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More Winter
Books
Readers choices
Inspirational,
thought-provoking, challenging books
NCR readers are readers -- no doubt of that. Some weeks back,
Editor Michael Farrell invited readers to name their favorite books of the past
year and that they did. Many favorite titles and the reasons to read them
appeared in the Winter Books supplement, published in the Nov. 6 issue. And
here come the rest.
Jane Emerson San Diego, Calif.
A good book I recently read is The Children by David
Halberstam, Random House New York, 1998. Someone should review it.
Margaret M. OBrien State College, Pa.
My best book is for people of all ages and races: In Gods
Name by Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso, Jewish Lights Publishing. It is done
in the format of a childs book, but definitely with adult thinking. This
book is endorsed by Protestant, Catholic and Jewish religious leaders. Give
yourself a treat. The story and pictures are beautiful and inspiring. Good for
gift giving. It is $16.95 and well worth it! Bet you cant read it only
one time!
Emmet Cahill Volcano, Hawaii
Best by far is Richard McBriens Lives of the Popes,
Harper. More than mere biographies, it is a papal and political overview of the
past two millennia. Balanced and informative it is fair to all 262 pontiffs,
the inept as well as the ept.
Fr. Harold J. Pavelis Concord, Calif.
The bishops of England and Wales in 1995 said that in the church
there are people who feel hurt or angry or excluded. A recent
statement from the National Conference of Priests in England said, People
no longer expect simple, authoritative decisions from a church leadership which
does not appear to take their understanding into account. In the United
States, 16 million Catholics feel separated from the church. One tenth of the
parishes are closed; most seminaries are closed or nearly empty. Many good
Catholics are frustrated, angry, confused, sometimes bitter, alienated or just
feeling marginal and hurt.
Thus, I urgently commend Fr. Henry Fehrens Good News for
Alienated Catholics, Resource Publications. With 50 years of pastoral
experience behind him, Fehren, a Roman Catholic priest still with the church,
is in touch with people -- as Jesus was. His writing is honest, straight from
the shoulder, sensitive yet vigorous, easy to read (sometimes humorous), yet
thoroughly researched and based on the gospels. He is outspoken, with no taste
for religious slop or pious garbage. Its no wonder that the Catholic
Press Association in one of the numerous awards given to him says, God,
is he good! His writing constantly touches the head and the heart. Concrete
detail, contemporary in theology and prayerful in spirit. Just what we
need today!
Jean Bohr Romeoville, Ill.
My nomination for best book of recent history is Kitchen Table
Wisdom: Stories That Heal by Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen, Riverhead Books/The
Berkley Publishing Group, 1996. I think this book was mistitled. It sounds like
one of the cutesy self-help books that fill bookstore shelves.
Rather it is a collection of very thoughtful reflections by a woman
(granddaughter of a rabbi) who began her career as a pediatric physician and
now counsels cancer patients. Her insights into the human person, into what
constitutes healing are right on target and profoundly religious, although she
rarely uses religious language. I have found her material helpful to those in
ministry. She easily connects with our hope to be of service to others.
Joseph F. Hacker III and Frances E. Hacker Champaign,
Ill.
Images: Sights and Insights by Mary K. Himens of the
Sisters of Ss. Cyril and Methodius, Golden Apple Press, was recently read by
both of us. It is an excellent book and we recommend it highly and want to
share our experience of it with you. Images describes a journey that
each of us can make in the depth of our souls. From Beginnings to
Swinging at Ninety, we feel ourselves moved to great depth and we
can say yes. The greatness of our creator and the wonders that surround us are
brought together through verse and photographs by Carolyn Treadway. This
combination feeds not only the soul, but also the spirit. There are many truths
to be shared in the text; laughter and tears, but always Gods love comes
through. A truly fine addition to any spiritual library.
Jane Wiberg Walnut Creek, Calif.
