July Open Book #anopenbook
Today I’m joining Carolyn Astfalk and Catholic Mom for An Open Book. Here’s what I’ve been working on and reading this past month.
Treason (Second Edition) by Dena Hunt
Synopsis: Now available from FQP, Treason, Second Edition. As Stephen Long steps ashore in England one gray dawn in May 1581, he wonders how many more Catholics will have to die to make Queen Elizabeth feel secure. Involuntarily, he trembles at the thought that soon he may be numbered among them.
For in the days ahead, each time Stephen hears confession or celebrates Mass, he commits yet another act of high treason against the British Crown, for which Queen Elizabeth’s swift penalty is gruesome torture and painful death.
As Stephen hastens to find shelter away from that open beach, he struggles not only with fear but with doubt as well: “Is my mission foolish? Am I nothing more than fresh meat for the queen’s butchers?”
In the light of that same gray dawn, just a few miles north, a heartbroken Caroline Wingate lies awake in her unhappy marriage bed, wrestling with thoughts of a different — perhaps crueler — martyrdom.
Although from her earliest years Caroline has known herself to be called to cloistered contemplative life as a nun, some years ago she was forced by her father into a politically “safe” marriage with an upright Protestant, from whom she must hide her Catholicism — and her true — vocation lest she, too, be executed for her faith.
Hanging by the neck is swift martyrdom, but Caroline’s doubts and guilt have pained her daily for years now. An exile in her own soul, in her lonely desolation, she confesses, “I don’t love my husband as I should. For safety’s sake, I cannot give myself wholly to him and must deceive him daily. Nor can I give myself to the One I truly love.”
In a few days, circumstances will force Caroline and the young priest together. With death hastening toward both of them, the beautiful fates of these two faithful Catholics confirm what we today too often forget: our faith is the most powerful force in the world — more powerful than politics, wars, or empires. More powerful even than the hard, cold will of Queen Elizabeth.
In this gripping, heartrending tale, Caroline and Stephen show us that it’s not power that writes the true history of the world; it’s faith: faith and the love that faith alone can awaken and sustain.
Stepping Stones of my Life by Rene Robertson
Synopsis: This memoir of a childhood in constant flux and readjustment is this woman’s candid perspective on life, uncertainty, and the struggles and joys of a large family that included a brother, Felix, who was born mute and with hydrocephalus. Entering adulthood and setting out to Saint John, NB, to establish her own footing, she encounters yet more challenges: marriage, moving back to Ontario and raising two children while juggling a career, and even being in the spotlight as a pastor’s wife. With so many people these days whose lives are constantly uprooted, Rene’s story offers encouragement and a true sense of the way home. This is a collection of heartwarming stories, hardships, depression, seeking and triumph.
My review: The wonderful thing about being an author is when I meet other authors. This one, Rene Robertson, happened to be sitting beside me at a friend’s birthday party. I downloaded her book, and she ordered one of mine. The story is not unlike many other tales of life, although the author is Christian, so there’s an underlying theme of trust in God. Recommend.
Letter to the Future by Michael D. O’Brien
Synopsis: Best-selling novelist Michael O’Brien returns to the theme of people of faith striving to find their way through a societal collapse during the rise of new dimensions of totalitarianism.
Set in the near future, all of North America is plunged into crisis as basic communications and other services suddenly and inexplicably fail. As the tension mounts, a disparate group of people come together from several directions, apparently by coincidence. Many of them are strangers to each other, and some are very young–whom their parents and guardians call “our pied piper children.”
Moved by grace and dreams, they leave behind all securities and endure numerous alarming trials as they follow the thread of inspiration, seeking refuge in the mountains of British Columbia. Their choice to proceed in blind faith will bring about unforeseen consequences that are fully revealed only in the distant future.
My review: I was amazed that this book is only 400 pages in length. Many of O’Brien’s other books are much thicker. Still in the process of reading and enjoying it very much. O’Brien is one of the best Catholic authors today.
Espoused to Christ: A Theology of Consecrated Virginity by Erin Kinsella
Synopsis: Although consecrated virginity lived in the world is the oldest form of consecrated life in the Church, it is also one of its most hidden treasures. However, since the Second Vatican Council called for the renewal of this vocation, increasing numbers of women have sought to discover whether the Lord is calling them to become His mystical bride, and the number of consecrated virgins continues to increase worldwide.
Aside from some formation books and scattered sources, such as the Church Fathers’ writings, little information specific to consecrated virginity has been available for dioceses and discerners — until now. Specifically addressing consecrated virginity lived in the world, this book is an invaluable and timeless resource for gaining greater clarity on this beautiful, ancient vocation for women discerning and in formation, bishops, formators, and even the already consecrated. It covers topics including:
Espoused to Christ provides both a theological framework for understanding this vocation and real-life applications that illustrate how to live it, with helpful Scripture passages and reflection questions at the end of each chapter.
This gem of a book reveals that while the vocation of consecrated virginity is ancient, it is also ever new and that these brides of Christ in the world are helping to renew the Church by the lived witness of their love for Christ.
My review: My youngest sister, Laurie, is also a “Consecrated Virgin of the World.” She recently met with the author of this book. I was surprised there was a book on this topic. Two years ago, when my sister told our family that she was studying to be a “Consecrated Virgin of the World,” I had never heard of this vocation. This is an excellent book, not only for those discerning their vocations, but for the families of those women who have chosen this as their vocation. Highly recommend.
