So...what are you reading?

[Mike]

I am rereading The "Seven Storey Mountain" by Thomas Merton. I first read this fifty years ago. I am 250 pages into it now and noticing different things than in my original read.

My opinions, so far, are developing much differently than a few of the reviews I have read. His ability to offer inspiration and food for thought remains as sharp as it was fifty years ago so it is an enjoyable journey.

[J.]

I just reviewed _The Seven Story Mountain_ on amazon. I'm a convert and had not read Merton before now - definitely on my list of favorite authors now. But a friend referred me to a video review of sorts from Fr. Barron (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWYwBD...) and it made me plunge into Dr. Alister McGrath's book he mentioned. If it interests anyone else, watch for my review soon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/cdp/member-r...

[[deleted user]]

Lisa wrote: "Have started on Abbot Baur's "Frequent Confession" :)"

oh yeah hey i forgot i read that one too it's pretty encouraging isn't it

[[deleted user]]

Raul wrote: "I, too, am embarking on Chesterton. My sister purchased for me an excellent Christmas gift this past year, The Everlasting Man. A fantastic read thus far!"

and who is this everlasting man? is it all about the Son of God/Song of Mary?

[[deleted user]]

SON not song

[[deleted user]]

Christina wrote: "Hi! I just joined GoodReads and this group and am looking forward to sharing book information with all of you. :)

Can anyone recommend any texts on the true meaning of marital love/the relation..."

Ephesians 5.

[[deleted user]]

L wrote: "Right now I'm reading Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska: Divine Mercy in My Soul. So far this has been a very inspirational book...and I'm finding I want to keep stopping to learn more about a topic brought up in the book, such as the Feast of Divine Mercy, or the Hour of Divine Mercy"

that's true...others have had similar reading experiences...the Marian Helpers religious catalog has condensed or in-depth books/booklets/pamphlets - composed by others in a different format than her diary - about the new devotions or about her life - it helps to read the Diary plus reading based on the Diary to understand it better :) (plus alot can be read online - like articles, questions/answers, meditations, pages on each devotion, etc. at thedivinemercy.org)

[[deleted user]]

Well, haven't logged into Goodreads for awhile...so I was reading the list of Catholic Readers group members and the announcements of the book they're currently reading...noticed some people bestowed with the title "Goodreads Librarian"...looked up that...joined its group...reading through its manual...decided to starting adding up to 50 books as it requires...searched the Goodreads database for "The Story of La Salette" but it didn't have the one I just finished reading...therefore manually added it to the Goodreads database...when presented with the opportunity to write my own review afterwards I wrote something short but sweet...then in attempting to post it I got this unexpected error message that it's unavailable to do so, along with this quote: "There are two motives for reading a book; one, that you enjoy it; the other, that you can boast about it [on Goodreads]." — Bertrand Russell
Trying to think about that in a positive light, now uncertain whether I should not retry to post my own reviews of this- and at least 50 books - afterall? Anyway, has anyone read this book by Fr. James P. O'Reilly?

[[deleted user]]

Lisa wrote: "Oh, now I come to think of it, I've read some Fr. Brown stories too, a while back. I thought they were rather good..."

if i recall, an online friend told me about this, and i found it at the library, and read some of it, but don't have a memory of being overly moved, or perhaps i was daunted by the length

[[deleted user]]

Christina wrote: "Hi! I just joined GoodReads and this group and am looking forward to sharing book information with all of you. :)

Can anyone recommend any texts on the true meaning of marital love/the relation..."

There may be a Theology of the Body textbook called "Male and Female He Created Them" but I read the one called "Human Love in the Divine Plan." JP2's T.O.B. Human Love in the Divine Plan is a very long book. I read all of it, and haven't had a chance to read another author's book *about* it - while I assume it would be easier to understand a young author's shorter analysis - I personally enjoyed getting to read the pope's own words (even if he had advisors helping him with what to say?) - and although I wouldn't be qualified to teach a professional whiteboard lesson on it (other than to summarize key points by rereading it) - hopefully it went to my heart (ponderingly?) at the time I read it before; I'm sure it made a difference to my walk with the Lord, even if I don't go around with a new JP2 terminology to classify all my emotions/motives/thoughts/desires etc. I recommend JP2's book itself if you're up for the challenge. Part one is on the original unity of man and woman (catechesis on the book of Genesis), then on being Pure of Heart (catechesis on the Sermon on the Mount); part two covers St. Paul's teachings about life and love (for the sake of the kingdom!)...within that section there are specific subject headings related to your question point...(see table of contents to look up the right page of interest); plus then there's reflections on Humanae Vitae, and in the end there are 3 lively writings: Humanae Vitae itself, On the Dignity and Vocation of Women, and the Gospel of Life. I could benefit from a review of this info myself! I read it before and wasn't even engaged and am still not, actually am discerning relgious life (for the kingdom!) Great read. P.S. do you want like a direct full quote to answer your question? I could find one, but can you be more specific about what kind of situation it needs to address?

