Book Reviews and More: June 2017

Friday, 30 June 2017

Top Ten Fiction and Non-Fiction Books Second Quarter 2017

Top Ten Fiction and Non-Fiction Books Second Quarter 2017

With a much better work - life balance than I have had in a while, this was a record breaking quarter for reading. According to Good Reads 2017 Challenge I have read 212 books, also according to Good Reads 184 of those were first time reads. And of those 212 I gave 127 5 out of 5 Stars, or they made my Best of 2017 list But that is for the year so here are comparison numbers:

Q1 Total Books 100
Q2 Total Books 112
Q1 5 Star 57
Q2 5 Star 70

So narrowing that 70 books read down to a Top 10 Fiction and Top 10 Non-Fiction was not an easy task. But here goes.

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books:
1. Why We're Catholic - Trent Horn
2. Encounter the Saints Series

Saint Damien of Molokai - Virginia Helen Richards

Saint Edith Stein Blessed by the Cross - Mary Lee Hills

Saint John Bosco Champion for the Young - Emily Beata Marsh

Saint John Neumann: Missionary to Immigrants - Laura Rhoderica Brown

Saints Jacinta and Francisco Marto Shepherds of Fatima - Anne Eileen Heffernan

The Saints Pray for Us - Christina Wedendt Editor

Saint Martin de Porres: Humble Healer by Elizabeth Marie DeDomenico

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Courageous Faith - Lillian M. Fisher

Saint Anthnoy of Padua: Fire and Light - Margaret Charles Kerry

St. Gianna Beretta Molla The Gift of Life - Susan Helen Wallace and Patricia Edward Jablonski

3. 20 Answers Series from Catholic Answers

20 Answers Scripture and Tradition - Jim Blackburn

20 Answers Mormonism - Trent Horn s

20 Answers Jehova's Witnesses - Trent Horn

20 Answers The Bible - Trent Horn

4. The Miracle of Father Kapaun: Priest, Soldier and Korean War Hero - Roy Wenzl and Travis Heying
5. In Conversation with God - Francis Fernandez

(New eBook editions links to all reviews here)
In Conversation with God Volume 2 Part 2 Eastertide
In Conversation with God Volume 6 Part 2: Special Feasts: April - June

6. Norms of Piety: A Plan of Life for Everyday Living - J.M. Muntadas

7. Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassanti: An Ordinary Christian - Maria Amata Di Lorenzo
8. A Daily Defense 365 Days (Plus One) to becoming a Better Apologist - Jimmy Akin
9. Teresa of Calcutta: The Novel of a Soul - Maria Amata Di Lorenzo
10. Exodus 90

Exodus 90 Day 91 Life After Exodus 90 - Fr. Brian Doerr

Exodus 90 Exercise Guide - Mike Short

Exodus Ninety Days: Freedom Through Prayer, Asceticism, & Brotherhood - Fr. Brian Doerr

Top Ten Fiction Books:
1. Chasing Liberty - Theresa Linden - Chasing Liberty Trilogy Book 1
2. Bang - Barry Lyga
3. The Sleuths of the Spanish Transition - Manuel Alfonseca

Quetzalcoatl's Zahir - The Mystery of the Haunted House

4. Four Minutes - Barry Lyga - A Short Story
5. Saint Magnus the Last Viking - Susan Peek
6. The Artsy Mistake Mystery - Sylvia McNicoll - The Great Mistake Mysteries Book 2
7. A Battle for the Faith: Two Short Stories - John Paul Wohlscheid and Theresa Linden
8. Gregor and the Code of Claw - Suzanne Collins - Underland Chronicles Book 5
9. Chime Travelers - Lisa M. Hendey and Jenn Bower

The Secret of the Shamrock - The Sign of the Carved Cross

Thursday, 29 June 2017

The Miracle of Father Kapaun: Priest, Soldier and Korean War Hero - Roy Wenzl and Travis Heying

The Miracle of Father Kapaun: Priest, Soldier and Korean War Hero
Roy Wenzl
Travis Heying
Ignatius Press
ISBN 9781586177799
ASIN B00C9HF00W

