The Importance of Self-Care for Educators

Teaching is one of the noblest professions in the world, but it is also one of the most stressful jobs and can take a toll on one’s mental health.

Teachers and instructors of all fields and interests are some of the most generous and most caring people you will ever meet in your life. They share not only their time but also their skills, knowledge, experiences, and wisdom. They are also great enablers, and without them, most of us will likely fail in life. Teachers and instructors are also the first to tell us that mindset matters, and to achieve success and absorb learning, one must be in healthy and stable mental health.

Now, it is interesting to note that teachers and instructors also have their adversities. Every day, they have to take care of pupils and subordinates and ensure their welfare and education. Which begs the question, ‘who takes care of the teachers’ welfare and mental health?’ There is a silent threat that has always been around but is not discussed openly in public, and that is the deteriorating mental state of teachers and instructors.

The Mental State of Teachers and Instructors

Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, teachers and instructors were subjected to stress. Many of them are overworked and underpaid. In public schools with a high poverty rate, school teachers and instructors often have to deal with poor facilities, inattentive students, and a very harsh environment. Private and high-end learning institutions also have their fair share of challenges and demands, and even well-paid teachers can still be subjected to personal and professional stress.

Aside from these internal factors within the boundaries of the teaching profession, there are also external factors that amplify the stress, anxiety, and depression among teachers and instructors. Recently, the pandemic has been a tremendous contributing factor to why many teachers feel depressed, hopeless, and are thinking of quitting their jobs.

The new setup coupled with unfamiliar routines and demands often does that to any professional in any field. But for teachers and instructors, this can be extra sensitive. If you factor in economic and personal issues, you have fragile ticking bombs waiting to explode. Saying that there is a need to address the teachers’ mental health and wellness is a gross understatement.

Taking Care of Teachers’ Health and Wellness

The Call to address our teachers’ mental health and overall wellness is nothing new. There have been efforts to take care of teachers’ health and mental well-being for the past decades. Some institutions emphasize workload management, higher compensation, more benefits, and even holidays and leaves. The teacher-Student ratio is also an issue that is continually being addressed just to unburden teachers.

However, there are more tangible and direct approaches to dealing with the mental health and wellness of teachers. They are more immediate and comprehensive, dealing with the mind and the physical and emotional aspects.

Lori-Ellen Pisani, retired educator, school administrator, = psychoanalyst, and author of The Journey Home, designed a program to help female teachers and instructors improve their mental health. Pisani’s From Burnt Out to Fired Up Program is designed for female teachers, instructors, and educators who feel burnt out and discouraged in all stages of their careers. The program seeks to help teachers renew their passion for professional teaching, quit and pursue other passions, or plan an exit strategy that will enable them to leave when the time is right for them to pursue their other life goals.

Schools have also adopted similar programs, and private counseling services have also designed services targeting teachers and instructors. Physical exercise and activities, self-compassion, setting and re-setting expectations for self and others, self-care, and reflection are among the key features in program

There is a need to address the concerns of our educators, especially now that we are dealing with the great pandemic. There are new routines and standards are being set. The role of teachers and instructors in educating young minds and passing on knowledge to the new generation is crucial not only in nation-building but also in ensuring the survival of the human race. If we cannot take care of our teachers and educators, we are doomed to fail.

Meaningful Books that Will Remind You of God’s Love and Mercy

There are a bunch of things that freed us from sin, and God’s love and mercy are among those. According to Ephesians 2:4-5, “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” The ever-loving and merciful God sent us His child to save humanity. Love served as the fuel that encouraged Him to go in the course of mercy and grace and bestowed it upon us.

But, as we journey into this world, there are moments that we tend to remember and appreciate His great love to us. Luckily, several books were written that serve as a reminder of how He loved us that He showered his mercy and grace on us. Listed below are the meaningful Christian books that you shouldn’t miss reading.

The Hands of God: A Collection of Short Stories about God’s Intervention in Human Lives by Judith Martin Alford

The Hands of God by Alford is an anthology of short stories that revolve around His intervention in the lives of His people that widen His love and mercy for them. The illustrated edition of this captivating book was published in 2020 by Covenant Books. An excerpt from this book goes, “The greatest joy that I have had in life is watching and seeing what the Hand of God has done and is doing.” Thus, every story showcases the miracles and solemnity of God, which immensely changed the lives of those who believe in Him. It also provides proof that He is indeed bestowing his grace to everyone at present as He did in Biblical times.

