The Ear of the Heart: An Actress’ Journey from Hollywood to Holy Vows is the new biography written by Mother Dolores Hart and Richard DeNeut. Much has been made of the actress who was Elvis’ first kiss in a film that went on to enter a Benedicine monastery. Yet the Elvis aspect is probably the least interesting part of her story. The format of this biography is a bit different in that her lifelong friend and Hollywood writer Richard DeNeut... Read more
Twelve years ago, when I was buying and reading and borrowing every book Padre recommended, I read quite a bit of Scott Hahn. I can’t remember if I started with Hail Holy Queen or The Lamb’s Supper, but I devoured them both, along with at least two or three others. I went to a Lamb’s Supper Bible study Father hosted and listened to a number of Hahn’s talks in those years. I got what I thought was a pretty good feel for his style... Read more
I’m no expert on Elizabeth Scalia, except that every time I take the time to read her or listen to her, I’m struck to the core. I’m not a newsie, so I often find myself not reading her blog. Even so, I’ll catch her commentaries on things that not only hit the nail on the head but pull my heart from my chest in a recognition that I can only call frightening. Truth, though a pursuit, isn’t necessarily comfortable. Truth,... Read more
Murray Leinster Collection: The Pirates of Ersatz/The Aliens/Operation Terror by Murray Leinster 13 Hours – [UNABRIDGED] Publisher: Speculative!, Brilliance Audio Published: 2013 Themes: / Science Fiction / space pirates / aliens / Contains: “The Pirates of Ersatz” / “The Aliens” / “Operation Terror” This is a really wonderful selection that represents the many facets of Murray Leinster’s work. There’s a little comedy, a little straight adventure, and tale of terror. The Pirates of Ersatz: Bron Hodon’s homeworld has one occupation... Read more
This winter I reviewed Forming Intentional Disciples by Sherry Weddell, and I think it’s one of the most important Catholic books on the market today. Important enough that I’m putting together a study group in my own town, to meet and discuss the book. And important enough that this summer, CatholicMom.com is hosting a St. Blog’s discussion group, led by Sarah Reinhard, whom you’ll recognize from the Happy Catholic Bookshelf. But you don’t have a ton of money. Our Sunday... Read more
Anytime people start talking about Eucharistic Adoration, one question always seems to come up: “A whole hour? What’ll I do for a whole hour?” Thus begins Vinny Flynn’s new book, 21 Ways to Worship: A Guide to Eucharistic Adoration. I’ll admit, I only read it because my arm was twisted. I thought I knew the tone it would have and the attitude of eye-rolling it would inspire in me. I was, in fact, convinced I would have to work to write a... Read more
Two irresistible books showed up in the mail yesterday. I think I’ve overindulged in review books (again!) and am going to have to have a serious sorting session to focus on just one (or two) at a time. That partly accounts for the fact that I have far too many books partially finished. But when you’ve looked through these, I think you can see why I have a hard time settling on just one! World War Z: An Oral History... Read more
The Last Policeman by Ben H. Winters My rating: 4 of 5 stars The date that everybody knows is October 3, six months and eleven days from today, when a 6.5-kilometer-diameter ball of carbon and silicates will collide with Earth. Reading this book, I mused that perhaps all this science is not the best thing for us. Surely the dinosaurs were just living life as usual right up to the last moment before that meteor hit. I’d rather have that... Read more
We bring the big guns to A Good Story is Hard to Find when we discuss Jesus of Nazareth: From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration by Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI). Read more
The Church Building as a Sacred Place: Beauty, Transcendence, and the Eternal by Duncan G. Stroik My rating: 4 of 5 stars Maybe it’s because I’m a convert from complete secularism. I just don’t see what’s supposed to be so great about the new-fangled churches that look like cracker boxes. Or like space ships. Or like a crumpled up piece of paper. Let’s just say it here and name the elephant in the room. What is so great about an... Read more
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