This was the second book about Father Kapaun that I have read. It is very different from A Shepherd in Combat Boots: Chaplain Emil Kapaun of the 1st Cavalry Division by William Maher, that book went into a lot of details about his youth, his time in school, and the service. This book focuses on his time it Korea, his death, and the process of the cause of his canonization and the process of awarding him posthumously the Congressional Medal of Honor. The introduction states: "Emil Kapaun is a rare man. The Vatican is considering whether the priest deserves to be canonized a saint, and the president of the United States is pondering whether the soldier is worthy of the congressional Medal of Honor." It should be noted Pope John Paul II in 1993 declared him a Servant of God the first step towards canonization, and that he was awarded the Medal of Honour in 2013.

In the forward Bishop of Wichita Michael O. Jackels states:

"Why all the knowledge of and interest in Father Kapaun? The best answer I can think of is the attraction of his qualities of character.

Father Kapaun was brave. He mocked the Communist indoctrination lectures in the PoW camp, calmly refuting their attacks on religion.

Father Kapaun was generous. He literally carried a wounded soldier on a long, torturous forced march to the prison camp.

Father Kapaun was good-natured. He worked at lifting the spirits of the POWs and at giving them hope. "Have faith, have faith", Father Kapaun told them. "Don't give up. We'll get out of here someday."

Father Kapaun was caring. He would wash the clothes and bodies of sick POWs. He would scrounge for extra food to give them, sometimes giving them something from his meager share.

Father Kapaun was self-sacrificing. He was captured because he would not leave the wounded GIs, even though he had the opportunity to do so. He died on May 23, 1951, his death hastened by harsh treatment from his captors and by a lack of food and clothing, for he had given to other POWs much of what he had."

And it is some of those characteristics that drew me back to him. In many ways reading about Emil Kapaun is like reading about Damien of Molokai. Both men lived to serve, both stood against injustices and authorities. Both men served until they could give no more, and died because of how much of themselves they outpoured. The stories in this book will amazing. They will inspire and they will challenge. Jackels then goes on to say:

"Father Kapaun, just like every human being, including those already canonized by the Catholic Church, was not perfect. For example, he expressed the desire upon being liberated to treat a particularly nasty prison commander to a kick in the bohunkus. But it is his qualities of character, seen together with his humanness, that explain why everyone is interested in and touched by the story of Father Kapaun. These are manly, even heroic qualities of character, and the POWs with him, whether Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Muslims or nonbelievers, found them to be attractive.

There is, however, another layer to Father Kapaun: his motivation, that is, why he acted so bravely, generously, cheerfully, thoughtfully, sacrificially. This can be explained by one word: Jesus."

For a man to have lived in the POW camps and lived such an example that Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Muslims and non-believers were all inspired by him. For him to have served all, and raised many to be the best version of themselves. Is truly an inspiration.

I have been married 15 years, in that time my wife has seen me cry maybe twice. I was brought to tears twice while reading this book. What the men live through in the POW camps, I can hardly imagine. How Father Kapaun took that situation and served the men, served God, and brought light and hope into that situation really is the grace of God and miraculous.

The second half of this book is about miracles attributed to Kapaun and the process of canonization that is under way.

This book in some ways is easier to read than A Shepherd in Combat Boots, but only because it does not go into nearly as many details about the time on forced marches, or as a POW. But it is hard to read some of the stories of miracles, as a father, as a brother, reading some of these stories and picturing my son or daughter, and it is hard not to, is very hard.

The monument to Kapaun in his home town has the saying engraved "all man, all priest" And he truly lived a life that will inspire and challenge us. What an incredible story! Father Kapaun pray for us!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!

Reviews of other books by and about Father Emil Kapaun:

Blessings from the Battlefield - Edited by Thomas R. O'Brien

Heroic Catholic Chaplains: Stories of the Brave and Holy Men Who Dodged Bullets While Saving Souls

A Shepherd in Combat Boots: Chaplain Emil Kapaun of the 1st Cavalry Division - William Maher

The Miracle of Father Kapaun: Priest, Soldier and Korean War Hero - Roy Wenzl and Travis Heying

Chaplains in Action - Rosemarian V. Staudacher and H. Lawrence Hoffman - Vision Book #53

Virtue Series - Kapaun's Men - Formed

Stations of the Cross with Servant of God Emil Kapaun – Scott Carter (Editor)

Kapaun's Battle - Jeff Gress

...