Love Beyond Reason by John Ortberg

This remarkable Christian book by John Ortberg was published in 2001 by Zondervan. It gives light to the questions: how can you elaborate on a love that has no explanation?; and, what are the outcomes if you allow it to touch your heart? In this book, the author uncovers the God that everyone desires to meet, which is a Father who entirely loves you and is extremely committed to your towering happiness. Ortberg brings you to the essence of His being to witness a great and genuine love that doesn’t get tired of giving. What makes this book more engaging is its way of looking into the life-altering methods God’s love has expressed by Jesus Christ.

To: You; Love, God: A Year of Daily Guidance and Inspiration Straight from the Source by Will Bowen

Will Bowen’s inspirational book titled To You; Love, God: A Year of Daily Guidance and Inspiration Straight from the Source has been guiding readers since 2014, published by Convergent Books. This book features a bunch of promising and heartfelt messages that can change your life. It primarily encourages everyone to embrace His love each day. Hence, the author offers you a 365-day devotional that can make you appreciate and be reminded of God’s presence, love, compassion, and assurance. You can definitely gain inspiration, meditate spiritually, and conquer each day knowing that He is there for you.

The Name of God is Mercy by Pope Francis

The Name of God is Mercy is a bestselling book authored by Pope Francis and translated by Oonagh Stransky. It gives back with the desire of touching everyone who is seeking what it truly means to live, what path to take to arrive at peace and forgiveness, and how to achieve physical and spiritual healing. Thus, the Pope invites the readers to a personal dialogue about mercy — a topic that has been his faith’s foundation and papacy’s core teaching.  

The Prodigal Prophet: Jonah and the Mystery of God’s Mercy by Timothy Keller

The New York Times bestselling author Timothy Keller penned the heartwarming book titled The Prodigal Prophet: Jonah and the Mystery of God’s Mercy. He unravels the concealed profundity within the book of Jonah. Hence, he raises a case that the said prophet was among the worst in the whole Bible. But, there are explicitly vivid bonds between Jonah, the prodigal son, and Jesus, the son of God. According to the book, Jesus saw a reflection of himself in the prodigal son. The question of how could a disobedient prophet be compared to the savior arises and will be given light through this book.

Exceptional Books for Spiritual Awareness that You Shouldn’t Miss

Spiritual awareness is one of the essential things in life. Why? It has the power to help you gain self-realization and understanding. Although the common misconception about spiritual awareness is that it goes beyond oneself, it is still evident that spirituality starts in you. Thus, it is not all about the superficial understanding but also about self-awareness; and, the latter turns into a great foundation of spirituality.

There are many factors that can awaken and impact an individual’s spiritual wellness. But, a great activity that can give positive results is reading. There are many outstanding books that aim to guide people in achieving spiritual awareness and awakening. If you want to check out some of these books, then here are the best titles to look out for.

Pony Ride to an Awakening: The Journey of a Mystic by Hedin Daubenspeck

Pony Ride to an Awakening: The Journey of a Mystic is a promising book written by Hedin Daubenspeck. It contains the personal account of the author during his spiritual journey and the stories from people close to his heart, mixed with thorough information about the spiritual practices from both past and present. Pony Ride to an Awakening serves as a guide for readers in achieving spiritual awareness considering psychic experiences, everyday intuition, and the spiritual inner voyage that can result to self-realization. 

Peace is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life by Thich Nhat Hanh

In 1992, the book by Thich Nhat Hanh titled Peace is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life was published. It contains a foreword by H. H. the Dalai Lama. This book inspires every reader to work hard for tranquility and order in the world as they journey on maintaining personal peace by transforming the mindless to the mindful; because, in this fast-paced life in the modern times, people seem to lose connection with peace. This remarkably written book features commentaries, personal tales, and meditations that many can learn from.

