Book Reviews and More: September 2020

Wednesday, 30 September 2020

Top Ten Fiction and Non-Fiction Books Third Quarter 2020

Top Ten Fiction and Non-Fiction Books Third Quarter 2020

This quarter I have read only 61 books, which was my lowest quarter in a long time. A few factors have contributed to the decline. And it is unlikely that I will hit a book a day for the year. Some of those factors include working from home and losing my commute time as reading time. Also being home with up to 3 children most of the time, my lunch is no longer reading time as well. But there were still many great reads this quarter. And reading and reviewing is my hobby and I will not stress over the lower number of books read and reviewed. And I only tagged one book as ‘did not finish’ this quarter. Of the 61 books read this quarter 42 got 5/5 stars of those 10 of those have been read before leaving 51 books to pick from for the 10 Ten lists this quarter. And 22 of those were fiction and 10 non-fiction.

Here is my top ten fiction and non-fiction books of the third quarter of 2020.

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books:

1. The Church and the Modern Era (1846–2005) - David M. Wagner - Reclaiming Catholic History Book 7

2. Spiritual Masters: Fathers and Writers of the First Millennium - Pope Benedict XVI

3. Saint Maria Goretti Teenage Martyr for Chastity - Glynn MacNiven-Johnston - CTS 20th Century Martyrs

4. Alessandro Serenelli A Story of Forgiveness - Charles D. Engel

5. I Heard God Laugh - Matthew Kelly

6. CTS Devotions and Prayers from the Catholic Truth Society

Newman Prayer Book edited by The Birmingham Oratory

Saint Joseph Prayers And Devotions - Donal Anthony Foley

First Fridays & First Saturdays The Devotions Explained

7. The Road Goes Ever On: A Christian Journey Through The Lord of the Rings - A.K. Frailey

8. The Virtues of Holiness - Juan Luis Lorda

9. Junipero Serra Founder of the California Missions - Linda Gondosch and Emmanuel Beaudesson

10. Pope Peter: Defending the Church's Most Distinctive Doctrine in a Time of Crisis - Heschmeyer Joe

11. Brave Leader, Big Heart - Fr. Juan Vélez - St. John Henry Newman's Adventures

Bonus:

Light of Heaven Saints Coloring Book - Adalee Hude

Light of Heaven: A Children's Book of Saints - Adalee Hude

Top Ten Fiction Books:

1. I Am Margaret - The Play - Corinna Turner and Fiorella de Maria

2. Encounter - Ann (AK) Frailey - Science Fiction Short Stories and Novella

3. Discovery - Karina Fabian

4. Mandy Lamb and the Full Moon - Corinna Turner

5. Shadow in the Dark - Antony Barone Kolenc - The Harwood Mysteries Book 1

6. The Woman in the Trees - Theoni Bell

7. Abba Moses - Andrew Votipka

8. Worlds of FabianSpace A Story Sampler - Karina Fabian

9. Champion of Valdeor - Sandralena Hanley - Valdeor Chronicles Book 1

10. Three Last Things or The Hounding Of Carl Jarrold, Soulless Assassin - Corinna Turner

11. War Stories - Gordon Korman

Bonus:

Northern Fights Series - Arthur Slade

Draugr - Drang - Loki Wolf

If You Can Get It - Brendan Hodge

Space Traipse Hold My Beer Season 1 - Karina Lumbert Fabian

The Case of the Stolen Rosaries - Karen Kelly Boyce and Sue Anderson Gioulis - Sisters of the Last Straw Book 3

My reading has been consistent at about a book a day over the last few years, but this quarter that dropped significantly. There were many great reads this quarter, some new books just out in print, and some older that have been around for a while. I encourage you to check a few of them out, and let me know what you think after you have read them.

Note: I do not include books that have been read in previous years and were reread this year in my top ten lists, they are sometimes in the bonus section. But if you want more options check out my favorite books year by year list.

