 days, and read ahead for the 9 months. There is a lot of great material in this volume. It is Well worth reading and praying through. I believe anyone who does so will be changed by the experience. I such I can easily recommend it.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Books by Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke:

Novena & Consecration to Our Lady of Guadalupe: for Nine Days or Nine Months 

Hope for the World To Unite All Things in Christ 

Deny Holy Communion? 

The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe 

Consensual Incapacity to Marry 

The Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus 

…

Other posts about Guadalupe:

Our Lady of Guadalupe - Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua 

Message of Guadalupe - Gillian Rae - CTS Christian Shrines Series 

Saint Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe - Josephine Nobisso and Virginia Esquinaldo

Mary at the Crossroads of History - Francis J. Hoffman aka Fr Rocky

The Memorare Moment - Francis J. Hoffman aka Fr Rocky

Novena and Consecration to Our Lady of Guadalupe: for Nine Days or Nine Months - Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke  

A Prayer of the Day Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe

A prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe

...  

St. Vincent Ferrer: Angel of the Judgment - Fr. Andrew Pradel

St. Vincent Ferrer: Angel of the Judgment 

Fr. Andrew Pradel 

TAN Books

ISBN 9780895556868

eISBN 9781618904942

ASIN B00QU9FUEQ

This volume was part of the reading for Father Mark Goring’s, Saint Mark’s School or Reading in the spring of 2026. I enjoyed this volume but found it very repetitive. It was great learning about this incredible saint, and the videos by Father Mark Goring, Father Isaac Longworth, and Sister Elizabeth Marie really add to the experience of reading the book. This time the videos corresponded to a section in the book. But I am getting ahead of myself. 

The description of this volume states:

“This TAN Books edition of “St. Vincent Ferrer: Angel of the Judgment” by Rev. Fr. Andrew Pradel O. P., features the complete text of the title, along with a supplemental reading section entitled “A Brief Life of Christ.” We’ve also included unique hand-selected classic artwork for the reader’s enjoyment, exclusive to this eBook edition of “St. Vincent Ferrer: Angel of the Judgment” from TAN Books.

St. Vincent Ferrer: Angel of the Judgment:

Commissioned by Our Lord Himself to preach His Gospel, St. Vincent began at age 50 an apostolate of preaching that would extend to France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and a few other countries as well. Traveling with him were as many as 10,000 people, including at least 50 priests. The throngs that gathered to hear him came from many miles around, such that he was forced to preach in the open--no church being large enough to hold all the people. Imprimatur.

A Brief Life of Christ:

Absolutely excellent for students and for adult review. Capsulizes the main events and sayings of Our Lord. Map of the Holy Land. A chronological outline. Perfect for a refresher.”

The sections and chapters in this volume are:

SECTION ONE

From The Saint’s Birth To His Religious Profession 1350–1368

1. Prodigies which Preceded the Birth of St. Vincent Ferrer—His Baptism—Infancy and Childhood of St. Vincent

2. St. Vincent Ferrer Receives the Habit of the Friar Preachers—His Novitiate and Profession

SECTION TWO

From The Saint’s Religious Profession To His Call To A Miraculous Apostolate 1368–1398

3. Studies of St. Vincent Ferrer—His Profound Learning—His Great Piety during His Course of Studies and Scholastic Labors

4. First Preachings of St. Vincent Ferrer—Continuation of the Saint’s Preaching Until His Definitive Call to Avignon

SECTION THREE

The Miraculous Apostolate Of St. Vincent Ferrer 1398-1419

5. Christ Miraculously Calls the Saint to an Extraordinary Apostolate in the Church—State of Christianity at the Epoch when St. Vincent Received His Divine Mission

6. St. Vincent’s Mode of Life during His Miraculous Apostolate—The Method Employed by the Saint in Preaching

7. The Company which Followed St. Vincent Ferrer in the Course of His Miraculous Apostolate—Extraordinary Fruits Produced by the Saint in Pious Souls during that Period