A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose by Eckhart Tolle

This #1 New York Times bestselling book was published by Penguin and authored by Eckhart Tolle. In another outstanding book, Tolle elaborates the powerful concepts from his first spiritual book The Power of Now. The author aims to let readers realize the ways on rising above the ego-based state of consciousness can also give the chance of solving conflict and agony from all across the globe. Moreover, he also explains the ways everyone’s attachment to the ego makes the error that results to different negative emotions, such as unhappiness, jealousy, and more. This spiritual book will definitely give every reader the enlightenment and encouragement that they never thought they needed.

Spiritual Enlightenment: The Damnedest Thing by Jed McKenna

Spiritual Enlightenment: The Damnedest Thing by Jed McKenna is the first book of The Enlightenment Trilogy published in 2011. McKenna surprises the readers not only through contributing to the collective spiritual knowledge in the world but also bringing out spiritually from spiritual enlightenment. Furthermore, this book serves as a guide and a revelation for readers who are currently taking a spiritual journey. This is the pioneering works that elaborates the reasons behind failure as a rule in the quest for enlightenment and the ways to break these rules.

Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives by Dan Millman

The revised edition of Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives by Dan Millmanwas published by HJ Kramer in 2006. It is an international bestselling book that helps every individual in finding the bigger meaning and purpose of life again. Ways of the Peaceful Warrior is not only a spiritual manual for readers for it is also an autobiographical book that shows everyone the means of a peaceful warrior. By reading this book, readers can realize how living as a peaceful warrior can lead to a life filled with mindfulness, reflection, benevolence, and acceptance.

Therefore, spiritual awareness can lead to different positive results including but not limited to self-realization, compassion, happiness, and meaning. Through reading books that highlight this subject, you can also reflect, work on, and maintain a more meaningful life with proper understanding of spirituality.

Must-read Books that Will Warm Your Hearts

Every reader has different intentions and reasons why they read. Some get into reading for pure entertainment while others dig into stories for more profound reasons, which are to be understood, aware, and reflect, among others. Indeed, the sense of comfort and fulfillment upon getting to know different stories, meeting various characters, living other lives, and exploring several places are incomparable.

Thus, books definitely do more than just telling stories but also warming hearts, raising awareness, showcasing experience, and educating readers. There are millions of stories that can absolutely satisfy your bookish needs and can touch your hearts. If you are looking for the best titles, listed below are the must-reads you might want to add to your TBRs.

Grandpa Nick’s Bump by Mrs. Lynda M. Daniele, O.P.

This book is a story of grandpa and grandchildren by Lynda Daniele titled Grandpa Nick’s Bump. It showcases the heartwarming tale of the beloved main character named Grandpa Nick, who the kids in their neighborhood treasure because of the way he nurtures and loves them, which is purely based on the author’s late husband. Grandpa Nick and the kids made wonderful memories together, especially when he agreed to be their non-biological grandpa. Sadly, he passed away because of a tumor, which caused the emergence of a bump on the side of his head. Hence, this book narrates how the kids coped up from his passing and learned of the joy of heaven.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

Australian novelist Graeme Simsion penned the book titled The Rosie Project that was published in 2013. It focuses on the story of Don Tillman, who is a genetics professor that has difficulty in having serious romantic relationships. With the assistance of a peer, he created a questionnaire to evaluate the compatibility of the female partners. The original plans were brushed off the side when he encountered Rosie, the girl who didn’t fit into several criteria but turned out to be a significant character in his life. It became a bestseller and was confirmed to be adapted into a film a year after its publication. The sequel of the book titled The Rosie Effect was also published the following year.

A Mango-Shaped Space by Wendy Mass

A Mango-Shaped Space is a young adult fiction book published in 2003 penned by Wendy Mass. The following year, it was awarded the American Library Association Schneider Family Book Award. The story revolves around a teenager named Mia Winchell who has synesthesia, which is the muddling up of the senses. For her, every word and each sound seem to possess some colors. Hence, the book highlights both the positive and negative events that she goes through in school and in her personal life. Because of how impactful the story is, it was gained multiple recognitions, nominations, awards, and reviews.  It was also adapted into an audiobook narrated by Danielle Ferland.

