Book Reviews and More: June 2024

Sunday, 30 June 2024

Top Ten Fiction and Non-Fiction Books Second Quarter 2024

Top Ten Fiction and Non-Fiction Books Second Quarter 2024

It has been a good year for reading so far. I am still averaging about a book a day. It was slower this year than the last few, but both work and home life have been much busier.

In April of 2023 I wrote a piece called How I Read So Much? Because I get asked the question so often, read the piece linked above if you are looking for some ideas on ways to read more.

This quarter I read 78 books, low compared to the last few years, below is the comparison with the last 8 years:

2024 - 78

2023 – 109

2022 – 110

2021 – 104

2020 – 85

2019 – 102

2018 – 102

2017 – 112

2016 – 36

But back to this quarter by the numbers:

Books Read: 78

First Time Reads: 61

Fiction: 43

Non-Fiction: 35

5/5 Stars: 55

A significant dip over the last few years. I can state again that looking back 2016 is a bit of an outlier as late that year I switched jobs and have since had much better work – life balance. In the spring of 2016, I worked through Brandon Vogt’s course Read More Books Now (now available on ClaitasU). The year before that I removed all games from my phone and tablet and my reading had doubled.

Here is my top ten fiction and non-fiction books of the second quarter of 2024.

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books:

1. Vision Books for Young readers - Ignatius Press

Brother André of Montreal - Ann Nolan Clark

Courage Under Fire Father Willie Doyle, S.J. - Fiorella De Maria

Father Kino Priest to the Pimas - Ann Nolan Clark

St. Benedict: Hero of the Hills - Mary Fabyan Windeatt

2. Books by Francis J. Hoffman aka Father Rocky

Mary at the Crossroads of History

The Memorare Moment

3. How to spread the Gospel: Advice and encouragement from Pope Benedict XVI - Fr Donncha Ó hAodha - CTS Books

4. Behold Your Mother: Marian Stations of the Cross - Marge Steinhage Fenelon

5. Deliver Us From Evil - Bishops' Conference of England and Wales - CTS Books

6. Places of Grace: My Visits to Shrines, Chapels, Graves, and Monasteries and the Graces I Received - Fr. Edward Looney

7. The Stations of the Cross in Slow Motion - Suzan M. Sammons - A Daily Devotion for Lent

8. Saint Thomas and the Forbidden Birds - James Matthew Wilson

9. The Remarkable Life of Bishop Bonaventure Broderick: Exile, Redemption, and a Gas Station - James Hanna

10. Beyond Columbo: The Life and Times of Peter Falk - Richard A. Lertzman and William J. Birnes

Bonus Books:

The 72 Crew Manual 1st Edition - Fr. Mark Goring CC Eucharistic Adoration Prayer Book - Marie Paul Curley, FSP

The Catechism in a Year Companion, Volume I - Fr. Mike Schmitz, Petroc Willey, and Ann Koshute

Top Ten Fiction Books:

1. Archangel - N.R. LaPoint - Raven Mistcreek Book 3

2. Curse of the Seawolf - Nick Donnelly

(I read un unpublished manuscript.)

3. Escaping Infinity - Richard Paolinelli - Infinity Book 1

4. Raven - Lori Janeski - Carter Files Book 2

5. Pixie Noir - Cedar Sanderson - Pixie for Hire Book 1

6. I, Brax: 1 A Battle Divine - Arthur Slade

7. Deus Volt - N.R. LaPoint - Dinosaur Warfare Book 3

8. Worth Dying For - Marie Keiser

9. Contact: Angeles - Caroline Furlong

10. A Lion for a Tomb Ignatius of Antioch - Corinna Turner - Friends in High Places 04

11. Lyorn - Steven Brust - Vlad Taltos Book 17

Bonus Books:

The Journey - Jim Sano

A Cloud of Unknowing - Andrew Gillsmith - Deserted Vineyard Book 2

The Eternity Symbiote - Cedar Sanderson

My reading has been up over each of the last few years, but it is staying pretty consistent at about a book a day over the year. I attribute in part to Brandon Vogt’s course Read More Books Now, removing all games but 1 brain game from my devices. And I was commuting to work on a bus and read on the bus every day. Working from home reading took a little more discipline, and we are now back to a hybrid model with 5 days a month in the office, so things are changing again.