By far my favorite book of 1998 is Madeleine Delbrel: A Life
Beyond Boundaries by Charles F. Mann, New World Press, 1998. This
fascinating portrait of Madeleine Delbrels life (1904-1964) details her
growth from precocious child to bohemian adolescent to confirmed atheist to
vibrant Catholic convert and founder of a small Christian community of
professional women in a communist-run suburb of Paris. A dynamic,
unconventional Frenchwoman, Madeleine was a staunch advocate of the
Christian-Marxist dialogue, the Worker Priest movement, the cause of world
peace, the rights of political prisoners and the dignity of the poor and all
minorities. She approached all people, including communist people, as people
not as stereotypes. With her quick wit and wonderful sense of humor, she
brought much joy and laughter to those around her. Much like Dorothy Day,
Madeleine centered her spirituality on justice and kindness. She saw the world
as the meeting place of God, and proved that a contemplative life can be lived
within the heart of action. In many ways, this spiritual pioneer lived the
spirit of Vatican II long before it was convened. It took tremendous courage
for a woman in the 1930s to 60s to confront the injustices of a
male-dominated French church and society. Ironically, although Madeleine had
her problems with the institutional church, her cause for beatification is now
in process at the Vatican. This extraordinary human being helped rejuvenate my
faith by helping me rediscover the essentials of Christianity. What an
inspiration for our times! As Trappist Fr. Basil Pennington asserts in the
foreword, Madeleine Delbrel is truly an exciting person whom I am very
happy to have met, at least through the engaging pages of this excellent
biography. I feel enriched by the acquaintance -- and challenged to be more of
a Christian myself. I totally agree!
Nancy J. McGunagle Petaluma, Calif.
It is wartime. Karl, a 21-year-old Nazi S.S. soldier (a boy with a
good Catholic background), has been horribly wounded and is dying. His
collaboration in unspeakable war crimes against the Jews is preying on his
conscience and he asks for a Jew (any Jew) to be brought to him; he wishes to
seek forgiveness so that he might die in peace. Simon Wiesenthal, a
concentration camp prisoner, is brought to Karls bedside to
service his need. That day Simon is faced with a choice between
compassion and justice, silence and truth. In a postwar visit to Karls
mother, Simon is faced with a similar dilemma -- to preserve her pristine
memory of Catholic Karl or ... The response he chooses in both cases -- silence
-- haunts him to this day. The Sunflower by Simon Wiesenthal, Schocken
Books, 1998, contains not only the story of this true episode in Simon
Wiesenthals life, but also hurls out the question: Did he do the right
thing? In the second half of the book, 53 men and women -- theologians,
political and moral leaders -- respond. In this 20th anniversary edition,
marking its first publication in 1978, we are presented with 32 new responses,
10 responses retained from the previous edition and several, translated from a
1981 German edition, appear in English for the first time. Each response is as
unique as the life experience of the author and starts the question spinning
toward us. How would we have responded?
Holocaust survivor Andre Steins comments seem timely for
those of us who are survivors of other atrocities. While awarding victory to
Simons moral stance for refusing to play the macabre game of
outright forgiveness, Stein takes Simon to task for his silence with the
mother, feeling it was his responsibility toward past and future victims to
have told the truth. Bravo, Andre!
Paschal Baute Lexington, Ky.
For me, two powerful, transforming, even changing the landscape
books in this past year have been Diarmuid OMurchus Quantum
Theology, Crossroad, 1997, and Elizabeth Johnsons She Who Is,
Crossroad, 1997. OMurchu demonstrates that the findings of science and
quantum physics invite us to a reconceptualization of all of theology.
As a psychotherapist who has listened to people 30 hours a week
for 30 years, I have among my criteria for a well-conceived book its
willingness to deal with the problem of evil realistically (as Creation
Theology and Matthew Fox do not). I want a book to look at the dark side of
life, what Jung calls the Shadow. All of us have an amazing capacity to
sabotage ourselves outside of our awareness and to hide from our own darkness.
