2017 Book Reviews
Catholic Women's Book Group
Ratings 1–5 †
December 2017
Feast of Christmas by Joseph F. Kelly (†††+)
Synopsys:
Many Christians struggle to balance the religious and secular elements of Christmas, but the history of the feast shows that this is nothing new. The religious Christmas has changed over the centuries and, contrary to many critics, is thriving today. This book attempts to explain when Christmas was first celebrated, how December 25 become the official date for Christmas, how the Bible's "magi from the East" become the three kings named Melchior, Caspar, and Balthasar who rode camels from three different continents to worship the newborn Christ, and much more.
Comments from the group’s discussion:
Quotes:
November 2017
Any Friend of God's is a Friend of Mine by Patrick Madrid (††††+)
Synopsys: Parts taken from Catholic Answers.
Every Sunday millions of Christians recite the Apostles’ Creed, professing their belief in the "communion of saints," but few realize the importance of this phrase. Indeed, the Catholic understanding is denounced by many Protestants as "unbiblical." It is a bitter irony that the very doctrine of Christian unity has itself become a barrier to unity. The controversy revolves around the question, "Is it biblical to ask the saints in heaven to pray (intercede) for us?" Catholics say yes. Because Christians are united with each other through Christ, and are commanded to love and pray for one another, Christians on earth can ask Christians in heaven for their prayers. In his book Patrick Madrid explains in a clear, and easy-to-follow style why Catholics pray to Mary and the saints. Using the Bible and the testimony of the early Church Fathers, he shows the biblical and historical foundations of this often misunderstood Catholic doctrine. He also walks you through the standard anti-Catholic arguments against praying to Mary and the saints and demonstrates why these arguments are themselves unbiblical.
Comments from the group’s discussion:
Quotes:
October 2017
A Mother's Ordeal by Steven W. Mosher (††††)
Synopsys: parts taken from Kirkus Reviews.
Social scientist and China expert and author Steve Mosher relates the story of Chi An, a former population-control worker in China—her childhood, schooling, marriage and career--whose own second pregnancy became the catalyst for her fight to stay in the U.S. "A searing and candid look at a place where the state brutally intrudes into the most intimate parts of a woman's life."
Special note on the rating: While many women rated this book high, some women rated this book low because of the subject matter.
Comments from the group’s discussion:
Quotes:
September 2017
PETER: Keys to Following Jesus by Dr. Tim Gray (††††+)
Synopsys (taken from the cover of the book):
Biblical scholar Dr. Tim Gray masterfully guides you through the tumultuous and inspiring life of Peter – from his “yes” to Jesu’s call along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, to his denial of Jesus from his preaching of Jesus Christ, to his martyrdom in Rome. Using Sacred Scripture and Tradition, Dr. Gray highlights important lessons from Peter’s life, including: How to become a trusting disciple and “cast into the deep”; How to avoid the pitfalls of living discipleship at a distance; How to repent and receive God’s mercy; How to become a bold witness to the love of Jesus Christ.)
Comments from the group’s discussion:
Favorite Quotes:
August 2017
Walk Humbly with Your God, Simple Steps to a Virtuous Life by Fr. Andrew Apostolic, C.F.R. (††††+)
Synopsis (parts taken from the book cover):
After the World Trade Towers went down in New York, Father Apostoli ministered at the morgue set up at Ground Zero. When search teams discovered the body of a police officer or firefighter, an honor guard formed and gathered the body with great reverence. For Father Apostoli, these moments vividly captured the unspoken code of these heroic public servants: "We go in together, we come out together." Christians, if they are to have any impact in today's world, have something of the same code: we fight the good fight, side by side, ready to lay down our lives for one another. Such heroism doesn't come naturally. As Walk Humbly With Your Godpoints out, it is in the day-to-day training, in taking the simple steps to holiness, that heroism becomes second nature. Father Apostoli provides an inspirational guide to conquering our faults, growing in prayer and acquiring the virtues that enable us to walk with God and live for others.
Comments from the Group Discussion:
Favorite Quotes:
July 2017
How Dante Can Save Your Life by Rod Dreher (††††)
Synopsis (parts taken from the book cover):
Following the untimely death of his sister, author Rod Dreher returned to live in his hometown with hopes of close family ties. But instead of the fellowship he hoped to find, he discovered that fault lines within his family had deepened. Dreher spiraled into depression and a stress-related autoimmune disease. Doctors told Dreher that if he didn’t find inner peace, he would destroy his health. Soon after, he came across The Divine Comedy in a bookstore and was enchanted by its first lines, which seemed to describe his own condition. In the months that followed, Dante helped Dreher understand the mistakes and mistaken beliefs that had brought him down and showed him that he had the power to change his life. Dreher knows firsthand the solace and strength that can be found in Dante’s great work, and distills its wisdom for those who might be lost in the dark wood of depression, struggling with failure, wrestling with a crisis of faith, alienated from their families or communities, or otherwise enduring the sense of exile that is the human condition.