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 favourite books year by year list. Or this year not to flood the list with one specific author.

Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2020
Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2020

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2020

Top Ten Fiction Books 2020

Top Ten Books First Quarter 2021

Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2021

Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2021

Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2021

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2021

Top Ten Fiction Books 2021

Top Ten Books First Quarter 2022

Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2022

Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2022

Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2022

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2022

Top Ten Fiction Books 2022

Top Ten Books First Quarter 2023

Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2023

Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2023

Top Ten Fiction Books Fourth Quarter 2023

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2023

Top Ten Fiction Books 2023

Top Ten Books First Quarter 2024

Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2024

Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2024

Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2024

...

All Top Ten Lists on Book Reviews and More

Statistics Books Read By Year:
195 - 2024 January-June

455 - 2023

438 - 2022

365 - 2021

317 - 2020
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

Saturday, 29 June 2024

Prayer of the Day Saint John Ogilvie Prayer

Prayer of the Day Saint John Ogilvie Prayer

Dear St John Ogilvie

By your devotion to Christ You held fast to faith,

even unto martyrdom.

With the Grace of God, May I have a loving heart.

In the midst of trials, may I, like you, ‘Be of good cheer’.

And trust in the love of God.

Please hear my prayer …

Amen.

This prayer is taken from:

John Ogilvie

A Jesuit in Disguise 1579-1615

CTS Saints of the Isle Series

Eleanor McDowell

Catholic Truth Society

ISBN 9781784690274

eISBN 9781784694159

ASIN B073GZ54DL

CTS Booklet B761

I have tried to pray this prayer daily since I first encountered it back in 2019, at the time I read several volumes about the Saints of the Isles, and the Martyrs of England and Wales. I have had this as my third last prayer of the day since then and if I add prayers towards the end of the day move this one back and insert the other.

John Ogilvie A Jesuit in Disguise 1579-1615 - Eleanor McDowell - CTS Saints of the Isles Series

Relates posts and links:

Prayer of the Day Posts

Prayer Book Reviews

My Prayer Notebook.

My Daily Prayer List April 2024

...

Books in the Saints of the Isles Series:
Edmund Arrowsmith - John S. Hogan
Margaret Clitherow - Jean Olwen Maynard
Edmund Campion - Alexander Haydon
John Southworth Priest and Martyr - Michael Archer
Saint Thomas More - Alvaro de Silva
John Ogilvie - Eleanor McDowell
Frances Taylor - Eithne Leonard
Mary Potter - Elizabeth Gilroy
John Fisher - Richard L. Smith
Robert Southwell - Fiorella Sultana De Maria
Ignatius Spencer - Fr. Ben Lodge
Sr Elizabeth Prout - Dominic Savio Hamer
Forty Martyrs of England and Wales - James Walsh
Thomas Becket - J.B. Midgley
...

Friday, 28 June 2024

Still Waters - K.T. Galloway - Annie O'Malley Book 8

Still Waters

Annie O'Malley Book 8

K.T. Galloway

A.W.E. Publishing

ISBN 9781915197078

ASIN B0CCPLB27B

Still Waters - K.T. Galloway - Annie O'Malley Book 8

This is another excellent read in a very good series. It is British Crime Procedural novel, a mystery, a thriller and this one is a little creepier than many in the series. This one was very hard to put down. It was an addictive read, and I devoured it in one day over a few sittings. Over the last few years, I have read many crime or thriller novels. I love the DCI Kett novels from Alex Smith and the DCI Will Blake novels from J.E. Mayhew. And the DCI Jack Logan books by J.D. Kirk. Alex Smith had recommended Mayhew and I ripped through that series, so when he recommended this series I had to give it a try. They have not disappointed, and this one is one of the best.

Annie O’Malley is a psychotherapist and former police officer. And not only does she have baggage from her stunted police career, but even more from experiences when she was young. Now she has been drawn back, back into a world she had left behind, back to a world she was glad was behind her. Back to her own childhood and her sister was missing for years. In this one O’Malley and the team are working a confusing case, a case with strange clues and no shortage of suspects.

The description of the book is:

“In the midst of a local New Year's Eve celebration a teen boy emerges from the legendary Lowanford Lake. Missing for nearly a week, his skin bloated and covered in sores from the water, it’s a miracle he’s alive.