[Sam]

Just finished Charity in Truth. As with many of Benedict's writings, it takes more time to read the ~85 pages than for other authors. Deeply rewarding though. This text shows his depth of intelligence -- and inspiration -- far beyond the confines of scripture, religious dogma, and history. The Spirit has blessed him with insights to the current global crises: financial, cultural, and personal. A must read to break free of the depression that these crises cause the individual mind and soul. He provides a blueprint that re-unites man's reason with God's purpose.

[J.S.]

I'm currently reading Hostage to the Devil: The Possession and Exorcism of Five Contemporary Americans by Malachi Martin. It details five rather disturbing accounts of demonic possession that occurred during the 20th century. It is extremely graphic and has a lot of foul language which some may find offensive, but would one expect anything less from Satan and his minions?

[Natalie]

Hello everyone, I'm new to the group. Right now I'm reading The Fathers of the Church: An Introduction to the First Christian Teachers by Mike Aquilina.



So far I'm enjoying it. It's so interesting reading about the early Church fathers and reading snippets of their writings.

[Robert]

Deloss wrote: "I am reading City of God. I promised myself I would read it since I enjoyed Confessions so much."

I should follow your example...

[Natalie]

I'm reading Between Heaven and Mirth: Why Joy, Humor, and Laughter Are at the Heart of the Spiritual Life by James Martin. I wanted to read something uplifting and lighthearted.

[Carlos]

I'm currently reading Seeking Spiritual Direction: How to Grow the Divine Life Within. I've been considering finding a spiritual director for a while now and this book is proving very helpful in what to look for and what to expect from spiritual direction.

[Natalie]

Carlos wrote: "I'm currently reading Seeking Spiritual Direction: How to Grow the Divine Life Within. "

This book sounds interesting. I put it on my "To Read" list. Thanks for posting it.

[Kathleen]

The Golden Country by Shusaku Endo.

[Lisa, Group handmaid]

I'm starting on 'Christ, the Light of the Soul' by Bl. Colomba Marmion.

[Thadeus]

Lisa wrote: "I'm starting on 'Christ, the Light of the Soul' by Bl. Colomba Marmion."

That is great, Lisa! I picked up 'Christ in His Mysteries' at a used bookstore and look forward to delving in, but since I just finished Fulton Sheen's 'Life of Christ' I am going to wait a little.

I'll be interested to see what you think of Bl. Marmion's writing. Have you read him before?

[Lisa, Group handmaid]

Hi Thadeus,

No, I haven't read any of his before, but his reputation goes before him - hence this book having been on my Amazon wishlist for a while before I took the plunge.

I find that selfsame reputation a bit intimidating (lauded by Benedict XV and Pius XII - gulp), but happily even the first few pages have been very rewarding. I've made a thread about the book in Non-fiction, if you'd like to follow along or join in.

[Dhanaraj]

I just finished REVELATIONS OF DIVINE LOVE by Julian of Norwich. A fantastic book for simple spiritual nourishment.

[Carlos]

I'm making my way through "Dogma and Preaching" by Cardinal Ratzinger/Benedict XVI

[Kathleen]

Dhanaraj wrote: "I just finished REVELATIONS OF DIVINE LOVE by Julian of Norwich. A fantastic book for simple spiritual nourishment."

I read this for a graduate liberal studies class. Please let us know what you think of Julian!

[Dhanaraj]

Kathleen wrote: "Dhanaraj wrote: "I just finished REVELATIONS OF DIVINE LOVE by Julian of Norwich. A fantastic book for simple spiritual nourishment."

I read this for a graduate liberal studies class. Please let u..."