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All Top Ten Lists on Book Reviews and More

Statistics Books Read By Year:
242 - 2020 January-September
392 - 2019
359 - 2018
380 - 2017
272 - 2016
177 - 2015
130 - 2014
88 - 2013
176 - 2012
163 - 2011
302 - 2010
142 - 2009
98 - 2008
83 - 2007
191 - 2006
151 - 2005
60 - 2004
52 - 2003
97 - 2002
50 - 2001
41 - 2000
71 - 1999
73 - 1998
131 - 1997
101 - 1996

Tuesday, 29 September 2020

Brave Leader, Big Heart - Father Juan Velez - St. John Henry Newman’s Adventures

Brave Leader, Big Heart:

St. John Henry Newman’s Adventures

Fr. Juan Velez

Scepter Press

ISBN 9781594173875

eISBN 9781594173882

ASIN B08JCFDSMZ

This book is an excellent read. It is written for tweens and teens, but anyone would benefit from reading this volume. Over the last few years I have read several books by and about Saint John Henry Newman. And with everything I read I have a greater appreciation for the man, his life, his wisdom, and the need of his example today. The description of this volume is:

“Brave Leader, Big Heart invites young readers to meet this new saint, John Henry Newman. Far from being a distant academic, he was a happy child, a thoughtful young man, a warm friend, and an affectionate brother. With his pen, he helped start a movement that would change lives. As a Catholic priest, his courage and warmth led many to seek his guidance. His heart can still speak to hearts today.”

And I completely agree his heart does speak to us today. And as he faced difficulties and conflict in his life. So are many Catholics who are living out their faith today. The chapters in the volume are:

1Christian Heroes

2 Spy Club

3 A Big Discovery

4 Growing in Valor at Trinity College

5 Reforming Oriel College

6 Newman’s Mediterranean Trip

7 Reviving the Anglican Church

8 The Decision to Become Roman Catholic

9 From Oxford to the City of Rome

10 Helping Irish Immigrants in Birmingham

11 The First Catholic University in Ireland

12 Starting a Medical School

13 The Pen as Weapon: The Rambler and Kingsley Affairs

14 Boys Are Boys: The Oratory School in Birmingham

15 Always Writing Letters and Books

16 Newman Becomes a Cardinal of the Church

17 Ready for Heaven: His Last Mass, 1890

18 Verses and Prayers of St. John Henry Newman

Even with all that I have read about Newman over the last few years, there was much that was new in this volume. It is written in such a way as to grab the attention of readers and not let go. I could hardly put the book down, and read in it 2 sittings.

This book is one of the best biographies of Newman that I have read to date. It is easily accessible. Follow Newman through his growth into manhood. His ministry, his conversion to Catholicism. And his deeply devout life. The collection of poems and prayers at the end are worth the price of the book alone. I loved this book and look forward to reading it again with my children, especially my son. An excellent biography of this saint. I highly recommend it.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Father Juan Velez:

Brave Leader, Big Heart

Holiness in a Secular Age: The Witness of Cardinal Newman

Passion for Truth: The Life of John Henry Newman

Take Five: Meditations with John Henry Newman - with Mike Aquilina

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Reviews of other books by John Henry Newman:
Stations of the Cross
Meditations on Mary, Our Mother
Prayers Before The Eucharist
...

CTS books about Newman:
John Henry Newman: Lead Kindly Light -Dr. Raymond Edwards
Newman His Life and Legacy – Fr. Ian Ker
John Henry Newman Apostle to the Doubtful - Meriol Trevor and Leonie Caldecott
Newman Prayer Book - The Birmingham Oratory (ed)
The Mind of Cardinal Newman: From His Own Writings - Charles Stephen Dessain

Daily Christian Living with John Henry Newman

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CTS Books by John Henry Newman:
Meditations on Stations of the Cross
Christ upon the Waters - CTS Onefifties Book 3
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Reviews of other books about Newman:
Take Five: Meditations with John Henry Newman - Mike Aquilina and Juan Velez
Brave Leader, Big Heart - Father Juan Velez

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Monday, 28 September 2020

Junipero Serra Founder of the California Missions - Linda Gondosch and Emmanuel Beaudesson

Junipero Serra Founder of the California Missions

Linda Gondosch

Emmanuel Beaudesson (Illustrator)