Comments from the Group Discussion
Favorite Quotes:
June 2017
Seeds of the Word by Bishop Robert Barron (†††††)
Synopsis: parts taken from “The Catholic Register”
In Seeds of the Word: Finding God in the Culture, author Fr. Robert Barron draws on a wealth of examples from film, books, politics and American culture in general as he invites us to sift through evidence of God’s presence and His principles. Barron leads us into what can happen when society denies God’s existence and what Catholics and people of faith can do about it. “Before sowing the word, one looks for semina verbi (seeds of the word) already present among the people one seeks to evangelize. The wager is that, once these are uncovered, the word of Christ will not seem so strange or alien,” he writes. “In the best case, a non-believer might come to see that he had, in fact, been worshipping Christ all along, though under the guise of an unknown God.”
Comments from the Group Discussion
This book proved to be another big hit for the Book Group. All participants enjoyed both the way Bishop Barron writes and viewing him on his many YouTube teaching segments.
Favorite Quotes:
May 2017
The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander (†††††)
Synopsis: from Ave Maria Press
First published in 1944, The Reed of God is an enduring, timeless spiritual classic. Through beautiful prose and meditations, the British Catholic writer, artist, and poet Caryll Houselander depicts the intimately human side of Mary, Mother of God, as an empty reed waiting for God's music to be played through her. Lovingly bringing Our Lady down off her time-honored, ancient pedestal, Houselander shares her insightful and beautiful vision of Mary on earth, Mary among us, Mary as a confused but trusting teenager whose holiness flowered with her eternal "Yes."
Comments from the Group Discussion
Almost every one of the ladies gave this book a 5 out of 10. One lady thought the poetic style of writing was a little too much to be able to race through the book as she usually does.
Favorite Quotes:
“Even in ignorance man tends to fall in love with God. He responds to life as he sees it round him with gratitude that becomes love and love that takes shape.”
“She (Mary) was a reed through which the Eternal Love was to be piped as a shepherd’s song.”
“…it is really through ordinary human life and the things of every hour of every day that union with God comes about”
“It is in Our Lady that God fell in love with humanity.”
March and April 2017
The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ by Anne Catherine Emmerich (††††)
Note: the group took two months for this larger book
Synopsis: http://www.jesus-passion.com/DOLOROUS_PASSION_OF_OUR_LORD_JESUS_CHRIST.html
Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich was an Augustinian nun at the Convent of Agnetenberg, Dulmen, Westphalia, Germany. She lived between 1774- 1824. During her life, God gave her extensive visions of the past, the present and the future. Many theologians believe that she received from God more visions than any other saint. In this book are the visions of Blessed Anne concerning the horrific sufferings our Dear Lord Jesus Christ suffered in his work to save mankind. This includes the Last Supper, the Agony in the Garden, the Arrest, the Scourging, the Crowning of Thorns, the Trial by Pontius Pilate, the Carrying of the Cross, the Crucifixion and the Dying on the Cross, and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. They are incredibly, highly detailed and descriptive, revealing to us more information about the Life of Jesus Christ besides what we read of Him in the Bible. [More information is obtainable at this site.)
Note to Reader: Since the copyright on this book has expired, it may be downloaded from iBooks. Also, the book can be found as an audio in Youtube.com.
Comments from the Group Discussion
First Half on the life of Anne Catherine Emmerich
On the Passion:
Favorite Quotes:
“’Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.’ These words, which he uttered in a clear and thrilling one, resounded through heaven and earth; and a moment after, he bowed down his head and gave up the ghost. I saw his soul, under the appearance of a bright meteor penetrate the earth at the foot of the Cross. John and the holy women fell prostrate on the ground.”
February 2017
Blood Brothers by Elias Chacour (†††††)
Synopsis: taken from Goodreads.com
As a child, Elias Chacour lived in a small Palestinian village in Galilee. The townspeople were proud of their ancient Christian heritage and lived at peace with their Jewish neighbors. But early in 1947, their idyllic lifestyle was swept away as tens of thousands of Palestinians were killed and nearly one million forced into refugee camps. An exile in his native land, Elias began a years-long struggle with his love for the Jewish people and the world's misunderstanding of his own people, the Palestinians. How was he to respond? He found his answer in the simple, haunting words of the Man of Galilee: "Blessed are the peacemakers." In Blood Brothers, Chacour blends his riveting life story with historical research to reveal a little-known side of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the birth of modern Israel. He touches on controversial questions such as "What behind-the-scenes politics touched off the turmoil in the Middle East?" "What does Bible prophecy really have to say?" and "Can bitter enemies ever be reconciled?" Originally published by Chosen Books in 1984 and now expanded with a new introduction by the author, a new foreword by former Secretary of State James A. Baker III, and a "Since Then" epilogue by writer David Hazard, this compelling book offers readers hope-filled insight into living at peace in the most volatile region of the world.
Comments from the Group Discussion
Another round of our highest rating of five crosses for this amazingly thought provoking book. The unknown—poorly documented other side of the story was what moved all the women at the discussion.
Favorite Quotes:
“People in the West seem so taken with material things. It’s as if they have nothing in their spirits, so they need to surround themselves with nice comforts. That thinking has invaded the church, too. I’m afraid the Western philosophies have killed God. If there’s no respect for Him, what value do we have? Without God there is no compassion, no humanity.”