8. The Universal Conversion which the Miraculous Apostolate of St. Vincent Ferrer Produced in the Church—Its Abundant Fruits among Heretics and Jews

9. The Apostolic Success of St. Vincent Ferrer among the Followers of Mohammed—The Principal Countries and Cities in which the Saint Preached in the Course of His Miraculous Apostolate

10. The Saint’s Last Apostolic Journeys in Brittany—To the Council of Constance—In Normandy—And again in Brittany

SECTION FOUR

The Virtues Of St. Vincent Ferrer

11. The Virtues of St. Vincent Ferrer in Their Relation to the Service of God—The Saint’s Charity toward His Neighbor—His Heroic Devotedness to the Temporal Necessities of His Brethren

12. Incomparable Zeal of St. Vincent Ferrer for the Salvation of Souls—Other Virtues of the Saint

SECTION FIVE

The Marvelous Gifts Which Shone Forth In St. Vincent Ferrer

13. St. Vincent Ferrer Favored with a Multitude of Visions, Revelations, and Ecstasies—The Secrets of Hearts Revealed to the Saint

14. St. Vincent Ferrer Endowed with the Gift of Prophecy—The Grace of Miracles Accorded without Measure to the Saint

SECTION SIX

Death Of St. Vincent Ferrer 1419

15. The Saint Dies at Vannes in Brittany—His Burial—Canonization—His Relics

16. Devotion Offered to St. Vincent Ferrer by the People and by Holy Personages—Extraordinary Favors with which the Saint Rewarded the Devotion of His Clients

Notes

A Collection of Classic Artwork

A Brief Life of Christ

Introductory

The Setting

Birth of Jesus

Childhood at Nazareth

John The Bapist

Jesus Begins His Ministry

Journey To Galilee

The Kingdom and the Apostles

Manifestations of Divine Power

Speaking in Parables

Increasing Popularity

Death of John the Baptist

Miracles of the Loaves

The Bread of Life

Peter the Rock

Training of the Twelve

Visit to Jerusalem

Clash with the Pharisees

Judean Ministry

The Supreme Declaration

Raising of Lazarus

Last Missionary Days

Banquet at Bethany

Palm Sunday

Second Cleansing of the Temple

Day of Questions

Judas the Betrayer

The Last Supper

Arrest and Trial

Death on Calvary

Risen and Living Still

The eBook edition also includes, as noted above,  the complete text of A Collection of Classic Artwork and A Brief Life of Christ by Fr. Leslie Rumble. 

We are also informed that it has both:

Imprimatur: A. de Pous

Vicar General, Toulouse

October 9, 1863

Nihil Obstat: Fr. Raymond Palmer, Ord. Praed.

Censor Deputatus

Imprimatur: 

 Henry Edward

Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster

The volume was originally published in 1875, it was retype set with minor editing by Tan books in the year 2000. I highlighted a few passages while reading this volume, some of them are:

“May our publication be serviceable to you, dear reader! Should it produce any good in you, be pleased, in return, to remember us in your prayers to the Saint whom we shall have venerated together.”

“Many attempted to imitate his virtues and to walk in his footsteps, whom he lovingly directed by his good counsels.”

“Three years were devoted by the Saint to the exclusive study of Scripture, and one more year to teaching physics in the same Convent of Barcelona.”

“Besides the ascetic exercises to which he applied himself in his cell, he devoted a considerable portion of the night to prayer in the church.”

“Sin had acquired so strong a hold upon the world, the fervor of the good had become so relaxed and the crimes of the wicked had risen to such an excess, that God’s patient forbearance with His creatures was nearly worn out.”

