4 comments about Mother Teresa.

1. If, like Goldilocks in the children's fable, you're looking for the book about Mother Teresa that is "just right", you found it. If you want to buy only one book, the one that will give you the true to life picture of the physically diminutive and otherwise bigger than life nun, Chawla's biography is for you.

   Authors too close to the subject give unnecessary details that distract from the main points. Such is the case in "Mother Teresa, Her Life, Her Work Her Message". But that book, written by a Missionary of Charity Co-Worker, redeems itself with valuable anecdotes and useful explanations.

   Authors too distant from the subject see Mother Teresa mainly in her administrative actions and miss the powerful personal charisma, the driving force. Kathryn Spink's complete authorized biography, "Mother Teresa", falls on that end of the scale. It includes a complete appendix listing the place and date of opening of every Missionary of Charity Foundation outside of India, plus Mother's unabridged acceptance speech for the Nobel Prize. The exhaustive research makes Spink's work an essential resource for the serious investigator of Mother Teresa's work, but not necessarily the book to introduce you to Mother Teresa, the person.

   The source that is just right is the author who has a native understanding of India, coupled with a professional knowledge of the many factors required to work with lepers. Add the objectivity of someone not Catholic, but with an inquiring mind and a university education and you have Navin Chawla. Chawla spent five years preparing this work, making sure he understood the inner person, and then delivering his insights. For example, from the Prologue "As a Hindu, it took me longer than most to understand that Mother Teresa is with Christ each concious hour, whether at Mass or with each of those to whom she tends. It is not a different Christ on her crucifix and a different one which lies dying at Kalighat....For Mother Teresa, to love one's ! neighbor is to love God....This is what is essential to her..."

   Chawla's book is powerful because his understanding is powerful. He takes nothing for granted. He focuses on the heart of the matter before him: how to explain this unique individual. The complexity of roles that Mother Teresa mastered are all in Chawla's book. He presents the Teresa that stands up to angry mobs, cajoles resources out of ministers of state, bandages lepers, rules an order numbering thousands of young women, croons a song to an orphan, and much more. How does she do this and maintain integrity with her mission, fidelity to her doctrine and obedience to her religious advisors? What is different about this particular nun? These are some of the questions anyone hoping to write about Mother Teresa must answer. Chawla, the "just right" biographer, gives answers that are neither analytical and dry, nor sentimental and trivial. He carefully balances interviews, research, and his personal experiences with Mother Teresa. The result is a picture of Mother Teresa that is both informative and compelling.

   A biography must make me smile, and feel along with the writer. It must make me involved enough in the subject to be there, or it's only a reference book.

   Mother Teresa never took time to read anything written about her. I have a feeling that, if she had, Mother Teresa may have preferred this book, written by one from her adopted country. Written by one who, like herself, had an interest in helping lepers.

   But that is just my personal guess. Read it and see if you think so too.




2. What makes this hagiography stand out from the many other profiles of Mother Teresa is Navin Chawla's unprecedented access to the Saint of the Gutters. In addition to knowing Mother Teresa for over twenty years, she asked her sisters, associates, and volunteers to cooperate with him in compiling her life story. As a result, readers are privy to Mother Teresa's private one on one meeting with Queen Elizabeth, her phone call from Sadam Hussain, and a hodgepodge of other historical tidbits that provide nearly unfathomable contrasts.

   Like any accurate biography of Mother Teresa, the book discusses her tremendous respect for non-Christian religions. One of her lifelong goals was to make people better at their religion-better Buddhists, better Muslims, better Jews, or better Christians. The author subtly portrays that as just one of the many ironies to Mother Teresa. With the possible exception of the Pope, nobody stood as a more widely know avatar of the Catholic Church; yet, millions of the people she aided were not Christians. An unflinching defender of Catholic dogma, she unquestionably reached out to those whose problems were the direct result of what she considered sinful behavior. From the many hospices she established to care for AIDS victims to the Missionaries of Charity's loving worldwide support for unwed mothers, Mother Teresa's devotion knew no bounds.