Most religious thinking and practice reinforces this exterior righteousness and
pervasive denial. OMurchu and Johnson face it squarely.
This is not just the problem of sin, but the problem of evil --
still neglected in seminaries -- that we are now seeing enacted once more on
our national scene, how really smart people can do dumb, dumb things that can
have quantum effect.
But it is not polite to talk about evil in human affairs (oops, no
pun intended), although we can talk about everything else. Johnsons
She Who Is simply has to be read by every person of faith in this our
male-dominated society and hierarchical church. Take, for example, the 11 men
in Rome who decided the fate of inclusive language (NCR, Sept. 25). Like
the senators who judged Anita Hill, male clerics still dont get
it.
My copy of Johnsons book is very marked and I have many
favorite quotes, such as, One of the best gifts for the critical mind and
for a living tradition is the gift of a new question; or Christians
have not yet grasped the alienation of our world and our society [and, her
writing suggests, our church] from the dynamic of the Holy Spirit; and
The fundamental capacity to be bearers of the image of God [and, I would
add, of priestliness] is a gift not restricted by gender.
Understanding and embracing the feminine aspect of this mystery we
call God is necessary for our survival, both as a species and as a community.
OMurchu is more conceptual and scientific; Johnson is more historical and
shocking. Either can change your landscape. Read only at the risk of losing
your comfort zones. One more, for those who are simply willing to be invited to
pray in a new way: Prayers to She Who Is by William Cleary, Crossroad,
1995, is also quite powerful. Bill Cleary has a wonderful series of booklets on
prayer, all gifted and worth reviewing, and they make great gifts. This one
might be a nice holiday gift for the devout person in your personal network who
may be stuck on traditional views of this mystery.
Florence Moriarty Levittown, N.Y.
I have read many books over the years that have enhanced my
spirituality but the one that has lifted my spirit and my hopes for our future
most recently is Sacred Eyes by L. Robert Keck, Synergy Associates Inc.
This book speaks to our entry into the 21st century and the advancement of our
spiritual maturity that is ongoing as we approach that millennium.
As a species, we are growing out of our adolescent stage and
approaching our adult maturity, one that gives us an awareness of our
connectedness with all there is and that consciousness will be the seeds for
our future development. Sacred Eyes is solidly researched and presented
in very readable form. I highly recommend this book to all those whose ears and
hearts are open.
Betty Donoghue St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind.
The Conspiracy of Compassion by Joseph Nassal, Forest of
Peace Publishing, is a vital, challenging message. Rest Stops for the Soul:
A Guide for Traveling the Trail of Transformation by Joseph Nassal, Forest
of Peace Publishing: You wont be left behind at the rest stops of life if
you read this book! Faith Walkers by Joseph Nassal, Paulist Press: a
revolutionary Way of the Cross -- inspirational.
Mary Ann Gregoire Sumter, S.C.
My favorite book in 1998 was Blessed Grieving by Joan
Guntzelman, Saint Marys Press. The books deals with how to grieve our
losses -- all types -- aging, death of a loved one, job, companion animal. I
found it extremely comforting.
Mary Hoffman Covington, Ky.
We came to earth from the divine energy source as evolving God
beings, only to return to the source when we are ready. We live at our present
level of awareness, and there are many authors who are expanding our levels of
awareness. The world today is in great need of a revolution in consciousness. I
feel it happening already with every book I read. The one that moved me the
most was The Awakening of Intelligence by J. Krishnamurti,
HarperCollins. Its about moving from fear and ignorance into the light of
awareness and freedom. I have read most of his books and am now reading books
by Teilhard de Chardin. Both are men of great wisdom. Where are the men of
wisdom today? I would like to meet and make friends with one. I feel there is a
massive movement of consciousness endlessly moving, changing, growing,
expanding, be it ever so slowly. This is the law of the universe: Rhythmic,
balanced, interchange consciousness is the only reality. All else is illusion.
