An Open Book – March 2023 #openbook
I’m joining Carolyn Astfalk and Catholic Mom for An Open Book. Here’s what I’ve been reading and/or working on this past month.
Shooting at Heaven’s Gate by Kaye Park Hinckley
Amazon Synopsis: When Malcolm J. Hawkins, the Head of Psychology at Bethel University in Alabama, feels his position and his credibility threatened by up-and-coming English professor Ginnie Gillan, he decides to use her husband Edmund’s gullibility against her. Feeding Edmund a steady diet of drugs and manipulation, Mal lights the fuse of the greatest tragedy Bethel has ever known.
Eighteen-year-old Alma Broussard, her quirky mother Moline, and her feisty Aunt Pauline run a chicken farm in Bethel. Their lives seem wholly separate from the feuds of academia—but dark secrets lurk in Moline’s past that will bring the people she loves straight into the path of a murderous madman.
In the wake of death and destruction, the town that used to be called Heaven’s Gate will find no easy answers, but there may still be hope for redemption. Shooting at Heaven’s Gate is a Theology of the Cross novel in which genuine goodness, bona fide evil, and suffering truly live side by side.
My review: This is one of the best books I’ve read in the past few years. Well-drawn characters, a compelling story, and rich, beautiful writing make this an outstanding book. Highly recommend!
Pope Benedict XVI Servant of Love,
Amazon Synopsis: Through stunning photographs, glorious art, insightful commentary, and his own inspiring words, this beautiful deluxe commemorative book celebrates the extraordinary life and legacy of Pope Benedict XVI. Lavishly illustrated. Special Commemorative Edition.
Part 1: Benedict XVI, the Man
An intimate portrait of Joseph Ratzinger in word and image from his youth through his reign as Pope Benedict XVI
Part 2: Benedict XVI’s Thought
His writings on Divine Revelation, Christ, the Church, Mary, the Eucharist, Charity, Faith and Reason, and more
Part 3: Praying with Benedict XVI
The Pope’s most inspiring spiritual meditations and prayers
My review: I was fortunate enough to get an advanced review copy. Pope Benedict XVI’s contribution to the Catholic faith and his service to the Church is joyfully celebrated in this book. Stunning photographs, beautiful artwork, and interesting commentary make this an extraordinary book. I learned so much about Pope Benedict XVI. Now that he has gone to his reward, this is an ideal keepsake for this extraordinary pope. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about and celebrate his life of service. See my full review here.
Pope Benedict XVI, servant of love, pray for us.
Self-Portrait (Fr. Tom #4) by Jim Sano
Synopsis: New from FQP! Thieves have struck again at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the site of the largest unsolved and infamous art heist in history. This time the priceless self-portrait of Rembrandt is stolen. Detective Brooks isn’t too happy to have Father Tom back poking his nose into another police case, but the surprising twist and turns and complex lives of the players involved make for an intriguing and emotional climax. Themes: self-awareness, forgiveness, marital love, personal growth.
Advanced review: Self Portrait is a story of self-forgiveness, self-discovery, self-reflection, and self-acceptance. This story leaves readers contemplating their own humanity and humility as we watch Sano’s characters reveal their deepest fears and their greatest loves in personal quests for goodness and truth. Self Portrait delivers in every respect. Mary Jo Thayer, award-winning author of Close to the Soul
The Way of Mercy, Pilgrimage in Catholic Poland by Stephen Binz
Synopsis: Deep suffering, when united with the merciful Jesus, produces great sanctity. This is the story of Catholic Poland over the centuries and the reason for its legacy of saints and churches. This pilgrimage guide is meant for those who wish to travel to Poland, those who want to remember their experiences there, and especially for those who want to imagine the beautiful, tragic, spiritual, and inspiring places of this land. Paging through this colorful and well-written book, designed to spotlight the holy people and sacred sites of Poland over the centuries, provides a transformative journey in the best tradition of religious pilgrimage. Read, gaze, reflect, pray, and contemplate the richness of Catholic Poland.
My review: This is an excellent book for anyone who wants to travel to Poland to experience “The Way of Mercy.” Highlight recommend!