   With its publication about five years before her death, Navin has produced a felicitous tribute to a woman whose eleemosynary life will serve as an inspiring example for the remainder of humanity's existence.




3. Here is an authoritative account of the inspiring life and extraordinary achievements of that frail and ordinary looking little woman named Mother Teresa, written by a friend and admirer from India, who does not even share her faith. Navin Chawla is a senior civil servant working with the government of India, who came into contact with Mother Teresa and was inspired by her to take up the cause of those affected by leprosy, about which he has written another book. This book is the fruit of his hard labor of five years which consisted of various personal conversations with his subject herself and numerous visits to the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta and elsewhere. He traveled to different continents to visit the innumerable friends and helpers of Mother Teresa in order to gather direct information. He had access to the various letters, records and documents of the Missionaries of Charity through one of the senior members of the congregation specially designated for the purpose by the Mother herself.

   He narrates the story of this Catholic nun and Nobel Prize winner with great sensitivity and intuitiveness, never idealizing his subject nor belittling her magnificence. He manifests a clear grasp of the details of the government of the Church and the faith of Mother Teresa though as a Hindu these were foreign to him. He focuses very much on the work of the Mother in order to describe her personality and convictions thereby heeding to her repeated calls "write about the work". The distressing recollections of the children in the Shishu Bhawan, like those of Bapi and Dadda, the tales of woe heard from Balu, Jehangir and many others at the Leprosy Centre and the poignant glimpses of the dying men and women at Kalighat are indeed moving. Mr. Chawla writes with ease and elegance, required for the biography of a person of her stature, intending it for an international audience. This is the best biography of hers written by an Indian who knew her well personally.




4. I am not a brilliant reviewer, and probably don't have anything scholarly or outstanding to say about this book. I don't know if saying that I know it has and will change my life is the truth and I hope that is enough to make you want to read this book.
   I was home sick with the flu. Getting out of bed was a task seeminly unaccomplishable. I had this book in my pile to be donated to the library. I was struck to read it, although it had been too long in the donation pile I had never been struck to read it before.
   "The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions". Confucious (551-479). This quote, no, is not in the book but makes me think of Mother Teresa. This book, Written by a dear friend of hers in such an easily readable style, we are not bombarded by profound literary thought, or brilliant quotes, but the true to life story of a living saint. I had always known Mother Teresa was a wonderful person, but I did not know what a miracle worker this woman was! This Godly woman set foot with three saris a few pennies into the slums of India, hoping to give love and hope where none existed. With no money, little education and having left the security of the confines of the Convent where she did her missionary work for years in India as teacher and Principle of a school for both Young Nuns and the poor children of India. I believe the year was 1942 that Mother Teresa had a vision that she was to go amongst the poor and serve them in the streets where it is needed most. With much meditation and consultation with her spiritual advisor father van exem it took much time for her dream to come to realization. She wanted to remain faithful to her catholic faith and not be seen as a "secular" that had abandoned her role as Mother. Years later with nothing more than three Saris and pennies she was on her way into the streets. She was offered money by the Catholic Church, but refused all, saying that God would be her provider. And God was.
   This is a European woman that stepped out into the poorest of the poor streets of India with no money, no home and no guarantees. She has been ridiculed, starved had stones thrown at her been threatened and persecuted. Rejected and lacking in support from the Catholic Church. This is a woman who started her first school in India with a twig that she drew out the Bengali alphabet in under a tree. She didn't believe in saving, as she always believed that God would provide. She never asked for donations, but sometimes would resort to begging as the poor did. Never for herself always for others. The amazement of this woman was that she did it all on faith. today there are homes created by mother Theresa in over 130 countries including the U.S. Her Missionary Services called Missionaries of Charity continues to grow even after her death. There are Sisters and Brothers that serve and have all taken the poverty vow.They live exactly like the poor. No possesions, sometimes starving and always depending on God. I cried the whole time I read the book, because it became so evident to me how one humble little heart could change the world. She always refered to herself as a mere instrument of God and all the work was done by God. This amazing woman has services that take care of almost every need. no one is left out. From the dying, the homeless, leprosy victims, to drug and alcohol rehab services. Everything created without a bank account. This amazing book changed me. I hope it will change all.

