Sinner: The Catholic Guy's Funny, Feeble Attempts to Be a Faithful Catholic

Sinner: The Catholic Guy's Funny, Feeble Attempts to Be a Faithful Catholic

3.99 of 5 stars 3.99  ·  rating details  ·  135 ratings  ·  32 reviews
What Catholic guy made money as an organ-grinder's assistant, spent one-on-one time with John Paul II, met a very nice Thai prostitute, and confessed his sins on a beanbag chair? Lino Rulli, of course!

Lino Rulli has a style and personality not typically found in the world of religious media. In this fast and funny collection of stories from his own life, The Catholic Guy...more
Paperback, 181 pages
Published August 19th 2011 by Servant Books
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Stephen Z.
1. Lino Rulli is compared to C.S. Lewis, by me.

2. I will probably spend more money because of this book, than almost any other book.

3. Lino Rulli compares himself my hero, Archbishop Sheen.

4. Lino Rulli inspires me to do better at my faith.

All three of these statements is true, but some may not be what you think, but I wanted to make Lino feel better.

1. Lino Rulli is compared to C. S. Lewis.

Lino must be a holy man writing this book to be compared to one of the great Christian writers of the 20th...more
Deanna
In Sinner, Rulli tells about his life the way you would hear it from your friend over a drink. Is being a Catholic always easy? No. But, as you read through the chapters you realize that to Rulli, it is worth it. He is funny, very funny and honest about who he is. HIs chapters on Confession combined with the chapter on his doctor visit while in grad school is enough to recommend the book.

Through all the jokes and one-liners though, Rulli is a man after God's heart, trying to serve him and share...more
Jeff Miller
Lino Rulli who hosts "The Catholic Guy" on Sirius Radio has written a autobiography simply named "sinner." I first became aware of Lino back in 2006 when he invited me on his show. I soon came to appreciate his quick wit and banter. While I don't have Sirius radio I listen to the podcast highlights of his show and follow him on Twitter. I also remember being rather impressed with the talk he gave at last years Catholic New Media Convention.

So I was prepared for a funny autobiography with spiritu...more
Donald Jodon


Good book although I had hoped to discover something with a little more substance. Ultimately the book is about Lino's difficulty with fulfilling his Christian (Catholic) beliefs. The book contains twenty something examples of Lino sinning. Yet continuously he believed and tries to "be a better Catholic". Ultimately the book is funny (as Lino always is) but he does come off a little shallow with stories centered on his desires for himself as well as stories about things like hiring a prostitute...more
Bob
I hate to feed Lino Rulli’s ego, but here goes: His book “Sinner” had me chuckling out loud.

Fortunately there’s a good dose of humility left in the St. Paul native despite his success in both television and radio. When that’s combined with the self-deprecating humor that he spreads on pretty thickly in stories from his relatively young life-and-times, it makes for reading that’s both funny and — I’m searching for a word here — well, evangelizing? Catechizing without trying too hard? Preaching as...more
Tina
Original post at One More Page

I had no idea who Lino Rulli was until I heard him on Lifeteen's Holy Week podcast, which was actually his show with Mark Hart the Bible Geek as guest. I listen to a few Catholic podcasts, but I have never heard of him until then, so I admit that I wasn't really sure what to expect when I started listening to the episode that Good Friday. But a few minutes in, I was already charmed by this funny Catholic guy, which led me to downloading other episodes of The Catholi...more
Megan Blosser
If you like Lino's radio show (I do), you'll enjoy this book, which is why i gave it a 4. If you're unfamiliar with him, I suspect this will fall more in line with a pleasant 3.

Sinner is entertaining and gives you a glimpse of Lino's struggling-strong Catholichood. However, it stops with just the glimpse; even as a fan, it left me wanting more. I read the book over the course of one day and got about as much out of it as I get out of any one daily show (3 hours airtime). I hope he plans to writ...more
Karlton
Whaddaya know - a funny Catholic. I subcribe to a lot of Catholic radio podcasts. I often get tired of questions by the uptight members of the flock about whether we should hold hands at Mass or take the Host in the palm of the hand. Since I don't get satellite radio, this audiobook the first time I had come across this "Catholic Guy." His brutal, self-effacing comedy is music to my Gen-X ears. I recognize it's not for everyone, but if you have a devotion to the Holy Sacrament, AND also enjoy wh...more
Christine
Lino Rulli, the host of "The Catholic Guy" radio show, writes this easy-to-read book of anecdotes about his life as a sinner trying to get to heaven (just like most of us Catholics). He uses wit, knowledge of his faith, and a great sense of humor to weave a tale of his coming-of-age and adulthood. This book is a great read for Catholics who have a sense of humor, and for anyone who enjoys humorous memoirs.

Rulli's memories include everything from joining his father's sideshow business to conversi...more
Kriston
May 03, 2012 Kriston rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Nominal Catholics
Recommended to Kriston by: Lino Rulli
A nominal memoir for the nominal Roman Catholic.

