Winter Books:
Readers favorite books
For each Winter Books issue, we at NCR ask our readers
to share their wealth of reading experience and tell us their favorite books
from the past year. As usual, many enthusiastic recommendations came our way.
Here are some of the responses, with more to follow next week.
(Br.) Patrick Hart Trappist, Ky.
One of the most challenging books I read this past year was
Mairead Corrigan Maguires first collection of peace writings, The
Vision of Peace, edited by Jesuit Fr. John Dear, (Orbis Books, 124 pages,
$14). Maguire is no stranger to peacemaking; along with Betty Williams, she won
the Nobel Peace Prize for 1976/1977. Since then she has worked tirelessly for
the sake of peace and justice not only in Northern Ireland where she lives, but
all over the world -- most recently, Israel and the former Yugoslavia.
With a preface by the Dalai Lama and a foreword by Archbishop
Desmond Tutu, Mairead Maguires prophetic vision of peace scarcely
requires an endorsement from me. However, having read her collection of peace
lectures and writings, I heartily recommend this volume, geared to all readers,
young and old, Christian and non-Christian, to all persons concerned with
global peace in our time.
Tom Brubeck Silver Spring, Md.
Walter Benjamin at the Dairy Queen: Reflections at Sixty and
Beyond by Larry McMurtry (Thorndike Press, $21): While most writers write
about writing, this writer writes about reading.
Michael DeCleene Park Ridge, Ill.
Man or Mankind by Edward F. Halpen (Dorrance Publishing)
solves the symbolism of Genesis.
Joann Crowley Beers Lodi, Wis.
Dennis Danvers novel The Fourth World (Avon Books,
$23) has something for everyone. If you like to read about the indigenous
struggle in Chiapas, if you prefer to ponder the possibilities of future
technology and extraterrestrial colonization, if you are attuned to the
destruction of our environment, if you like romance and adventure and intrigue,
you can find all of this in The Fourth World.
Danvers novel skillfully integrates contemporary
institutionalized greed with the worlds immediate future. In Chiapas we
see indigenous people killed indiscriminately to maintain control of land in a
few wealthy hands, as Zapatistas carry on an almost futile guerrilla
revolution. The scene shifts to a cosmic arena where colonization of Mars
operates on the same destructive values that colonization brought to this
planet. Meanwhile, the powerful of the earth are seeking a place of refuge when
the ozone layer collapses and the earth is no longer habitable. Three
mega-issues may seem like too much content for one novel to incorporate, but
Danvers weaves them together so well that the real possibility is
frightening.
Like all good novels, this page-turner engages us with the loves
and lives of compelling characters, while it also mirrors for us the reality of
the society we live in, now and tomorrow, warning of what awaits us if
conversion is not also on the horizon.
Eva R. Weber San Francisco
Bamboo Swaying in the Wind: A Survivors Story of Faith
and Imprisonment in Communist China by Claudia Devaux and George Bernard
Wong (Loyola Press, $21.95): Although I am an avid reader, I have not often
come across books with such depth of content and superb style. Faith, hope and
love have been realized to heroic levels in the life of Jesuit Fr. George
Bernard Wong, whose life is portrayed in Bamboo Swaying in the Wind. I
appreciate the introductions to each chapter, full of history and other
relevant information. Our youth ought to study such high-quality, excellently
written literature and ponder such an exemplary role model who was blessed,
despite all he endured, by a peacefulness that surpasses all understanding. I
am grateful to have come across this masterpiece.
(Fr.) Placid Stroik, OFM New York
In this Jubilee year 2000, Long Have I Loved You: A Theologian
Reflects on His Church (Orbis Books, $20) is a favorite of mine because it
has become an instrument of reconciliation and forgiveness.
Walter Burgardt brought peace to my wondering heart and
discussions with these words: We are we before we are
I or thou. This is central in Christian revelation and
of primary importance for our contemporary culture of individualism, where we
think first of self and then how we can join others in community -- as though
community did not precede the individual genetically, physically, socially and
spirituality.
(Sr.) Irene Hartman, OP Larned, Kan.
The Catholic Martyrs of the Twentieth Century (Crossroad)
by Robert Royal is a historically accurate account that shows what happens in
ones life when one takes the scriptures seriously. There are well known,
little known, unknown saints whom Royal brings to life and
introduces as they walked journeys that included dying for Christ. Sadly few
nations are omitted in this masterpiece. Are we proud of their achievements or
ashamed that we have allowed so many to die without cause?
Lurline Johnson Bartlesville, Okla.
I am a cradle Roman Catholic, shut-in, disabled from a fall years
ago. An Episcopalian friend gave me Robert Ellsbergs book All
Saints (Crossroads, $19.95). Therein, the daily life of spiritual persons
from early Christian martyrs to Mother Teresa, Gandhi, etc., inspires and
sustains me each day.