I have learned to go with the flow through the waves and circles of life,
embracing all. Love is all there is, is all there is to know, and so it is.
Frances Schena Warren, Mich.
Guardian of Your Soul: A Class in Acceptance by Fr.
Lawrence M. Ventline, Jeremiah Press, 1997: For a relatively small book, the
112 pages are powerful and thought-provoking. The author has skillfully taken
the notes and teachings of Fr. Edward D. Popielarz, a former substance abuser
and original developer of A Class in Acceptance, along with his own thoughts
and penned them into an easily understood format. Fr. Ventline references this
book while conducting his classes in acceptance and spirituality. The author, a
certified substance abuse counselor, is a master at luring the substance abuser
to use this book as a tool in the process of conquering any addiction, whether
it is drug, alcohol, food, sex or other type of addiction. The author teaches
that to solve most problems one must know it, claim it, then tame
it. For those readers searching for a more spiritual life, it becomes an
excellent primer and guide. It encourages the reader to ponder topics such as
loneliness, fear, anger, empathy, loving and accepting fellow human beings, and
freedom to trust in God while surrendering to his wisdom. The writings steer
the reader to let go of the confusion that encompasses everyday life, remain
still enough to allow ourselves to become more open and focused on God,
accepting Gods gifts and power, and living life as God had intended.
The primary theme of acceptance dominates the book. It is a strong
theme, seductive and healing at the same time. For some readers the concept may
be difficult at first to understand, let alone accept. However, the book is one
that a reader can pick up at any time and meditate on a particular topic. This
book affords an excellent avenue for the reader to strive toward inner peace.
Fr. Ventlines newly released book (August 1998) titled Soul Stuff is the
companion workbook to Guardian of Your Soul.
John F. McGough Dover, N.J.
Practicing Catholic: A Search for Liveable Catholicism by
Penelope J. Ryan, Henry Holt Co., is solid gold! I suggest that you run to your
bookstore as soon as possible. Im sure it will soon join the books of
Jesuit Fr. Anthony de Mello and be removed from bookstores to safeguard the
faithful.
Joe Raba Pinehurst, N.C.
Thoughts Matter by Mary Margaret Funk, Continuum Publishing
Company. Have you ever been listening to a person or a good homily, and out of
the clear other thoughts enter your mind? Have you ever wondered Why am I
thinking about what I am thinking about, when there are so many things to think
about? Do we control our thoughts or do our thoughts control us? Thoughts
matter and have a powerful influence in our lives. Mary Margaret Funk explains
the early desert fathers, their monastic life and their wonderful procedure to
control their thoughts and meditate, and its significance in our daily lives
today. This is among the best books I have ever read.
It gave me deeper insight into myself, and a better understanding
of the world in which I live. The spiritual growth that resulted has caused me
to rethink the meaning of many words I thought I knew, like love, prayer,
success, happiness, freedom and others. If you desire a better understanding of
your habits, compulsions, addictions and why you think and feel the way you do
about life, food, sex, things, anger, dejection, acedia, soul, vainglory and
pride, read Thoughts Matter. It will cause you to use your imagination, think
critically and create a new you. Worth reading and rereading.
Mary Lou Timmerman Cincinnati, Ohio
The book I enjoyed most this year was Gaviotas: A Village to
Reinvent the World by Alan Weisman, Chelsea Green Publishing Company. For
me, it was a fascinating adventure in creativity.
Br. Patrick Hart Abbey of Gethsemani Trappist,
Ky.
How wonderful to discover a book whose format is worthy of its
contents. Such is Sacred Passion: The Art of William Schickel by Gregory
Wolfe, which the University of Notre Dame Press brought out this past year in
simultaneous cloth and paperback editions. This elegant volume portrays the
engaging life story of one of Americas finest contemporary liturgical
artists. The influences of Marcel Breuer and Le Corbusier, as well as Marc
Chagall and Joan Miró, are evident throughout. Sacred Passion is a
tribute to the collaboration of William Schickel, Wolfe and the University of
Notre Dame Press. It deserves a wide audience and should find a place of honor
on the library shelves of religious houses and colleges everywhere, as well as
the personal libraries of all who are interested in contemporary art, both
religious and secular.