Reviews of other books about Military Chaplains:
The Grunt Padre: Father Vincent Robert Capodanno Vietnam 1966-1967 - Daniel L. Mode
The Priest Barracks Dachau 1938-1945 - Guillaume Zeller
Blessings from the Battlefield - Edited by Thomas R. O'Brien
Heroic Catholic Chaplains: Stories of the Brave and Holy Men Who Dodged Bullets While Saving Souls

Fr Willie Doyle & World War I: A Chaplain's Story - K.V. Turley
Armed with Faith The Life of Father Vincent R. Capodanno, MM - Stephen M. Digiovanni

Fighting Father Duffy - Jim Bishop, Virginia Lee Bishop and H. Lawrence Hoffman

...

For all reviews and articles about Military Chaplains click here.

Wednesday, 28 June 2017

Product Review - Pure Leaf Black Tea with Vanilla

Pure Leaf Black Tea with Vanilla
Pure Leaf
ASIN B01NANU9YA

I have had a few of the Pure Leaf Iced Teas over the years so when I had a chance to try some of their bagged tea, I was very excited. First I tried the Chai Bagged Tea, it was a great disappointment. This one was not any better. This tea is so weak that at first I tried steeping it long, once I was up to 8 minutes I added a second bag, then a third. To get a good strong cup of tea it took 3 bags and steeping 6 minutes. This tea was so disappointing that I put it out at work with a sign saying help yourself.

I was very surprised that a company that makes such good bottled iced teas makes such pathetic bagged tea. Very disappointing. The directions say too steep for 3 minutes, but it takes almost triple the time and number of bags to make a good cup. If I had not got this to review I would have returned it for refund.

This tea contains single origin Kenyan long leaf black tea, ground vanilla beans, marigold petals, and natural flavour. It needs a lot more tea, a different type of tea or more 'natural flavour'. Would not try it again and would not recommend it to anyone who actually enjoys tea.

I have tried hundreds of teas over the years. I currently have about 20 types at home and 10 at work. Some of my fondest memories are drinking tea with my gram, with friends or even a good book. This is the worst tea I can recall ever drinking!

Top Ten Teas of 2023

Top Ten Teas of 2024

...

Tuesday, 27 June 2017

Champions of the Rosary - Donald H. Calloway - The History and Heroes of a Spiritual Weapon

Champions of the Rosary:
The History and Heroes of a Spiritual Weapon
Donald H. Calloway, MIC
Marian Press
ISBN 9781596143432
eISBN 9781596143937
ASIN B06X9NKYW6

I had a physical copy of this book for almost a year. And every time I tried to pick it up and just never got very far, because of the font and color. With my dual form of dyslexia I just could not get far and kept starting back at the beginning. Then the eBook was released, and even though I had bought the physical, I bought the eBook and read it in 2 days. I could not put it down. That was a few months ago, I have just gone back and reread it in order to write this review. This book is not a small volume at just under 550 pages it is to date the most comprehensive work on the Rosary available in English.

This book begins with a quote from St. Louis de Montfort:

"Dear reader, I promise you that if you practice this devotion [the rosary] and help to spread it you will learn more from the rosary than from any spiritual book. And what is more, you will have the happiness of being rewarded by Our Lady in accordance with the promises that she made to Saint Dominic, to Blessed Alan de la Roche and to all those who practice and encourage this devotion which is so dear to her. For the holy rosary teaches people about the virtues of Jesus and Mary, and leads them to mental prayer and to imitate Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It teaches them to approach the Sacraments often, to genuinely strive after Christian virtues and to do all kinds of good works, as well as interesting them in the many wonderful indulgences which can be gained through the rosary."

So you might ask why another book on the rosary. Fr. Calloway wrote to book after years of research, and years of prayer. The book is divided into three sections. The first is a deep history of the rosary; it is the culmination of 10 years of research and historical study. The second part of the book is profiles of 26 champions of the rosary. These 26 people, from all walks of life wrote about, or contributed to the promotion or defence of this prayer practice. And finally the third section of the book is information on praying the rosary.

