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Catholic Book Reviews


NEW REVIEWS

Virginia Cyr - "God's Little Hobo"
By Virginia Cyr

At the age of twenty-four, Virginia Cyr died succumbing to cerebral palsy. During her short life she wrote a number of love letters to the Mother of God. A number of these letters are contained in the book God's Little Hobo, edited by Quenten Colgan.

These magnificent letters reveal the joys, triumphs, sorrows and sufferings of a young woman who was constantly giving her life to Jesus and Mary. Virginia's life of faith shines through her letters and her love for neighbor transcends her simple and direct style of writing.

There are no airs about Virginia, her thoughts or her life. She was who she was, a child of Mary and a disciple of Jesus Christ. Virginia's writings, but more importantly her life, testifies to the beauty and goodness of a soul in love with God. Available at amazon.com. (Brian)

Leonie Martin a Difficult Life
By Marie Baudouin-Croix

Over the past decade so much has been written and said about Therese of Liseuix that the rest of her remarkable and saintly family has been cast into a shadow. Of course there is reason for this since Therese is a Doctor of the Church.

Recently, I received a book on one of Therese's sisters, Leonie. The book, A Difficult Life, recounts her life from family letters and personal accounts. The most remarkable thing about her life is how she went from being the black sheep of a saintly family to becoming a Visitation nun and dying a saintly death.

If there are any parents out there who are at their wits end over their children, don't lose hope. The life of Leonie Martin will inspire you and help you recognize that with God all things are possible. Available at amazon.com and Ignatius Press. (Brian)

 

PAST BOOK REVIEWS

Blessed Miguel Pro: 20Th-Century Mexican Martyr
By Ann Ball

I had always known bits and pieces about Bl. Miguel Pro but never actually read a book on him until now. Well known biographer, Ann Ball, did a good job at giving us an overview of Miguel's life, personality and love for God. However, it is Bl. Miguel's final actions in life that spoke most deeply to my heart. Reading about his martyrdom and especially viewing the actual photos of his execution really brings home his humanity and spiritual strength. It made me stop and reevaluate my own attitude and actions towards living my faith and carrying my cross each day. Although I'd love to read a more in depth volume of Bl. Miguel's life in the future, this book is a great introduction. It is an easy read, which is especially helpful to busy adults or younger readers. Available at amazon.com. (Bobbi)

By Love Refined: Letters to a Young Bride
By Alice von Hildebrand

This is a beautiful book containing letters written to a young bride named "Julie" from her older and wiser mentor named "Lily". Full of spiritual wisdom and practical advice, Lily speaks frankly about the realities of married life once the "honeymoon" is over, while still holding up the ideals of marital love and self-giving. Although this is an ideal book to read when you are engaged or first married (as I first did) I enjoyed it even more four years later when I reread recently.

Modern society may see this book as unrealistic or as suppressing the natural "independence" of a person, however, By Love Refined rightly shows us how marriage is built on self-donating love day-by-day. When generosity and self-sacrifice are the norm between a couple in the little things, they are much more capable of handling the bigger trials their lives may face. This book is a beautiful reminder of that truth. Available at amazon.com. (Bobbi)

Christ Is My Life: Interview with Marcial Maciel
by Jesus Colina

When I first heard that the new Christ Is My Life Book was going to be in an interview format, I was not expecting it to be very long. I was surprised to find that the book was actually 267 pages with 152 questions covering topics such as Fr. Maciel's childhood and call to the priesthood, the Legion of Christ, Regnum Christi, the Catholic Church, and the world of today and tomorrow.

Although the book gives ample attention to explaining the role of the Legionaries of Christ and Regnum Christi in the springtime of evangelization (excellent for those who are curious or members themselves,) one certainly doesn't need to be affiliated with either to thoroughly enjoy this book. It is filled with spiritual wisdom and practical advice that any Catholic trying to live a holy and faithful life could benefit from. It is also a beautiful and powerful example of God's desire to use lowly people to bring about great works for the Church. Available at amazon.com. (Bobbi)

A Cry of Stone
By Michael O' Brien

The author of the novels Fr. Elijah and Eclipse of the Sun has done it again! Michael O'Brien has produced another excellent work that takes one's mind and heart captive. A Cry of Stone, tells the story of a native North American named Rose Wabos who perfectly represents the soul called by God to embrace spiritual poverty and abandonment. Though the world sees Rose as weak, poor and a "nobody", O'Brien reveals that such souls are truly beautiful and most pleasing in the sight of God.

Through the world of art, blended with the spirituality of a poor native North American, O'Brien shows us that Jesus often chooses the most insignificant person to help Him transform the world. Available at amazon.com. (Brian)

Faces of Holiness I: Modern Saints in Photos and Words
By Anne Ball

It is always great to read books about modern day Catholic men and women who lived heroic and saintly lives. Reading such books gives me hope that I, too, can be holy and serve Christ faithfully in the modern world. A book that I came across and have since read a number of times is Faces of Holiness I: Modern Saints in Photos and Words written by Catholic author Ann Ball.