I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

In 2014, Jandy Nelson’s young adult fiction book titled I’ll Give You the Sun was published by Dial Books. It bagged the following awards: 2015 Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature, 2015 Stonewall Honor Book, 2015 Bank Street’s Josette Frank Award, YALSA Top Ten Best Fan Fiction for Young Adults, and 2015 Rainbow List Top Ten. Moreover, the story centers on the twins named Jude and Noah. When they were 13 years olds, they were inseparable. But three years after, it seemed like something scarred their relationship. The recent years were told by Noah while the years later were told by Jude. What truly happened between the two? Find out.

Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn

A 2001 epistolary book by Mark Dunn titled Ella Minnow Pea was published by MacAdam/Cage. The story is told via mail or notes passed between several characters. Thus, the book is defined as “progressively lipogrammatic” because as the tale continues, more letters are ruled out from the writings. While the bunch of letters vanishes, the story becomes creatively spelled and demands more effort for the readers to comprehend. The film rights of the novel are under the possession of Gold Leaf Films, which was announced in 2016.

Best Books about Love and Courage

Have you ever wonder what it is like to fall in love? Is it only about getting butterflies in your stomach when you’re together, or does it go beyond it?

There are many definitions of love, and these meanings often change depending on the person you’re asking to. But, the common denominator in the variety of answers is that it has a receiver — whether it is another individual, a thing, a goal, and such. There is no established prerequisite in loving someone. However, there are unavoidable circumstances that require a handful of courage to get through complex circumstances.

In literature, love became a popular theme in a million stories. It withstands boundaries through coming across various genres, times, and readers. Its existence in stories, especially if it is combined with other emotions or values, elevates the overall impact of the text. So, if you are a sucker for books about love, courage, and everything in between, then here are the must-reads for you.

You Can’t Keep Her: Sequel to Bonita by Carl R. Brush

You Can’t Keep Her: Sequel to Bonita by Carl R. Brush is a historical thriller novel published in 2018. It follows the story of a mother whose child was stolen from her named Bonita Kelly. After six years, Bonita found out about the whereabouts of her kidnapped child. Instead of taking her kid back, she strategically planned on how she can at least connect with her offspring. Everything was going well at first, but when questions were asked, the plan seemed to flop. Her life starts to become messy, but she is determined to clear her name, especially her parents, and to get her kid back. Thus, this is a tale of self-discovery, bravery, and love.

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

The infamous Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet are the star-crossed lovers of William Shakespeare’s tragic play called Romeo and Juliet. Their love story is the concrete definition of unrequited love turned into an infinite romance. The feud between both of their families is the main conflict of the story and the reason why they cannot be together. Romeo and Juliet did their best to be together, but they end up dying. And, they died loving one another. Although this masterpiece is originally a play, there are already books and films that are either based or inspired by the story. 

Allegiant by Veronica Roth

In October 2013, the last book of the popular Divergent series by Veronica Roth titled Allegiant was released. The story is told in the eyes of the protagonist, Tris Prior, and her lover, Four. In this tale, the factions were already shattered, meaning people are already factionless. Before that, there were already a lot of betrayals, deaths, and challenges. When the opportunity to discover the world beyond the wall arrived, Tris and Four didn’t hesitate to grab the chance. They found a place where they can start fresh without deception, lies, and pain. But, the secrets of the strange place threaten their lives. Tris, as she thinks best, braved herself to face the real enemy for the protection of those that she loved the most.

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

The Tale of Despereaux is an award-winning children’s book penned by Kate DiCamillo. It was published in 2003 by Candlewick Press. The main plot of the book revolves around the thrilling quest of the mouse called Despereaux Tilling. He ventures on a remarkable adventure in order to save a lovely human princess named Princess Pea from the hands of the rats. The tale is split into four parts which are the following: Book I: A Mouse Is Born, Book II: Chiaroscuro, Book III: The Tale of Miggery Sow, and Book IV: Recalled to the Light.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Jojo Moye’s romance novel titled Me Before You is all about finding love in the most unexpected time and learning to love life and pursue one’s dreams after a beloved is gone. Apart from that, it also highlights desperation, which can be seen in both Will and Louisa. The former is a wealthy bachelor who became disabled after an unfortunate accident, while the latter is an ordinary woman who does her best to get a job. Their employee-employer relationship grows into something special. Her warm personality encouraged him to see life from a better angle, but, sadly, he already made his decision.

