5 comments about The Narrow Road : Stories of Those Who Walk This Road Together.

1. This is an heirhoom edition which includes the text of Brother Andrew's world-wide best seller, God's Smuggler, plus snatches of other stories of the Persecuted Church. Also a CD of Jars of Clay. Highly recommended.



2. The book, The Narrow Road, by Brother Andrew and Jars of Clay was inspiring. Brother Andrew tells his life story of serving God through the smuggling of Bibles and spreading the word to those who do not have access. His life story is incredible in how he put his life on the line every day just so that other would hear the Word of God. Jars of Clay also journeyed to China and Vietnam to lead services in the underground churches. The experience did not only teach the people there, but Jars of Clay themselves. What greater an experience that to witness first hand, the martyrs for Christ in China and Vietnam. The many stories throughout the book were so inspiring also. Account after account displayed the unending compassion these people had for Christ, and how they would stop at nothing to live for Him. I would highly recommend this book. The stories never get old, and the compassion of one man is jaw dropping. Page after page unravels the coming of nations to Christianity and how one man can make such a difference.



3. Brother Andrew strikes many a harmonious chord in this latest book of his. His stories of people are fascinating and how God uses the simplest people to accomplish His purpose. Wonderful reading material for anyone needing a boost to their faith in God's promises!



4. Though I have published thirty-one titles on the Biblical roots and history of the Early A.A. Christian Fellowship, my efforts have, of late, turned very specifically to the simple program developed in Akron by the pioneer A.A. Christian Fellowship. Its ingredients were abstinence, faith in the creator, obedience, growth in fellowship through Bible study and prayer, intensive work serving and helping other alcoholics to get straightened out. The more I looked at the early program--as distinguished from the one fashioned by Bill Wilson in his basic text published four years later in the Spring of 1939--the more I could see the believing and healing that were an integral part of the astonishing early A.A. cures. In despair, those wretched individuals turned away from booze and to their Creator for deliverance. They did it by accepting Christ. And they were not only cured but said so for a decade. Those observations took me to the books on believing and healing. The Narrow Road and the story of Brother Andrew's relentless efforts to serve his Creator by smuggling Bibles to foreign areas where they were far from welcome--even forbidden--this book was at the top of my reading list on trust in God. The Brother Andrew part of this title presents a cogent reason for believing that God is able and willing to do what He promises to do. And that is where Brother Andrew put his mind. Believe and receive. The story contains great language on this matter of truly believing that God can and will keep His promises. This is a belief factor that is fast vanishing from the alcoholic treatment picture today though it was immensely important and necessary to the unusual success of the A.A. pioneers between 1935 and 1938. Over and over, Brother Andrew put his trust in God and believed that God would enable Him to serve and love through Bible distributions, despite overwhelming obstacles. This is a book of commendable service and value.



5. The Narrow Road is a reprint of Brother Andrew's `God's Smuggler' that has been distractingly repackaged by the Christian alternative band, Jars of Clay. When a friend lent me tNR, I must admit that I was cautiously put off by the overt graphical `hipness' of the book design. This has apparently been conceived as the `cool' contemporary version of God's Smuggler. More distracting than the gussied-up look and feel, are the story-in-story-vignettes that have been dropped into many pages. These disjointed side-stories often feel artificial and even dubious (i.e., a Muslim boy of the Comoros Islands thinks he has a romantic interest in a certain "very beautiful" Christian girl but eventually decides that he has actually been interested in studying the Bible with her father); it seems that some of these questionable snippets have been composed and interjected essentially because the design scheme demanded them. Style dictates substance; this isn't worthy of Brother Andrew's autobiography.
   
   Sorry for the long complaint. Unfortunately, it wasn't merely a digression; the superimposed design features get in the way here. At least that is my opinion. Brother Andrew's story, printed and reprinted since the late 1960's using the title `God's Smuggler,' is a fast-paced and fascinating first person telling of Andrew's courageous work behind the Iron Curtain. The story itself won't let you go, the pages almost turn themselves, you'll probably read it in two or three sittings. Contained in The Narrow Road is a "five star" story ("God's Smuggler"); but you might want to read a different edition.