Ignatius Press

ISBN 9781621640622

My youngest daughter loves reading about saints. And after attacks on statues of this saint I decided we both needed to know more about this man of God. I had encountered his story in my studies and in more general books. There are many books about this saint and a few from his own pen. I picked this one for my daughter and The Man Who Founded California: The Life of Blessed Junipero Serra by M.N.L. Couve De Murville because I trust the publishers. Saint Junipero was beatified in 1987 by Saint John Paul II, and he was canonized in 2015 by Pope Francis. This volume was published in that canonization year. The volume begins with a list of the 9 missions founded by Junipero Serra:

1769 Mission San Diego de Alcala

1770 Mission Dan Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo

1771 Mission San Antonio de Padua

1771 Mission San Gabriel Arcangel

1772 Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

1776 Mission San Francisco de Asis

1776 Mission San Juan Capistrano

1777 Mission Santa Clara de Asis

1782 Mission San Buenaventura

And is followed by an excerpt from the homily of canonization from May 2nd 2015. That except begins with:

“Junipero Serra was a tireless missionary. Like Paul and Barnabas, like the disciples in Antoich and in all of Judea, he was filled with the Holy Spirit in spreading the word if the Lord. Such zeal excites us, it challenges us! These missionary disciples moved by the grace of the Holy Spirit, went out to all the geographical, social, and existential peripheries, to bear witness to charity. They challenge us!”

and it ends with:

“Brothers and sisters, let us contemplate the witness of holiness give by Friar Junipero. He was one of the founding fathers of the United States, a saintly example of the Church’s universality, and special patron of the Hispanic people of the country. In this way may all Americans unite themselves ever more closely to Christ and the Church.”

It is amazing the changes in public opinion in just a five-year time span. The book ends with a timeline that goes from Miguel Jose Serra’s birth on November 24th 1713 to his death at the age of 70 on August 28th 1784. Towards the end of the story we are told:

“When Junipero Serra came as a missionary to the New World, he did not know what a large role he would play in the history of California. His only wish was to tell the Indians about the love of Christ, but by founding the first nine California missions, he began the European settlement of what is now the state of California.”

This is the story of a man who lived to serve. A man who served through daily pain. He fought to protect the natives and stood up to the soldiers. He lived to spread the message of God’s love. So, pick up this book and read about this man, and his amazing journey. Beautiful illustrations by Emmanuel Beaudesson. It is a wonderful volume for younger readers about this incredible saint.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!

Other books about Saint Junipero Serra:

Junipero Serra Founder of the California Missions - Linda Gondosch and Emmanuel Beaudesson

The Man Who Founded California: The Life of Blessed Junipero Serra - M.N.L. Couve De Murville

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Books illustrated by Emmanuel Beaudesson:

Junipero Serra: Founder of the California Missions - Linda Gondosch

Our Holy Father, the Pope: The Papacy from Saint Peter to the Present - Don R. Caffery

Let's Pray the Rosary - Mauricette Vial-Andru,

Mother Teresa of Calcutta - Francine Bay

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Friday, 25 September 2020

Prayer of the Day Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Prayer

Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Prayer

Jesus, grant us the virtues of courage & prudence so we may live and

profess your Gospel to the people of our time. As your Holy Spirit

guided St Edmund in his ministry, so may the same Spirit be our Lord

and Teacher in all we do.

Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Pray for us.

Amen.

Reviews of books about Edmund Arrowsmith:

Edmund Arrowsmith - John S. Hogan

Forty Martyrs of England and Wales - James Walsh

A Book of Martyrs: Devotions to the Martyrs of England, Scotland and Wales - John S. Hogan

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Relates posts and links:

Prayer of the Day Posts

Prayer Book Reviews

My Prayer Notebook.

