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The Last of the Really Great Wangdoodles by Julie Andrews Edwards is a whimsical and imaginative book that encourages readers to look up and use their senses. It explores the themes of imagination, confidence, and perception, while also highlighting the importance of noticing and play. The book's purpose is to inspire readers to face temptation, use their imagination, and look up instead of down. Thanks to our special guest hosts, Titus and Jonah, for providing their extra insight into today's review. Takeaways ImaginationConfidencePerception Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Book02:22 Exploring Imagination and Perception07:09 Noticing and Play20:01 The Author's Purpose

“With my mother it was all work. But this is a different type of house. Here there is room, and time to think.” Foster, a novella by Irish author Claire Keegan, slows readers down. We meet the Kinsellas, relatives, who welcome the protagonist into their peaceful home overflowing with warm kindness!  She is dropped off, literally, by her disengaged, shiftless Da (aka father), what a contrast her past abode and living situation is to what is now before her. “The water tastes cool and clean…it tastes of my father leaving, of him never having been there.”  Kate’s one word summary was belonging. Our forlorn narrator is invited into the rhythm of the Kinsellas household. Belonging encourages our young protagonist to bloom in an amazing way. Sheila’s one word summary was actually two : )  Torn describes the beginning and end  of the book when the girl wanted to return with her father, struggling between staying in the better place versus returning to the chaos she called home. In the middle of the book the word opportunity comes to mind.. As we have opportunity, let us do good to one another.  Blessings dear listeners! Let’s connect to reflect!

Greetings! We are joined by our special guests to discuss Andrew Clements’ classic from 1998, Frindle. Prankster Nick Allen meets his match in the formidable Mrs. Granger. This timeless novel weaves quite a tale. Mrs. Granger said people determine the meaning of words, so Nick invented the word frindle for pen. The battle begins. Jonah’s one word summary was chess, because Nick makes a move and it is countered by Mrs. Granger. Then Nick ‘moves’ again… Just like a game of chess. Titus’ one word was over-react. He thought everyone over-reacted… from Mrs. Granger to Nick to the news reporter. Kate went with empowering. Words are powerful. A command of language is empowering. Sheila’s word was flourish, because Mrs. Granger tenacity caused Nick to flourish. She was willing to play the bad guy to get traction for Nick’s word. Like Mrs. Baker from The Wednesday Wars, Mrs. Granger changed Nick’s life in more ways than one. Join the fun. Who will win the word war? Here’s a interesting quote: “But of course, all of this is just a silly fad, and when you add an "e" to fad, you get fade. And I predict this fad will fade.” What do you predict?  If you haven’t met Nick and Mrs. Granger you’re in for a treat. If you’ve read Frindle you might enjoy, Frindle Files, the sequel written in 2024. Pick up your frindle and write this down, “Let’s connect, to reflect”! Blessings dear listeners!

We continue our  journey through Book 3, Psalms 73-89. These Psalms show a plethora of high and low in relationships with God. When we aren’t as close to God we can rest assured that we are the ones who are moving in the wrong direction.  “But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works.” Ps. 73:28 “But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels.” Ps. 81:11 “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly…blessed is the one who trusts in you!” Ps 84:11-12 Kate’s one word summary was remembrance and Sheila’s was trust. When we remember all that God has done we will give thanks to Him with whole hearts as David wrote in Psalm 86 . Remembering fosters an attitude of gratitude. Won’t you join us as we connect to reflect about the abounding steadfast love of our faithful Father!

We hope that episode 242 will bless you in a big way.  We hope you join us as we recap the  holy fear of God in John Bevere's book, The Awe of God.  Each chapter starts with a quote such as:  “Men reverence one another, not yet God.” Henry David Thoreau Kate’s one word summary was humility and Sheila’s was obedience. Both words heighten our awareness of God’s holiness, which starkly contrasts with our deficiencies. This awareness can be a catalyst for becoming poor in spirit. When we realize that we are spiritually bankrupt we trust God and obey him.  Wasn’t that King Saul’s problem? He was prideful and did not trust or obey Him. He lacked a hold fear of God and this led to jealousy, anger, and impatience. James 4:8 tells us to “purify our hearts by embracing the fear of the Lord.” Psalms 112:1-2 “How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying His commands…” Let’s discover the joyful bliss of this holy fear as we dive into The Awe of God!  Blessings dear listeners! Thank you for joining in as we connect to reflect!

Bildungsroman at its best! The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt transports us to Long Island, NY back to 1967. Readers meet Holling Hoodhood, a seventh grader stuck with spending Wednesday afternoons with his teacher, Mrs. Baker, while the rest of his class goes to religious classes at their prospective churches. Holling is positive his teacher hates him.  This book throws a wide loop. There’s several Shakespeare plays, Mickey Mantle signing baseballs, cream puffs, a snowstorm, disengaged parents, cross country, the Vietnam War is in the background along with rats, yes, rats! Holling’s dad is image focused, how he and his architect company are perceived by the town is all he thinks about. When Holling’s sister leaves home the father is unconcerned!  He might be an awesome architect but he is a lousy father with a capital L. Let’s jump into The Wednesday Wars! Thanks so much for listening! Let’s connect to reflect! Blessings!