5 comments about Tolkien: Man and Myth.

1. The further I delved into Tolkien: Man and Myth, the more I realized that calling it a "biography" is a misnomer. I came to this conclusion because only a minor portion of the book presents biographical information. Instead, the book could better be described as a work of "apologetics". Apologetics, in its most classic sense, uses writings and examples to both clarify a philosophy and refute critical comments about that philosophy. This method is exactly what Pierce employed to near perfection in Tolkien: Man and Myth. Pierce uses the writings of Tolkien and others to refute the criticisms of Tolkien's works. In the process, he provides the reader with a thorough understanding of the philosophy that shaped Tolkien's writings, how Tolkien arrived at this philosophy, and how it influenced his interactions with others. The result is a deeper appreciation for Tolkien's efforts.

   Pierce deserves much credit for using the writings of the "man" to dispel many of the "myths" surrounding Tolkien and his books. By taking an apologetics approach to Tolkien's life and works, Pierce provides the reader with a better understanding of his subject than any standard biography could provide. Consequently, Tolkien: Man and Myth is an essential work for anyone studying the life of this literary giant.




2. When choosing which biography to read on Tolkien, I chose this one because the author seemed to have great respect for Tolkien...so great that he was willing to take on the intelligentsia of England. As Pearce explains, in 1997 a poll was done in England to see what the best books of the century were. When "Lord of the Rings" turned up on top, the literary critics all over England (as well as the professors) were up-in-arms. They thought the craze for this work had come and gone. They thought that Tolkien only had a small, cult-like remnant left to his following (Tolkien's official biographer being among these scoffers). They condemned this work on many fronts.

   And so another poll was taken...and another. But, no matter who did the poll and how, "Lord of the Rings" kept turning up on top. What horrified the "experts" even more was that Tolkien himself was voted as the best author of the century. What could possibly be contained in his works that led to such unanimous support from the people and such criticism from the experts?

   That is what Pearce explores in this well-crafted biography. And, if you like Tolkien, you have to admire Pearce's approach from the beginning. He knew that Tolkien despised pop-psychology type biographies that tried to analyze an author's works based on his upbringing and life's events. Thus, while giving a sketch of Tolkien's life, Pearce respects Tolkien's wishes to not be dissected psychologically.

   Rather, Pearce took on the rather large task of helping laymen understand how Tolkien's faith - a particularly Catholic faith - influenced his writings. When I first read "Lord of the Rings" myself, I wondered how one man (Tolkien) could come up with all the depth expressed in this work. (For instance, I was in awe of the depth of the idea that Sauron could never anticipate Frodo's journey to DESTROY the ring because Sauron was so evil that he couldn't anticipate selfless acts.) What Pearce helped me realize was that much of the depth came from Tolkien's reading the likes of St. Augustine and other church fathers. I believe that Tolkien himself would say that he stood on the shoulders of Giants in order to get anywhere near the understanding he portrays.

   In addition to such fascinating accounts of how Tolkien's faith manifests in his work, Pearce has a particular knack for addressing subjects that a reader would be curious about...without ever going too far. In this book, he writes about such things as Tolkien's marriage, his work, his experience in WWI, his friendship with C.S. Lewis, his critics, and his advice to his son when his son was getting disillusioned with the church. In all these things, Pearce gives you a full picture while retaining a delicacy for the the people involved.

   As someone who wanted an overview of Tolkien and an understanding of how his faith intersected with his life and work, I felt I had found the perfect source in Pearce's book.




3. If you have never read a biography of J.R.R. Tolkien, purchase this one. Biographies often tend toward the overly factual without great attention to the question of "Why?" What motivates the subject of the biography?

   Here we find that J.R.R. Tolkien was motivated in life and in his work by his Catholic faith. He used the power of creative myth to demonstrate his truths. These two concepts are Pearce's theses regarding Tolkien. This are not difficult theses. Tolkien wore his faith on his sleeve and he was very direct and forthright in stating that the Lord of the Rings is indeed a Catholic work.