Father Calloway concludes the introduction with these words:

"My greatest desire is that those who read this book will be inspired to want to pray the rosary daily and further the cause of Jesus Christ and his saving mysteries. Our world needs the rosary today more than ever. Every person who reads this book is capable of wielding this sword and becoming a champion of the rosary."

And I pray that for those who read this book because of my review. This book is an incredible read.

The chapters in the first part of the book, the history of the rosary are:

From the Angelic Salutation to the 12th Century: The Antecedents of the Rosary
The 13th Century: St. Dominic and the Birth of the Rosary
The 14th Century: Plagues and Schism: The Rosary is (Almost) Forgotten
The 15th Century: Blessed Alan de la Roche and the Revival of the Confraternity of the Rosary
The 16th Century: The Rosary in Battle: Lepanto and Our Lady of Victory
The 18th Century: St. Louis de Montfort and The Secret of the Rosary
The 20th Century: Marian Apparitions and Apostles of the Rosary
The 21st Century: Luminous Mysteries in Dark Days

Part II of the book is the profiles of the 26 champions. Of the 26 champions of the rosary profiled 2 are venerable, 4 are blessed, 5 are classed as 'Servant of God', 7 are popes, and 11 are saints. And yes there are some overlaps in categories. On the list there are only two women St. Teresa of Calcutta and Lúcia Dos Santos. And of the 26 only Pope Benedict XVI is still alive. The full list of the 26 is:

St. Dominic (1170-1221)
Blessed Alan de la Roche (1428-1475)
St. Pope Pius V (1504-1572)
St. Louis de Montfort (1673-1716)
St. Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Blessed Pope Pius IX (1792-1878)
St. Anthony Mary Claret (1807-1870)
Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903)
Blessed Bartolo Longo (1841-1926)
Servant of God Joseph Kentenich (1885-1968)
Servant of God Lúcia Dos Santos (1907-2005)
St. Maximilian Kolbe (1894-1941)
Servant of God Frank Duff (1889-1980)
Pope Pius XI (1857-1939)
Blessed James Alberione (1884-1971)
Venerable Pope Pius XII (1876-1958)
Servant of God Dolindo Ruotolo (1882-1970)
St. Pio of Pietrelcina (1887-1968)
St. Josemaria Escrivá (1902-1975)
St. Pope John XXIII (1881-1963)
Servant of God Patrick Peyton (1909-1992)
Blessed Pope Paul VI (1897-1978)
Venerable Fulton J. Sheen (1895-1979)
St. Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997)
St. John Paul II (1920-2005)
Pope Benedict XVI (1927-present)

For each of the 26 champions there is a Photo with key dates, and the photo is representative of the person's role or relationship to the rosary. This is followed by a very brief biography. An outline of their Marian devotion is the next section and then a section on why they are a champion. This is followed by Rosary Gem's or quotes from the person's works, writings or attributed to them about the rosary.

For example:

Rosary Gems Saint Pope John XXIII

This prayer - the holy rosary - is the simplest and easiest one of all for the Christian people.
- St. Pope John XXIII

When parents and children gather together at the end of the day in the recitation of the rosary, together they meditate on the example of work, obedience, and charity which shone in the house of Nazareth; together they learn from the Mother of God to suffer serenely; to accept with dignity and courage the difficulties of life and to acquire the proper attitude to the daily events of life. It is certain that they will meet with greater facility the problems of family life. Homes will thereby be converted into sanctuaries of peace. Torrents of divine favors will come to them, even the inestimable favor of a priestly or religious vocation.
- St. Pope John XXIII

Individuals, whatever their spiritual status may be, will undoubtedly find in the fervent recitation of the holy rosary, an invitation to regulate their lives in conformity with Christian principles. They will, in truth, find in the rosary a spring of most abundant graces to help them in fulfilling faithfully their duties in life.
- St. Pope John XXIII

The well-meditated rosary consists in a threefold element. For each decade there is a picture, and for each picture a threefold emphasis, which is simultaneously: mystical contemplation, intimate reflection, and pious intention.
- St. Pope John XXIII