“You blocks, you stones, you worse than senseless things!” Shakespeare had a gift for turning a phrase! “It was Greek to me” and “mischief thou art afoot” are a few more colorful quips from his iconic play, Julius Caesar. This tragedy was written in 1599, however the actual assassination of the powerful general took place about 40 years before Jesus was born.  Betrayal is shockingly portrayed as Caesar is stabbed by a crowd of cunning conspirators, the last stab belonged to Brutus, a ‘trusted’ friend. It is amazing how Shakespeare takes a well-known event in history and weaves it into an unforgettable story. Political problems are prevalent today as well, but we do not have an orator with Antony’s ability to turn the crowd! “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears; I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.” Click the link for an amazing delivery of his speech! Damian Lewis as Antony in Julius Caesar: 'Friends, Romans, countrymen' | Shakespeare Solos What a great time to wrestle with this text, during the dog days of summer! Thank you for joining us in our jaunt with the Bard! Let’s connect to reflect! Blessings dear listeners!

“There was a boy called Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it.” Join the gang as we dive into The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis.  Our one word summaries tell the tale: Adventure, Temptation, Transformation, and Humility. We join Prince Caspian’s search for the 7 lost lords of Narnia. Kate and the boys connected the lords to the 8 evil temptations.  Eustace turned into a dragon so his outside would match his heart. It is interesting that he was unable to become a boy again by his own strength. Great Aslan quote: “I am the great bridge builder.”   Edmund, Lucy, and Eustace (their complaining cousin) are in the throes of action and danger as they join King Caspian on the Dawn Treader, are you ready to hop on board? Blessings dear listeners! Let’s connect to reflect. For more on the eight evil temptations that tripped up these seven lords who were once good you can visit Recap Book Chat Episode 239

“When you claim it, you control it.” What a power packed statement from Jefferson Fisher in The Next Conversation! We’re in chapter 5, Control the Moment and Jefferson gives us a ‘road map’ to follow. Getting the framework down will take some time, but once it is built, wala communication upgrade! Let’s dive in: Let your breath be your first word. He even gives the breathing technique that helps the most. Body scan - Where is my body holding stress? Name it - “Verbalizing transforms insecurity into a product of confidence and strength.Small talk - Start with a verb it pushes you to act. “Stand up! Welcome the difficult,Find the Struggle… “You can’t control the other person, but you can control the moment.” Let’s grow together! Let’s connect to reflect. Blessings dear listeners!

Readers who loved the Emma M. Lion series will thoroughly enjoy meeting Marianne from Edenbrooke. Yes, dear readers there is a ‘knight’ in shining armor. This complex character exemplifies the mystery of Pierce, the love of books as young Hawkes, and the witty banter of the Duke. How does the perfect romance novel  include a robbery, a shooting, and a kidnapping? I am not sure, but somehow Julianne Donaldson weaves it artistically into this beloved book!  No spoilers here, just the recommendation that you will not regret meeting Marianne Daventry. I can’t say as much for her twin sister.  Sheila’s one word summary was noble and Kate’s was misunderstanding.  We loved this advice to Marianne from an older wiser character:  “ I have discovered happiness is being true to who I am. I hope you will give that idea some consideration.”  “Don’t let others' expectations direct the course of your life.” Treat yourself to a whirlwind romance that even Jane Austen would recommend! You will savor your time in Edenbrooke! Blessings dear listeners!

Time travel with us to London back in December 1931. Right off the bat a soldier disabled from WW I  blew himself up with a hand grenade; our heroine was so close she got her bell rung! Among the Mad is Jacqueline Winspear’s sixth Maisie Dobbs novel. Maisie’s summoned to work with Scotland Yard to help solve the case. They’re up against the clock because the Prime Minister's life has been threatened. Maisie is also worried about her trusted assistant, Billy, and his wife, Doreen, who has not been able to accept the death of their daughter. Another concern Maisie is faced with is her dear friend, Priscilla, who is battling dragons of her own. The caringness and understanding of our protagonist shines through as she meets people where they are and tries to move them forward. Never does she rush, she thoroughly asks questions no one else is asking, and she listens intently to answers, compiling the clues piece by piece like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. The Superintendent Chief MacFarlane called Maisie in to work on the case after receiving a threatening note that mentioned her name. Maisie’s approach differs from the men she’s working with because she holds to the adages, “...inside the villain is a victim” and leave no stone unturned. Maisie’s dad, Frankie, referred to London as a desperate place, with those who cannot find work contrasted with those who’ve got too much. Sadly, we learned that the isolation returning soldiers were fighting was a much different battle than the one they fought alongside comrades in the trenches.  Won’t you join us as we join Maisie and Billy to untangle the mysteries! Blessings dear listeners! Let’s connect to reflect! https://recapbookchat.com/2026/07/13/among-the-mad-maisie-dobbs-6-episode-236/