The legend weaves stories of the lake’s miraculous waters—warm and luminescent—possessing the power to heal all afflictions.

But the legend is soon questioned when the next day a body floats to the surface.

And when another teen boy goes missing, Annie and Swift are up against the clock to find him before he succumbs to the water too.

What is it that’s luring these young men to the lake? And why are they willing to risk their lives to find it?”

This case starts on new years eve, with a boy emerging from a lake like creature from the black lagoon. Except he is coloured blue and suffering greatly. During the investigation other boys start disappearing daily. Can Swift & O’Malley and the team put the pieces together in time to save the boys? To find out you will need to read this latest novel in the series.

The characters in this book and series are well written. Especially the core team of O’Malley, Swift, Tink and Page. The plot in this one had a very surprising twist. I would be surprised if we do not see at least one of the suspects end up being a villain in a future story. The plot moves at a quick pace, and the side plot of O’Mally finding out more about her mom takes an interesting twist. It was a real page turner!

It is interesting to note on amazon the series is called ‘O'Malley & Swift Crime Thriller Series’ Where on Good Reads it is just called the ‘Annie O’Malley Series’. But no matter which name you use this is a great read in an excellent series.

Another intense read, in a good series and it leaves you waiting for the next volume Vanishing Act or the one after Chill Pill which has recently been announced.

Books by K.T. Galloway:

Annie O’Malley Series:

Vanishing Act

Chill Pill

…

O'Malley and Swift Series by K.T. Galloway

Thursday, 27 June 2024

Product Review Executive Shaving Citrus Kiss Natural Shaving Cream

Product Review Executive Shaving Citrus Kiss

Natural Shaving Cream an Aftershave

Executive Shaving UK

Over a year ago I switched to a safety razor that is produced here locally, after a year I can state I love it, and my 16 years old son has started shaving using a Dr Squatch Branded version. I love my Henson AL13 Razor it is the best shave I have ever had and I have been shaving over 40 years now. When I first got my Henson I struggled with it and found a video from the Executive Shaving UK, that made a world of difference. And I wanted to give some of their products a try. My sister-in-law got a few of them for me for Christmas. The products I got were:

Executive Shaving Citrus Kiss Natural Shaving Cream

Executive Shaving Citrus Kiss Aftershave Balm

Executive Shaving Large Synthetic Shaving Brush with Black Handle

MÜHLE Black Porcelain Shaving Mug

Description of the Shaving Cream:

“Highly concentrated and made from all-natural ingredients, our Citrus Kiss Shaving Cream has a light Mediterranean citrus fruit scent with subtle notes of lime, lemon, orange and bergamot.

It contains glycerin and shea butter to deliver exceptional razor glide while moisturising and nourishing your skin to leave it soft and supple after shaving.

Only a tiny amount is required for each shave meaning the 200ml tub should last around 6 months of daily shaving. For best results, lather with a shaving brush.

Suitable for all skin types and perfect for use will all razor types including cut throat, double edge and single edge safety razors.

Comes in a 200ml aluminium container which is fully recyclable.”

Description of the Aftershave:

“Our Citrus Kiss Aftershave Balm comes with a light Mediterranean citrus fruit scent and will calm the skin after shaving.

Suitable for all skin types, it contains a blend of carefully selected ingredients including oat extract, aloe vera and vitamin E to nourish, soothe and moisturise the skin whilst also helping to fight the visible signs of ageing including fine wrinkles.

The Citrus Kiss Balm is non-greasy and easily absorbed into the skin.

Also great as an everyday moisturiser.”

This review will focus on the Shaving Cream and Aftershave Balm both with the Cirtus Bliss Scent. Being in Canada I was concerned about the prices and shipping, so I asked for them as a gift. And I can state of the 4 Shave creams I have tried since switching over it is by far the best. The shave cream is soft and viscous, it is softer than any of the others I have tried. I have been using it for 6 months and have used just under half the tin. The scent is amazing. It is invigorating just to open the tin and smell it. I typically shave every other day, and this cream is amazing. It lathers up wonderfully.

I do not use the aftershave often as I prefer to shave in the evening before bed, but I do use it occasionally if I shave earlier in the day, and sometimes just as a cologne. The two math perfectly in scent.