4 comments about Unfinished Love: Walking by Faith through Pediatric Cancer.

1. Most of my thoughts about parents of children with cancer are about how sad it must be to lose a child. This book opened my eyes to what is much more painful - the actual life that comes with the battle. I am amazed and inspired by the faith that Sherry Tucker sustained during her son's horrible struggle. This book is more than a story about pediatric cancer, it is a book about the realities of the situation. It will change your view of what can happen and what role God plays when his purpose for your child is to join Him in Heaven. Dont miss the opportunity to learn from this mother's journey to save her child and herself.



2. Having a lot of loss in my lifetime, I often blamed God for the terrible things that happened to me and the people that I loved most. How could He let such things happen if He was a good and caring and loving God? I have since become a Christian and God has healed my heart of so much, it is truly incredible. I always want to share that because I know there are so many hurting people, and He is the answer that sticks... but I often wondered, what would happen to my faith if something were to happen to one of my children? Would I pass the test or run back to blaming Him? This book reached places in my heart that I didn't know existed. Page by page you walk through the every day life of this extraordinary family as they pour out their love onto their little boy with brain cancer. It is also a story of how when you run TO God instead of AWAY from God during difficult times, He surrounds you in ways you'd never dream of to carry you through.... even the death of your only son. Be prepared to be changed.



3. This day to day accounting of the life of this dear boy would serve to help any person dealing with struggles of any kind. Sherry Tucker does an amazing job of letting the reader accompany her and Zach as they follow the path of treatments, doctors, and the day to day support the family receives from their love of God. It points to the positive outlook that one must try to take when confronted with the horrible monster known as pediatric cancer. Be grateful for the small things in life. Never take them for granted. I recommend this book wholeheartedly. F.R.O.G. (Fully Rely on God)



4. It's funny how we can stumble across truly amazing books by happenchance this is one of them. In this book Sherry writes of "How this always happens to families far away". Dirk and Sherry grew up and went to school in the same community as me I graduated high school with her younger sister. I'm sorry to say when they were facing this battle I just had a passing interest in their story as it was being told in our local newspaper it was as if them living in Florida made them that family far away. Fast-forward two years to just before Mother's Day 2008 Sherry's sister Michelle wrote an article for our local newspaper this time I paid attention being it was from a former classmate. I made up my mind to read the book after reading Michelle's story in the paper and I'm glad I did. This book tells of the real story of what its like to deal with a serious illness of a family member. She doesn't sugarcoat anything it tells of the feeling of just being a number or statistic to some of the medical professionals while feeling the care and compassion of others. I think it's a must read for everyone in the medical profession perhaps it will give the better understanding people are more than numbers. This book has a little bit of everything from joys to sorrow to tears to laughter and it's a story that will touch your heart as you realize there is more to life than materialistic things. The most important message from this book is to "Live like you were dying", Carpe Diem, Love deeper, Laugh louder, Hug longer and most of all NEVER take anything or anyone for granted for our time on earth is short.

No comments about Autobiography of a Yogi Audio Book: A New Approach to Renunciation.

2 comments about The Journal of George Fox.

1. George Fox, 1624-91, is sometimes called the "founder" of the Religious Society of Friends, a group that established itself in the 1650s. Early on, they called themselves Children of the Light and Friends of the Truth. As the group spread from the North of England into the south, they became known as Quakers, a name which stuck and is still used today. In the early years, Fox was one of several strong personalities most closely identified with the movement. Later, facing severe persecution and with the death of other early leaders, the Friends accepted Fox's institutional guidance, and he helped the movement to consolidate and survive through to an era of somewhat greater tolerance toward the end of his century.