Inspirational Reads That You Should Check Out

Have you ever felt that the world is conspiring against you? Did you ever have moments where you thought everything is not going according to your plan? For sure, the results of these tough times are a little less desirable. The reality is that life is not always rainbows and unicorns, for it can also bring a little thunder and great hurricanes. It is definitely important for you to recognize and realize how life’s duality can affect you; because, if you don’t, the tendency is that you will run out of inspiration and will grow unenthusiastic of the things that you once were passionate about.

Luckily, there are various mediums that can help you get a better grasp on the mystery of life and boost your drive to conquer each day. Among these remarkable means are books. Simple as they appear, they definitely can give you the best advice, appropriate answers, and enough motivation. With that being said, listed below are the inspirational books that you shouldn’t miss reading.

The Sounds at River’s Edge: True Stories of Growing Up on the Intercoastal Waterway by Bobbie J. McLaren

In 2007, Bobbie J. McLaren’s heartwarming book titled The Sound at River’s Edge: True Stories of Growing Up on the Intercoastal Waterway was published by Xulon Press. It is a tale about an extremely imaginative kid and a father’s love. McLaren takes you to the moment when the world wasn’t as fast-paced and advanced as it is under the point of view of a child. According to the author of the first chapter of the book titled A Leap of Faith, “… I believe that if you were as I was, as a child, then you too know that adventures were as close as thought as and nearer than your next breath.” Thus, it will show you how everything appeared to move gradually with a time that witnessed history transform as never before in the 21st century together with happiness and sadness and laughter and tears.  

Choose Yourself! by James Altucher

Choose Yourself! is a self-help book penned by James Altucher. It helps in throwing light in your journey so you could mold a brilliant new path out of the remnants of the old one. There are several reliable data that were featured in this book, including the personal story of the author to teach readers to maximize the chances that emerged from the wreckage of the old economic system and to continue enjoying the security and comfort knowing that you took the opportunities for personal and financial growth while everything is crumbling down. Hence, it also gives you the motivation and drives to choose yourself, be your own boss, and achieve success.

Becoming Wise: An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of Living by Krista Tippett

The reprint edition of this New York Times bestseller was published in 2017 by Penguin Books and written by Krista Tippet. Moreover, Becoming Wise: An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of Living is intended for individuals that desire to tackle the major questions of this time through imagination and bravery so that they can create brand-new realities in the stations that people live and to execute everything with happiness. In this book, the author has built a master class in inhabiting a fractured world. Tippet stands firm on the chance of personal profundity and basic life for this century, fostered through science and “spiritual technologies,” together with extremity and affection as dynamic public enactment.

The 5 Second Rule: Transform Your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage by Mel Robbins

The 5 Second Rule: Transform Your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage by Mel Robbins is a best-selling book that already touched millions of lives. Through this book, everyone is expected to learn the motivating and relatable tale of how the author created the 5 Second Rule while experiencing the darkest time of her life. While battling anxiety and dealing with financial issues, Robbins started to make these rules and began sharing them with people from all across the globe. Hence, this excellent, science-based, and reliable book has the ability to help you realize that you are only five seconds apart from an entirely different life.

Benefits of Reading Nonfiction Books

Reading helps in developing a person’s mind, views, skills, and lifestyle. The stories and lessons in every book can bring remarkable changes to the reader’s life. Moreover, nonfiction is among the best genres that can help and encourage bookworms to come up with their own concepts and be gradually in control of everything. With the facts and real events featured in each book, everyone will definitely appreciate and enjoy reality.

There are millions of nonfiction books in the market that will surely cater to every need of the readers. The Book of It by Richard Scott Rahn, Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, and Atomic Habits by James Clear is among the best titles under this genre. But aren’t you wondering why there are many readers who prefer nonfiction to fiction? What are the benefits that they can get from it? Here are the perks that you should know.