This is by far the best shaving cream, gel, or soap I have ever used. It lathers up wonderfully. Application is easy. It does not dry out quickly like many others I have tried. And it smells amazing. I can easily recommend this product and look forward to trying others from Executive Shaving.

Here is the video that introduced me to their products!

(Video shared with permission from Executive Shaving.)

Executive Shaving Citrus Kiss Aftershave Balm

Executive Shaving Citrus Kiss Natural Shaving Cream

Executive Shaving Large Synthetic Shaving Brush with Black Handle

Wednesday, 26 June 2024

Manual of Prayers: For the Use of the Catholic Laity - Third Plenary Council of Baltimore - TAN Books

Manual of Prayers: For the Use of the Catholic Laity

Third Plenary Council of Baltimore

TAN Books

ISBN ‎9781505128338

eISBN 9781505128345

eISBN 9781505128352

Manual of Prayers: For the Use of the Catholic Laity - Third Plenary Council of Baltimore - TAN Books

This is a wonderful new edition of this book from TAN Books released in 2024, it was revised and completely new typesetting. They released a new imitation leather and eBook editions at the same time. It was originally published in 1888 as A Manual of Prayers for the Use of the Catholic Laity by Clarence Woodman and later republished in a new edition in 1930 by John Murphy Company

The description of this book is:

“From the same council that issued the Baltimore Catechism, Manual of Prayers: For the Use of the Catholic Laity will be the constant reference for any Catholic seeking to increase his devotion to God and to cultivate a deeper prayer life.

This latest leatherette edition has a new typeset to provide editorial notes, increase readability, and maintain the traditional aspects of the original.

You will also find:

1. Prayers and Psalms in both Latin and English,

2. Both the traditional (old) and the new liturgical calendars,

3. Traditional Devotions: The Forty Hours Devotion, The Seven Last Words of Christ, Sacred Heart, etc.,

4. Hymns and sequences for the Church's seasons in Latin and English, and

5. The Proper of the Mass for Sundays and Feast Days.

Manual of Prayers offers the pious soul a beautiful companion of prayers and sacred truths that have been the source of daily sanctity for Catholics in the United States since its first release in 1888. This new edition will lead future generations of Catholics deeper in love and adoration to the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.”

The chapters in the volume are:

Calendar

Christian Doctrine

Christian Faith and Practice

Morning Prayers

Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus

Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Loreto)

Evening Prayers

Instructions for Hearing Mass

Devotions at Mass

Responses and Instructions for Serving a Priest at the Tridentine Mass

The Ordinary of the Holy Mass

Special Prayers

Occasional Prayers

Vespers

Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament

The Blessing of Children

The Seven Penitential Psalms

The Litany of the Saints

Instructions and Devotions for Confession

Instruction for Holy Communion

The Forty Hour’s Adoration

Devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

The Stations of the Cross

The Devotion of the Seven Words upon the Cross

The Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Scapular of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

Devotions to Saint Joseph

Devotions to Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus

Instruction on the Sacraments in General

The Sacrament of Baptism

The Sacrament of Confirmation

The Sacrament of Matrimony

Blessing of Women after Childbirth

Blessing of Throats

Devotions for the Sick

The Holy Viaticum

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick

The Visitation of the Sick

The Last Blessing and Plenary Indulgence

Prayers for the Sick and the Dying

The Burial of the Dead

Hymns and Sequences for the Church’s Seasons

The Proper of the Mass

Index

One of the bests parts is the Calendar section at the beginning of the volume. It first contains info on the moveable feasts. And then It has the feasts for the year but contains both the New and old versions of the feasts days. For example January:

New Calendar

1. ✠ SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD

2. Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, B.D.

3. The Most Holy Name of Jesus (opt.)

4. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, R. (USA)

5. Saint John Neumann, B. (USA)

6. a) ✠ THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD – SOLEMNITY*

b) Saint Andre Bessette, R. (USA) (opt.)