The book contains various stories and photos of saints and blesseds from all over the world. Yet what really makes this book special is that it helps you realize that anyone, no matter their state in life, can be a saint. Each inspirational story will encourage you to strive for holiness. Available through Our Sunday Visitor. (Brian)

Faces of Holiness II: Modern Saints in Photos and Words
By Anne Ball

Anne Ball, a hagiographer known for her informative and inspirational biographies, brings us her second volume of Faces of Holiness. This collection features numerous stories of venerable, blesseds and saints in all walks of life, ranging in age from children to seniors. Although dealing with "saintly" people, the author also brings out their human struggles showing us that they were not born saints, rather, they cooperated with God's grace in order to work towards sanctity.

This book is an excellent source of inspiration for those who are seeking to live out holiness in their ordinary lives. However, I also recommend it to those who merely enjoy reading about people and how they cope with life's circumstances. Lastly, the fact that each story is relatively brief is particularly helpful to busy people who do not have time to read full-length biographies. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about these fascinating people, who I otherwise would have not known. Available at amazon.com. (Bobbi)

God Alone Suffices
by Slawomir Biela

If there is one book specifically designed to help lay people develop an authentic spiritual life, God Alone Suffices is that book. After reading it twice I could not help but compare it to the spiritual classic Abandonment to Divine Providence by Jean-Pierre de Caussade. Author Slawomir Biela bases his book on the question: "Who or what do you rely on?" Placing this question within the context of family life, work and friendship he challenges the reader to confront their world of "reliances and illusions". With great clarity and simplicity the author unmasks those things that we normally rely on, to show that a life of holiness ultimately calls us to rely on God alone.

God Alone Suffices is thoroughly practical and inspiring. It is grounded in the spirituality of the great doctors of the interior life: John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila and Therese of Lisieux. This book will challenge you to re-evaluate your spiritual life and help you grow closer to God. I highly recommend it. It is available at Amazon.com. (Brian)

Happy Are You Poor - The Simple Life of Spiritual Freedom
By Fr. Thomas Dubay

Happy Are You Poor by Fr. Thomas Dubay is a fantastic book that deals with a timely topic - Gospel Poverty. Fr. Dubay explains what Gospel poverty is and how one can live it within their specific vocation. He does an excellent job using many examples from the lives of the saints to illustrate how Gospel poverty contributes to growth in holiness. Available at amazon.com. (Brian)

Modern Heroes of the Church
By Leo Knowles

For a father's day present I received the book Modern Heroes of the Church published by Our Sunday Visitor. This easy to read book tells the story of eighteen men and women who lived their faith in different environments, situations and circumstances. The author of this book Leo Knowles does an excellent job highlighting one spiritual trait that each "hero" was particularly known for. Some of the heroes mentioned by Mr. Knowles have been canonized, such as Edith Stein; while others have been beatified, such as Andre Bessette; or given the title Venerable such as Matt Talbot. Whether canonized, beatified or a servant of God, each hero presented in this book is an example of what we are called to be - saints! Available at amazon.com. (Brian)

The Smiling Pope: The Life and Teaching of Pope John Paul I
By Raymond Seabeck

After thirty-three days as Pope, Albino Luciani, Pope John Paul I, left this world for his Heavenly reward. Many Catholics, especially from my generation onward, have either forgotten about or never heard of this simple and humble man who occupied the Chair of St. Peter. Thanks to Raymond and Lauretta Seebeck, who edited this marvelous book, the life and legacy of Albino Luciani will not be lost within the pages of history. Instead it will inspire generations, as it did me, to recognize that a life of simple humility and charity can lead anyone to great holiness.
The book is divided into two sections. The first section is a biography of his life while the second section is dedicated to his teachings. This format works well because it allows the reader to first learn about Albino Luciani before introducing them to his sermons and writings. I truly enjoyed this book and encourage all of you to read it. Available at amazon.com. (Brian)

St. Frances de Sales: A Biography of the Gentle Saint
By Louise Stacpoole-Kenny

Last week I finished reading the book St. Frances de Sales: A Biography of the Gentle Saint, which guides the reader through the fascinating life of this 17th century Bishop and Doctor of the Church. I highly recommend this to anyone who is interested in the life of this great saint since it not only captures the major points of his life, but also includes excerpts from letters he wrote to St. Jane Frances de Chantel and others. These letters offer the reader insights into his thoughts and personality while revealing the depth of his sanctity. Available through Tan Books. (Brian)

St. Margaret Clitherow: The Pearl of York
By Margaret T. Monro

For Christmas my sister-in-law purchased a little book for me on the life of St. Margaret Clitherow who was executed during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. The author of this book, Margaret T. Monro, did an excellent job recounting the life of this heroic Catholic. She captured the core episodes of St. Margaret's life as well as her personality and love for the Catholic faith.

What impresses me most about this book, is how the author is able to show us glimpses of St. Margaret's spiritual life. Within these glimpses one can learn a great deal about virtue and the pursuit of holiness. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Available through Tan Books. (Brian)