“But to resume the thread of our narrative, St. Vincent was truly another St. Paul, sent by God to bring back to the Faith of Christ a multitude of Jews and Mohammedans, to convert innumerable sinners and to harmonize the faithful of every nation and condition of life in the most perfect bonds of Christian fellowship. We are thus able to see at a glance the general effect of the miraculous apostolate which he received from Christ Himself at Avignon. The Saint was not afraid to affirm it with his own lips. In one of his sermons which he preached in Castile, in the year 1411, we read thus: “The End of the World cannot be far distant, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Has not our Lord Himself said that the bearing of the fig-tree foreshadows the coming summer? Behold, then, the fig-tree of the Christian people. Each day records its reconciliations, and we witness souls forgetting and forgiving the greatest injuries. The delicate, the sensual and the vicious do penance. Obstinate sinners are converted and frequently approach the Sacraments. Nor is the Jewish fig-tree any longer barren, for we see it daily producing its abundant and choicest fruits in every city in Spain.” He might have added heretics and Mussulmen likewise. Truly, then, St. Vincent exercised in the Church an apostolate such as never was witnessed since the establishment of the Gospel. 1 St. Vincent having evangelized Avignon and the neighboring towns, set out on foot for Spain, preaching in various places where he was obliged to stay. It was at Graus, in Catalonia, that he instituted the procession of Disciplinants and laid the foundation of that marvelous company of pious souls who accompanied him in his apostolic journeyings. Here also he left behind him, as a souvenir, a crucifix which the inhabitants begged of him, and which became the instrument of many miracles.”

“He then exercised the sacred ministry in another way—he instructed the children in Christian doctrine, which, in the latter days of his life, was his most cherished occupation.”

“The Saint’s hope was even more lively. He made daily use of the means of salvation instituted by Divine Providence. He made his Confession every day and received the Sacrament of the Eucharist; he faithfully accomplished the duties of his calling, and he did not resist the inspirations of grace.”

This was a harder volume to read than many done in the school of reading. In part its age, in part being in translation, and for me in part because it was so repetitive. And maybe because of my dyslexia those issues were amplified. I am thankful I worked through it to the end, it was worth it. And to be honest if it had not been for the videos it would have ended up on my ‘did not finish’ pile.  It was a good read with Father Mark Goring’s School of reading.   

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan! 

For a list of all books that are part of Father Mark Goring's Saint Mark’s School of Reading click here.

The Last Book in the Universe - Rodman Philbrick

The Last Book in the Universe

Rodman Philbrick

Scholastic Canada

ISBN 9780439087599

eISBN 9780545303873

ASIN B00B9FX1TC

A few weeks ago I was having a discussion with a young man in his early 20’s and asked about his favourite book, because that is what bibliophiles do. He immediately said this Freak the Mighty, no hesitation, no pause just an immediate answer. I looked it up later in the day and discovered there was two books in that series and also a movie. While working on the review of the first Mighty book, I found a bout a half dozen I was interested in just from the titles. So this is the third volume by Rodman I have read in three weeks, and every time I read one the list of ones I want to read grows! I enjoyed that first one so much I had picked up 3 other volumes by Philbrick before I even finished it! 

I have been publishing reviews for 21 years now, first in papers and magazines and then on my blog and other platforms. I was cancelled by Amazon a few years back, but continue to read and write reviews because I must. I have tagged Scholastic over 450 times on my blog for reviews of books, or for my Top Ten Lists each quarter or year. I was greatly surprised I had not encountered this author or these books. Back to the book at hand. The description of this volume state:

 “This fast-paced action novel is set in a future where the world has been almost destroyed. Newbery Honor Author Rodman Philbrick is at his very best.

The Last Book in the Universe joins the Scholastic Gold line, which features award-winning and beloved novels. Includes exclusive bonus content!

Nobody around here reads anymore. Why bother, when you can just shoot all the images and excitement straight into your brain? I've heard of books, but they were long before I was born, in the backtimes before the Big Shake...

In a world where people only use mindprobes for entertainment, a teenaged boy is one of the rare human beings who can see life for what is really is. Cruelly nicknamed "Spaz", he is subject to random seizures that make it impossible for him to use the brain-drain tech. But what sets him apart eventually becomes his salvation.

