These three books don’t scream “Advent.” But somehow, as I was digging through the mess also known as my desk, I found them and they clicked. Because, if I’m not careful, Advent is something I dread (even though I speak about it and have a whole set of tips and thoughts and even a book). There’s so much to do! There’s so much I can do! There’s…so much! Enter this trio of books I’m going to actually try to use... Read more
The new liturgical year is coming up. When I realized that, I made a purchase for my Kindle that has become routine in the last couple of years … Reading God’s Word: Daily Mass Readings. In this case it will be for Year A. It’s inexpensive – $10. It’s incredibly useful. I wouldn’t have believed how much I’d refer to it, whether simply in my own daily reading or for various other projects. It’s one of the books that “lives”... Read more
Hiroshige, 100 Views of Edo by Melanie Trede My rating: 5 of 5 stars I have been leisurely perusing this book on Sunday mornings when we get up and sit on the back porch with our coffee and the dogs running crazily after squirrels and mockingbirds. (Those of you with little ones, this time will come again for you, do not despair.) This was a Christmas gift from my husband who knows of my fondness for looking at art on... Read more
The Thorny Grace of It: And Other Essays for Imperfect Catholics by Brian Doyle My rating: 4-1/2 of 5 stars I think about the motley chaotic confusing house that is Catholicism. I think about the mad wondrous prayer of the Mass. I thing about how htere are such stunning and wonderful and confusing people in the clan of Catholic. I think about how we are all several kinds of people at once and hardly know ourselves let alone anybody else.... Read more
A Land Without Sin by Paula Huston My rating: 4-1/2 of 5 stars “Jan,” I asked casually, “is this one of the glyphs that has been translated?” He paused over the tripod, as though considering whether or not this information might ruin me as an accomplice, then said, “It has.” “What does it mean?” He paused again, this time looking at Rikki, who was clearly dying for me to know, then gave an exasperated sigh. “It has several meanings. It... Read more
Raising Demons by Shirley Jackson My rating: 5 of 5 stars I needed something light (and also light weight) for bedtime since I’m at Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings and not only is the journey stressful, but the book might crush me if I fell asleep reading it. I was perusing my shelves and came across this old favorite which was just what I needed. Written with all of Jackson’s usual skill, it is a complete opposite... Read more
1. I have homeschooler’s syndrome. How do you pronounce “Wodehouse”, as in, P.G.? 2. I know there’s a great debate afoot about whether Catholics ought to buy books on Amazon. Here’s what I’ve decided thus far: Free books don’t count. 3. I come from a family of undertakers, which might explain why I so enjoy a good funeral. In that same morbid vein, check this out: P.G. Wodehouse’s books are slowly going out of copyright. (I do the math for... Read more
Mr. Mc Fadden’s Hallowe’en by Rumer Godden My rating: 5 of 5 stars “Mr. McFadden, would you give us each a turnip?” “What on airth would ye be da’en wi’ a neep?” “I think you know,” said Selina. “You know it’s Hallowe’en.” “Hallowe’en,” echoed Tim. His eyes were bright as he thought of it. “Never heard of it,” said Mr. McFadden. “You have,” Selina was unperturbed. “There’s no one in Scotland who hasn’t and you know what we do with... Read more
Do you have a bucket list? Being a leeeeeeeeeetle bit (read: A LOT) organizationally minded, I thought about it. After all, I love lists. What’s not to love about a list? And a list of lifetime goals? There’s an appeal for me, I won’t lie. But here’s the thing: I wouldn’t be able to stop. And I know myself well: I wouldn’t be able to have any fun until things were crossed off. So no, I don’t have a bucket list.... Read more
As it happens, I have a pile of new Mary books. They all look great, and I’ll be working them into my reading as I can. Quiet Moments: A Month with Mary (Twenty-Third Publications, 2013) This is a booklet of the “Quiet Moments” from Catholic Digest, all centered around Mary. I’m using it for November. Each day has a quote from saints and Scripture. That’s it: one Marian quote each day. The booklet is the perfect size to tuck into... Read more
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