My Daily Prayer List April 2024

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Thursday, 24 September 2020

Robots Revolt - Dustin Brady - Trapped in a Video Game Book 3

Robots Revolt

Trapped in a Video Game Book 3
Dustin Brady
Jesse Brady (Illustrator)
Andrews McMeel Publishing
ISBN 9781449494896
eISBN 9781449496128
ASIN B07B8CMRQL

We have now read three books in this excellent series. And with each volume the series gets better. We picked up the first book in this series, Trapped in a Video Game, after my son started reading it with his cousins. They read every night before bed and he was hooked after the first few chapters. We picked up the eBook as soon as we were home, and my son devoured it. My son was enjoying them so much we picked up the whole series. He reads to me from his iPod and I follow on my iPhone. My son read this to me as part of his daily reading. He often reads well beyond the minimum 20 minutes a day, when reading this series, because he wants to finish the chapter, or find out what happens next. We are well into book four. Any book that inspires my son to keep reading when the timer goes off is a big winner in my opinion. And because of that it got a solid 5/5 stars from both of us.

This is the third installment in a five-book series. We are a little late to the game, in that the whole series has already been released. It just means we can read them back to back. The story was first self published in 2016, then picked up and published in 2018 by Andrews McMeel Publishing.

This is a story about friendship, about video games, and about survival. But in this one instead of being inside the video games, the video game has escaped into the real world. Jesse Rigsby really does not like video games. His best friend is Eric Conrad loves games and cannot wait to play the latest and greatest. They have rescued their friend Mark from a game, and possible death. And their new friend Sam a gamer from down under. In this volume Eric is the one needing rescue. He has been captured by Robots and though Jesse intends to go after him alone, Mark and Sam follow him into the fray. And soon they are working through the game that Sam had been plying. But they soon find out that because she played on the hardest level she had not finished it. They need to find a way to do some research to figure out what the Robots are up to and try and figure out where they will do it.

In this story there will be a crazy rollercoaster like tide ion an underground mine. A hot air balloon, a Rocketship. And Robots, robots, robots. Including a giant Goliatron.

But to find out if the trio can rescue Eric, or if the story continues into volume four you will need to read this fast-paced action-packed story. The story is fun. The action almost non-stop. And the characters after three volumes are becoming like old friends. And you will want to have book 4 on hand to keep reading the series. The story is so good my youngest daughter has started listening to her brother read me the stories.

Another great read in an excellent series. Our family gives it top marks and highly recommends the book and the series!

Books by Dustin Brady:
Superhero for a Day
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Trapped in a Video Game Series:
Trapped in a Video Game
The Invisible Invasion
Robots Revolt
Return to Doom Island
The Final Boss
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Leila & Nugget Series:
Who Stole Mr. T?
Bark at the Park
The Case with no Clues
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Life Lessons Series:
A Marathon Is Really Long When You Have to Pee
Black Friday Is for Suckers
Dogs Ain't Dumb
How to Tell Off a Telemarketer
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Escape from a Video Game Series:
The Secret of Phantom Island

Mystery on the Starship Crusader

The Endgame

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World's Worst Time Machine Series:

World's Worst Time Machine

Treasure in the White City

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Wednesday, 23 September 2020

Frightliner and Other Tales of the Supernatural - Karina Fabian and Colleen Drippe

Frightliner and Other Tales of the Supernatural
Karina Fabian

Colleen Drippe

Laser Cow Press

ISBN 9781733447164

ASIN B08FHCKLNP

Over the last several weeks I have read 3 novels, and 2 collections of short stories edited by Karina Fabian. Prior to that there had been a n 8 year gap in my reading one of her offerings. That was my loss. And I am making up for lost time. I cannot seem to put her books down. Now I need to note that there are 2 editions of this volume, the original was released in 2010 and this new edition was released in 2020. This new one contains the following stories:

Frighliner

The Lobby

Accidental Undeath

The Women of Rattlesnake Hill

My Big, Fat Zombie Wedding

The original edition only contains the first three stories. So even if you have read the previous version it is worth picking up again for the 2 extra stories. This is a fantastic collection of frightful tales. Some dark and disturbing and some very humorous. I have read much by Fabian, but I believe this is the first I have read by Drippe. But for both it will not be the last. I have already picked up 2 other volumes from Fabian and added one by Drippe to my wish list.

The title story was cowritten by the two authors, and from there the stories alternate authors. I loved the first story. A haunted rig, prowling the highways and byways. Seeking victims, and needing to be fed. A man of faith, a lawman, and a roadside church. The story brings to mind the Tarantino’s from Dusk to Dawn, but with a different twist. It is an excellent work, that I would love to see expanded into a novel. More of the backstory and history. It is excellently written. I also wonder if the two hunters go on to more adventures. Would love to come back to these characters in a future offering.

