Okay for Now is a companion novel to 'The Wednesday Wars', focusing on Doug Swieteck as he moves to Marysville with his family. The story explores themes of hope, transformation, and overcoming adversity, as Doug finds solace in art and builds new relationships. The novel delves into complex issues like alcoholism and abuse, offering a message of resilience and change.
Set in suburban Long Island during the 1967–68 school year, *The Wednesday Wars* follows Holling Hoodhood, a seventh-grader who spends Wednesday afternoons with his teacher, Mrs. Baker, while classmates attend religious instruction. Through Shakespearean studies and mishaps involving cream puffs, yellow tights, and cross-country races, Holling confronts bullying, family pressures, and historical events like the Vietnam War and the assassinations of Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. The novel explores themes of resilience, friendship, and coming-of-age amidst societal turmoil.
The Complete Father Brown Stories brings together all the tales of G.K. Chesterton's beloved detective, featuring his unique approach to solving crimes through empathy and understanding of human nature. The series includes five primary volumes: The Innocence of Father Brown, The Wisdom of Father Brown, The Incredulity of Father Brown, The Secret of Father Brown, and The Scandal of Father Brown, along with two additional cases discovered posthumously.
The Green Ember series is a popular children's adventure series written by S.D. Smith. The series follows the adventures of heroic rabbits in a world filled with danger and excitement. The stories are filled with action, suspense, and heartwarming moments that appeal to both children and adults. The series has gained popularity for its engaging characters, exciting plotlines, and underlying themes of courage, faith, and family. The books have been praised for their ability to entertain and inspire readers of all ages.
The Wingfeather Saga is a fantasy series for children and young adults written by Andrew Peterson. The series follows the adventures of the three Igiby siblings as they navigate a world filled with mythical creatures, perilous quests, and moral dilemmas. The books explore themes of family, courage, faith, and the importance of fighting for what is right. Peterson's writing style is known for its whimsical tone, memorable characters, and engaging storytelling. The series has gained a devoted following and is praised for its positive messages and imaginative world-building.
The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R.R. Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth. The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo. The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return. Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will[3][4][5].
In 'Orthodoxy,' G.K. Chesterton presents a compelling defense of Christianity, arguing that it is the most rational and fulfilling worldview. The book is a personal and philosophical journey where Chesterton explains how he came to embrace traditional Christianity after exploring various heresies and philosophies. He compares Christianity with other worldviews, highlighting its unique ability to balance paradoxes and provide a coherent explanation of human nature and the world. Chesterton's writing is characterized by his wit, humor, and profound insights, making the book both intellectually stimulating and engagingly readable[1][2][4].
John Lovell and SD Smith, author of the Green Ember series, discuss how stories shape lives and inspire courage. They explore the series' impact on John's family, its heartfelt origins, and SD Smith's new Helmer origin story and video game, backed by a Kickstarter campaign (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/storywarren/green-ember-helmer-in-the-dragon-tomb/?ref=kicktraq). The episode also covers Bill Belichick’s relationship, Trump’s 100 days, and listener Q&A.
The John Lovell Podcast 