Sunday after 6 January: The Baptism of the Lord – feast

7. Saint Raymond of Penyafort, Pr. (opt.)

8. Of the Season

9. Of the Season

10. Of the Season

11. Of the Season

12. Of the Season

13. Saint Hilary, B.D. (opt.)

14. Of the Season

15. Of the Season

16. Of the Season

17. Saint Anthony, Abb.

18. Of the Season

19. Of the Season

20. Saint Fabian I, P.M. (opt.)

20. Saint Sebastian, M. (opt.)

21. Saint Agnes, V.M.

22. Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of

Unborn Children (USA)

23. Saint Vincent, Dc.M. (USA)

Saint Marianne Cope, V. (USA)

24. Saint Francis de Sales, B.D.

25. The Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle – feast

26. Saints Timothy and Titus, B.

27. Saint Angela Merici, V. (opt.)

28. Saint Thomas Aquinas, Pr.D.

29. Of the Season

30. Of the Season

31. Saint John Bosco, Pr.

Old Calendar

1. ✠CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD.

2. The Most Holy Name of Jesus

3. Of the Season

4. Of the Season

5. Saint Telesphorus, P.M. (comm.)

6. ✠EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD

Sunday after the Epiphany: Feast of the Holy Family

7. Of the Season

8. Of the Season

9. Of the Season

10. Of the Season

11. Saint Hyginus, P.M. (comm.)

12. Of the Season

13. Baptism of the Lord

14. Saint Hilary, B.C.D. Saint Felix, Pr. M. (comm.)

15. Saint Paul, the First Hermit, C.

Saint Maurus, Abb. (comm.)

16. Saint Marcellus I, P.M.

17. Saint Anthony, Abb.

18. Saint Prisca, V.M.

19. Saints Marius and his Companions, M. (comm.)

Saint Canute, K. (comm.)

20. Saints Fabian and Sebastian, M.

21. Saint Agnes, V.M.

22. Saints Vincent and Anastasius, M.

23. Saint Raymond of Pennafort, C.

Saint Emerentiana, V.M. (comm.)

24. Saint Timothy, B.M.

25. Conversion of Saint Paul, Ap. (Comm. of Saint Peter)

26. Saint Polycarp, B.M.

27. Saint John Chrysostom, B.C.D.

28. Saint Peter Nolasco, C. Saint Agnes, V.M. (comm.)

29. Saint Francis de Sales, B.C.D.

30. Saint Martina, V.M.

31. Saint John Bosco, C.

Also many section that contain prayers have both the Latin and English version. Normally I am an eBook guy. I love having all the prayer books with me all the time. But this is such an excellent volume I plan to pick up the physical copy as well and have it with my small stash of prayers books.

This is a wonderful volume. It would be an excellent addition to any home library. I am typically an eBook guy buy as mentioned this on one I am going to have both versions of. I can easily recommend this volume.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan2024 Catholic Reading Plan!

Tuesday, 25 June 2024

Justice in June - Doreen McAvoy - Fern Valley Mystery Book 3

Justice in June

Fern Valley Mystery Book 3

Doreen McAvoy

Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.

ISBN 9798891341586

eISBN 9798891341609

ASIN B0CVV9LP3W

Justice in June - Doreen McAvoy - Fern Valley Mystery Book 3

This is the third offering pen of McAvoy. It is a great novel to wrap up this trilogy, but my son and I hope we have more stories with this gang as they move off to Secondary school. This book and series bring to mind many other books, other Catholic of Christian Middle Grade fiction, and even some secular books. In some ways it reminds me of the Goodballs series by Tony Abbott and Colleen Madden but geared for older children. It also reminds me of the West Brothers books by Theresa Linden but for a younger audience. And a bit like the Sisters of the Last Straw series and geared for about the same reading level. But with children as the main character and not nuns. This story is what I call realistic fiction. It is a story that could be set in the here and now. Nothing supernatural or otherworldly. Or as Madeleine L’Engle called it Chronos time, real time fiction. The description of the story is:

“Will expects June in Fern Valley to be a time of joyous celebrations. One message changes everything.

As the bittersweet end of eighth grade draws near, Will and his friends, old and new, plan to finish middle school on a high note. Fun spring projects, ball games, and celebrating momentous occasions all await. Only one thing mars the glorious promise of June—the looming trial of Otis Mayfield. A message about Betsy, revealed during the reading of Percy Mayfield’s will, sets off a series of events that threaten the safety of both Betsy and the class bully, Beefy Boris. With new clues, Will and the gang resume their quest to discover the truth behind the devastating fire that happened in Fern Valley thirteen years earlier. Can they, once and for all, bring a just resolution to the case that has plagued them the entire school year?”