   Certainly Fox never set out to start another "religion." He hoped simply to open the hearts of everyone to the leading of the divine Spirit, without allowing the existing distinction of clergy and laity. His journal, composed years after most of the events covered, retains Fox's direct, down-to-earth form of ministry. The language is not flowery, yet it brings up deep and powerful spiritual ideas, with strong imagery that still sparkles in Quaker language.

   "Now the Lord God opened to me by His invisible power that every man was enlightened by the divine Light of Christ, and I saw it shine through all; and that they that believed in it came out of condemnation to the Light of life, and became the children of it; but they that hated it, and did not believe in it, were condemned by it, though they made a profession of Christ. This I saw in the pure openings of the Light without the help of any man; neither did I then know where to find it in the Scriptures; though afterwards, searching the Scriptures, I found it."

   This edition of Fox's Journal was abridged and edited by Rufus Jones in the early part of the last century, thus making it more accessible to a wider audience. However, some who dwell on the theological nuances and regard Fox as authoritative find this edition disappointing. (The John L. Nickalls edition of Fox's Journal is regarded as definitive.) Rufus Jones provides a helpful introduction, presenting briefly his own idea that Fox raised to a new level an already widespread movement of grassroots mysticism.




2. This book is incredible! From the first page onwards I was hooked! I would reccomend this for anyone who is interested in the life and times of good ol' George Fox. This book will grip you and suck you in and you will not be able to stop reading until the very VERY end! A fine choice for Fox fans both new and old. To sum it up in one word: magnificent! This Journal will forever remain my ALL TIME favourite book. Get it today, before you miss out!

2 comments about An Unbroken Chain: My Journey Through the Nazi Holocaust.

1. Oertelt tells the story of his life in Germany from his 1938 until his liberation from a concentration camp. It is a stirring memoir -- heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. He uses the analogy of an 18 link chain to demonstrate how each link was important to his survival. The details in the book are remarkable in their lucidity and specificity. He is never graphic in his descriptions, but he is brutally honest. In the end, it is an uplifing tale in the context of terrible sadness.



2. Mr. Oertelt came and spoke at my college in MN when I was a junior. Not only was he an amazing speaker, but he made the Holocaust a reality to everyone packed in that auditorium. He signed his book for everyone who wished to purchase it. I read it in one night unable to out it down!!! Highly recommended!

5 comments about Every Man Has His Price: The True Story of Wrestling's Million-Dollar Man.

1. This book was not the wrestling bio I was looking for. Dibiase doesn't go into detail about the "unholy" things that he has participated in during his lifetime. He instead likes to focus on the positive aspects of having God in his life. Thats all well and good but I thought the book was a wrestling bio not a 200 page infomercial for the church. Bottom line..........if you want wrestling stories and detail this is not the book for you. However, if your looking for a great story about a man's love for Jesus Christ this book is great



2. dibiase was in the business for over 20 years. for a man with that much experience he sure wrote a terrible book. he rarely talks about the other wrestlers he met in all those years.too much information about his pre-wrestling years. i'm a wrestling fan for 25 years, i want to read about wrestling and the wrestlers. dibiase wastes chapter after chapter talking about playgrounds, grammer school, how many times he had to move, his grandmother. he talks about his wcw days for approximately 3 pages - what a rip-off.he's a fake and a coward when he refuses to talk about his preChristian partying days. don't waste your time, read dynamite kid's book(british bulldogs)- much more entertaining