After meeting an old man called Ryter, Spaz begins to learn about how the world used to be before the catastrophic earthquake that changed everything. There is a story of a promised land, rich in its bounties, that can cure any ailment and more beautiful than any place left in the desolate wasteland humanity calls home. The two set off to find Eden in the hopes of saving Spaz's dying sister, and together, seek to bring some good back to the world.

Fahrenheit 451 meets The Giver in this action-packed thriller from the author of the bestselling novel Freak the Mighty.”

About the author we are informed:

“Newbery Honor author Rodman Philbrick has written more than a dozen novels for young readers. In 1993, he published his first children's book, Freak the Mighty, which became an instant classic, and was made into a feature film. The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg was a 2010 Newbery Honor Book. Philbrick's other acclaimed novels include Max the Mighty, The Young Man and the Sea, The Last Book in the Universe, Zane and the Hurricane, and Wildfire. Philbrick divides his time between Maine and the Florida Keys. You can learn more about him on his website: rodmanphilbrick.com.”

This is another very moving story. This is the first science fiction I have read from Rodman, and it is very well done. It is a story about family, friendships, duty, and responsibility. It follows a young man nickednamed “Spaz” because he suffers from seizures. He lives in a post-apocalyptic world. There is an area where elites live, people who have been genetically enhanced. And surrounding it are a series of zones, independent fiefdoms ruled with and iron or bloody fist. Spaz must traverse several of these zones to get to his dying foster sister's side. Risking everything for someone he loves. Along the way he finds out a lot about the pre quake world and even about himself.

It again reminds me a lot of the works of Andrew Clements or Gordon Korman. I am really surprised I had not encountered the author previously. These first three books are so good; I might just end up reading everything from the author. After reading this Philbrick I am being reminded more of Madeleine L’Engle who wrote adult fiction, nonfiction, children’s fiction, teen fiction, and even theology.  

This is one of those moving stories you could read over and over again. It is a classic. It is a great read for young readers and those who read to them. And it is touching even for us older folks. It is a fantastic story I can easily recommend. And I know I will be reading more by Philbrick and the various names he publishes under!

Books by Rodman Philbrick:

Max the Mighty Series:

Freak the Mighty (1993)

Max the Mighty (1998)

…

 

House on Cherry Street Series: (with Lynn Harnett)

1. The Haunting (1995)

2. The Horror (1995)

3. The Final Nightmare (1995)

…

 

Werewolf Chronicles Series: (with Lynn Harnett)

1. Night Creature (1996)

2. Children of the Wolf (1996)

3. The Wereing (1996)

…

 

Visitors Series: (with Lynn Harnett)

1. Strange Invaders (1997)

2. Things (1997)

3. Brain Stealers (1997)

…

 

Wild Series:

1. Wildfire (2019)

2. Wild River (2021)

3. Wild Wave (2024)

4. Wild Blizzard (2026)

…

 

Other Books:

Shooting Star (1982)

The Black Moon (1989) 

Brothers and Sinners (1993)

The Fire Pony (1996)

Abduction (1998) (with Lynn Harnett)

The Mighty (1998)

The Last Book in the Universe (2000)

Dark Matter (2000)

Rem World (2000)

The Journal of Douglas Allen Deeds (2001)

Coffins (2002)

The Young Man and the Sea (2004)

Lobster Boy (2005)

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg (2009)

Listening To Kids In America (2011)

Zane and the Hurricane (2014)

The Big Dark (2016)

Who Killed Darius Drake? (2017)

We Own the Sky (2022)

…

Written as William R Dantz:

Pulse (1989) (as by William R Dantz)

The Seventh Sleeper (1991) (as by William R Dantz)

Hunger (1993) (as by William R Dantz)

Nine Levels Down (1995) (as by William R Dantz)

Written as by W R Philbrick:

The Big Chip (1990) (as by W R Philbrick)

…

J.D. Hawkins Series:

1. Shadow Kills (1985)

2. Ice for the Eskimo (1986)

3. Paint It Black (1989)

4. Walk on the Water (1991)

…

 