Gain more knowledge and enlightenment

Nonfiction books tackle a wide array of subjects. Thus, they can satisfy your thirst for knowledge in different fields and aspects of the world. If you desire to gain more enlightenment about a theory or idea, there are books that are ready to cater to your needs. If you want to obtain more information about a particular historical figure, then there are a variety of works that you can delve into and enjoy. Thus, nonfiction definitely allows every reader to learn from each work. Apart from the lessons that they offer, books of this genre also widen and improve the vocabulary and comprehension of bibliophiles.

Obtain self-understanding and development

There are a handful of subcategories under nonfiction, and self-help is one of those. Hence, readers can discover different ways and more information on taking care of and improving oneself. Surely, there are many means of learning about self-understanding, but nothing does it better than books. The works in this genre encourage you to venture greater heights, allow you to heal from traumas, empower you to use your voice, help you to boost your self-esteem, and other things that, when pieced together, can create a remarkable whole — which is a better you.

Be aware of the different events in the world

In this fast-paced world, it cannot be helped that there are multiple events that took place that has impacted the lives of many. These happenings are either positive or negative. But, regardless of it all, what matters is the ways they leave a mark on people’s lives. Having an awareness of the occurrences in the society helps everyone to act and empower one another to recognize the social issues, such as poverty, racial discrimination, climate change, overpopulation, health, and more, and take action. Through reading nonfiction books, many will be informed and aware of how these events can impact people’s lives and the world that they live in.

See the bigger picture in every situation

There are moments that everything seems to not make sense. There are also times that your judgment becomes clouded. Hence, things don’t seem to fall into place as they once were. But, nonfiction books exist to give you the clarity that you needed and the drive that allows you to see the bigger picture in every situation. Sometimes there are events that put weight on your shoulder and even affect your health, but works under nonfiction will help you understand the whys and hows of these circumstances. Thus, by learning to look at the bigger picture, you can develop a better mindset, avoid conflicts, and recognize room for improvement.

Understand the ways people live their lives

Everyone has different ways of living life. There may be instances that you cannot comprehend why others are doing what they do and pursuing what they pursue. But when you read nonfiction, specifically memoirs and biographies, you can start to gain more understanding that people have different lifestyles, beliefs, experiences, purposes, and goals. While gradually molding more sensitive and mindful thoughts and feelings towards this matter, the respect for other’s choice will begin to generate. Hence, respecting what others preach and their ways will also reflect on how you treat them and how they will return that treatment.

Catechism and Children’s Literature

Literature plays a vital role in teaching children about not only primary education but also faith and religion.

Faith and religion are two essential things that parents need to teach their children. In many parts of the world, religion is handed from generation to generation, like a sacred heirloom. Many of us adapt our parents’ and forefather’s faith. That has always been the way things work.

But, the fact is, faith and religion are not heirlooms that children can accept blindly. They must be taught and made to understand its teachings, tenets, and traditions. While eventually, they will be able to observe it, systematic teaching or lecturing about faith and religion is still important. That is why Catechism is a vital tool in the Christian faith. 

Catechism is a summary of the principles of the Christian religion in the form of questions and answers, used for the instruction of Christians.’ This practice of teaching converts and would-be Christians has benefitted one of the most influential religions in the world. Educating the faithful and expecting them to practice the Christian way of life is the main thrust of the Church and religion, any religion for that matter.

Moreover, over the years, the Christian Church has evolved and has adapted various ways of teaching catechism worldwide. With modern times and liberal ideas all over us, Christian catechism has dramatically changed as well. Dull lectures are now replaced with youth camps, small circle discussions that are peer-oriented, and other interactive methods to spread Christianity to young and adults. Literature has also played a notable role in spreading the Gospel and the Christian message. 

A Creative Catechism and Children’s Literature

The Adventures of Cammy Lambie in the Place of the Big Blue Sky is a children’s illustrated book by Mara-lee Stricker. It features the adventures of a young lamb named Cammy, who is joined by his twin brother Sammy, his Mother Ewe, and Granny Lambie. The book contains stories and adventures that introduce kids to the concept of God and Christianity. Mara-lee Stricker’s biography states that she is a mother and a grandmother with four grandsons.