The rosary is a very commendable form of prayer and meditation. In saying it we weave a mystic garland of Ave Marias, Pater Nosters, and Gloria Patris.
- St. Pope John XXIII

As an exercise of Christian devotion among the faithful of the Latin Rite who constitute a notable portion of the Catholic family, the rosary ranks after Holy Mass and the Breviary for ecclesiastics [priests], and for the laity after participation in the sacraments. It is a devout form of union with God and lifts souls to a high supernatural plane.
- St. Pope John XXIII

May the rosary never fall from your hands.
- St. Pope John XXIII

The rosary is the glory of the Roman Church.
- St. Pope John XXIII

Oh, what a delight this blessed rosary is! Oh, what assurance it brings of being heard here on earth and in the eternal heavens!
- St. Pope John XXIII

I knew Pope John. His love for Our Lady and his devotion to her rosary contributed an essential element to his spiritual growth and stature.
- Servant of God Patrick Peyton

And the final section in the book Praying the Rosary:

Why Pray the Rosary?
How to Pray the Rosary
How to Become a Champion of the Rosary
The 15 Promises of Our Lady to Those Who Pray the Rosary
Indulgences of the Rosary

Appendix A: The Rosary in Art
Appendix B: Our Lady's Words to Blessed Alan de la Roche
Appendix C: Endorsements from Cardinals and Bishops
References

This book is an incredible read. If you already have a strong Marian devotion this book will help you to grow it. If it could use some improvement I cannot think of a better book to encourage, challenge and inspire you. A wonderful book and one that is needed in this day and age!

As a side note I passed on my physical copy to my church Library and always have my eBook with me.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Donald H. Calloway:
No Turning Back: A Witness to Mercy
Extreme Mercy II
Under the Mantle: Marians Thoughts from a 21st Century Priest
Purest of All Lilies: The Virgin Mary in the Spirituality of St. Faustina
Mary of Nazareth: The Life of Our Lady in Pictures
Champions of the Rosary
How to Pray the Rosary
Consecration to St. Joseph
...

Edited by:
The Virgin Mary and Theology of the Body
The Immaculate Conception in the Life of the Church
Rosary Gems: Daily Wisdom on the Holy Rosary
Marian Gems: Daily Wisdom on Our Lady

Contributed to:
Beautiful Mercy

Note some books are published as Donald H. Calloway and some as Donald Calloway.

Monday, 26 June 2017

The Door Before - N.D. Wilson - 100 Cupboards Book 0.5

The Door Before
100 Cupboards Book 0.5
N.D. Wilson
Random House Books for Young Readers
Random House of Canada
ISBN 9780449816776
ASIN B01GBAJR3I

I have been a fan of N.D. Wilson's writings since reading 100 Cupboards back in 2009. When I found out that he was writing a prequel to the 100 Cupboards series I could not wait to read it. But even if you have not read that series this book in a wonderful read. In fact I really hope this book is the first in a new series. This book opens with these words:

"Trees keep time the way time is meant to be kept.

They wrap the years around themselves in ringed layers,

expanding as the ages do. And when time forks,

so do the trees, stretching branches into cousin futures,

plunging roots into sister pasts, binding

every leaf into the one story, the only story.

The story that began. The story that cannot end,

because it can never stop growing."

This is a story about family, about bonds, about friendship, and about magic. In the vein of the Lord of the Rings, or better yet the Narnia Chronicles. Like C.S. Lewis, N.D. Wilson is going back and telling the origin story after the first three books were published, and like Lewis this origin story is packed full of adventure. One of the main focuses of the book is a powerful young woman named Hyacinth Smith. She can stop dogs in their tracks, she can grow plans, and she sees what others miss. Her father inherits a house from a distant relative. Everything starts to go sideways when they get to this house. For her great aunt has been playing with powers well beyond her control. She has collected a forest of trees that were struck by lightning and has used them to create doorways into other worlds.

When one of these doors open two boys tumble through, but so does a creature of great evil, the queen witch Nimiane. And the battle begins. Hyacinth, her brother, and the strange boys must find a way to stop the witch or she will not only destroy our world but all the worlds she can reach through the doors.