T.D. Stash Series:

1. The Neon Flamingo (1987)

2. The Crystal Blue Persuasion (1988)

3. Tough Enough (1989)

…

Written as by Chris Jordan:

Randall Shane Series:

1. Taken (2006)

2. Trapped (2007)

  aka Lost

3. Torn (2009)

4. Measure of Darkness (2011)

…

The Fighter - Jim Sano - Father Tom Book 7

The Fighter

Father Tom Book 7

Jim Sano

Full Quiver Publishing

ISBN 9781987970784

ASIN B0H2BZFWKB

I have been a big fan of both Jim Sano and Full Quiver Publishing since encountering the, Jim has now published 9 books, and this is the seventh in the Father Tom series. Reading a book in this series is always like a visit with an old friend. In some ways Father Tom reminds me of Andrew M. Greeley’s Blackie Ryan, and also of Father Gabriel by Fiorella de Maria. And reading any story with Father Tom and Angelo is like a visit with an old friend you have not seen in a while. But I am getting ahead of myself.

I read a copy of this story over Holy week. Because of family and other commitments I had to put it down several times. Each time it was more difficult. The description of this volume states:

“Danny Nolan is an underground boxer and a single father to his nineteen-year-old daughter, Jenny, who is probing into the mysteries of their family history and a traumatic past that haunts him. As his carefully constructed, isolated world in the South End of Boston begins to crumble and he risks losing Jenny, he must face the Irish crime boss who raised him, the father who abandoned him, and the devastating truth he’s spent a lifetime running from. Entering the Golden Gloves boxing tournament as a path to redemption, Danny navigates a kidnapping, a murder mystery, and the climax of his emotional journey of fear, faith, trust, and truth, with the unexpected help and friendship of Father Tom and Angelo.”

About the author we are informed:

“Award-winning author Jim Sano grew up in an Irish/Italian family in Massachusetts. Jim is a husband, father, lifelong Catholic, and has worked as a teacher, consultant, and businessman. He has degrees from Boston College and Bentley University and is currently attending Franciscan University for a master’s degree in Catechetics and Evangelization. He has also attended certificate programs at The Theological Institute for the New Evangelization at St. John’s Seminary and the Apologetics Academy. Jim is a member of the Catholic Writers Guild and has enjoyed growing in his faith and now sharing it through writing novels. Joline is his eighth novel.

 

Jim resides in Medfield, Massachusetts, with his wife, Joanne, and has two daughters, Emily and Megan, and grandchildren, Harper and Hunter.”

This story begins on January 7th 2010 and that first chapter is the only one with a date under it. It takes place over many weeks. But we are given a lot of backstory as characters remember the past. And a good chunk of this story is actually trying to figure out some past mysteries. Mysteries around family, friends, and fighting … in the ring that is.

Dany Nolan has raised his daughter as a single parent since he was 16. She is now about to finish secondary school or high school depending on where you are from and is looking to the future. But the past has a hold on both Danny and his daughter Jenny. And the secrets Danny has kept, and the secrets that have been kept from him just might destroy all that they both love.  Father Tom and Angelo get pulled into the mystery on a few different fronts. First they have watched Jenny grow and mature through school and through the young adults group at church. But Angelo is also asked about coaching Danny in the Golden Gloves. 

There are a lot of rumours about what happened when Danny’s mother and father went missing, and it looks like history is about to repeat itself. Can Father Tom and Angelo help alter that course, and can a lot of prayer and a little luck avoid a great tragedy? 

This story is another masterfully written tale from the pen of Sano. It was not easy to put down, and even when I finished it, I debated just starting over again and giving it a second read. Each time I read one of the Father Tom stories I think I should go back and reread them all again, and one of these days I will get around to it.

This book and series are ones I would love my teen children to read. I have recommended them to my father. And I have mentioned different books to numerous friends. 