January 2017
Resisting Happiness by Matthew Kelly (††††)
Synopsis: taken from the back of the book
Are you happy? It may be the wrong question. Most of us think we are relatively happy, while at the same time knowing that we could be happier -- maybe even a lot happier. Ordinary people and the finest philosophers have been exploring the question of happiness for thousands of years, and theories abound. But this is not a book of theory. Resisting Happiness is a deeply personal, disarmingly transparent look at why we sabotage our own happiness and what to do about it. What is resistance? It's that sluggish feeling of not wanting to do something that you know is good for you. It's the inclination to do something that you unabashedly know is not good for you. It's the desire and tendency to delay something you should be doing right now. It is resistance that stands between you and happiness. In this book you will learn not only what it is, but how to recognize and conquer it in your own life.
Comments from the Group Discussion
We had high marks all around the table for Matthew Kelly’s latest book with most all the ladies giving the book a 5- some a 4.5 rating. Anyone at any age can read this book and several ladies said they will be giving the book as a gift. Several ladies mentioned reading this book came just at the right time for them-- it was the shot in the arm they needed. As a group, they found the book to be very uplifting and motivational. One lady, however, said she found the book to be boring.
Favorite Quotes:
December 2017
Feast of Christmas by Joseph F. Kelly (†††+)
Synopsys:
Many Christians struggle to balance the religious and secular elements of Christmas, but the history of the feast shows that this is nothing new. The religious Christmas has changed over the centuries and, contrary to many critics, is thriving today. This book attempts to explain when Christmas was first celebrated, how December 25 become the official date for Christmas, how the Bible's "magi from the East" become the three kings named Melchior, Caspar, and Balthasar who rode camels from three different continents to worship the newborn Christ, and much more.
Comments from the group’s discussion:
- I thought the author’s style a bit slow at first but it got better as I read on.
- It was historically interesting and I learned a lot.
- I didn’t like his style but found it fascinating to learn that Christmas was almost lost because of the Puritans and Calvinists and only survived because of the charitable aspects and because of King Henry’s love of feasting.
- I found it a good reference source. I particularly liked the chapter ‘The Raise of the Secular Christmas’ and the three writers he mentioned: Washington Irving, 1819, whose real joy lay with a family reunion at Christmas; Clement Clarke Moore, 1822, wrote the poem “The Night Before Christmas”, and in 1843 Charles Dickens published a novella entitled “A Christmas Carol.”
- Enjoyed learning about why Christmas is celebrated on December 25, how the name developed, the quotes from St. Augustine. It’s a book I’ll keep and use as a reference when challenged by non-believers.
- The author has dug deep into history to find all these interesting facts. Of course so many people were illiterate in the third and fourth centuries and plays were frequent teaching tools. St. Francis emphasized the humble manger, and “O Come O Come Emmanuel” was first a Medieval chant.
- I enjoyed the whole book right from the beginning. And though the secular world seems to be taking over, the author ended very hopeful.
Quotes:
- St. Augustine: “When the maker of time, the Word of the Father, was mad flesh, he gave us his birthday in time…Man’s Maker was made man that he, Ruler of the stars, might nurse at his mother’s breasts, that the Bread might be hungry, the Fountain thirst, the Light sleep, the Way be tired from the journey, that the Truth might be accused by false witnesses, the Judge of the living and the dead be judged by a mortal Judge.”
- Author: “Christians should stop worrying about Christmas. The true values of the feast may not be evident in the traditional ways, but they always manage to shine through, even in the most unlikely places.”
November 2017
Any Friend of God's is a Friend of Mine by Patrick Madrid (††††+)
Synopsys: Parts taken from Catholic Answers.
Every Sunday millions of Christians recite the Apostles’ Creed, professing their belief in the "communion of saints," but few realize the importance of this phrase. Indeed, the Catholic understanding is denounced by many Protestants as "unbiblical." It is a bitter irony that the very doctrine of Christian unity has itself become a barrier to unity. The controversy revolves around the question, "Is it biblical to ask the saints in heaven to pray (intercede) for us?" Catholics say yes. Because Christians are united with each other through Christ, and are commanded to love and pray for one another, Christians on earth can ask Christians in heaven for their prayers. In his book Patrick Madrid explains in a clear, and easy-to-follow style why Catholics pray to Mary and the saints. Using the Bible and the testimony of the early Church Fathers, he shows the biblical and historical foundations of this often misunderstood Catholic doctrine. He also walks you through the standard anti-Catholic arguments against praying to Mary and the saints and demonstrates why these arguments are themselves unbiblical.
Comments from the group’s discussion:
- I thought it a little redundant at first but got more into the book after a while. He gave a lot of good quotes.
- I found the book very reaffirming. I plan to give this book to a Protestant friend.
- I especially liked the affirmation of going to Mary in prayer. Our prayers are perfected by Mary for when, on our behalf, she takes them to her son Jesus as I read in “33 Days to Morning Glory”.
- As a convert I never had a problem with statues, in fact I was fascinated with them in all our travels. I find it sad that so many Protestants are missing out on the relationships they could have with the saints.
- My favorite chapter was “’Me and Jesus’ Christianity Isn’t Biblical”. Madrid explains so thoroughly the flaw in the Protestant belief in sola scriptura,independent of Sacred Tradition or the magisterium.