In her book, there is a reference to her grandsons. They probably inspired her to write the book. Stricker’s book is a simple year handy tool to help parents answer some of their children’s questions about God, Jesus, and Christianity. It is a perfect example of using children’s literature in developing creative means to catechize our children. Kids have a short attention span, and yet they are inquisitive. To catch their interest, we employ artistic ways to teach them about Lord and the idea of Christianity. Children’s literature is an effective tool for doing this. They contain bright, colorful images, short and easy-to-read texts, and characters that they can relate to or remember.

The Importance of Catechism for Young Minds

Just like teaching the alphabet, numbers, and basic information to kids, Catechism can be absorbed well if we teach it to them at a young age. Young minds can absorb ideas and concepts if we model them to their level of understanding and present them creatively and remarkably. Scientifically speaking, the earlier we introduce something to kids, the more they can remember and retain the idea. The same applies with regards to teaching little ones about the Almighty Father, Christianity, and faith in Him. The Christian faith is base on values and morals, and the earlier kids can grasp these teachings, the earlier we can build a strong foundation.

In this day and age, there is too much distraction that many kids grow up not knowing about Jesus, or God, or the basic teachings of the Church. Many of those who grew up without catechism have no empathy and other core values essential to becoming God-fearing and kind individuals. If we want to stop the disintegration of moral values and society as a whole, we need to educate our young, and what better way than to start early. By employing literature, arts, even multimedia, we can attract the interest of modern kids and invite them to the ways of the Catholic Church. The catechism doesn’t need to be dull or dogmatic; it only needs to be relevant all the time.

Great Reads Under Fantasy Fiction

You probably have heard this genre in your English class or have seen this labeled in one of the aisles in bookstores. Fantasy fiction is indeed a popular literary genre that houses millions of books and series that can bring you to awesome worlds, meet different creatures, and have fun going through the stories as if you’re one of the characters.

What sets fantasy apart from other subgenres of fiction is the way it makes ordinary things extraordinary. In other words, it puts twists on normal stories and adds magic, supernatural, and other elements that elevate the whole storylines of each piece. If you are a fantasy fanatic, then we have compiled below some of the must-read books under this genre that you might want to add to your reading pile.

The Shadow of the Staff: A Wizard’s Revenge by M.A. Haddad

M.A. Haddad’s fantasy novel titled The Shadow of the Staff: A Wizard’s Revenge was published in 2011. It follows the story of the people of Hatu, a mythical place that was once a peaceful continent. Among the extraordinary creatures that live in the area are dwarves, elves, men, orcs, wizards, and trolls. Long before, a wizard named Porttia headed an evil army that terrorized all of Hatu, but he was defeated by Master Milton Brew. But after hundreds of years, another dark power has emerged to threaten the land once again. The last Brew descendant named Master Burton Brew is a diffident hero that will, later on, become a courageous fighter to help retain the peace in Hatu. So, watch out for his adventure.

Daughters of Twilight by Collette Jackson-Fink

Published in 2013 by Outskirts Press, Daughters of Twilight is the debut book of author Collette Jackson-Fink. It introduces the story of how a peaceful metropolis in the Midwest area of Waterloo, Iowa, is about to reawaken along with angels. After a strong earthquake occurred in Waterloo, a massive black pyramid-shaped tower emerged in a cornfield in Blackhawk County.  Many thought that the peculiar tower is in slumber and inactive; but, when they sent people to investigate its interior, Danes Cole — a part of the special tactical team, encountered a beautiful being that has been damned and banished from the Garden of Eden. What would the creature bring to the little city?

Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch  by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett

Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch is a horror fantasy novel co-authored by promising authors Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. It was published in 1990 by Gollancz in the U.K. and Workman in the U.S. Moreover, it is a comedy book that centers on the birthing of Satan’s son and the approaching of the end times. There are two characters, an angel and a demon, who tried to hinder the coming of the end times after they become used to their comfortable environment in England. Good Omens also features different subplots, which added to the overall impact of the book. Because of the variety of colors and elements that the book showcases, it ranked 68th on BBC’s survey called The Big Read in 2003. 