Today we recap Psalms 42-72, Book 2. The sons of Korah wrote Psalms 42-50, do you remember them? Kate sent us back to Numbers 26:11, Korah died and 250 others, but his sons did NOT die! What a story of REDEMPTION! Psalm 42 begins with an amazing visual of a deer panting for water. This reminds us how we should thirst for God. Our thirst should focus us on God, even in times of trial. Testing our thirst is how we test our hearts. Do we thirst for God’s Word? Do we thirst to talk about spiritual things? Do we thirst to worship God? This connects to MT 9:13 “I desire mercy not sacrifice.” Jesus was quoting Hosea 6:6, where God was explaining He desires faithfulness, love, and mercy from His people. Following the law to the letter and ignoring its spirit put the Pharisees in the same boat as the ancient Israelites.  Psalm 44 is powerful because the people are going through hard times and they have NOT forgotten God. Sometimes, bad things just happen, we must TRUST God whatever life throws at us. Remember Paul and Silas singing in prison?  David prays for God to create in him a clean heart in Psalm 51. This is after his sin with Bathsheba and the killing of Uriah. David humbly beseeches God, he doesn’t play the blame game or make excuses. He seeks God’s mercy. Portrait of a Fool, Psalm 53, mirrors the message in Psalm 14. Remember when God repeats something, He wants us to pay attention. Fools never seek to learn about God and know Him because they say there is no God. Psalms show the ups and downs of living for God. Is it easy? Can you name anything worthwhile that is easy? The wide path is easy but it’s not the one that leads to God. Solomon ends Book 2 with Psalm 72. We go from David to Jesus, King of all nations! His kingdom will not end.”May people be blessed in Him, all nations call Him blessed!” May our thirst for God remind us daily of our need for Him. Let’s connect to reflect! Blessings to you dear listeners!  https://recapbookchat.com/2026/07/07/psalms-42-72-aka-book-2-episode-235/

Do you know the last fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5? It is the theme of today’s podcast from chapter 4 in The Next Conversation by Jefferson Fisher, Control Yourself. Fisher explains the two phases of every argument, ignition (aka fight or flight) and cooling (aka rest & digest). “Ignition happens when, with enough friction, the productive becomes destructive.” In this phase, the prefrontal cortex functions little to nothing. This explains why so many unkind and  unthinkable comments are growled and often yelled, the decision-making part of the brain is out to lunch. Connects with a couple of idioms,  “I put my foot in my mouth” and “He put his foot in it.” The Next Conversation will help us eliminate those instances! “Friction offers room for improvement. Because what triggers you teaches you.” Here is Fisher’s breakdown of triggers: Physical triggers-most noticeable, impact your sense of well-beingPsychological triggersSocial triggers - worried about how others perceive youPersonal identity threats - A. Competence, B. Autonomy, C. Purpose, & D. ValueLoss  If you learn to understand your body’s reactions and ups and downs, you’ll also be able to recognize the triggers of others. “They aren’t behaviors to get offended over. They’re information to gather.” Remember, what triggers you teaches you, if you’re willing to learn…If you want to put out fires, find their trigger.” It’s a win win, are you ready to dive in? Blessings!

Kate and Sheila share their favorite books about freedom, liberty, and captivity—fiction, nonfiction, and kid lit—ready for America's 250th Independence Day! This firecracker of an episode has a different look. Kate and Sheila discuss a myriad of "freedoms," highlighting book after book. Whether fiction or nonfiction, these treasures are guaranteed to hook. Contrasting both the cost and the blessings liberty brings, we see the cruelty of captivity and the wonder of wings. These texts are so freeing, they’ll make your heart sing! Happy 250th Independence Day, dear listeners! Blessings! Books Featured in This Episode Nonfiction UnbrokenThe Last Green ValleyGlittering Vices (Sloth / Vainglory / Envy / Greed / Wrath / Gluttony / Lust)Here Be DragonsDestiny of the RepublicEverything Sad Is UntrueFiction Les MisérablesThe Book Woman of Troublesome CreekThe Brothers KaramazovEast of EdenKid Lit Way of the Warrior KidThe Wingfeather SagaThe Bronze BowLetters from Rifka

Let’s dive into the poetry and wisdom genre of the Bible! Today we recap Psalms 1-41 a.k.a. Book 1. David wrote all but 2 of this group, most are prayers of distress or statements of confidence in God. David reminds us in Psalm 1 to delight in the law of the Lord. The man who meditates on His law day and night will be like a tree planted by the water. What a robust visual! As we’ve mentioned before our playlist matters. Remember the adage, GIGO (garbage in, garbage out), let’s flip that and put wisdom in and pray that wisdom comes out. David wrote that we should “serve the Lord with fear’ Psalm 2, but we do NOT need to fear evil (Psalm 23) because God is with us. What a powerful contrast! Psalm 19:7-11 expresses the cause and effects of God’s law! Read those verses and notice the outcomes of being true to God and His Word. Psalm 34:5 describes those who look to God as being radiant.  David trusted God through his triumphs and his trials, what a great example of how situations should not be the focus. Our focus should be on seeking to please God! Try sprinkling a Psalm in your daily Bible reading. Share which one you connect with the most at this season in your life. What a blessing you are, dear listener! May we grow together as we connect to reflect!