James E. OLeary Corpus Christi, Texas
All Saints by Robert Ellsberg, Crossroad Publishing
Company, 1998. My best friend gave me this book for my birthday. It is now the
one essential book I will take to a desert island. Here in one volume are 365
fascinating biographies, one for each day of the year. The research that went
into this book is astonishing. I look forward to morning so I can open it. Part
of its appeal is that not all of its saints are Catholics or even Christian.
This book can change your life. Buy it now, read it every day and you
wont be able to part with it. You will just have to buy more copies for
everyone you love.
Benedictine Sr. Ann Notch Lacey, Wash.
Against an Infinite Horizon by Ronald Rolheiser is a book
that has captivated my attention lately. The author claims that we need to see
our lives against an infinite horizon. We are fired into life with a madness
that leaves us restless and will not give us peace outside of a great love. In
the insufficiency of all that is attainable, we come to realize that all
symphonies remain unfinished. Our lives are always in a period of waiting,
waiting for something to happen that will change things so our real lives might
begin. With personal references, the author gives us the understanding of being
blessed into life. We receive, give thanks, break bread and share,
with the Eucharist as our daily substance. The unconditional love of God gives
us hope and assurance of being embraced by God.
And yet Rolheiser asks: Do we ever really take the joy of
God seriously? Do we ever take seriously how wide the embrace of God
is?
Quoting Henri Nouwen on the subject of mourning, Rolheiser says we
are called to mourn. On this side of eternity there is no such thing as pure
joy, so we need to accept and mourn this fact. The closing chapter stresses the
importance of prayer. We ask for the gift of prayer and remember to pray for an
end of war, for victims of war, for a new order, and for courage and guidance.
The authors personal reflections give credence to our attempts at seeing
the finger of God in our everyday lives.
Philip Windolph Burbank, Ill.
The best book I read this year is Tomorrows Catholic:
Understanding God and Jesus in a New Millennium, by Fr. Michael Morwood of
the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, published by Twenty-Third Publications.
This small book gives persuasive suggestions for integrating our scientific
world-view with our religious world-view. At the present time there are
seemingly irreconcilable dichotomies between the two. For example, backed by
our scientific world-view, we teach our children that our world is on the order
of four billion years old with a continuing succession of life forms from
microscopic amoeba to human beings.
Our religious world-view still clings to Greek dualism, the belief
in original sin, and many other doctrines contrary to modern insights about
God, Jesus Christ and the relationship between human beings and their creator.
This book challenges Christians and other religious groups to form a new
paradigm for the 21st century and beyond. A number of philosophers, theologians
and other thinking people are already discussing such a paradigm shift. This
courageous book is a great gift!
Ray Stroik Stevens Point, Wis.
Perhaps there is no better way to celebrate the 35th anniversary
of the Second Vatican Councils first Constitution on the Sacred
Liturgy than by reading The Unread Vision: The Liturgical Movement in
the United States of America: 1926-1955 by Jesuit Fr. Keith F. Pecklers.
Reading this study not only will increase our appreciation of all that led to
historic reform, but also how this very reform hindered a much more radical
vision once promised, an inseparability of the way in which we celebrate the
Eucharist and enact our commitment to social justice. We now need to reread the
Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy in light of the councils
final Constitution on the Church in the Modern World.
Doris P. Lambert Belmont, Mass.
Discover a wonderful new outlook on your lifes journey to
eternity by investigating in The River: Reflections on the Times of Our
Lives by Augustinian Fr. Donald X. Burt, Liturgical Press. Burt once more
shares his deep knowledge of the writings of St. Augustine in his analogy of
human life from conception to death as a river. And, once more, Burts
marvelous sense of humor along with modern translations of Augustines
thought make this a superb book and a gift for the Christmas season that will
enrich someones spiritual life.