The second story will leave you thinking. Thinking about what matters. And What things cost. About what you would be willing to give, or what you are willing to lose. It is a story that needs more than one reading. But having read both editions of this book I find I find myself like the gentleman, sitting waiting, thinking. What is the lobby you are in?

Accidental undeath. Wow, a vampire truck driver. Desperate to save a young woman his rig hit. Remembering his own conversion. And debating what is best. Desperate to make a good choice even in in his current state.

The women of Rattlesnake Hill know how to take care of business. There have been issues since they settled here and the women know how to deal with it and pass on that knowledge. And the women keep the men in the dark. They work together to do what must be done. Even when it is not easy or pleasant.

I will be honest, I laughed out loud twice while reading this story. I could see this being done as an episode of Strange Stories or the Twilight Zone. Taking her boyfriend home and stating:

“Mortimer—Mort—is... life-challenged.”

But boy oh boy where this story will take you. Another excellent read from the creative pen of Fabian.

Overall a great collection of the strange, spooky, scary, and wacky. 5 great stories to entertain and amuse. Well worth picking up, but make sure you get the new edition, so you get the 2 extra stories. And settle in with a coffee, mug or beer or glass of wine for an evening of tales of the strange and supernatural.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Karina Fabian:

Why God Matters: How to Recognize Him in Daily Life
Frightliner

Worlds of FabianSpace A Story Sampler

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Rescue Sisters Series:

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Dex Hollister Series:
The Old Man and the Void
Dex's Way
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Neeta Lyffe, Zombie Exterminator Series :
Neeta Lyffe, Zombie Exterminator
I Left My Brains in San Francisco
Shambling in a Winter Wonderland
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DragonEye PI Series:

DragonEye PI Novels:

1.0 Murder Most Picante

2.0 If Wishes Were Dragons

3.0 Nun of My Business

4.0 Christmas Spirits

5.0 Greater Treasures

6.0 Siren Spell

7.0 Good Intentions

8.0 Idol Speculations

9.0 Gapman

10.0 Magic, Mensa and Mayhem (Revised edition forthcoming)

11.0 Live and Let Fly (Revised edition forthcoming)

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DragonEye PI Short Stories:

Of Slings and Feeling Vexed

A Winkle in Time

Perfect Ten

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DragonEye PI Original First Editions:

Magic, Mensa and Mayhem

Live and Let Fly

Greater Treasures

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Space Traipse Series:
Space Traipse: Hold My Beer, Season 1
Space Traipse: Hold My Beer, Season 2

Space Traipse: Hold My Beer, Season 3

Space Traipse: Hold My Beer, Season 4

Space Traipse: Hold My Beer, Season 5

Space Traipse: Hold My Beer, Season 6

Space Traipse: Hold My Beer, Season 7

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Space Traipse Stories

Doall's Do-Over

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Mind Over Series:
Mind Over Mind
Mind Over Psyche
Mind Over All
Hearts Over Mind
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Edited by: Karina Fabian:
Infinite Space, Infinite God I
Leaps of Faith
Infinite Space, Infinite God II
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Nonfiction with Deacon Steven Lumbert:

Why God Matters: How to Recognize Him in Daily Life

There You Are, God! Finding God in the Everyday

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Contributed to:
Firestorm of Dragons
The Zombie Cookbook
The Book of Tentacles
Twisted Fayrie Tales
FRIGHTLINER: And Other Tales of the Undead
Mother Goose is Dead
Word by Word: Slowing Down with the Hail Mary
Image and Likeness Literary Reflections on the Theology of the Body
Corrupts Absolutely? Dark Metahuman Fiction
Weird Noir
The Complete Guide to Writing Paranormal Novels
Manifesto UF
Avenir Eclectia
Planetary Anthology: Jupiter
Planetary Anthology: Pluto
Planetary Anthology: Luna
Planetary Anthology: Uranus
FlagShip Science Fiction and Fantasy v2i5
My Little Book of Headdesks
To Be Men: Stories Celebrating Masculinity