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows is the first book of the duology that has the same name as the title. It was published in 2015 by Henry Holt and Co. and was followed by the Crooked Kingdom a year after its publication. The story is narrated using a third-person point of view of 7 characters. It focuses on the tale of a group of thieves in the city of Ketterdam — based on the Dutch Republic.  Moreover, the book gained multiple recognitions and feedbacks from different platforms, such as The New York Times, The Guardian, NPR Books, and The Times of India.

The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks

The Way of the Shadows is the first book of the fantasy series of Brent Weeks called The Night Angel Trilogy. It follows the story of an orphan named Azoth, who is an orphan. He always thought that survival is significant yet also dangerous; thus, you should never take it for granted. Azoth grew up in the slums of the city and developed a great sense of judgment and risk assessment. Then, the time has come for Azoth to leave his old life and start accepting his new identity. Would Azoth survive?

Comparative Literature: What You Need to Know

Literature is more than just books and stories. This realm has a variety of factors that are beneficial to its patrons and its broad array of genres and subjects are among the advantageous things a reader can get. One of the hit literary subjects that many have stumbled upon during their English classes or have seen on a particular aisle in bookstores is comparative literature. Thus, let us get to know this topic.

What is comparative literature

Comparative literature refers to the academic discipline that focuses on the study of literature and culture, which covers multiple frontiers, including language, country, geography, and discipline. In other words, the role that it plays is comparative to the academic field called international relations. However, the former deals with languages and artistic customs, as well as get a better grasp on cultural expression.

Moreover, it centers on the connection between literature and other types of cultural expression. There are various questions that this subject can give light to, such as the stand of literature in the society, ways of answering to values, movements in the society, and political aspects through literature, and more.

The main goal of comparative literature is to promote reading across linguistic extremities to put the spotlight on things that the entire concentration on national literature seems to go hazy. While most often tackled along with writings of diverse languages, this study can also be utilized on works of similar languages if they came from various countries and cultures among which the language is spoken.

The distinctively intercultural and cross-border field of this study examines the connection between literature, widely defined, and other domains of human events, such as politics, art, science, history, and the likes. In contrast to the other types of literary subjects, comparative literature gives emphasis on the multidisciplinary evaluation of social and cultural creation all throughout international relations, economy, cultural movements, economy, historical movements, religious diversity, etc.

George Brandes, furthermore, is considered the father of comparative literature. He was sensitive to Romanticism’s rejection in Europe, as well as to the emerging of realist, scientific, and pragmatic concepts and ideas in various fields. Brandes was acknowledged as the father of comparative literature because he is known as the first literary critic to get a better grasp of the native artistic creations as the outcome of an extremely particular mindset. Main Currents in Nineteenth Century Literature, which is titled his masterwork, showcases the cutting edge and the response in the three European kinds of literature added to his credibility.

Early Writers of Comparative Literature

There are many works that are considered comparative literature in today’s day and age. However, there are handfuls that are actually recognized as the foundations of this subject. These said writings are written by the following remarkable figures:

  • Juan Andrés
  • Hugo Meltzi de Lomnitz
  • H.M. Posnett

But, precursors can be seen in the concepts of John Wolfgang von Goethe in his views of world literature. Many Russian formalists also gave credit to the Russian literary theorist Alexander Nikolayevich Veselovsskly for setting down the groundwork for comparative literature.

Modern and Contemporary Writings under Comparative Literature

Comparative literature has been an important part of the literary realm. Many have learned various things from this subject. Even from the modern to the contemporary period of literature, there are many works that have showcased the features of this subject. Listed below are the best comparative literature books in the modern and contemporary literary eras.

  • One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez – It was originally written in Spanish with the title Cien Años De Soledad. This particular work by Marquez was translated by Gregory Rabassa and was published by three different publishers.
  • Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf – This remarkable book was first published in 1925 by Hogarth Press. It tackles different kinds of themes, such as mental health, existential concerns, feminism, time and secular living, and homosexuality.
  • The Yellow Rose: A Novel of the Texas Revolution by Carl R. Bush and Bob Stewart – The words “Yellow Rose” in the title refers to a beautiful mulatto woman. Thus, the book centers on the story of Emily West, and her tale is connected to a song and legend with the 1836 Texas Revolution.

Therefore, comparative literature is definitely an interesting and a great subject to learn from and get to know.

Design a site like this with WordPress.com
Get started