Jeanne DeSocio Liverpool, N.Y.
The book that most edified me this year was Searching for
Everado by Jennifer K. Harbury, Warren Books. The book documents extreme
degrees of evil human behavior by government authorities and great courage and
goodness manifested in the noble human spirit of innocent citizens oppressed,
tortured and killed by military police in Guatemala. Searching for
Everado is also a magnificent, true love story. All proceeds from this book
support the efforts of the Everado Foundation, a nonprofit organization
established in the memory of Commandante Everado. The foundation is devoted to
the promotion of human rights, rural health and education and the preservation
of Mayan culture in Guatemala.
Fran Templet New Orleans
I am assuming that NCR wanted to know about our favorite
spirited book of the year. My vote goes to Flame of Love: A
Theology of the Holy Spirit by Clark H. Pinnock, Intervarsity Press.
Pinnock is an evangelical Protestant -- but ecumenical. He quotes on a number
of occasions from Catholic writings, especially the catechism. Chapter 7 (the
last chapter) is worth the price of the book.
St. Joseph Sr. Agnes E. Murphy St. Louis
The dust jacket of Richard Rohrs The Good News According
to Luke, Crossroad, calls this book a commentary. The subtitle expresses
the contents more accurately: Spiritual Reflections, and that it is. In
the past Id heard Rohr the fiery charismatic preacher -- so enthusiastic,
so driven. In these chapters (originally talks) I hear a mature, experienced
man who has gained so much wisdom from his many years of teaching, living in
community, evangelizing in many countries. Rohr comments on selected passages
in Luke, chapter by chapter, making delightful comments, insightful comparisons
and contrasts from Lucan days to our days. Ive read the entire book, but
I keep picking it up again and again and reading at random -- and my faith is
strengthened!
Mary Wolarsky Sun Valley, Calif.
I was helped by Daniel: Under the Siege of the Divine, by
Daniel Berrigan, Plough Publishing. This book provides a strong support for
those of us who practice civil disobedience. It can also help others understand
why we do these actions, which seem so useless. It puts the principalities in
proper perspective to those who see with the eyes of faith. Speak truth to
power and put your fate in Gods hands. I love it sincerely.
St. Joseph Sr. Christine Meyer Scottsbluff,
Neb.
For those directing or working with the catechumenate, those
wanting to give team members a book that will help in planning and motivation,
RCIA Spirituality: Formation for the Catechumenate Team by Barbara
Hixon, Resource Publications, will be helpful. It gives the spirituality, focus
and scriptural references for each of the catechumenate periods. It is
challenging and has made me look at the way we do our participation and
planning.
Dorothy Schmenk Frostproof, Fla.
The Lady, Her Lover, and Her God by T.D. Jakes, Putnam, is
the best how to book I have ever read. Speaking ever so simply,
Bishop Jakes plucks out the simplest, most essential love in my heart, shows it
to me, and says Lady, youve got it -- now just give it! I
love that man!
Mick Mandeville San Gabriel, Calif.
A book both meaningful and disturbing is Critical Mass: Voices
for a Nuclear-Free Future, published by Open Media and the Campaign for
Peace and Democracy, Westfield, N.J. Its a series of essays by activists,
scientists, scholars and spokespersons for victims. After recalling the
Hiroshima event and the efforts to Ban the Bomb, it proceeds to uncover some of
the deception cloaking our ongoing infatuation with matters nuclear. It is the
final section that sets this book apart from all other related matters I have
read. For some years I have looked upon the bomb as the idol of the
ages. To embrace the bomb is an act of highest harlotry. There is a
section in this book titled Poison Fire, Sacred Earth. It covers
nuclear desecrations in the Americas, places in Asia and the South Pacific
Islands as well as Australia. It tells us, for example, that the Incas
already knew about uranium ... in Quechau the name for this rock means salt of
death or the killing salt.