   What I found very refreshing about Pearce's biography is that it is colored throughout by the influence of Tolkien's friends. These men (Chesterton, C.S. Lewis etc.) had an immediate and lasting impact on Tolkien's work and his world view. Giving the details here would spoil the biography for you, however.

   To that end, I recommend you pick this book up. It reads quite quickly and is far from difficult in its purposes and intent. You will not be disappointed if you are even the slightest bit interested in Tolkien, the man with the myth.




4. Joseph Pearce's biography on J.R.R. Tolkien is a short, yet fully engrossing and insightful read about one of the greatest literary minds of anytime. For those who disagree with my statement, imagine a man who not only rights a fantasy, but creates a new world even to the extent in creatng a language, and yet, thoroughly entertaining and teaching his readership. Pearce's book delves into the reasons why Tolkien developed the art he did while avoiding teh overly Freuden' psychological pitfalls of reading too much into the subject.

   There are no deep secrets here, just good common sense by listening to Tolkien's life, letters and writing. One gets to pierce Tolkien's Middle Earth and his Roman Catholic life and how is religious faith ineteracted with everything he did, from his marriage to his friendships. This is not a re-hash of facts and show-and-tale sensasonalism, but instead, a look into the man and the true nature of myths. An outstanding read!




5. I read this book not knowing what to expect. A great pick for Lord of the Rings fans because it gives a deep insight into the man and the beliefs of the man who wrote such a great trilogy. I recommend for anyone that is a fan of Tolkien and anyone who would like to learn more about the religious themes behind his writings.

5 comments about The Dance of the Dissident Daughter: A Woman's Journey from Christian Tradition to the Sacred Feminine.

1. Sue Monk Kidd expertly and openly shares her most intimate experience in finding the Divine in this well written and referenced personal account.



2. Sue Monk Kidd's journey resonates for me as I have long struggled with the way we tend to ignore or excuse the masculine priority that surrounds women's lives. Ms. Monk explores and ennunciates the "stacked deck" of everything from language and religion to the ingrained assumptions of women's secondary status in the world. True the balance has shifted somewhat, but as long as there are places where men have a "right" to beat their wives, where it is against the law for women to be educated, where it's a BIG DEAL to have a woman run for president, where we criticize a woman for being today's connotation of the word FEMINIST for speaking simple truths; we have a problem. Not one to be trivialized or ignored. Can you imagine the hue and cry that would erupt were we to refer to all humanity as "whitekind"? Ms. Monk is shining a light on the endemic prejudice women live with every day of their lives by sharing her journey, her questions, her fears, and confusion with us. I am grateful to her. I don't feel so alone.



3. Sue Monk Kidd captures the reader with her openness about how she became a feminist, almost by accident. This is a very personal account describing her experience of moving from accepted Christianity to feminism. I found the story fascinating and finished it in only 3 days. For the most part, the author simply told her story and how she interpreted the events she faced along the way. However, at various places in the book she began to generalize her experiences to all women, which made me agree with the reviewer who said her journey is not my journey.
   
   What I found a bit disconcerting is that the author states that she made a living as a writer for Christian and inspirational magazines and yet on page 83 says that she suddenly realized that the Bible focuses primarily on masculine rather than feminine attributes of God. Actually, the primary message throughout the Bible is that the God who created the universe wants to have a personal relationship with his creatures, both female and male, and how that is achieved. Even the author would classify relationships as a domain which is more in the feminine rather than mascuine realm. Likewise, the majority of the 10 Commandments deal with relationships and in Matthew 22:36-39 Jesus said the 2 most important commands were loving God and loving your neighbor. I don't see how anyone can miss these more feminine qualities of God.
   