My son and I greatly enjoyed all three novels in this series. This third story takes it to a new level. This story is very well written, and it is an engaging read, I was using adaptive technology while to listen to it while working out. It took a little longer to read this one, my son was really busy with school and extracurricular, but he wanted us to read the book together. He read it to me over a few sessions. We are both hoping that there will eventually be a story for each month of the year, at least to start with. The characters are very fun, they are good kids, you will see echoes of kids from your own childhood, or your own children and their friends. These story moves at a good pace. There is nothing in the story that explicitly makes it Catholic. Even the church with Sunday school feels more evangelical or mainline Christian. This opens the story up to a wider audience. It was a great read.

I did not read much when I was younger because of my dual form of dyslexiadual form of dyslexia. Because of that I really enjoy reading Middle Grade and Young Adult books now. McAvoy’s writing style is similar to those of Andrew Clements, Gordon Korman, and Chris d’Lacey. All of whom are among my favourite authors for those age groups. I would absolutely pick up the next volume in this series or another series featuring these kids in secondary school and give it a read. It is a great novel and I look forward to seeing where the characters go next.

A very fun middle grade school story it is sure to entertain the whole family.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2022 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Doreen McAvoy:

Fern Valley Mysteries:

Secrets in September

Deception in December

Justice in June

…

Monday, 24 June 2024

72 Crew Manual 1st Edition - Father Mark Goring CC

72 Crew Manual 1st Edition

Fr. Mark Goring CC

Owen Brine (Illustrator)

Companions of the Cross

ISBN 9788884785755

ASIN B0D34C3NYR

I love reading books by Father Mark Going, CC. I greatly enjoy his many videos. And I believe his Saint Mark’s School of Reading is life changing. This is one of a few volumes that he has released that are a little different.

The description of the book is:

“Here are 72 STATEMENTS that describe THE 72 CREW.”

In the forward Father Mark states:

“Note on the 1st Edition. The primary purpose of this 1st Edition is to launch The 72 Crew in the Ottawa area."

The book follows with the 72 Statements that describe the 72 Crew. Some samples are:

2. It’s a brotherhood united by a common commitment to spend 3 days alone in the wilderness ever year.

3. It’s a challenge to disconnect completely from all technology for 72 hours.

24. It’s an opportunity to start over again.

54 It’s not meant to be easy.

There are several statements along the lines of:

It’s 3 day of …

It’s an opportunity

It’s a time …

It’s affirming …

It’s hearing …

The sections after the 72 points are:

3 Steps to Become Part of the Crew

Crew Meetings

Models of Inspiration

A Notes page

The last paragraph of the volume states:

“My dream is to have 72 young men in the Ottawa area who embrace this vision. In the future, I would love to buy a property in the wilderness and build a magnificent tree house that could be used for retreats by CREW members.”

The final line is a challenge:

“Are you in?!?”

The list of 14 Models starts with Jesus, includes Old Testament and New Testament characters, and saints down through the ages.

This book outlines what looks like an amazing program. Sort of a Wild at Heart course for Catholic Men ages 18-35. Father Mark is starting in Ottawa, and I will be praying for this initiative. While reading this it took me back to when I was in the younger end of that age range; I was a Scouter for many years, a cub and Venturer advisor in Kingston area. I have done a 7 days winter camping with no tents and limited food, so the Venturer’s could obtain a badge. We used ‘lean to’ and quinzhee. It also brought to mind my 16 year old son. He saw the book on my desk and asked about it. I hope that by the time he is 18, or at least before he is 35 there are options for those outside the Ottawa area.

The instructions or 72 points are clear, concise and well thought out. Heck even just reading through the list has inspired me to start making little changes. Maybe even using Father Mark’s Sparkly Star Notebook to start tracking them.

I know this program will be life changing for those who form crews and live these principals and goals. And For those of us outside the Ottawa Valley, I believe the book can inspire, encourage and challenge.

This looks like an excellent tool. And another incredible offering from the pen of Father Mark.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Father Mark Goring:

St. Joseph the Protector: A nine-day preparation for entrustment to St. Joseph

In His Zone: 7 Principles for Thriving in Solitude

Hold My Beer: An Apocalypse

You're not a Chicken

Proverbs Douay Rheims Bible Version

72 Crew: Manual 1st Edition

Poems for the Soul: Susan M. Werner

...

Journal's by Father Mark: