So...what are you reading?

[Vikk]

Lisa wrote: "Vickk, have you heard of this project?

http://www.flocknote.com/catechism"

Thanks! I had not heard of it. I searched GoodRead to see if there was a group or anyone else doing the same thing but didn't find any.

[J]

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!! A SONG FOR NAGASAKI is on my reading list!!

[Dhanaraj]

Judie, I am sure you would love and be immensely nourished by it.

[J]

Dhanaraj wrote: "Judie, I am sure you would love and be immensely nourished by it."
Thank you!

[Jennifer]

The read the Catechism in a year is awesome... I'm doing that right now... highly recommend it. Have been wanting to for a long time! This provides an easy and convenient way to do it!

[Erica]

Finishing up the Ian Ker biography of John Henry Newman! Very intense biography! Going to also finish a biography on Léon Harmel, French Catholic social reformer who influenced Peter Maurin and Dorothy Day. When I finish that this weekend, I'm going to begin a biography on Lord Acton.

[Julie]

Lectio Divina Bible Study: The Mass in ScriptureI've just begun this one and I'm looking forward to reading as everything I've read by this authorStephen J. Binzhas been thought provoking and deeply spiritual

[Dhanaraj]

While reading SILENCE by Shusaku Endo I also came to chance upon the poetry collection of Franz Wright titled WALKING TO MARTHA'S VINEYARD. The poems are wonderful and they arrest you for hours. In fact many of them offer excellent theme for meditation. The important themes found are: Resurrection, conversion,God's love, etc.
A Sample:
PROMISE

Long nights, short years. Forgiving
silence

When morning comes, and pain--

no one is stranger, this whole world is your home.

P.S: Franz Wright was a convert to Catholicism. The poems appeared after his conversion and still won the Pulitzer prize.

[Vikk]

Jennifer wrote: "The read the Catechism in a year is awesome... I'm doing that right now... highly recommend it. Have been wanting to for a long time! This provides an easy and convenient way to do it!"

I agree. I had already started reading before Lisa provided the link. I'm actually finding that I'm reading a bit more every day than I expected. It's written in a much easier and more interesting way than I expected. :)

[Christine]

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..."

I too thank you Dhanaraj. I just added it to my Amazon wish list.I wish I had it right now!

[Dhanaraj]

Shusaku Endo's SILENCE - What a read? and what an ending?
The themes of "silence of God", "The faith in the midst of physical torture", Japanese Christianity, Reflections on the Priestly life, etc., are wonderfully blended in this novel.

I need sometime before I start another book.

[Dhanaraj]

Starting Robert Bolt's MAN FOR ALL SEASONS.

[Kathleen]

Dhanaraj wrote: "Shusaku Endo's SILENCE - What a read? and what an ending?
The themes of "silence of God", "The faith in the midst of physical torture", Japanese Christianity, Reflections on the Priestly life, etc...."

Can't wait to read this. Maybe over the holiday break.

[Dhanaraj]

Kathleen, SILENCE is worthy of many reads.
And moreover it is a piece of literature - the development of the plot, the characterization, wonderful and a masterful use of the images of the face of Christ and of the Silence of sea, the re-reading of history, etc. The book is wonderful.

[Dhanaraj]

Finished reading the play, A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS by Robert Bolt.
Now I want to say only this much:
If you are a Catholic and do not know much about St. Thomas More, after reading this play you would end up loving him.
If you are a Catholic and knew about St. Thomas More, you would begin to love him much.
If you are a Non-Catholic, you might be tempted to fall in love with St. Thomas More and the Catholic Church.

[Dhanaraj]

About to start Maria Lopez Vigil's OSCAR ROMERO: MEMORIES IN MOSAIC. Is it right that I start with this biography of the saintly bishop of our times?

[Kathleen]

Dhanaraj wrote: "Finished reading the play, A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS by Robert Bolt.
Now I want to say only this much:
If you are a Catholic and do not know much about St. Thomas More, after reading this play you wou..."

Worth a reread in light of your comments, Dhanaraj.

[Dhanaraj]

Thanks Kathleen.

[Coco]

A few days ago I finished reading "Read Me or Rue It" by Fr. Paul O'Sullivan, a short book about the nature of purgatory and an invitation to be loving and charitable toward the Holy Souls, who can no longer pray for themselves. I'd had some misguided ideas on purgatory, and running across this book really gave me some clarity! I encourage all of you to Google search for this book, available as a free PDF online, and spend the half hour to read it.

Working on a Year of Faith goal: following a Bible in a year plan! Wish me luck, I've tried starting this many a Lent. So far so good. :)

[Jamie]

Coco wrote: "A few days ago I finished reading "Read Me or Rue It" by Fr. Paul O'Sullivan, a short book about the nature of purgatory and an invitation to be loving and charitable toward the Holy Souls, who can..."

I remember my mother reading that when I was younger (around 10 or so), and she told us parts of it. She then read some pretty scary books, even about purgatory, and I think that "scared me straight" before I had a chance to go too far off (i.e., become a regular teenager).

[Mary Ellen]

I'm reading "A Short History of the Mass" by Alfred McBride, and "The Hobbit" by J. R. R. Tolkien. I think I'd like to read "Bilbo's Journey" by Joseph Pearce when I finish the Hobbit. Has anyone else read it?

[Sam]

Jesus and the Eyewitnesses (Richard Bauckham) and Rediscover Catholicism (Matthew Kelly)

[Dhanaraj]

A Bitter Trial by Evelyn Waugh. Read it and those who lived through the liturgical changes effected by Vatican II also may like to read it. Evelyn Waugh writes like an ordinary lay Catholic who was very much upset with the liturgical changes brought by Vatican II. He was against the introduction of vernacular in the liturgy, the word active participation was something he wanted to do away with, and he is for the priests, etc... He also writes that his experience was shared by many lay Catholics but were not able to do anything. He wrote an essay almost attacking all the liturgical changes proposed by Vatican II and got a response from his bishop and they conversed through letters. Everything related to this correspondence was collected and put together into this book. He was against but he never went away from the Church (he feared that he would go away from the Church). accordingly we understand that there were many who were much affected by the sudden changes in the liturgy. But still they held on to the faith and thanks to them and their struggles, we, the present Catholics are here. They lived through the changes and that means real struggles (Waugh expressed it and many did not). Till reading this book I never thought of them as great Catholics. But now after reading the book that generation that lived through the changes seems to be the real heroes (martyrs) of that period. I salute them for having lived though it with faith.

[Holly]

I'm glad you made this recommend by Waugh. I discovered him after searching for material about st Edmund Campion and learned Waugh was a Catholic convert which his later writing reflected. I will definitely look this one up. However, your comments about true Cathilic heroes made me wan to tell you about another current read called Hunted Priest it's a great read and I can't help but admire the Catholic gumption of the time. It's also a great instruction for Catholic living and a guide for any Catholic in a situation requiring steadfast faithfulness.

[Dhanaraj]

Thank Holly. In fact the book that you recommend (The Autobiography of the Hunted Priest) is in my "Want to Read" Shelf for long time. Will look into it soon enough. These days I am reading a book titled, EDITH STEIN AND COMPANIONS ON THE WAY TO AUSCHWITZ. When I finish will make a comment.

[Dhanaraj]

Along with the biography of Edith Stein, I am also reading Alice von Hildebrand's MAN AND WOMAN: A DIVINE INVENTION. She is simply amazing. Will share views soon. An apologetic take on the feminism that is anti-Church.

[Dhanaraj]

Finished reading the book MAN AND WOMAN: A DIVINE INVENTION by Alice von Hildebrand.
My comment would be:
Depending on your point of view this little book may be considered as "conservative feminist" or "a feminism of a different kind". Anyway it is filled with interesting citations supporting the view of the Catholic Church against the contrary feminist theological claims. Alice von Hildebrand makes many critical observations just like that and passes on.
Few Examples:
1. Freud would have developed different idea on libido if only had he meditated upon the prayer "Ave Maria - specially the words "Blessed is the fruit of your WOMB".
2. Feminism had its roots and later flourished in the protestant countries and the reason is the forgetfulness of the veneration to Mother Mary.
3. Atheism at its roots is an expression of a metaphysical sickness in which man becomes his own God. In another words man forgets that he is merely a creature.
4. The distinction between the sexes is a divine invention and its fullness is found only in the complementarity of both the sexes. So she is against same sex marriages.
5. Feminism is to live the femininity - an apostolate of being more than the apostolate of doing which is reserved for the male sex. The modern philosophies including the 'fake' feminism are killing of femininity in the society and that has led to destruction in the world. The modern feminism in this sense is the most favoured object of the Satan for he is fast conquering the world.
6. Ordination to priesthood is never possible for woman because her call is to be a mother and it is against God's will.
But all these points are supported by some interesting logical arguments. The book is very Catholic and makes an interesting reading and opens space for different understanding. A provocative book.
If you are a staunch Catholic you would love her arguments. She is a devout Catholic and that is simply visible from her writings.

[rebecca]

Diary of a Country Priest and The Idiot.

[Dhanaraj]

Read THE MASS AND ITS FOLKLORE by John Hobson Matthews. This book was originally published in 1903. It contains many beliefs associated with Mass and a historical document of the order of the mass as it was present in those days. Read it and you will be surprised with simple information because they are very revealing (eg: why do we make the triple cross before the commencement of the Gospel, etc.) England is the country represented in this book but still a treasure for anyone studying the historical development of the mass as well as for any pious Catholic.

[Dhanaraj]

Finished reading a book on Catholic Jews who lost their lives during the Holocaust and now planning to read a book on the recently canonized saint Anna Schaffer.

[Lisa, Group handmaid]

rebecca wrote: "Diary of a Country Priest and The Idiot."

I haven't read the book, but I saw the film. Impressive!

[Dhanaraj]

Read the introductory biography on St. Anna Schaffer, the recently canonized saint. And I am reading the diary of St. Anna Schaffer.

A Question: What do you do when you are faced with a difficult situation - a death, incurable disease, loss of job, etc? I know what I do. I raise my first question to God - God, why me? If you are also with me then Anna will teach you much.

Anna's life: She lived for 43 years and out of 43 she lived 25 years confined to a bed filled with physical pains because she had incurable wounds in her legs. How did she respond? She loved God and accepted the cross as her vocation.

She wrote once: "The cross and suffering, - they are my training for heaven!"
And another quote: "Lord, teach me to pray, - Lord, teach me to love, - Lord, teach me to suffer...!"

St. Anna Schaffer has become my most beloved saint.

[Howard]

I just finished "Four Witnesses, The Early Church in Her Own Words", and before that I read "Eucebius: The Church History". Both are very inspirational in describing what the early leaders lived through and accomplished to keep the church together despite overwhelming persecution.

[Dhanaraj]

Reading the biography of St. Kateri Tekakwitha.

[R.b.]

I just finished The Book of Jonah by Arthur Powers. It's the story of a mentally challendged young man who encounters a charismatic rabbi and follows him. In the process we see through those inocent eyes the life, passion and resurection of our savior.

[R.b.]

J.S. wrote: "I know this isn't a "Catholic" book, but right now I'm reading "The Servants of Twilight" by Dean Koontz, who happens to be a devout Catholic."

I enjoy Koontz a bunch. Have you tried Odd Thomas series, for me his most "Catholic" books.

[Anne]

"Mrs. Seton" by Joseph Dirvin, "The Bad Catholic's Guide to the Catechism" by John Zmirak, "The Gate of Angels" by Penelope Fitzgerald, "Essays of a Catholic" by Hilaire Belloc, and (for my prayer-and-book group) "The End of the Present World and the Mysteries of the Future Life" by Charles Arminjon. Recently finished "The Soul of Elizabeth Seton" (Dirvin), "The Master of Hestviken" (Undset), and "The Bookshop" (Fitzgerald).

[Dhanaraj]

Finished reading the biography of St. Kateri Takekwitha. And now starting a book on liturgy which speaks of the direction that we need to be aware of in the liturgical celebrations (Eg: The direction of the altar in the church, the position of the celebrant at the altar, etc.).

[Dhanaraj]

Finished reading the wonderful book on the Eucharistic liturgy - specifically the direction of the priest and the faithful to be adopted during the Eucharistic sacrifice.
Does the priest have to face people during the mass always or at times (versum populum) does he have to be with people facing the same direction (versum Dominum).
And there are historical, theological and liturgical analysis. As we read we understand that we have lost much of the theological and liturgical significance that were part of Eucharistic celebrations.
It is an important book not to be missed especially if you are more interested in Liturgy.
The Book Name is: TURNING TOWARDS THE LORD by Uwe Michael Lang.

[J.S.]

Rb wrote: "J.S. wrote: "I know this isn't a "Catholic" book, but right now I'm reading "The Servants of Twilight" by Dean Koontz, who happens to be a devout Catholic."

I enjoy Koontz a bunch. Have you tried ..."

I've read the first 4 Odd Thomas books. The first one is my favorite by far.

[Lisa, Group handmaid]

I've recently finished:



and am now starting on:

[Vicky]

This isn't Catholic either but I'm reading "Anna Karanina"

[Smith]

rebecca wrote: "Diary of a Country Priest and The Idiot."

How is the Diary of a Country Priest? It's a free read in my church, but I've never read it.

[Smith]

Vicky wrote: "This isn't Catholic either but I'm reading "Anna Karanina""

Anna Karania? What is that about? Who is the author?

---Smitty

[Dhanaraj]

Began Chance or Purpose?: Creation, Evolution, and a Rational Faith. And the first chapter is fantastic.

[Dhanaraj]

Finished reading Christoph Cardinal Shonborn's Chance or Purpose?: Creation, Evolution, and a Rational Faith. An interesting book.

[Dhanaraj]

Read a short biography on Benedict XVI in Italian. It was very short but then I came to know many positive things which I never knew of him.

[Barbara]

What's the most surprising thing you learned about Benedict XVI by reading the book?

[Dhanaraj]

Barbara wrote: "What's the most surprising thing you learned about Benedict XVI by reading the book?"

Barbara, I had always been told of Benedict as a strict conservative and a person who is shy to confront the questions. But then when I learned that his writings from another perspective I understood that he was a liberal and at the same time ardent believer in Magisterium. It was he who helped John Paul II with appropriate theology to face the problems for which he was accused as Panzerkardinal and God's inquisitor. But then he knew what he was writing. His papacy was the time the Church had much difficult questions to confront. He confronted them and it needs pure strength and will and that was given him by no other than God himself. Moreover he was a courageous person in few decisions that he made as Pope. There are few more things and good elaboration will fill the pages. One thing is sure, the more I read of him the more I loved him and admired him.

[Barbara]

Dhanaraj wrote: "Barbara wrote: "What's the most surprising thing you learned about Benedict XVI by reading the book?"

Barbara, I had always been told of Benedict as a strict conservative and a person who is shy t..."

Thanks for sharing. The Holy Spirit truly shines through individuals in different ways. I think it took Pope John Paul II great courage to continue serving until the very end and yet Pope Benedict showed great courage in stepping down.

Thanks again for your response.