- I like the references to all the Church Fathers and the teachings of the early church. It gives me a better understanding on where our traditions and teachings come from and that these teaching have been with the church since its beginning.
- There is a big difference between conjuring up the dead and praying to the saints and Madrid explains it so well.
Quotes:
- “The Church teaches, as the Bible does, that all Christians are intercessors who, because of Christ’s mediatorship, are able to pray for each other.”
- “Part of the reason Catholics emphasis devotion to the saints is that we see in them a profound understanding of and fidelity to the doctrines of the Faith, doctrines handed down to them from Christ and the apostles and which they handed down to us in the writings, preaching, and by the way they lived out these teachings.”
October 2017
A Mother's Ordeal by Steven W. Mosher (††††)
Synopsys: parts taken from Kirkus Reviews.
Social scientist and China expert and author Steve Mosher relates the story of Chi An, a former population-control worker in China—her childhood, schooling, marriage and career--whose own second pregnancy became the catalyst for her fight to stay in the U.S. "A searing and candid look at a place where the state brutally intrudes into the most intimate parts of a woman's life."
Special note on the rating: While many women rated this book high, some women rated this book low because of the subject matter.
Comments from the group’s discussion:
- I could not believe the amount of control the Chinese government and the workplace had on the lives of each individual. It was extremely gut-wrenching and hard to read how the people lived and were treated.
- I was horrified at all the late-term abortions that were performed and how uncaring the doctors were.
- It certainly made me appreciate our U.S. and the freedom of choice we have here.
- I was disappointed in Chi An when she turned against her friend and forced her into having an abortion, even though it was her job and pressured to meet the quota of only 1% birthrate.
- It is a good book for those “on the fence” thinkers to help them have an opinion. When I was growing up who would have thought abortion in our country would be so readily acceptable. It scares me to think how close we, here in America, are to having an “obligation to die” policy. So many of our young people are not getting any moral training what-so-ever. They aren’t seeing the consequences that will result.
- People need to read this book to see the truth that is all around us. We don’t know what is going on in other countries like China or Korea or even the Philippines which is becoming a one-child country. It is sad to see our country going in the same direction.
Quotes:
- “Even after I had rejected forced abortion and sterilization, I remained convinced that my fatherland’s population was the number one obstacle to its prosperity. I no longer believe that to be true. I have since learned that the enormous wealth of the U.S. was created by individuals, not by the government. I have also come to realize that most of the countries of the developed world are more densely populated than China. Despite this “overcrowding,” none of these countries has declared war on its own people the way China has.”
- “In my experience the Chinese Communist party has produced little but misery in its four-plus decades in power. The state-owned sector of the economy, created by the Party in the fifties to lead China to socialism, is long bankrupt. Tens of millions of my countrymen have been starved to death in famines, tormented in repeated political campaigns, and singled out and persecuted for problems largely of the Party’s own making.”
September 2017
PETER: Keys to Following Jesus by Dr. Tim Gray (††††+)
Synopsys (taken from the cover of the book):
Biblical scholar Dr. Tim Gray masterfully guides you through the tumultuous and inspiring life of Peter – from his “yes” to Jesu’s call along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, to his denial of Jesus from his preaching of Jesus Christ, to his martyrdom in Rome. Using Sacred Scripture and Tradition, Dr. Gray highlights important lessons from Peter’s life, including: How to become a trusting disciple and “cast into the deep”; How to avoid the pitfalls of living discipleship at a distance; How to repent and receive God’s mercy; How to become a bold witness to the love of Jesus Christ.)
Comments from the group’s discussion:
- I loved how Dr. Gray wrapped up the Old Testament in the New like a present.
- The references to great works of art really enhanced the telling of the story and I really appreciate the historical and cultural information. It makes reading the Bible so much more interesting.
- The book flowed easily, pulling together everything from Peter’s life without being complicated theologically
- One thing that impacted me from this book was Dr. Gray’s mention of the most important qualification for an Apostle was how much time that person has spent with Jesus (thought: how much time do we really spend with Jesus each day?)
- Dr. Gray points out that there is a danger that God’s people, both in the OT and today, can reduce their identity to being simply sinners and failures instead of sons and daughters of God. Their past should not define their identity or become their prison; "I am He who blots out your transgressions....and I will not remember your sins" We must trust in God's promise of forgiveness.
- I thought it interesting when it was mentioned how many Christian folk reduce Jesus' entire mission to just his death and resurrection, since then he could have died at any time if that is all He came for. He came also to establish His Kingdom on earth--the Church. You cannot separate the King from his Kingdom. You can't be loyal to the King if you don't submit to his Kingdom (His Church).
- Even if we struggle with some teachings of the church, we can't pick and choose which teachings to follow.
Favorite Quotes:
- “God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called."
- “…the most important qualification for an Apostle was how much time that person had spent with Jesus.”
- “If Peter could have stayed awake and kept vigil, he would have found the grace to remain faithful to Christ.”
- “You cannot have the glory without the suffering.”