Like Wilson's other books this story has a great pace. Incredible characters, and a whole lot of adventure. I love the strong female character and cannot wait to read this book with my girls when they are a little older. I greatly enjoyed this book, and really hope that Wilson blesses us with more.

Books by N.D. Wilson
100 Cupboards:
The Door Before - 100 Cupboards Book 0.5
100 Cupboards - 100 Cupboards Book 1
Dandelion Fire - 100 Cupboards Book 2
The Chestnut King - 100 Cupboards Books 3

Ashton Burials:
The Dragon's Tooth
The Drowned Vault

Leepike Ridge

Parody:
Right Behind
Supergeddon

Picture Books:
The Dragon and the Garden - The Old Stories
In The Time of Noah - The Old Stories

Non-Fiction:
Notes From The Tilt-A-Whirl
Death By Living

Author Profile Interview with N.D. Wilson

Sunday, 25 June 2017

Saint Anthony of Padua Fire and Light - Margaret Charles Kerry and Mary Elizabeth Tebo - Encounter the Saints

Saint Anthony of Padua:
Fire and Light
Encounter the Saints Series
Margaret Charles Kerry
Mary Elizabeth Tebo
Ray Morelli (Illustrator)
Pauline Books and Media
ISBN 9780819870193
eISBN 9781306806688
ASIN B005F1Q79M

With each book that I read in the Encounter the Saints Series from Pauline Books and Media I find that my faith is challenged, that my prayer life deepens and that I desire to know more from the saints profiled in this series. This is an amazing book in an incredible series. I love reading these books and sharing them with my children.

The chapters in this volume are:

1. A Letter and a Promise
2. Why?
3. Breaking the News
4. At Home in God's House
5. Toward the Cross
6. A New Beginning
7. God's Plans
8. Shipwreck!
9. The Meeting
10. Another "Yes"
11. Rescue
12. Go Teach, Preach
13. To France
14. The Boy and the Book
15. Anthony of Padua
16. One Last Journey
17. The Arms of the Lord
18. On the Lamp Stand
Prayer
Glossary

This story surprised me in many ways. Anthony of Padua, in some ways did it all in the religious life. He started as a member of the Augustinian, became fascinated with the Franciscans. Wanted to go travel and preach but was prevented by his health. He even preached at the ordination of a number of Dominicans. He was a teacher, and a preacher. He has dedicated to serving God and following where God lead. He was once asked if the changes in his life were 'running away from the cross, and he replied "No, Father, I'm running toward it,". And that is the great example from his life, to run towards God, no matter where he leads. To remove the distractions and focus on loving God and following where God leads.

The prayer to Saint Anthony of Padua in this book is:

"Saint Anthony, God was always first in your life. You loved him so much that you wanted all people everywhere to come to know, love and serve him too. You used your special talents for teaching and preaching to bring people closer to God, and to help those who were doubtful or confused.

There were many times in your life when things didn't work out as you had hoped for or expected, Saint Anthony. But you always trusted in God and in his love for you.

It's not always easy for me to put God first in my life. Would you please help me, Saint Anthony? Show me how I can use my gifts and talents to help the people around me. Help me to know and follow God's will and to trust that God never stops watching over and loving me.

I want to follow Jesus as you did. Pray for me, Saint Anthony.Amen."

When he dies there was fighting over where he would be buried, for he was so popular and respected. Both the people of Arcella and Padua wished to have him buried in their town. Can you imagine living such a holy life that people fight over where you will be buried. This book gives us a taste of such a man's life. It shows us the saint who greatest focus was following God, no matter where he lead. And As such he is an example to us in each day we life, to see God and follow him.

The illustrations by Ray Morelli in this book are very different in style than many of the others in this series or at least the 11 I have read so far. There are 5 illustrations in this volume but they are not as detailed as many of the others in the series. There are more of an black ink style and less a detailed pencil drawing.

This book was the first published in the Encounter the Saints Series this book was published in 1999, and there are now 37 books published in the series and another is due out in January of 2018. It is an incredible series and I highly recommend this specific book and the whole series. Read about Saint Anthony and learn from his example of how to listen to God's leading and run towards it.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!

