http://www.goodreads.com/review/list_rss/669065 en-US Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:53:30 -0700 60 http://www.goodreads.com/ 200 41 http://www.goodreads.com/images/layout/gr_logo.gif 26160745 Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:53:30 -0700
author: John F. Thornton
name: Carlos
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at: 06/08
date added: 07/02/08
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The strength of this book is in the writings of Cardinal Ratzinger/ Pope Benedict XVI. He is a brilliant writer who expresses himself clearly and is easy to understand. This book presents a great selection from various homilies, speeches, and excerpts from several larger books. The weakness lies in how some of these texts are ordered. Having said that, the excerpts do provide an incentive to dive into the full works which they were drawn from. It is also excellent that Deus Caritas Est was included at the end in its entirety. This is certainly a nice introduction into Pope Benedict XVI's writings, and the vast expanse of his writings before being elected Pope, but the excerpts are nowhere near as satisfying as diving into the texts themselves.
]]> 26160163 Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:47:43 -0700
author: Avery Robert Cardinal Dulles
name: Carlos
average rating: 3.33
book published: 1997
rating: 5
read at: 06/08
date added: 07/02/08
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In this collection of five lectures Cardinal Dulles draws from Church teaching and a diverse group of theologians to flesh out the understanding of the priesthood. His main focus is to present a concept of ministerial priesthood which is, "coherent with he biblical data, with the catholic tradition, and with the teaching of Vatican II." Through developing these themes what emerges is an appreciation for the common priesthood of the faithful and the ministerial priesthood, as well as the difference between the two. Dulles presents a strong case against those that want to clericalize the laity and laicize the clergy.
]]> 22841599 Fri, 23 May 2008 20:31:47 -0700
author: Josef Pieper
name: Carlos
average rating: 4.43
book published: 2001
rating: 5
read at: 05/08
date added: 05/23/08
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In this short work, Pieper clarifies some of the notions of sin. He uses a philosophical standpoint, clearly illustrating how the concept of sin, and even the difference between venial and mortal sin is something that is present in the writings of many times and cultures, though certainly Christianity brings it into a new dimension. His development in this work provides many insights and approaches to pondering these questions that ultimately approach eternity.
]]> 19979453 Fri, 11 Apr 2008 20:24:00 -0700
author: Aelred of Rievaulx
name: Carlos
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2005
rating: 5
read at: 04/08
date added: 04/11/08
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This book was a nourishing and insightful read. Writing in the style of aa Platonic dialog Aelred builds off of the insights of Cicero, the writings of the Church Fathers, his own experience of life in common as well as his experience of the depths of friendship in order to present this series of dialogs on the joys of friendship. He offers much wisdom for choosing and keeping friends. Much of what he has to say would fly in the face of today's outlook, but it certainly resonates with the desire of a soul to seek companionship and spiritual communion in the journey of life. This treasure trove of wisdom is certainly useful in coming to a deeper appreciation of the riches we have or should desire to have in our friends.
]]> 19412218 Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:51:11 -0700
author: Rolf Potts
name: Carlos
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2002
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 04/03/08
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]]> 19324472 Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:30:26 -0700
author: Augustine of Hippo
name: Carlos
average rating: 3.95
book published: 1999
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 04/02/08
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]]> 18818193 Thu, 27 Mar 2008 21:32:12 -0700
author: Josef Pieper
name: Carlos
average rating: 4.50
book published: 1990
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 03/27/08
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review:
This book contains four separate sections, one on each of the cardinal virtues. In each of these, Pieper takes a look at the virtue as defined, or often mis-defined by the contemporary world and he contrasts this with how the Church in general and St. Thomas in particular understand that given virtue. What emerges is a picture of true humanity. Often what the world offers us is appealing but insufficient, God calls us to go deeper and strive to reach higher, and in return He promises us true joy. This is a challenging but rewarding read. The insights it provides leave much to ponder as to how we can truly begin to live more richly in God's plan for us.
]]> 18373809 Sat, 22 Mar 2008 08:40:15 -0700
author: Jean Bernard
name: Carlos
average rating: 4.62
book published: 2007
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 03/22/08
shelves:
review:
This book is a fast paced and sobering account of the depth to which man's inhumanity can sink, and also of the strength which man can gain from faith and uniting his suffering to that of Christ.
]]> 18344298 Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:01:23 -0700 ]]>
author: Pope Benedict-XVI
name: Carlos
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2006
rating: 5
read at: 03/08
date added: 03/21/08
shelves:
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This book is a collection of short reflections for major feasts throughout the Church's calendar. In each of them the Pope (then Cardinal Ratzinger), highlights a theme or two in order to draw the deeper significance of the feast into greater focus. He provides theological, and historical background, and rich mediations on how these holy days impact the lives of each believer. These reflections are easy to read but they are profound in what they draw forth. This book certainly provides an impetus for a fresh look at many days like Christmas or Easter which are rich in their spiritual treasures, but which may have become commonplace in our eyes because the world has run amok with them.