Christian Br. Finbar McMullen Winona, Minn.
Violence Unveiled by Gil Bailie, Crossroad, examines the
role of violence in the formation of cultures. A founding violent event was
given a mythic meaning, which then took on a sacred aura and produced peace.
When the myths broke down, violence escalated. The author examines this
escalation from the Nazis to Bosnia, Rwanda, El Salvador, and the events
surrounding the Rodney King incident. The only thing capable of rescuing us
from the apocalyptic violence to come is the message of the cross. Philosophy
has been a total failure in dealing with the problems of humanity. In all this,
the plight of the victim has come to the foreground, a process that was begun
with the Hebrew Scriptures and the writings of the evangelists and St. Paul.
There are many connections in this book that I dont understand, but I am
left with the desire to read anew the Bible, and am confirmed in my
long-standing observation that Rome is so wedded to Greek philosophy that it
has been awarded the ambience of revelation. The Roman curia is focused on
ideas for an understanding of reality, rather than looking where the
rubber hits the road. This book gives me new understanding of the Fall.
This bent for violence is so universal that it seems to be a part of
humanitys anthropological development, and it is only the message of the
Cross that will save the world from itself. Evangelization takes on a new
urgency, not to gain more Christians but to spread the saving message of Jesus
as he hung from the cross.
Laura Maneer Fryburg, Pa.
At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon, Penguin Books, is the
first in the Mitford Series. This book is a vacation from big words and
hard study. Mitford is a fictional account of the what it might be like
to live in a small town where everyone knows and cares about everyone else. I
live in a small town and while reading Mitford I often wondered if the
author had spent a few days here. Jan Karon writes about relationships,
especially those of Father Tim, the Episcopal priest of Lords Chapel, and
his parishioners. The characters come alive and you feel as if you could walk
down Main Street and shake Father Tims hand. Watch out for his dog
Barnabas! You could even fall in love with a boy named Dooley. You will meet
ordinary people who become extraordinary because of the love they show one
another. This is a wonderful story about everyday spirituality. Karon inspires
us to live out those gospel values we hear preached every Sunday morning. One
is encouraged to follow Jesus and live a life of faith seven days a week. There
is even romance in the air in Mitford. Dont miss this delightful
book, which inspires and refreshes the soul. Mitford is truly a small
town you wont want to leave.
Leola Hausser Villa Maria, Pa.
Morgan Llywelyns penchant for writing the historical novel
has never been better illustrated than in her current 1916: A Novel of the
Irish Rebellion. It focuses on the events and persons involved and leading
up to that tragic event in Irish history. She centers her story on fictional
15-year-old Ned Halloran who (with his parents) is heading from Ireland to
America for the wedding of his sister in New York. The time is 1910, the ship
the Titanic. Ned survives, his parents do not. After returning to Ireland and
completing his education, he and a fellow journalist become involved in Irish
politics. Next he meets the ill-fated entourage of Irish poets and writers who
are planning the rising: Joseph Plunkett, James Connally, Thomas
MacDonagh, P.H. Pearse and others. The appeal of the novel to me was the
skillful integration of authentic history with fictional episodes, bringing the
reader backstage, as it were, to see firsthand the wheeling and dealing, the
setbacks and hopes involved in the planning of the rebellion that climaxed
tragically for everyone involved. At the end I felt I had read a modern Greek
tragedy that is, of course, still being played out 82 years later.
Robert Dugan Syracuse, N.Y.
I recommend Vatican II in Plain English, a three-book set,
by Bill Huebsch. Huebsch is one of my favorite authors. I have read each of the
three books four times. With each reading, I have experienced new inspiration,
new revelations and a renewed enthusiasm for the spirit of Vatican II. Must
reading for everyone who has doubts about the future of the church.
National Catholic Reporter, November 13,
1998
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