3. Ted Dibiase, a.k.a The Million Dollar Man, has added to the growing pantheon of professional wrestling autobiographies / biographies with this self-authored tome. Dibiase, a second-generation professional wrestler, has lived the life and walked the walk that so many wrestling fans desire to read about. The autobiography is a quick read but nonetheless full of candor and detail. Most interesting to me was the circuitous professional history of Iron Mike Dibiase, the father of the Million Dollar Man. These tales of the old days in professional wrestling totally ground the reader in hard work habits and touring road life, moving families about to stay fresh in the public eye. Dibiase's story is one of trial and error. He endured the deaths of both of his parents (both professional wrestlers) and survived the consolidation of the pro wrestling "territories" into just a few dinosaurs, eventually ending where we are at today with one professional organization, the WWE. Dibiase attended college in Texas on a football scholarship, and met several other future pro wrestlers there. The book also chronicles the religious development of Dibiase, presenting a unique Christian point-of-view within the professional wrestling circles that Dibiase was forced to retire from due to injuries suffered in the ring. If you are planning on buying this book for lurid detail and scandal, save your money for the tabloids. Dibiase is a straight-shooter who does without cussing. His biggest shortcoming is that he dropped out of college to earn money as a wrestler to support his family. With his deep bass voice and loaded black glove (his original trademark before becoming the Million Dollar Man) Dibiase could make a good political candidate. I came away from reading this book with more respect for Dibiase and his way of living life. He is a real person with a real voice. He also could have made the book longer with more anecdotes about his accomplishments inside the ring, with more name-dropping and historical recollection. If anything, Dibiase is too modest about his long career. This book is still well worth the cost of admission to glimpse behind the curtain and see the wrestlers as human instead of performers.



4. For most people, Ted DiBiase is not one of the most well-known wrestlers. In the world of pro wrestling, DiBiase is one of the best heels ever. He perfectly played the part of the millionaire wrestler with arrogance and charisma.
   This book is far more than just a wrestling autobiography, although you will read about his fine wrestling career. DiBiase delivers enough wrestling stories and details to interest any wrestling fan.
   This book also relates the story of a man very devoted to his family and his God. In telling stories of his early family life, DiBiase clearly shows his love of family life. This sets the foundation for his total salvation later in life.
   DiBiase also discusses his life on the road as a wrestler and how that life style almost ruined his life. Fortunately, DiBiase's deep commitment to his God and his family saved him. He is very open and honest in discussing all of this. He is a devout Christian and he encourages all to follow his path, but he never comes across as phony or preachy. He just wants all to share in the same love as he does.
   This is a very good book for wrestling fans and all others, as well!



5. Back in the day, Ted DiBiase was the ultimate pro wrestling heel - as the Million-Dollar Man - who could get the fans worked up during one of his classic monologues on why, "Every man has his price."
   
   But - in wrestling parlance - it was truly all a "work."
   
   Published a decade ago, the autobiography traces his life as a child who grew up around the business of pro wrestling - he is the stepson of legendary grappler, Iron Mile DiBiase, who passed away in the ring - to how he climbed the ladder to stardom and the pop culture trappings of success that nearly ruined more than his career inside the squared-circle.
   
   There is space devoted to his wrestling career - taking tentative steps while still a student at West Texas State University, the refining of his character in the old NWA territories and attaining main event status - but the book is not only about the industry; it is a testimony on how Christ showed him the direction that ultimately saved his life and his marriage.
   
   DiBiase was blessed with a vision to found Heart of David Ministries and that is a major reason why the book needs to be reissued, with additional information concerning the events in churches, schools and - yes - in the ring throughout the world.
   
   This is not the typical pro wrestling autobiography that focuses solely on the action inside the arena and the drama in the locker room & corporate offices. DiBiase gives the reader his true story and the tragic price he nearly paid without the ultimate tag-team partner in life.

2 comments about The Thomas Kinkade Story: A 20-Year Chronology of the Artist.

1. Have you ever heard anyone scoff at Kinkade's work, because it is "too commercial" ? There are many who disdain work that is embraced by "the common man", and work that is reproduced for a mass market. So be it, but I do not agree with this elitist viewpoint, and think that in many years to come, Kinkade's work will be far more valued than some of what is "fashionable" in art circles today.
   This is a magnificent coffee table book, with thick glossy pages and excellent color reproduction, and a well written text by Rick Barnett. I pored over this volume with a magnifying glass, examining the details, the brushwork, and the evolution of Kinkade's work over the years.

   Part I, "The Early Years": Born in 1958, Kinkade was drawing before he could walk, and his first mentor was the Bay Area artist of renown Glenn Wessels, who in 1974 moved to Thom's Placerville, California neighborhood. Later while studying at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, he painted "The Prince of Peace", which he saw in a vision, and it is a powerful piece.

   Part II, "20 Years of Published Work":
   "The Early Works, 1984-1989". Many of these pieces are massive scenic vistas and city street sceenes, and my one and only complaint of this book is that it does not give the dimensions of the original paintings.
   "The Artist is Recognized, 1989-1993". On page 55, is a piece I find startling, "New York, Snow on Seventh Avenue, 1932", painted in 1989; with its extraordinary perspective, and skyscrapers bathed in the light of the setting sun, it captures the feeling of another era and there is a palpable sense of movement in it...and it is a painting I could look at for years and never tire of.
   In 1990, during a family trip to England, the cottage paintings were born. The one that I find incredibly lovely is "Spring at Stonegate". The graceful slope of the roof, and the dappled sunlight are beautiful.

   "Chasing the Horizon, 1993-1997". The Kinkade family moved to the South Bay area of San Francisco, and the plein air paintings took flight. My favorite of this genre is "Wailea Pool, Maui" (1996), with broad free strokes, the wind is ruffling the palm trees, and the clouds seem to be dancing.
   There also seems to be a heightened idealism emerging during these years, which becomes even more evident in "The Golden Era, 1997-2000", where the landscapes take on a misty, eerie light. In the world of "Cobblestone Bridge" (2000), Kinkade says "man and nature live in God's perfect balance".

   "Light of Freedom, 2000-2004". Inspired by a dream, Kinkade painted "The Light of Freedom" in 2002 as a tribute to 9/11, and from 2001, "San Francisco, Lombard Street", with an entire vista of the city, is a marvel; another treasure is "Desert Sunset" (2002), with its red sky and magical twinkling lights in the distance.
   Motivated by his faith, and dreams and visions, Kinkade's gentle world of peace and light is sure to shine for many generations.




2. This work is the equivalent of a chocolate sundae for the eyes.....you BET it is popular.....but unless you consider fast food to be fine dining...lets dispense with the superlatives accorded these artbits. As a more "healthy visual feast"I suggest as a starting point the work of Gustav Baumann or Christopher Burkett(photographer extraodinaire!) if you enjoy beauty in the landscape as your subject of contemplation.After seeing their work you may be embarrassed at your admiration for this stuff.Come on people....get OUT more!!

3 comments about Standing In The Whirlwind: The Riveting Story Of A Priest And The Congregations That Tormented Her.

1. This spiritual autobiography focuses on James's tumultuous tenure as a rector of two rural Episcopal parishes in Virginia after working at a Washington D.C. jail and teaching at Lorton Reformatory.
   
   Initially, both of James's parishes support her charitable idea of inviting homeless African American persons from Washington D.C. to join church socials. This acceptance, however, quickly changes to a malicious plot of a few parishioners who begin to mercilessly harass her, kill her pets, damage her property, and even attempt to arrange her "accidental" death. Some members of local law enforcement even take bribes, turning their backs on her cries for help.
   
   As a counterbalance to these horrific experiences, James finds solace and spiritual strength both in fondly recalling her childhood in Alaska and in the mystical theology of Madam Guyon, incarcerated by Louis XIV for being a female religious thinker.
   
   NANCY C. JAMES is priest associate at St. John's Lafayette Square in Washington D.C. and a professor at American University in Washington D.C. She received her M.Div. from Virginia Theological Seminary and her Ph.D. from the University of Virginia.



2. James captures the tension, conflict and danger that was inflicted upon her life as two parishes she served as priest tried to frighten her into leaving their congregations. Her insistance upon taking seriously the Gospel imerpative to go out among the poor and invite them to a party rather than the wealthy who can repay you.. Initially the leadership of her two rural congregations supported her idea. When the rubber hit the roads, i.e., when it becomes obvious that this church picnic is to proceed, the threatening behavior is launched upon her, full-scale.



3. Roger Nebel's description of this book, as does the book's title itself, accurately and succinctly describes this most unusual story of a brilliant, insightful, and compassionate woman priest. Her treatment in her central Virginia parishes by parishioners and others in authority and the inexplicable hands-off attiude of the Virginia bishop, offer one truly shocking and deeply disturbing view of the author's beloved Episcopal Church. An unusually gifted, kind, unassuming priest, with a virtually unique history (for an Episcopal priest at the time) of working in prisons (she was a teacher at Lorton Reformatory for two years), regularly visited prisoners, and with her husband gave concerts for prisoners in Washington, DC, and Alexandria, Virgina, at the same time preaching and teaching on a sophisticated intellectual level, Nancy James' story is inspiring. This first work of hers is well worth reading, and promises exciting future writings.

5 comments about Pope John XXIII: A Penguin Life (Penguin Lives).

1. I am a Catholic and I found this book to be both inspiring and refreshing. Cahill gives a history of the papacy to provide background for the reign of John XIII and tells the story of John's life up until his death. This is an excellent book for understanding the history of the church and the second vatican council. Very refreshing and spiritually enlightening.



2. The first fifty or so pages of this biography gives the reader a great summation of the history of the papacy, and, as usual, Cahill pulls no punches. The biography of Angelo Roncalli, however, was just as satisfying as the the summary. I liked this book so much I have sent copies to family members and friends. I'm probably a bit biased as I read and enjoy Cahill's writing and frank use of language. The size of the book makes it easy to read and re-read.



3. Someone needs to notify the Holy Office (and Penguin) of this unfortunate publication.
   
   Not only is "Pope John XXIII" unfair and poorly documented, but Cahill's portrayal of the Church in Rome from Peter to Pope John Paul II is the most blatant anti-Catholic drivel one could possibly come across. The author is rude, crude and writes in an overly antagonistic tone. He spends little space talking about Bl. Pope John, but rather finds it necessary to rip to pieces the Papacy past and present.
   
   I found this work painful to read, not because of any truth contained therein, but because of the sheer magnitude of immaturity Cahill's literary posture exudes. What was most irritating was the treatment of H.H. Pius IX, and following, Cahill's criticism of Karol Wojtyla as priest and bishop, and then as Pope. His childish criticism of the latter's work, 'Love and Responsibility' (which I recommend to all as it is a tremendous achievement) is the best demonstration of this author's thoughtlessness, ignorance and unbridled prejudice.
   
   The author claims to be Catholic -- but this is obviously deception. Thomas Cahill is no son of the Church, and writes with every anti-Catholic bias. Those who think favorably of this book can only be understood to share in the same depravity, and possible fate.