The host of The Catholic Guy on SiriusXM's Catholic Channel gives us an entertaining look into his own neuroses and lets us other nominal Catholics get in touch with our own flawed faith. It's a book written from Rulli's heart, and is less awkward and painful than it is enjoyable and entertaining. Cringe moments are plentiful, but so are the fun moments.

The book is now in its second printing. I read the Kindle edition which is better enjoyed on the...more
Sarah
I gotta tell ya: one of the best Catholic books I've read.

Yeah, I know. Everyone is saying that. (Or not. I really don't know.)

Lino keeps it real, but he does it in a way that had me laughing and snorting and nodding the whole book through.

I find myself inspired by how Lino is so honest, and I want to share this book with everyone I know, especially those people who may struggle with how perfect they're not. Because, after reading this book, I'm struck by the fact that hey, it's not just me.

High...more
Renee
During Christmas break, my 20 year old daughter Madeleine told me on multiple occasions about Sinner. She loves The Catholic Guy aka Lino Rulli because in 2009 she got a brand new car with Sirius radio and a 4 hour drive to her university in Mississippi. So when this book became available from the Catholic Company, I jumped on it.

Loved it!!! Is it a great theological thesis? No. Is is a story of a great conversion? No. Is it going to be a long lasting Church classic? Doubt it. But it IS a real s...more
Mike
Good easy read about an average Catholic who I could relate to. Lino's book is a series of vignettes on his life and his inter action with the Catholic Church and God. No great theological tome but pleasent reading one can relate to. Lino is on Sirus Radio in the afternoons 4-6 PM and is the "Catholc Guy".
A
I wandered across Lino on cable access while he was hosting Generation Cross sometime between 01 and 03. Here was a goofy man hosting a show about Catholicism that was eminently watchable and clearly focused towards my demographic.

This book is entertaining. It is not the deepest book I've ever read but it was fast and his anecdotes are interesting(because really, how many men can say they were an organ-grinders monkey at Prince's birthday party).

The thing that I appreciate throughout, and this...more
TheRose
Loved this book! Lino is funny, endearing, shallow & deep all in one. His humility about his pride is a paradox I've been living with - I can totally relate to this guy (though I'm not nearly as entertaining). Highly recommend to anyone, Catholic or NOT!
Randy
Lino Rulli is the type of person I can relate to. He struggles to be a good Catholic but always seems to stumble.
"Sinner" is a compilation of stories from Lino's life and he can make the struggle to do the right think amusing and well worth reading.
Tina
Lino, very simply, has the ability to put into words those feelings, inner conflicts, struggles, and insecurities many of us experience in life. Especially for those of us trying to be faithful to our religious beliefs. By doing this - in this book and on his Sirius Satellite radio show "The Catholic Guy" - he reassures the rest of us that we are not alone in our journey.
Dozzy Osborne
Aug 01, 2011 Dozzy Osborne rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Lino Rulli
Recommended to Dozzy by: Lino Rulli
THIS WAS THE BEST BOOK THAT HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED YET THAT I CANT STOP READING, I DON'T EVEN HAVE A COPY OF THE BOOK YET AND IT IS SO HARD TO PUT THIS BOOK DOWN. "GOD BLESS YOU BROTHER!"

Lee Norfleet
I found a connection right away with Lino Rulli. We are both the same age, both single, both very interested in faith and both...SINNERS! We all are. In a very funny way, Lino demonstrates that though we are sinners we should never stop attempting to be as holy as we can. I think the part that I connected with the most is that we can truly be happy when we do God's will. We should take the time to ask God what he wants with us and for us and that His Will be done. For most a booming voice from h...more
Joe
Read my review and interview with the author:

http://thecatholicspirit.com/featured...
Michael Winn
A light read of how an Italian American has tried to live his faith growing up in mid-west America and moving to New York.
Margaret
The writing is friendly storytelling conversation, but if you don't care about Lino Rulli, you won't care about this book.
Jen
It was a quick and entertaining read, but I was surprised that some of the stories stuck with me and had me thinking days later.
Annette
While he's convincing us he's a huge sinner, I see a man who has the grace to see how much he is. Bravo, sir!
Lorraine
A very honest and funny collection of short stories about trying to remain true to the faith in today's world.
Beth
Funny, honest, easy read. Nothing deep or overly spiritual, but I think Lino is hilarious and enjoyed his anecdotes.
Jon
True life from Lino. Reminds us we are not perfect but we are asked to keep on trying.
Isaiah Mary


Funny and honest. A book I would give to someone teetering in their faith
Heidi
While funny in places....I got bogged down with the religious aspects.
Kim
I really enjoyed reading this book. There is something oddly comforting in knowing that you are not the only sinner out there. :-)
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Sinner: The Catholic Guy's Funny, Feeble Attempts to Be a Faithful Catholic  (Kindle Edition)
Sinner: The Catholic Guy's Funny, Feeble Attempts to Be a Faithful Catholic (Audio CD)
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