Cracked An Anthology of Eggsellent Chicken Stories

Overmorrow Stories for our Bright Future

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Author Profile and Interview With Karina Fabian

Books by Dolleen Drippe:

Sunrise on the Icewolf

Mystery at Miner's Creek

Frightliner and Other Tales of the Supernatural

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Star Brothers Adventures:

Godcountry

Vessel of Darkness

Treelight

Gelen

Vessel of Darkness

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Contributed to:

Glimring Night and Other Tales of Fantasy (Dark Regions #4)

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Original Cover

Tuesday, 22 September 2020

If You Can Get It - Brendan Hodge

If You Can Get It

Brendan Hodge

Ignatius Press

ISBN 9781621643456

eISBN 9781642291278

ASIN B08CPZC9RL

This book took me by surprise. Once I started, I could hardly put it down. I read it in three sittings over three days, but most of it was read in one sitting, while the kids were out on a sunny Saturday afternoon. I just sat in a chair in the sun and read. There has a been a lot of great fiction coming out from Ignatius Press over the last few year, like Ceremony of Innocence by Dorothy Cummings McLean or Do No Harm by Fiorella De Maria. And in general a lot of great Catholic fiction, and this reminded me of some of the works of Carolyn Astfalk. This story is very well written for a debut novel. And I know I will pick up anything else released by Brendan Hodge.

The story is much like books in Madeleine L’Engle’s ‘Chronos’ stories, in that its as she stated: defined as "ordinary, wrist-watch, alarm-clock time." Or as can be restated realistic fiction. And this is the fiction of life. Of learning, growing, discovering. It is fiction that will likely cause you to reflect upon your own life, and those of your close friends. And it is fiction that will inspire and uplift. Even if it begins a bit rough. It is the story of family, friendship, career, and figuring out what matters most for you in life.

The main part of the story focuses on two sisters. Two very different sisters. Jen Nilsson has her MBA, a series of every more important jobs, a great condo, sleek BMW. And she hopes is weeks away from the coveted Director title at work. Katie is her younger sister who shows up on her door after not being able to hack being back home after college. She seems to lack direction, focus, and even basic responsibility. But as we all know, life does not always go according to plan. And soon Jen’s life is turned upside down, a corporate buyout, being laid off, and a new role she is hesitant about all lead to a horrendous long business trip to China. But after weeks abroad she finds some clarity on the long flight home. She makes some decisions and changes that would surprise many.

The story looks at life in the twenty-first-century. It looks at work, family, friends and technology. And as the two sisters grow, they also grow closer. It closely examines what we take for granted, and how easy it is to go with the status quo. Both of which should be challenged and examined, and this book helps us to see that. But to find out all that happens to them, you will need to pick up and read this excellent novel.

This debut novel was an excellent read. It is the type of story I hope my girls read when they are a little older. And it is the type of story that can inspire any reader to look at the world a little differently. And maybe let faith slip into that worldview.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Brendan Hodge:

If You Can Get It

...

Monday, 21 September 2020

The Church and the Modern Era 1846–2005 - David M. Wagner - Reclaiming Catholic History Series Book 7

The Church and the Modern Era (1846–2005)

Pius IX, World Wars, and the Second Vatican Council

Reclaiming Catholic History Series Book 7

David M. Wagner
Mike Aquilina (Editor)
Ave Maria Press
ISBN 9781594717871

eISBN 9781594717888

ASIN B08BXFV7RW

I have greatly enjoyed the other two volumes in this series that I have read. The Church and the Roman Empire by Mike Aquilina and The Early Church by James L. Papandrea. The books are be released out of order. There will be seven volumes in this series. Mike Aquilina is the general editor of the series. But I must admit that I had some trepidation as I approached this volume. It seems that if you mention Vatican II these days you will have either complete support, or ravings that it is invalid and destroying the Catholic Church. However, this volume was an excellent read. This book and the whole series today are excellent reads. I spent 20 years as an undergraduate, for the most part because I loved learning. My last degree was in Religious Studies with a focus on Roman Catholic Thought. I would have loved this book and those I have read in this series as resources.