4. Liberals: good. Conservatives:bad. John XXIII: a saint.
   Sadly, that's pretty much a synopsis of this book.



5. Before reading this book, I admired Cahill for his "Hinges of History" series. While he often shocked me with his obsession with detailed sexual rituals or practices, he seemed to weave a good pattern of history and narrative, making the books an enjoyable (and presumably beneficial) read.
   However, about half way through this work, I began to doubt the accuracy of anything I had ever read by Cahill. His history of the papacy is anachronistic, ripped from its context, and overly biased (which is putting it nicely, a better description might be propaganda).
   In Cahill's opinion, there have been about 5 good popes, but none can compare to John XXIII. He goes to great lengths to point out the evils and flaws in even the best popes. When he comes to Paul XXIII, however, even his flaws are praised. When another pope acts in a way that offends Cahill's sense of what a pope ought to be, he is evil, misguided or vindictive. When John XXIII fails, he is just showing us his brokenness and reminding us that he is just a human.
   He applies this method when speaking of other clergy. When a conservative makes an appearance in the narrative, he is always evil, conniving, angry, divisive, etc (you can almost hear the music change in your head). I cannot call to mind one conservative opinion or decision Cahill praises in the book. However, anyone leaning to the left (Liberation Theologians, Liberal Theologians, Feminist thinkers, etc) comes on the scene, they are forward thinking, working in the true spirit of the Church, thoughtful, following Jesus, etc. Even when "liberal" characters do something duplicitous (e.g. when John goes on for hours so as to lull the conservative bishops before announcing his controversial council) they are praised as wise.
   If John XXIII was such a great man (and hear me clearly on this, I think he was, I too wish more Christians were like him) why does Cahill need to paint all other popes with such a dark brush? I can only wonder if this book is more a diatribe against the conservatives in the Church than a biography of John XXIII. In all honesty, I think John XXIII deserves better (and, if Cahill is right about him, would never have written or read a book like this which so demonizes everyone he disagreed with).
   Finally, Cahill often refers to 'hunches' he has or tells stories he admits are 'unverifiable.' That is not history, that's editorial.
   It will take a lot for me to pick up another Cahill book.

3 comments about God's Beloved: A Spiritual Biography of Henri Nouwen.

1. Michael O'Laughlin enjoyed a close professional assocation and personal relationship for two decades with popular Dutch priest and spiritual writer Henri J. M. Nouwen. His biography reveals an insider's perspective and emerges as a true "labor of love." Strong suits of this treatment include chapters on Henri and the Eucharist, the centrality of Jesus in Henri's spirituality and Henri and prayer. The biographical data in the opening chapter and the section that follows that assesses Henri's psychology in light of Myers-Briggs categories are enlightening and balanced. Overall, this work strikes me as one of the most outstanding secondary sources available that treats the Nouwen legacy. As one who knew Henri over the course of three decades, I can honestly say that I learned more about him from this book than any other biography, including Michael Ford's excellent recent treatment. Helpful footnotes complement the text. It's affordable, highly readable, and enthusiastically recommended. -- Reverend Gerald S. Twomey, Ph.D.
   Editor, CREATIVE MINISTER: THE LEGACY OF HENRI J.M. NOUWEN (forthcoming, 2006).



2. This biography of Henri Nouwen, who died in 1996, personalizes the Dutch priest, who was one of the most popular spiritual writers of his time. We learn early in the story that he was an outgoing, charismatic man who wrote about prayer and spirituality as well as issues such as solitude and the divide between rich and poor, always expressing his ideas in terms of personal experience. We see Nouwen growing up in Holland and moving to the U.S., where he entered a doctoral program in psychology, which he finished, despite growing discomfort with certain theories but more with questions about his suitability for this arena. We witness his special devotion to the liturgy, which first surfaced when he was eight and constructed a miniature chapel in the family attic where he delivered sermons to family and friends and carefully reenacted the Eucharist. Finally we see him find a true home living among those with mental difficulties at l'Arche Toronto
   
   Henri Nouwen is portrayed as a richly spiritual, extremely human individual whose life teaches us a great deal about living the gospel in modern times.



3. Micheal O Laughlin gives us a close friend's observations about Henri Nouwen's life and the essence of his work as it relates to the powerful way in which he lived. While being candid about who Henri was and the struggles which filled his life, he also captures the pure delight of those who know and love Henri Nouwen, relating the genuineness of spirit with which this man of God approached everything. It is easy to see how many people grew to love Nouwen and equally easy to see how his approach to the Christian faith - the faith of his beloved Jesus - became a bridge for many which ignored denominational lines. His Catholicism was less concerned about the law of the church, though faithful to it, and more concerned about the love of people who came to him searching for their on meaning in Christian faith. I highly recommend this book and that it immediately be followed by reading Nouwen's many personal works.