Damiana Chavez Los Angeles
If your life is so busy youre spinning, stop the spin long
enough to read Plainsong by Kent Haruf (Alfred A. Knopf, $24). Like the
title, its a simple, unadorned melody of unlikely
relationships, generous love that cares about others -- no gooey
sentimentality. Among those youll meet are the McPheron brothers, Harold
and Raymond, two old no-nonsense bachelors whose routine life is turned upside
down when they agree to do a favor. Kent Haruf wrote a novel youll
remember for a long time.
Cathleen Ryan New Britain, Conn.
Illuminated Life by Joan Chittister (Orbis Books, $15): In
this book the author takes us through the letters of the alphabet on a
spiritual journey toward wholeness and holiness. Through beautiful concise
imagery, she lays before us qualities to be sought in daily living.
Highlighting topics as common as beauty and faith and time and work, she
challenges us to delve into our minds and our hearts.
I greatly appreciate the way she begins each topic with a vignette
about a person of wisdom and then breaks open the thought of making it come
alive in our world. The writer has the gift of making complex virtues simple if
we but ponder their underlying essence with an honest appraisal.
(Sr.) Angelina Breaux, CDP San Antonio
My all-time favorite book is Catholic Means Universal by
David Richo (Crossroads). Richo offers new ways to think about and relate to
old truths, encourages trust in ones conscience to guide ones
spiritual search, and challenges one to accept responsibility in religious
matters as in every other aspect of adult life as a way to find a richer,
deeper, more fruitful spiritual life.
(Br.) Paul Feeney, CFX Shrewsbury, Mass.
No Power but Love (His Way Communications, $15) by veteran
spiritual writer Fr. David Knight is an exposition of Christian nonviolence for
which I have been yearning almost all my adult life! As a way of life to which
every baptized person is called, Christian nonviolence has never been more
cogently and persuasively presented from a Roman Catholic perspective than it
is in this work.
Through the lens of Matthews Gospel, Knight places before
the reader a series of reflections so profound, passionate and challenging that
one is necessarily forced to reexamine ones understanding of what it
means to be a disciple of Jesus. To attempt to follow the life-altering
implications of his exposition is to feel the full effect of the gospels
tremendous power.
Written in a clear and engaging style and making pedagogically
effective use of repetition and recapitulation, Knight displays all the
artfulness of a deeply learned teacher and eloquent preacher.
(Sr.) Irene Kelly, RSHM Tarrytown, N.Y.
Holy Saturday: An Argument for the Restoration of the Female
Diaconate by Phyllis Zagano (Herder & Herder, $16.95) is my favorite
book for the new millennium. It has opened the question of ordaining women to
the service of the church in a timely way with an honest and respectful
argument. It is clear and precise, easy reading, and should be on the bookshelf
of every thinking woman -- and man -- in the church.
Turhan Tirana Stamford, Conn.
Stages of the Soul by Paul Keenan is the book that made the
most difference in my spiritual life in 2000. Keenan draws on his own long
deliberations of the mind and spiritual acumen to map for laymen as well as the
theologically sophisticated a route to what he calls the soulful life that is,
in fact, analogous to that described by many of the great mystics, including
St. Teresa of Avila.
Jack A. Artale Doylestown, Penn.
Abraham Lincoln: Redeemer President (William B. Erdsman
Publishing Co.) by Allen C. Guelzo: Lincoln had one purpose in taking arms
against the rebellious South -- to preserve the Union. He would say that
slavery was not the issue in waging the war.
By the middle of 1862 many, including Lincoln, thought the Civil
War had gone on much too long. The Norths military had not been
performing well, had not succeeded in suppressing the rebellion. Lincoln became
convinced that Providence had purposely stalled the war because the issue of
slavery had to be addressed. Thus, he decided to outlaw slavery not only as a
matter of justice, but also as a useful strategy in depriving the South of
their most valuable resource.
The author had one primary purpose in adding yet another book to
the already great number of existing books on Lincoln. He wanted to explore and
understand the heart and mind of this great man. He has done it well.
Loretta M. Butler Adelphi, Md.
Papal Sin (Doubleday, $25) by Garry Wills: Wills made me,
an African-American Catholic woman, feel that someone cared enough to reveal
the history of how certain leaders in the church mishandled their
responsibility to listen and respond to the needs of the people. The author
stressed the issues of slavery, womens rights and the humanity of all
people.
The author defined the true community and provided examples of how
laity and clergy are working for effective change. Having experienced racism,
institutional and otherwise, I have had the good fortune of having worked with
organizations and people dedicated to peace and justice.
The historical data provided by the author informs readers about
the past and the need for change in the present and future. He poses a
challenge, one that I know can be met, because of my associations and
particularly by the knowledge of the struggles and perseverance of
African-Americans -- Catholic and of other religious affiliations. Wills
book gives me hope.
Joan S. Foster New Milford, Conn.
I Can Tell God Anything: Living Prayer (Sheed & Ward,
$14.95) by Jean Maalouf is a spiritual masterpiece for all that shows us how
God is living in us. Maalouf challenges us and affirms us, reminding us that
holiness is achievable here on earth, moment by moment. I Can Tell God
Anything will transform you. It is a glorious guide for the journey to
heaven.
National Catholic Reporter, November 3,
2000
|