Encounter the Saints Series from Pauline Books and Media:
Blessed James Alberione Media Apostle
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Journey to the Summit
Journeys with Mary Apparitions of Our Lady
Saint André Bessette Miracles in Montreal
Saint Anthony of Padua Fire and Light
Saint Bakhita of Sudan Forever Free
Saint Bernadette Soubirous And Our Lady of Lourdes
Saint Catherine Labouré And Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
Saint Clare of Assisi A Light for the World
Saint Damien of Molokai Hero of Hawaii
Saint Edith Stein Blessed by the Cross
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Daughter of America
Saint Faustina Kowalska Messenger of Mercy
Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini Cecchina's Dream
Saint Francis of Assisi Gentle Revolutionary
Saint Gianna Beretta Molla The Gift of Life
Saint Ignatius of Loyola For the Greater Glory of God
Saint Isaac Jogues With Burning Heart
Saint Joan of Arc God's Soldier
Saint John Bosco Champion for the Young
Saint John Neumann Missionary to Immigrants
Saint John Paul II Be Not Afraid
Saint John Vianney A Priest for All People
Saint Juan Diego And Our Lady of Guadalupe
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha: Courageous Faith
Saint Katharine Drexel The Total Gift
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque And the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Saint Martin de Porres Humble Healer
Saint Maximilian Kolbe Mary's Knight
Saint Paul The Thirteenth Apostle
Saint Pio of Pietrelcina Rich in Love
Saint Teresa of Avila Joyful in the Lord
Saint Teresa of Calcutta Missionary of Charity
Saint Teresa of Kalkota Missionary of Charity

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux The Way of Love
Saint Thomas Aquinas Missionary of Truth
Saint Thomas More Courage, Conscience, and the King
Saints Jacinta and Francisco Marto: Shepherds of Fatima
The Saints Pray for Us

Saint Julie Billiart The Smiling Saint

...

Saturday, 24 June 2017

Product Review - Pure Leaf Chai Bagged Tea

Pure Leaf Chai Bagged Tea
Pure Leaf
B01MY2WDWL

I have had a few of the Pure Leaf Iced Teas over the years so when I had a chance to try some of their bagged tea, I was very excited. The excitement did not last. The first time I tried this tea it was so weak it had next to no flavour at all. The second time I steeped it for twice the recommended length of time, with almost no improvement. The third time I double bagged for a single mug and it made a pretty good cup of tea. I experimented and to get a nice strong flavourful cup of tea I had to use 4 oz of water and steep a long time for a single bag to be effective. With either very little water or double bagging it makes a fairly nice chai, but that makes it almost $1 a mug. So I would not likely buy the bags again, but I might try the loose leaf. I had this experience with both the Chai and Vanilla Black.

This Tea is made from black tea, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, chicory root, pink peppercorns, cloves, black peppercorns and marigold petals. It has a nice scent. But just too weak a portion in the bags for me to recommend them.

Related Posts:

Top Ten Teas of 2023

Top Ten Teas of 2024

...

Friday, 23 June 2017

Why We're Catholic Our Reasons for Faith, Hope, and Love - Trent Horn

Why We're Catholic:
Our Reasons for Faith, Hope, and Love
Trent Horn
Catholic Answers Press
ISBN 9781683570240
eISBN 9781683570264
ASIN B0714JKZ8H

I read this book right after reading Why I Am Catholic (and You Should Be Too) by Brandon Vogt. In some ways there is a number of similarities, and both speak specifically about the example of Saint Damien of Molokai. This was also the 10th book by Trent Horn that I have read this year. With each of his books that I read I am more impressed with his writing, his faith, his knowledge and his love of sharing these three things. Now having read a number of his books in such a short time, there were a number of times where I felt like I had read this passage before. He uses some of the same examples or arguments as his other books. But to be honest this book was a wonderful read.