Kathleen, one could say much about Julian of Norwich depending on the perspective. I do not want to say anything historical about Julian. As a mystic, she is very simple. This normally a difficult claim - the unity between mysticism and simplicity - does not apply to Julian. She is simple in her expressions and is not that metaphorical like other mystics ( eg: John of the Cross). She says in simple statements and even when there are metaphors they are easily understandable. After all at the beginning of the book itself she claims herself to be the "unlettered one". Simplicity does not mean here that you could finish reading it at one sitting. She surprises you with statements and revelations. You can spend days reflecting on them.
She calls the revelations as LESSONS ON LOVE given by God to her. Her expressions of God's love are very poignant and arresting to any reader. You must be already knowing the superb statement of Julian Norwich (rather the statement of God in revelation granted to her) - "...all shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well." Jesus says same thing to her in many revelations. This statement appears many times in the book. This is the answer apparently given by God to her questioning mind about suffering in the world. she makes later her own commentary on this. That is simple but very profound. She explains that everything in the world will be well. And we with our simple mind should not immediately respond negatively to such events. After reading these passages I thought much and loved Julian much.
There are many more of wonderful revelations. Read the book once again and you will love it.
P. S: I have intended to give only a sample of the wonderful things found in the book.

[Kathleen]

Thank so much for sharing that. I gave my copy away to a friend. This morning, I was reading an article in the current issue of Commonweal and the author quoted Julian of Norwich! So strange. I haven't heard of her in a long time and then two references in the same week. I guess this means I should indeed reread Revelations.

[Dhanaraj]

Kathleen wrote: "The Golden Country by Shusaku Endo."

How is Endo? I have a plan to read his SILENCE. I have also a plan for THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A HUNTED PRIEST by John Gerard. If Endo is good I will go for him. If not Gerard.

[Kathleen]

It was very good. The story is similar to the one in Silence, I believe, only Golden Country is a play. I think the one to read is Silence. It's on my list, too.

[Kathleen]

My favorite novelists who happen to be Catholic are Muriel Spark, Graham Greene, and Evelyn Waugh. Have you read anything by them?

[Dhanaraj]

I have read Graham Greene. Yet to start with Muriel Spark. Somebody the other day gave me the book GONE AWAY BIRD AND OTHER STORIES by Muriel Spark. I have not touched though. I did not know that she was a Catholic. Now that you have said I may start with that. I placed the order for SILENCE. Till its arrival Muriel Spark would be welcome, I think.

[Dhanaraj]

Yet to read Evelyn Waugh. Thanks for the intro. Will look Waugh's writings too.

[Lisa, Group handmaid]

Adding on 'Great Christian Thinkers'.

[Vikk]

Received my copy yesterday afternoon and finished it in the wee hours. Here's my review of Breaking Through: Catholic Women Speak for Themselves.

[Marcelle]

I'm reading Scott Hahn's A Father Who Keeps His Promises

[Jamie]

I'm about to start a 4-part study of the USCCB's election document: Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.

We're going to be using Franciscan Media's Catholic Update Guide to Faithful Citizenship. I'm also making sure that we are reading all the cited references as well (e.g., sections of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Gaudium Et Spes, Dignitatis Humanae, etc.), to make sure that each reference is fully understood, in proper context. (FC4FC is notoriously vague/ambiguous.)

Wish me luck!

[Vikk]

Jamie wrote: "I'm about to start a 4-part study of the USCCB's election document: Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.

We're going to be using Franciscan Media's Catholic Update Guide to Faithful Citiz..."

Good luck. It sounds like a really interesting program. I've recently converted to the faith and am still trying to fully understand things. Because I'm housebound caring for my elderly mom, it makes it a little difficult. I appreciate you naming your references, too.

[Dhanaraj]

Will begin tomorrow A SONG FOR NAGASAKI: THE STORY OF TAKASHI NAGAI - SCIENTIST, CONVERT, AND SURVIVOR OF THE ATOMIC BOMB by Paul Glynn, S. M.
Has anyone already read it?

[Mike]

Dhanaraj wrote: "Will begin tomorrow A SONG FOR NAGASAKI: THE STORY OF TAKASHI NAGAI - SCIENTIST, CONVERT, AND SURVIVOR OF THE ATOMIC BOMB by Paul Glynn, S. M.
Has anyone already read it?"

I have not read the book. I do want to alert you to 2 podcasts which could add background to your reading.

On October 1st and 8th of 2011 Fr. Seraphim Beshoner, a Franciscan friar who posts podcasts mostly dealing with history on “Catholic Under the Hood”, put up two podcasts (#258 & 259) addressing Dr. Takashi Nagai.

You can find his shows on the web and itunes; just look for “Catholic under the Hood”. I would suggest looking at the web site because his show notes contain further reading materials to develop the topics he covers.

I hope this is helpful.

[Erin]

Currently reading "This Is The Faith" by Canon Francis Ripley

[Dhanaraj]

Thanks a lot Mike for the information regarding "Catholic: Under Hood" Listened to the podcasts. And the site itself is interesting.

[Jamie]

Vikk wrote: "Jamie wrote: "I'm about to start a 4-part study of the USCCB's election document: Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.
...Wish me luck!"

Thank you to all of you who prayed for the success of this study. We had 25 people show up for the first night, and over half of them said they want to bring a friend for the 2nd session. (Many of the participants were excited to read more about Rerum Novarum and possibly do future studies about various encyclicals.)

Please continue to pray for the success of this much needed way of luring Catholics back to reading the authentic teachings of the Church.

[Sharon]

Jamie wrote: "I'm about to start a 4-part study of the USCCB's election document: Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.

We're going to be using Franciscan Media's Catholic Update Guide to Faithful Citiz..."

You'll need luck if you're going to rely on the USCCB's election document. They're way too ambiguous and leave folks with the idea that somehow they can justify voting for a pro-abortion candidate. Nope -- no way. Although many other issues are important, always remember that there is a hierarchy of values. Some values -- like abortion, contraception, euthanasia and traditional marriage -- are non-negotiables. In fact, it would be nearly impossible to find ANY issue which trumps life.

[Jamie]

Sharon wrote: "You'll need luck if you're going to rely on the USCCB's election document. They're way too ambiguous and leave folks with the idea that somehow they can justify voting for a pro-abortion candidate..."

I would need luck if it were an unguided study. However, I am making sure that the proper context is understood, as well as the correct hierarchy of values. (We will also be stressing Ratzinger's "Doctrinal Note on some questions regarding The Participation of Catholics in Political Life" that directly refers to the non-negotiables.)

Fear not - faithful Catholics are making sure other Catholics are getting the straight scoop.

[Dhanaraj]

Finished reading A SONG FOR NAGASAKI: THE STORY OF TAKASHI NAGAI - SCIENTIST, CONVERT, AND SURVIVOR OF THE ATOMIC BOMB by Paul Glynn, S. M.
And let me tell the final verdict first: It is a must read for all Catholics.
Reason: It is a biography of an extra ordinary Catholic from the other end of the globe - Japan. He was not born a Catholic. He belonged to the Shinto cult(traditional Japanese religion). His scientific leaning and love for science made him an atheist. It made him a believer in science. But science failed to answer few questions that were really fundamental but experienced in the real world (eg: the eyes of his dying mother). He became an agnostic. He chanced upon the PENSEES of Blaise Pascal and was interested in Catholicism. That led to a Christian town where he found his soul mate, Midori, a Catholic. He took time to decide and to be convinced. Later he was sure of Catholic faith. He married Midori and became a specialist in Radiology. When life was going well Japan went to war with America. And on the fateful day of August 9, 1945 an Atom bomb exploded over his city killing his wife and most of his companions, friends, family members. He survived. He saw the effect of nuclear bomb. It was a hell on earth. He had all the reason to hate everyone and God. But then he loved everyone more. He gave hope for the despairing people. He became a saint in his own life time. He built the dead city Nagasaki to its present condition with people believing in themselves. He achieved it just for the faith that he had. Read it and it nourishes the soul much.
P.S.
1. It is just an intro. But while reading you will find yourself crying many times.
2. The love story between Midori and Takashi is another interesting episode.
3. You will be introduced to Japanese Catholicism and you will admire all the more their faith.
4. Read it and you will not regret it.

[Mike]

Dhanaraj wrote: "Finished reading A SONG FOR NAGASAKI: THE STORY OF TAKASHI NAGAI - SCIENTIST, CONVERT, AND SURVIVOR OF THE ATOMIC BOMB by Paul Glynn, S. M.
And let me tell the final verdict first: It is a must r..."

Thank you for such an informative review.

[Carlos]

I have just started reading Ora et Labora et Zombies which is a different kind of book ... Catholic fiction, in fact. It's a pricey endeavor, so I warn those interested up front; but it is a creative, epistolary novel that arrives in the mail once a week. I just got my first two letters and am already looking forward to next week's arrival. Definitely different!

Is anyone else reading these?

[Dhanaraj]

Planning for Shusaku Endo's SILENCE.

[Vikk]

One of my Year of Faith intentions and goals is to read the Catechism of the Catholic Church from front to back. Looks like I can manage it at about 21 pages per week or 3/day. That's a doable pace for me.

Catechism of the Catholic Church

[Lisa, Group handmaid]

Vickk, have you heard of this project?

http://www.flocknote.com/catechism

[Kathleen]

I an reading What Happened at Vatican II by John O'Malley.