Everything I have read from Sano has been excellent. I can easily recommend this excellent story about faith, family, friends, and just maybe forgiveness. A masterfully written story in a great series. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Jim Sano:

Van Horn

The Journey

…

Father Tom Series:

The Father's Son

Gus Busbi

Stolen Blessing

Self-Portrait

Fallen Graces

Joline 

The Fighter

…

Growing in Self Esteem - Marie Paul Curley, FSP - Just A Minute Meditations

Growing in Self Esteem 

Just A Minute Meditations 

Marie Paul Curley, FSP   

Pauline Books and Media

ISBN ‎9780819816917

eISBN 9780819816924

ASIN B0CW1B5KSB

I have picked up a most of the volumes in this series over the years but had not got around to reading any of them until earlier this year. As of the writing of this review there are 7 volumes in the series, 4 authors with Sister Kathryn having penned 4 of the volumes. And to date only 1 is penned by Marie Paul Curley, FSP. I have four of them on my Kindle purchased over the last two years. But while researching for this review I have found out, at least a few of the volumes are a rebranding of volumes published 8 years ago under the titles “Mediations for …”.

The description of this edition states:

“Are you trapped by feelings of self-doubt or self-loathing? How do you cultivate a healthy self-esteem while living selflessly? Believe in God’s love for you and live with greater confidence and peace with help from this pocket-sized book of 30 meditations. Each meditation includes a Scripture passage, a brief reflection, and a short prayer. The book also features additional prayers to help you nurture a balanced self-esteem grounded in God.”

Another current description is:

“Are you trapped by feelings of self-doubt or self-loathing? How do you cultivate a healthy self-esteem while living selflessly?

This pocket-sized book of thirty meditations will help you believe in God's great love for you and live with greater confidence and peace. Each meditation includes a Scripture passage, a brief reflection by Sister Marie Paul Curley, FSP, and a short prayer. The book also features a short collection of additional prayers to help you nurture a balanced self-esteem grounded in God. Whether you are a beginner in prayer or seeking wisdom and direction for a difficult time, Growing in Self-Esteem offers guidance, support, and encouragement for your relationship with the Lord.

Growing in Self-Esteem is part of the Just a Minute Meditations series, a collection of themed meditation books to help you pray through the challenges of life.”

About the author we are informed:

“Sister Marie Paul Curley, FSP, is a Boston native and a professed Daughter of St. Paul since 1987. She speaks regularly on Salt + Light Radio Hour and has authored many books, including See Yourself through God's Eyes and Soul of Christ. Her personal passions include writing, exploring the connection between faith and the media arts, the spirituality of Blessed James Alberione, and Eucharistic spirituality.”

The chapters in this volume are:

Introduction

1. God Chose to Create You

2. God Will Never Forget You

3. God Never Makes Mistakes

4. God Can Fulfill Your Needs

5. You Are Called by God

6. You Don’t Need to Prove Yourself

7. God Can Free You from Fear

8. God Wants You to Be Honest

9. When You Doubt God’s Love

10. Your Fragility Is Blessed

11. You Are Lovable

12. Jesus’ Invitation to You

13. God’s Inexhaustible Mercy

14. God Works in Your Life

15. Cultivate a Grateful Heart

16. God Wants to Surprise You

17. Perfectionism Is a Myth

18. God Works through Your Weakness

19. Fix Your Gaze on Jesus

20. Your Life Is in God’s Hands

21. Be True to Yourself

22. God Draws Close to the Suffering

23. Your Vocation to Love

24. Forgiveness Will Free You

25. God Always Helps You to Grow

26. God Wants to Be Your Light

27. Failure Can Help You

28. God Is with You Always

29. Find Peace of Heart in Jesus

30. God Delights in Who You Are

Prayers

The prayers in a section at the end of the book are:

Lord, You Know Me

God’s Love in Christ Jesus

God’s Dream for Me

“I Am with You”

Jesus, Hold Me Close

You Are Always Thinking of Me

Struggling with Self-­Doubt

In Times of Anxiety

Help Me to Have Perfect Trust

Unfailing Prayer for Hope

I Believe

A Prayer Just for Today

Back cover

I highlighted a few passages while working through this volume, they are:

“You may wonder if self-esteem is something that a person of faith should care about. You may have heard that followers of Christ don’t need self-esteem because they are supposed to be selfless. But growing in a healthy self-esteem is not about being selfish. A healthy self-esteem allows us to embrace God’s will for our lives and to live life with more joy.”