August 2017
Walk Humbly with Your God, Simple Steps to a Virtuous Life by Fr. Andrew Apostolic, C.F.R. (††††+)
Synopsis (parts taken from the book cover):
After the World Trade Towers went down in New York, Father Apostoli ministered at the morgue set up at Ground Zero. When search teams discovered the body of a police officer or firefighter, an honor guard formed and gathered the body with great reverence. For Father Apostoli, these moments vividly captured the unspoken code of these heroic public servants: "We go in together, we come out together." Christians, if they are to have any impact in today's world, have something of the same code: we fight the good fight, side by side, ready to lay down our lives for one another. Such heroism doesn't come naturally. As Walk Humbly With Your Godpoints out, it is in the day-to-day training, in taking the simple steps to holiness, that heroism becomes second nature. Father Apostoli provides an inspirational guide to conquering our faults, growing in prayer and acquiring the virtues that enable us to walk with God and live for others.
Comments from the Group Discussion:
- It seemed to start off slow with the same old stuff. But after page 60, it started to pick up with some really great stuff, and I started to get into the book a lot more. I could relate especially to the struggle against judgmental thoughts. I need concrete examples of when I am being virtuous and he had such wonderful examples.
- Great author, has such a wonderful way of getting into his topic: like temptations for instance. Facing temptations and trials helps us grow in the virtue of humility. Humility is simply knowing and accepting the truth about ourselves. And my favorite is “Every time you put out your tongue to receive Jesus in Holy Communion, think of it as a doormat which will greet the Lord. He will know whether that doormat says ‘welcome’ or unwelcome’ by the way you have used your tongue to speak about others.” I think about that every time I receive the Eucharist now.
- I had never heard this described “Jesus went down into the water that, in a sense, was polluted with the sins of all the people who had been baptized before Him. But in going down into that water Jesus drew those sins, and all sins, to Himself.”
- I would have liked it better if it were more scriptural, and it needed more on free will and obedience. I think it could have been tighter.
- I loved the book. He brought in stories from the saints like St. Teresa of Avila who once described prayer as nothing but a heart-to-heart conversation with God who loves us. He stressed the importance of spiritual reading and making God a part of whatever we’re doing to develop a personal relationship with Him. He spoke of St. Francis embracing his crosses, and St. Therese saying, “the food of real love is sacrifice.”
- I like his chapter on the Hour of Power. It encouraged me to start to go back to devotion to the Holy Eucharist which, as he said, is the very heart of Catholic life.
Favorite Quotes:
- “Use me. Do whatever you want with my life. Send me wherever you want. But don’t consul me!” Mother Teresa
- “Joy is our secret weapon in the Christian life and in our work of evangelization.”
- “Suffering can make you Better or Bitter.”
- “God doesn’t have moods, we do.”
- “Developing the virtue of charitable speech is one of the greatest challenges in the spiritual life.”
- “Anyone intent on living as a sincere and dedicated Christian must take prayer seriously.”
- “To meet any challenge effectively, we need to be faithful to prayer, practice the virtues and develop our understanding of how suffering is a sharing in the cross of Christ.”
July 2017
How Dante Can Save Your Life by Rod Dreher (††††)
Synopsis (parts taken from the book cover):
Following the untimely death of his sister, author Rod Dreher returned to live in his hometown with hopes of close family ties. But instead of the fellowship he hoped to find, he discovered that fault lines within his family had deepened. Dreher spiraled into depression and a stress-related autoimmune disease. Doctors told Dreher that if he didn’t find inner peace, he would destroy his health. Soon after, he came across The Divine Comedy in a bookstore and was enchanted by its first lines, which seemed to describe his own condition. In the months that followed, Dante helped Dreher understand the mistakes and mistaken beliefs that had brought him down and showed him that he had the power to change his life. Dreher knows firsthand the solace and strength that can be found in Dante’s great work, and distills its wisdom for those who might be lost in the dark wood of depression, struggling with failure, wrestling with a crisis of faith, alienated from their families or communities, or otherwise enduring the sense of exile that is the human condition.
Comments from the Group Discussion
- I could relate to many parts of the book since, like Dreher, I was the one who moved away from home. And I especially liked the little synopsis boxes at the end of each chapter with their special jewels of wisdom.
- I thought he repeated himself a lot and I didn’t like the fact that he didn’t return to the Catholic Church.
- This book really hit too close to home for me. It was really ‘heavy stuff’ but it was totally my story.
- I wasn’t really into the book at first when he talked mostly about his family, but once he got into explaining Dante’s poem it got a lot better for me.
- I’ve read The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri, and liked Dreher’s explanations and relating it to himself and today’s society. So right in saying the millennial generation is one of the most self-centered in American history and he quotes different sociologists concerning Generation Me.
- The dad was actually a good person, he just didn’t know how to love his son the way his son needed to be loved.
- Dreher had so many great messages to give…’You cannot control other people, but you can control your reaction to them. That is a key principle to your healing.’ And ‘practice the presence of God.’
- So true that the South can hold a grudge. I know.
- I thought he did a lot whining. It’s a compelling story and I can relate to a controlling father. And what I liked the best was when he said that to harmonize with the will of God requires us to overcome our passions and our ego and to make room for the transforming love of God.
- His whole section on Purgatory could be used as an examination of conscious before confession. I’ve never thought about pride, envy or wrath, sloth, gluttony or lust the way he explained them.
