your thoughts are most welcome...
The Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus - old language, at times quite repetitive but a challenge for our faith and one I've had on the shelf for three years.
FLIGHT V.2 - A graphic novel or rather a compendium of 20 or so illustrated novels. The art is astounding and the age of the artists even more astounding
A Month for the Souls in Purgatory by Fr. Berlioux, more booklet than book with prayers as well as daily readings.
Barnacle Love - short listed for the Giller Prize (didn't win), written by a Canadian Catholic who is head of an high school English department. Well written with many insights into the Canadian and North American early immigrant life. Sadly it is a let down with nothing new or positive to say about the Catholic faith, even within the context of the setting and time line of the story. Instead it re-treads all the typical negative Catholic ground; Mary statues worshiped as an idol, evil maternal patriarchs who are complete hypocrites, nuns who have sex with janitors, sex before marriage and extra marital affairs, faith that is more superstition that faith and children broken over by adults in their lives who exhibit all of the above. I guess I'd hope for a smidgen more from a 'Catholic' educator/author.
Before I Wake, by another Canadian novelist. This is a strange psychological thriller that about a young girl who dies yet lives and develops a nearly sainthood-like following. The Catholic Church fair better in this novel though you are never quite sure of that and the final pages pack a wallop. It has a lot to say about family dynamic and relationships under stress and a lot to say about faith in general.
Over Christmas, where there is time and a quiet corner I plan on reading How The Catholic Church Build Western Civilization.
And, I confess, I am really hoping someone got me the new Danny Gregory book, An Illustrated Life. I WANT IT.
The ideas of WORSHIP and of SERVICE are what motivate me. Advent/Christmas has ceased being about presents a long time ago (if I really need something, I'll buy it for myself!) so I always enjoy the carols, the candlelight, and the fellowship. This year I am planning to deliver Rice Krispie Squares to those who are working at our nursing homes on Christmas Day. That will be fun!
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