“I am excited to share this little collection of Scripture passages followed by reflections based on my experience in growing in self-esteem. I hope and pray that they will help you come to know just how much God loves and cherishes you!”

“God understands you and is tenderly faithful. God will always be at your side. Jesus’ entire life, but especially his passion, death, and resurrection, is constant proof that God is faithful and will never abandon you.”

“Do you see your mistakes and sometimes count them as evidence that you are worthless and no good? At times like this, you can remember that God does not see your mistakes as an insurmountable problem. God’s mercy is much bigger than any mistake.”

“Living in God’s love will give you the courage to use your God-given gifts and trust that God will provide for all your needs.”

“Jesus, I believe you are present in the Holy Eucharist in your Body, Blood, soul, and divinity. In the Eucharist, you long to heal today, just like you healed people while you lived on earth. Heal me too!”

“God offers us healing and forgiveness through the sacrament of Reconciliation, the celebration of God’s inexhaustible mercy and a renewal of relationship with God.”

“Perfectionism is a myth. While God makes many promises in Scripture, he never promises perfection. No matter how hard we try, we will never be perfect in this life. God always has our best interests at heart. He cares less about efficiency and results and more about our growth in faith and trust. To see a situation from God’s perspective can help us escape perfectionism.”

“Dear God, you freely give us grace because your Son, Jesus, gave his life for us. When I have anything to suffer, help me to offer it in union with Jesus so that I can become more like your Son.”

A sample day is:

“13 God’s Inexhaustible Mercy

Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ . . . [The younger son] squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need…. So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—­the best one—­and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’”

Luke 15:11–­14, 20, 22–­24

Each time we become more aware of our sinfulness and seek forgiveness, we have an opportunity to grow closer to God. God never tires of bringing us new life!

God offers us healing and forgiveness through the sacrament of Reconciliation, the celebration of God’s inexhaustible mercy and a renewal of relationship with God.

In the ocean of God’s mercy, your shame and sinfulness become insignificant and are washed away. God’s forgiveness means that your guilt does not have the last word.

Jesus, you told the apostles, “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them” (John 20:23). I thank you for the amazing gift of the sacrament of Reconciliation. Help me to receive it often.”

I hope those quotes and sample day give you a feel for this book, and I believe the series. This was a good volume to read and pray through over a month. I benefitted from it, a couple of the days I ended up reading more than once. It is an easy volume to engage with, and you will benefit based on how much effort you put in. It would be a great book and series for teens, young adults and us older adults as well.

It is a good book and great series. I can easily recommend it. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Books in the Just A Minute Meditations Series:

Embracing Hope in Christ – Kris Frank

Finding God In Times of Depression – Kathryn J. Hermes

Finding Inner Peace – Kathryn J. Hermes

Grieving with Christ – Mary Leonorr Wilson

Growing in Self Esteem - Marie Paul Curley

Healing After Betrayal – Kathryn J. Hermes

Trusting in God’s Love – Kathryn J. Hermes

…

Books by Sister Marie Paul Curley:

Bread Of Life: Prayers For Eucharistic Adoration

Christ Lives in Me: The Eucharistic Spirituality of Blessed James Alberione, SSP

Essential Eucharistic Adoration Prayers

Eucharistic Adoration Prayer Book

Growing in Self Esteem

Life for the World: A Way of Eucharistic Adoration for Today

Saints Alive Faith Proclaim

Saints Alive Gospel Witness

See Yourself through God's Eyes: 52 Meditations to Grow in Self-Esteem

Soul of Christ: Meditations on a Timeless Prayer

…