Favorite Quotes:
- “You are God. I am not. Please help.”
- “It’s when you stop believing you have any sins to confess that the enemy has won.”
- “Nearly all sinners in hell convinced themselves in the mortal life that the evil that they did was good, or at least understandable.”
- “Whatever idol you worship—and all of us, religious or not, are tempted by idolatry—the ultimate idol you worship is yourself.”
- “Humility is the absolute requirement for advancement in the spiritual life.”
June 2017
Seeds of the Word by Bishop Robert Barron (†††††)
Synopsis: parts taken from “The Catholic Register”
In Seeds of the Word: Finding God in the Culture, author Fr. Robert Barron draws on a wealth of examples from film, books, politics and American culture in general as he invites us to sift through evidence of God’s presence and His principles. Barron leads us into what can happen when society denies God’s existence and what Catholics and people of faith can do about it. “Before sowing the word, one looks for semina verbi (seeds of the word) already present among the people one seeks to evangelize. The wager is that, once these are uncovered, the word of Christ will not seem so strange or alien,” he writes. “In the best case, a non-believer might come to see that he had, in fact, been worshipping Christ all along, though under the guise of an unknown God.”
Comments from the Group Discussion
This book proved to be another big hit for the Book Group. All participants enjoyed both the way Bishop Barron writes and viewing him on his many YouTube teaching segments.
- One of my favorite chapters was that on Spider-Man, Iron Man, Superman and how Barron compared the characters to Jesus. The final question always seems to be “Who am I?” “Though Jesus certainly cured some people, the heart of his salvific work was not the total eradication of human pain but precisely his own embrace of it.”
- I’m a real film lover and loved how he found something of value in every movie he wrote on. And I especially liked his Catholic myth-busting techniques…"What is it that you actually know about the Catholic Church?”
- The world is becoming so very anti-Catholic and Bishop Barron addresses the issues in such an understandable way.
- His chapter on the Hunger Games was right on target…“Wherever two or three are gathered, look for victims.” There always seems to be that scapegoat out there and he points out again and again that God identifies with the victim—He became the victim.
- I found his chapter on “Where are the “Nones” (religious preference) coming from?” very interesting. I work with teenagers and what attracts high school and college students is structure and strict standards. So when Fr. Barron says that many of the mainstream Protestant churches have become dramatically liberalized and embrace a kind of soft “spirituality” without providing anything close to theology I can understand why people leave those churches. Religions must be clear on what they stand for.
- I am a big fan of Fr. Robert Barron, he is one of my favorites: He is so logical and well spoken. He is competent and relates so well to so many.
- I love the Lord of the Rings movies and loved how Fr. Barron explains that as Bilbo Baggins is called on an adventure he is called out of his hole in the ground--he has a mission, a purpose. Aren’t we all called out of our holes, our comfort zones, for a purpose? Perhaps to “find the path of self-sacrificing love.”
Favorite Quotes:
- “God’s freedom does not suppress human freedom, but rather enables and awakens it…God is the great Will, which is nothing but love. Hence his Plan doesn’t compete with human freedom, but rather guides and fulfills it.”
- “Would I recommend The Shack? Yes, absolutely, especially to those who have suffered a great loss. But, it is a bit like eating a watermelon: lots of good sweet stuff to eat, but you’ve got to spit out a few seeds!”
May 2017
The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander (†††††)
Synopsis: from Ave Maria Press
First published in 1944, The Reed of God is an enduring, timeless spiritual classic. Through beautiful prose and meditations, the British Catholic writer, artist, and poet Caryll Houselander depicts the intimately human side of Mary, Mother of God, as an empty reed waiting for God's music to be played through her. Lovingly bringing Our Lady down off her time-honored, ancient pedestal, Houselander shares her insightful and beautiful vision of Mary on earth, Mary among us, Mary as a confused but trusting teenager whose holiness flowered with her eternal "Yes."
Comments from the Group Discussion
Almost every one of the ladies gave this book a 5 out of 10. One lady thought the poetic style of writing was a little too much to be able to race through the book as she usually does.
- I love, love, loved this book! It’s a good book to sit and meditate with. We are all unique and no two people have exactly the same personal experience of God.
- So much to think about when she writes that Jesus asks to be made man and Mary grants His wish to suffer and die.
- I was touched when she said the Gospel does not say that Mary held Him in her arms but rather she wrapped him in swaddling clothes (a burial cloth) and laid him in a manger (the wooden cross). As if her first act was to lay Him on the Cross to die.
- I found the book to be very emotional. I cried my way through it just by how she put her words together and the deep meaning each word had.
- She wrote this back in the 40’s but it is so apropos to today’s society. “…we usually judge people by our own reactions, fears, and desires. We do not see them as separate people who possess their own souls and live their own lives.” True… “it is almost universally agreed by those who have not got Faith, that all church-goers are insincere and that they only go to church in order to make a good, though false, impression.” That’s our society NOW!