The chapters in this book are:
Introduction: Why We Believe . . . Anything
1. Why We Believe in Truth
2. Why We Believe in Science
3. Why We Believe in a Creator
4. Why We Believe in God
5. Why We Believe God Conquers Evil
6. Why We Believe in Jesus
7. Why We Believe in the Resurrection
8. Why We Believe in the Trinity
9. Why We Believe in the Bible
10. Why We Aren't Bible-Only Christians
11. Why We Belong to the Catholic Church
12. Why We Have a Pope
13. Why We Have Priests
14. Why We Go to Mass
15. Why We Baptize Babies
16. Why We Believe in Spite of Scandal
17. Why We Believe that Faith Works Through Love
18. Why We Believe in Purgatory
19. Why We Pray to the Saints
20. Why We Honor Mary
21. Why We Protect Life
22. Why We Cherish Our Sexuality
23. Why We Defend Marriage
24. Why We Believe There's a Hell
25.Why We Hope for Heaven
How to Become Catholic
How to Go to Confession
Common Catholic Prayers
Endnotes

Two sections in the book immediately struck a chord with me; first the section on Saint Damien or Molokai, of whom I have been reading about and researching for over a decade now. And second Father Emil Kapaun, whom I only discovered last year. Both of these men have inspired me and finding them both called out as examples in this book hit me. But let's go back to the beginning, in the introduction Trent states:

"I don't look at people who've left the Catholic Church or who aren't Catholic as potential "customers." They're just people. They have things they love and things they hate. They may differ from me in lots of ways, but they almost certainly have one thing in common with me: they don't want to be ignorant and they do want to be happy. I became Catholic in high school because 1) I thought it was true, and 2) finding answers to my deepest questions about existence and purpose made me happy.

It would be selfish of me to keep to myself the peace and joy I receive from being Catholic, so I share this "good news" with others. My aim in this book is simple: to explain why Catholics believe what they believe. I haven't given every explanation I can think of, because most people aren't in a rush to read a book that is so thick it can double as a step stool. Instead, I've presented the reasons that made the biggest impact on me during my conversion to the Catholic faith."

This book is designed to strengthen your faith, and help you be able to explain it and defend it. It is not all encompassing but it does a great job of covering many of the basics. Throughout the book there are 'side boxes' pieces that explain deeper, or give examples of what is being talked about in that section of the book. Another great feature is that each chapter ends with three or more bullet points reinforcing what Catholics believe from the topic of that specific chapter. One of the most powerful side boxes is:

WHO STARTED YOUR CHURCH?

Calvary Chapel, 1965: Chuck Smith

Mormon church, 1830: Joseph Smith

Disciples of Christ, 1809: Thomas Campbell

Baptist church, 1609: John Smyth

Presbyterian church, 1560: John Knox

Calvinist church, 1536: John Calvin

Lutheran church, 1517: Martin Luther

Eastern Orthodox church, 1054: Eastern Patriarchs

Catholic Church, 33: Jesus Christ

And at the end of the book is a mini prayer book of common prayers. These eight prayers are the basis of so many popular Catholic devotions, or parts of a plan of life. And then there is an extensive section of end notes with quotes, and sources to go deeper.

I have read just shy of 200 books so far this year, of those 200, 105 were Catholic and this is one of the best out of all of that reading. Another incredible book from Catholic Answers, and written by Trent Horn. Pick it up you will be challenged, become more firmly rooted and prepared to answer hard questions about your faith!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Trent Horn:
20 Answers Series:
20 Answers Abortion - Trent Horn
20 Answers Death & Judgement - Trent Horn
20 Answers Faith & Science - Trent Horn
20 Answers God - Trent Horn
20 Answers Jehovah's Witnesses - Trent Horn
20 Answers Mormonism - Trent Horn
20 Answers The Bible - Trent Horn
20 Answers The Eucharist - Trent Horn
20 Answers The Real Jesus - Trent Horn
20 Answers The Church - Trent Horn

Other Books:
Hard Sayings: A Catholic Approach to Answering Bible Difficulties
Answering Atheism - How to Make the Case for God with Logic and Charity
The Mystery of God Study Guide
What the Saints Never Said
Why We're Catholic: Our Reasons for Faith, Hope, and Love

Books Co-Authored by Trent Horn:
Persuasive Pro Life: How to Talk About Our Culture's Toughest Issue (with Fr Frank Pavone)
From Creation to Catholicism: The Story of Salvation History (with Patrick Coffin)