Many years ago when I did an Introduction to Church History course at Conrad Grebel College at the University of Waterloo, our professor, Arnold Snider, often said throughout the year, “I do not care as much about dates and names and places, as the story of Christianity. On your final exam the main question will be ‘Your uncle Billy at Christmas dinner says: ‘I hear you did the history of Christianity, tell us the story in your own words?’” And that was one of the essay questions on the exam. This book and the two others I have read in the series would have been great resources for that course. And If I had had them they would have been pulled out often for essays, papers and research. This is a great read in an excellent series. But the books are written in such an engaging manner that any Catholic could pick them up and benefit from reading them. And this one is on one of the hardest periods of Church history.

This third volume published in this series, Reclaiming Catholic History, though it is the seventh book in the series. The series is being edited by Mike Aquilina and the first published volume is by him as well. About this series we are told by Aquilina:

“The history of the Catholic Church is often clouded by myth, misinformation, and missing pieces. Today there is a renewed interest in recovering the true history of the Church, correcting the record in the wake of centuries of half-truths and noble lies. Books in the Reclaiming Catholic History series, edited by Mike Aquilina and written by leading authors and historians, bring Church history to life, debunking the myths one era at a time.”

And each of the three I have read today are excellent volumes. The chapters in this volume are:

Reclaiming Catholic History: Series Introduction

Chronology of The Early Church (33–313)

Map

Introduction: When Does Something Become “History”?

Chapter 1: The Modern Church

Up Close and Personal: St. John Henry Newman

You Be the Judge: Wasn’t the declaration of papal infallibility just a power grab? Chapter

2: Democracy and the “Social Question”

Up Close and Personal: St. Josephine Bakhita

You Be the Judge: Doesn’t Catholic “social teaching” amount to an endorsement of socialism? Chapter

3: A Crisis in Theology

Up Close and Personal: St. Thérèse of Lisieux

You Be the Judge: Isn’t the Catholic Church opposed to scientific research and technological advancement?

Chapter 4: The War to End All Wars

Up Close and Personal: The Message of Fatima Chapter

5: Totalitarianism

Up Close and Personal: St. Faustina Kowalska and Divine Mercy

You Be the Judge: Didn’t the Catholic Church sign agreements with European dictators?

Chapter 6: World War II

Up Close and Personal: St. Maximilian Kolbe and St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)

You Be the Judge: Should Pius XII have spoken out explicitly against Nazi treatment of the Jews?

Chapter 7: The Cold War and Age of Benign Liberalism

Up Close and Personal: St. Josemaría Escrivá Up Close and Personal: Padre Pio

You Be the Judge: Did the Soviet Union plot to tarnish the reputation of Pope Pius XII and the Church?

Chapter 8: The Second Vatican Council

Up Close and Personal: Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

You Be the Judge: Isn’t Vatican II universally hailed by theological liberals and disparaged by theological conservatives?

Chapter 9: Civil Unrest and the Return of Radicalism

Up Close and Personal: Mother Teresa of Kolkata

You Be the Judge: Doesn’t the Church oppose feminism?

Chapter 10: A Culture of Life

Up Close and Personal: More Saints than Ever

You Be the Judge: Didn’t the Church completely mishandle clergy sexual abuse?

Series Epilogue: A Change of Age

This book is an excellent resource. It can be read by late high school students or undergrads and used as a resource. It can be read by anyone interested in church history. It is engaging and entertaining. An excellent resource! And with all the vitriol in Catholic social media today it is a book many should read. Most chapter’s follow the same format or the main history. Then two focused sections. The first is Up Close and Personal and is a profile of a specific person or people. Usually saints or blessed. The next is a section called You Be The Judge, which goes deeper into a question, point of interest or conflict. The book would be worth reading for either of these sections. But The whole thing is very well written. David M. Wagner does an excellent job of presenting a balanced view. Well researched, and presented inline with Church teachings. He tackles probably the toughest period in the series. The era of two Vatican councils, two world wars, political upheaval around the world. He draws extensively from the encyclicals that guided and led us through this period.

I greatly benefited from reading this volume. And I am certain you will as well. I know that I will be reading the remaining four volumes in the series as they release. And will likely circle back and reread them in order.