- So much made me think—By His own will Christ was dependent on Mary, He was absolutely helpless; He could go nowhere but where she chose to take Him, He could not speak; her breathing was His breath; His heat beat in the beating of her heart. And today Christ is dependent upon men. In the Host He is literally put into a man’s hands….WOW
- I hadn’t realized, or thought about how Mary was not asked to do anything herself, but to let something be done to her. She was not asked to renounce anything, but only to receive an incredible gift. She was not asked to lead a special kind of life but simply to remain in the world, to go forward with her marriage to Joseph, to live the life of an artisan’s wife, just what she had planned to do when she had no idea that anything out of the ordinary would ever happen to her. She simply let God use her..Your will be done.
Favorite Quotes:
“Even in ignorance man tends to fall in love with God. He responds to life as he sees it round him with gratitude that becomes love and love that takes shape.”
“She (Mary) was a reed through which the Eternal Love was to be piped as a shepherd’s song.”
“…it is really through ordinary human life and the things of every hour of every day that union with God comes about”
“It is in Our Lady that God fell in love with humanity.”
March and April 2017
The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ by Anne Catherine Emmerich (††††)
Note: the group took two months for this larger book
Synopsis: http://www.jesus-passion.com/DOLOROUS_PASSION_OF_OUR_LORD_JESUS_CHRIST.html
Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich was an Augustinian nun at the Convent of Agnetenberg, Dulmen, Westphalia, Germany. She lived between 1774- 1824. During her life, God gave her extensive visions of the past, the present and the future. Many theologians believe that she received from God more visions than any other saint. In this book are the visions of Blessed Anne concerning the horrific sufferings our Dear Lord Jesus Christ suffered in his work to save mankind. This includes the Last Supper, the Agony in the Garden, the Arrest, the Scourging, the Crowning of Thorns, the Trial by Pontius Pilate, the Carrying of the Cross, the Crucifixion and the Dying on the Cross, and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. They are incredibly, highly detailed and descriptive, revealing to us more information about the Life of Jesus Christ besides what we read of Him in the Bible. [More information is obtainable at this site.)
Note to Reader: Since the copyright on this book has expired, it may be downloaded from iBooks. Also, the book can be found as an audio in Youtube.com.
Comments from the Group Discussion
First Half on the life of Anne Catherine Emmerich
- I wonder if Anne Emmerich was all there??? I mean, where did she get all this??
- I found it tiring to read all through her life. Once I got into the real book it was much better
- Fascinating that as a child she had visions of the Holy Family. She even took on the suffering of others and as she got older she had visions of the past, present and future. I think people are so unwilling to accept people with visions and/or stigmata as truly gifted.
- I read some things on the authors’ secretary (Clemens Brentano) and I wonder if he embellished on what she said because she was uneducated so how could she be so descriptive? I’m more of a sceptic when it comes to stuff like this.
- It said the author could not read yet the Jewish traditions where so descriptive and precise.
On the Passion:
- I am so glad I read this book, it is perfect for this time of year and since each chapter is relatively short it would make the perfect meditation for Lent.
- It is a definite winner and I certainly will reread it. It made the Stations of the Cross more realistic to me.
- I particularly loved her insight on all the characters surrounding Jesus. How they showed up in so many places and were related to different people in the story. Like Lazarus, or Veronica being a cousin to John the Baptist through their fathers, or where they lived in relation to Jerusalem, and the connection to history that the chalice that Jesus used had. All this and more may not be noted in the Bible but it added so much more meaning to the whole story of Jesus.
- I felt that I was there, her detail was so amazing. I liked how she explained the Last Supper, Jesus’ time spent before he was arrested, about Peter’s struggle, how inhumanly Jesus was treated by the soldiers and the jeering crowds…
- This book really painted a vivid portrait of Christ’s endless love and his willingness to suffer beyond human comprehension on our behalf. It has been a constant reminder for me to “stop whining” about all the trivial thinks I consider to be “suffering” and to refocused my perspective on how to bear the true crosses in our life. Because of its short chapters, it would make a good mediation book during Lent. I found the stories of the people and events surrounding Christ’s passion, death and resurrection fascinating – it really made them come to life!
- I felt the book gave us a truer feeling for how much Christ suffered, and it made me realize how much Mary suffered also. I would read it again at Easter and I would recommend it to people with the little notation that they might just want to skip over the story of Ann Catherine Emmerich’s life after they find out from the jacket or the introduction about her life. I do not understand why she is not yet a saint.
- I really loved hearing more about the presence of Our Blessed Mother during all this time. So little is said about her in the whole new Testament and yet we all know how much Jesus loved her and she Him and I couldn’t imagine that she would not be present and following every step Jesus took during His last hours.
- I thought many of the parts of the book detailing Christ’s horrific treatment at the hands of so many seemed to drag on rather endlessly, and felt very repetitive, even though I realize that’s what actually happened. I would not want to read the book again.
- I liked part of the book, though it was sometimes hard to follow. There were sections I had to read and re-read to get it. I really liked the passion, the descriptions, the visions of that part of the book probably because I already knew the stories from scripture. The added descriptions were good, but I had to put the book down at times because she became way too descriptive on the way Jesus was treated--even though we all know it was criminal, his tortures, his walk to the crucifixion. It has deepened my love and appreciation for what Jesus did for me and for all of us.