]]> 17228602 Fri, 07 Mar 2008 07:50:38 -0800
author: Caryll Houselander
name: Carlos
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2006
rating: 5
read at: 02/08
date added: 03/07/08
shelves:
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Through the words and illustrations of this book what shines through is the beautiful love of a woman for Christ and His Church. It is a devotional work, interspersed with Houselander's poetry. She writes from an early twentieth century English outlook and thus her chapters are interspersed with examples from the war. She doesn't get stuck in this contemporary setting though, but rather effectively uses it to bring the life of the Christian to greater clarity. In the course of the book she accomplishes two things beautifully. First she shows the importance for the Christian of a relationship with Mary. How the example of Mary can inspire and guide us, especially in difficult times, and how we can turn to her as an intercessor and mother. Secondly, she shows how Mary draws us towards Christ, and how ultimately our relationship with Mary is senseless otherwise.
]]> 16950683 Mon, 03 Mar 2008 19:57:34 -0800
author: Benedict J. Groeschel
name: Carlos
average rating: 4.80
book published: 2006
rating: 5
read at: 02/08
date added: 03/03/08
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This book is a detailed exploration of the seven virtues, the four cardinal virtues (Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Tempterance) and the three theological virtues (faith, hope and love). Fr. Groeschel illustrates each of them with examples form the lies of the saints and contemporary Christians, and adds insights for bringing them into deeper fruition in the life of each reader. This approach is presented as a counterpoint to much contemporary culture, and is geared towards helping the reader achieve the happiness which the world cannot give.
]]> 14765250 Fri, 29 Feb 2008 17:56:49 -0800
author: Pope Benedict-XVI
name: Carlos
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2006
rating: 5
read at: 02/08
date added: 02/29/08
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This book feels like a gourmet multi-course meal. You begin with the appetizer of small reflections on the readings for each of the first few days of Lent. Then you dive into more and more substantial reflections on a diverse array of topics from the necessity of the connection between Christology and Ecclesiology to a beautiful reflection on priesthood. This is truly the sort of nourishing read one needs at any time, and in particular during a season which is geared to helping us grow in love of God and His Church.
]]> 16302668 Mon, 25 Feb 2008 03:26:11 -0800
author: Pierre-Marie Emonet
name: Carlos
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2000
rating: 4
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date added: 02/25/08
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]]> 13564384 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 12:59:36 -0800
author: Father Thomas, O.S.B. Acklin
name: Carlos
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at: 02/08
date added: 02/21/08
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Fr. Acklin's book shows both the weaknesses and strengths which priests today experience. He speaks at length about contemporary challenges such as the abuse crisis, but more than that, his focus is on those things which enrich priestly life. He speaks of the challenge and gift of celibacy, the need for prayer and other similar themes. This is a book which takes a sober and realistic look at how challenging yet joyful a priest's life can be, and it gives great hope for the future of the Church.
]]> 14995136 Sat, 09 Feb 2008 12:53:15 -0800
author: Graham Greene
name: Carlos
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2005
rating: 5
read at: 02/08
date added: 02/09/08
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Graham Greene's stories cover a wide gamut from the strange and somewhat macabre, to uplifting simple tales. This book covers a wide breadth of his work, and gives a great sampling of his art. It also chronicles nicely his tensions with faith and meaning in life, and it is interesting to note how the development of his stories parallels his own journey.
]]> 14330891 Fri, 01 Feb 2008 19:32:44 -0800
author: Jorge Cardinal Medina Estevez
name: Carlos
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2004
rating: 5
read at: 01/08
date added: 02/01/08
shelves:
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Cardinal Estevez based this book on a 16th century Spanish work written by Fray Luis de León which reflexcted on the names of Christ. This short book follows a similar patter of presenting reflections on the different names for Christ found in the New Testament. 31 different names are presented in alphabetical order, and each is presented within the scriptural context where it is found. Some of the names such as Word of God are extensively fleshed out, with the theological and spiritual significance richly illustrated, while others are presented more briefly. This is a book which provides rich fodder for prayer and meditation. I found the scriptural quotes helpful, but I also enjoyed the times when the cardinal explored the deeper spiritual significance of a given name in relation to a Christian's life. It is perhaps not one that one can simply sit and read cover to cover, it seems that would be a bit tedious, but it is certainly a book worth exploring.
]]> 13715542 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:45:13 -0800
author: Ray Bradbury
name: Carlos
average rating: 4.04
book published: 1950
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 01/27/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 13715500 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:44:57 -0800
author: Ray Bradbury
name: Carlos
average rating: 3.69
book published: 1998
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 01/27/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 13715477 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:44:41 -0800
author: Ray Bradbury
name: Carlos
average rating: 3.99
book published: 1985
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 01/27/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 13715443 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:44:27 -0800
author: Ray Bradbury
name: Carlos
average rating: 4.00
book published: 1998
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 01/27/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 13715404 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:44:05 -0800
author: Ray Bradbury
name: Carlos
average rating: 4.11
book published: 1983
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 01/27/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 13715373 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:43:44 -0800
author: Ray Bradbury
name: Carlos
average rating: 4.49
book published: 1980
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 01/27/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 13715192 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:41:55 -0800
author: Pope John Paul II
name: Carlos
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2004
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 01/27/08
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review:

]]> 13715150 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:41:30 -0800
author: Peter Kreeft
name: Carlos
average rating: 4.17
book published: 1992
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 01/27/08
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]]> 13715020 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:40:23 -0800
author: Peter Kreeft
name: Carlos
average rating: 4.05
book published: 1994
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 01/27/08
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]]> 13714982 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:39:55 -0800
author: Peter Kreeft
name: Carlos
average rating: 3.94
book published: 1983
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 01/27/08
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review:

]]> 13714960 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:39:36 -0800
author: C.S. Lewis
name: Carlos
average rating: 4.00
book published: 1996
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 01/27/08
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]]> 13714828 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:38:14 -0800
author: C.S. Lewis
name: Carlos
average rating: 4.29
book published: 1996
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 01/27/08
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]]> 13714771 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:37:44 -0800
author: Thomas Dubay
name: Carlos
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2002
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 01/27/08
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]]> 13714743 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:37:28 -0800
author: Pope John Paul II
name: Carlos
average rating: 4.33
book published: 1996
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 01/27/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 13714702 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:37:04 -0800
author: Pope Benedict-XVI
name: Carlos
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2004
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 01/27/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 13714657 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:36:43 -0800
author: Patrick Madrid
name: Carlos
average rating: 3.00
book published: 2004
rating: 1
read at:
date added: 01/27/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 13714603 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:36:18 -0800
author: Christina Hoff Sommers
name: Carlos
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2006
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 01/27/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 13714578 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:35:55 -0800
author: Ray Bradbury
name: Carlos
average rating: 3.65
book published: 2001
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 01/27/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 13714556 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:35:40 -0800
author: Guy Bedouelle
name: Carlos
average rating: 4.00
book published: 1994
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 01/27/08
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review:

]]> 13714490 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:34:56 -0800
author: Saint Catherine
name: Carlos
average rating: 5.00
book published: 1996
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 01/27/08
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]]> 13714463 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:34:34 -0800
author: C.S. Lewis
name: Carlos
average rating: 3.92
book published: 1951
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 01/27/08
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]]> 13714440 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:34:09 -0800
author: C.S. Lewis
name: Carlos
average rating: 3.91
book published: 1954
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 01/27/08
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review:

]]> 13714417 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:33:54 -0800
author: Ray Bradbury
name: Carlos
average rating: 3.91
book published: 1967
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 01/27/08
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review:

]]> 13714389 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:33:30 -0800
author: Ray Bradbury
name: Carlos
average rating: 4.00
book published: 1994
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 01/27/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 13714343 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:32:58 -0800
author: P. G. Maxwell-Stuart
name: Carlos
average rating: 4.00
book published: 1997
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 01/27/08
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]]> 13714302 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:32:28 -0800
author: Raymond Chapman
name: Carlos
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2002
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 01/27/08
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]]> 13714248 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:31:44 -0800
author: Michael Crichton
name: Carlos
average rating: 3.81
book published: 1991
rating: 5
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date added: 01/27/08
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]]> 13714231 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:31:28 -0800
author: Pope John Paul II
name: Carlos
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2004
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 01/27/08
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]]> 13714199 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:30:52 -0800
author: Robert Schiele
name: Carlos
average rating: 3.00
book published: 2001
rating: 3
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date added: 01/27/08
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]]> 13714178 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:30:32 -0800
author: Brian Murphy
name: Carlos
average rating: 4.67
book published: 1998
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 01/27/08
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]]> 13714094 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:29:24 -0800
author: Paul O'Sullivan
name: Carlos
average rating: 4.00
book published: 1990
rating: 4
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date added: 01/27/08
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]]> 13714054 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:28:57 -0800
author: Michael S. Rose
name: Carlos
average rating: 2.00
book published: 2002
rating: 2
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date added: 01/27/08
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]]> 13714049 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:28:53 -0800
author: Michael S. Rose
name: Carlos
average rating: 3.00
book published: 2003
rating: 3
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date added: 01/27/08
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]]> 13714011 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:28:26 -0800
author: Malise Ruthven
name: Carlos
average rating: 3.23
book published: 2000
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 01/27/08
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]]> 13713975 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:27:57 -0800
author: W. H. C. Frend
name: Carlos
average rating: 4.00
book published: 1987
rating: 3
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date added: 01/27/08
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]]> 13569770 Fri, 25 Jan 2008 17:21:05 -0800
author: Erich Maria Remarque
name: Carlos
average rating: 3.84
book published: 1928
rating: 5
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date added: 01/25/08
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]]> 13569748 Fri, 25 Jan 2008 17:20:53 -0800
author: Fyodor Dostoevsky
name: Carlos
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 01/25/08
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]]> 13569738 Fri, 25 Jan 2008 17:20:48 -0800
author: Aldous Huxley
name: Carlos
average rating: 3.90
book published: 1932
rating: 5
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date added: 01/25/08
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]]> 13569732 Fri, 25 Jan 2008 17:20:43 -0800
author: Kurt Vonnegut
name: Carlos
average rating: 4.14
book published: 1969
rating: 3
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date added: 01/25/08
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]]> 13569719 Fri, 25 Jan 2008 17:20:30 -0800
author: Frank Herbert
name: Carlos
average rating: 4.23
book published: 1965
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 01/25/08
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review:

]]> 13569217 Fri, 25 Jan 2008 17:15:11 -0800