Favorite Quotes:
“’Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.’ These words, which he uttered in a clear and thrilling one, resounded through heaven and earth; and a moment after, he bowed down his head and gave up the ghost. I saw his soul, under the appearance of a bright meteor penetrate the earth at the foot of the Cross. John and the holy women fell prostrate on the ground.”
February 2017
Blood Brothers by Elias Chacour (†††††)
Synopsis: taken from Goodreads.com
As a child, Elias Chacour lived in a small Palestinian village in Galilee. The townspeople were proud of their ancient Christian heritage and lived at peace with their Jewish neighbors. But early in 1947, their idyllic lifestyle was swept away as tens of thousands of Palestinians were killed and nearly one million forced into refugee camps. An exile in his native land, Elias began a years-long struggle with his love for the Jewish people and the world's misunderstanding of his own people, the Palestinians. How was he to respond? He found his answer in the simple, haunting words of the Man of Galilee: "Blessed are the peacemakers." In Blood Brothers, Chacour blends his riveting life story with historical research to reveal a little-known side of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the birth of modern Israel. He touches on controversial questions such as "What behind-the-scenes politics touched off the turmoil in the Middle East?" "What does Bible prophecy really have to say?" and "Can bitter enemies ever be reconciled?" Originally published by Chosen Books in 1984 and now expanded with a new introduction by the author, a new foreword by former Secretary of State James A. Baker III, and a "Since Then" epilogue by writer David Hazard, this compelling book offers readers hope-filled insight into living at peace in the most volatile region of the world.
Comments from the Group Discussion
Another round of our highest rating of five crosses for this amazingly thought provoking book. The unknown—poorly documented other side of the story was what moved all the women at the discussion.
- I learned so much of the true history of the area and the history of the conflicts. His father’s attitude of non-violence stuck out to me
- I loved the personal side of the story, like how the PLO came about. Elias could see both sides and never lost his love for the Jews. I think it’s just amazing what one person could do to make a difference--slowly, steadily day by day showing love and understanding.
- We need more books that show us how to be peace makers, not just peace keepers.
- It helped me to relook at how I might be prejudiced. I loved the example of his father who said “If you become a true man of God—you will know how to reconcile enemies—how to turn hatred into peace. Only a true servant of God can do that.”
- So often we’re here and they are there and they have their own problems that are not ours. This book brought us right into the middle. I think Fr. Chacour should be a saint.
- We are all God’s children he pointed out, yet why did the world allow my people (Palestinians) to be driven into diaspora only a few years after the Holocaust? Surely the Jews knew the horror of militarism.
Favorite Quotes:
“People in the West seem so taken with material things. It’s as if they have nothing in their spirits, so they need to surround themselves with nice comforts. That thinking has invaded the church, too. I’m afraid the Western philosophies have killed God. If there’s no respect for Him, what value do we have? Without God there is no compassion, no humanity.”
January 2017
Resisting Happiness by Matthew Kelly (††††)
Synopsis: taken from the back of the book
Are you happy? It may be the wrong question. Most of us think we are relatively happy, while at the same time knowing that we could be happier -- maybe even a lot happier. Ordinary people and the finest philosophers have been exploring the question of happiness for thousands of years, and theories abound. But this is not a book of theory. Resisting Happiness is a deeply personal, disarmingly transparent look at why we sabotage our own happiness and what to do about it. What is resistance? It's that sluggish feeling of not wanting to do something that you know is good for you. It's the inclination to do something that you unabashedly know is not good for you. It's the desire and tendency to delay something you should be doing right now. It is resistance that stands between you and happiness. In this book you will learn not only what it is, but how to recognize and conquer it in your own life.
Comments from the Group Discussion
We had high marks all around the table for Matthew Kelly’s latest book with most all the ladies giving the book a 5- some a 4.5 rating. Anyone at any age can read this book and several ladies said they will be giving the book as a gift. Several ladies mentioned reading this book came just at the right time for them-- it was the shot in the arm they needed. As a group, they found the book to be very uplifting and motivational. One lady, however, said she found the book to be boring.
- I thought this was the best of Matthew Kelly’s books. I was inspired and started a Mass Journal. My favorite point was to let God do His work.
- This book came at a good time for me with some of the struggles I’m going through. I was reminded by “Thy will be done.”
- Though I liked his “Rediscovering Jesus” book better, I am motivated to start to go to a daily Mass during the week.
- It’s a great idea to offer an hour during our day in prayer for someone else. Even to set an alarm during the day to pray.
- I liked his Key Points and Action Steps at the end of each chapter.
- He had so many great points, such as: there is a direct relationship between truth and happiness; delayed gratification is linked to success; selfishness is a sure path to unhappiness; comparisons are worthless in a world of individuals.
- I’ve decided that being bored is not acceptable and I’ve been feeling bored. I might be getting old but I still have a mission.
Favorite Quotes:
- We are only here on earth for the blink of an eye. This is not our home. That’s why the happiness that God wants and created us for is very different from the fleeting happiness and momentary pleasures of this world.
- Someone can look perfectly fine, but you never know what is going on inside—and everyone has something going on inside.
- The most practical way to improve all our relationships is to continually become a better listener.
- Gratitude anchors us to the present moment, reminding us of what matters most and what matters least.