   Maybe the fact that America is a much more egalitarian society than when the book was written in 1996, and maybe some of the recent books that I've read, like The Female Brain, which highlights some of the hormonal and internal changes that women undergo explain why I disagree with the author and don't view the elements of patriarchy in society as something that needs to be attacked. Also, Kidd identifies many identity issues as struggles for girls and women, which I believe are universal struggles regardless of one's gender.
   
   However, even with these complaints I believe the book is important to read if one wants to understand and interact knowledgably with a feminist.



4. I have read many of the reviews of this book, and I noticed the variety of opinions Dance of the Dissident Daughter has inspired.
   
   Each of us has an opinion of this story based on our personal experiences, and my spiritual experience is quite similar to Kidd's.
   
   I can relate to the phases she had to go through in order to find peace with her path; I honor and respect her journey.
   
   Read this book with an open heart. I did not believe that she was bashing men or Christianity; she had to set the programming of the church aside and find her own truth. This is what she inspires all women to do for themselves.
   
   We all search for our individual spirituality...our meaning...and I feel that this book gives a beautiful example of one woman's search for her truth.
   
   May you find yours as well.



5. I picked up this title as one it was a woman's spiritual journey and two I like the author for her other two books - secret life of bees and mermaid chair. I am not a christian woman, and my religion does have a feminine version of God. But no woman is really spared the overwhelming experience of patriarchy in one form or the other. Sue's experience seems to come from an authentic place of pain and genuine need to explore, quite unlike Liz Gilbert or other self pitying women. She is obviously well read in theology of her own religion and has put great effort into understanding the 'song' as she calls it, the spiritual calling behind the practice of the religion. She is lucky to have had the resources to explore the pain she experienced and kind and generous to share it with the world. Some reviewers have written that being from an orthodox background she feels discrimination more than they do. Regardless of how you feel it it is very much present and will take centuries to go away. Sue's story is an inspiring call to women to reexamine the roots of their faith and their history in various forms, and simply put to be inspired to do our own dance, as opposed to dancing to others tunes.

5 comments about The Big Book of Women Saints.

1. What I love about Sarah Gallick's Big Book of Women Saints is the emphasis on the saints' lives, rather than their deaths. Here, worldly women give themselves freely to their faith, and in the process, establish religious orders, set up and run schools, labor as diplomats among kings and Popes, and lead armies into battle. What better way to show contemporary young women (like my three daughters) how ordinary people can be touched by the divine? The fact that the book is organized by date makes it perfect for the bedside, with one-page readings per saint. (The first thing we did: We checked out the saints of our birthdays.) A compelling read and a perfect First Communion or Confirmation gift.



2. Sarah Gallick's THE BIG BOOK OF WOMEN SAINTS is an excellent resource on the lives of a wide variety of women saints, from the very famous to the more obscure. It's compelling, highly readable and obviously well-researched. I'll be giving it as a gift to family and friends.



3. The wonderful thing about learning about the saints is that there are so many of them, each person is bound to find someone she can relate to and look up to as a positive example. In "The Big Book of Women Saints," Sarah Gallick has done a tremendous job of bringing together information about 500 women saints. While all the famous women saints are included, there are also many who are relatively unknown. Gallick divides her book into a reading for each day (some days feature groups of saints such as the four martyrs of Wangla featured on June 28th). This set-up makes it very easy to read and reflect on a life of a saint every day.
   
   In the "Introduction," Gallick describes the canonization process for Catholic saints, a process not formalized until the 10th century. Prior to this saints were "recognized by popular acclamation, which was later confirmed by the local bishops." Interestingly enough, the first woman officially canonized by the Vatican was Wiborada of Saint Gall in 1047. She is featured on May 2. Gallick goes on to state that each of the women profiled in this book "shared a unique quality that has been called the feminine genius." Indeed, on each day's profile, Gallick includes a description of that woman's particular genius, the example she offers to each of us as we travel along our spiritual journey. Another helpful portion of "The Big Book of Women Saints" is the "Annotated Sources and Web Sites" which lists each saint and offers sources for further study about that person. She also provides a general bibliography.
   
   "The Big Book of Women Saints" is a fascinating book, unique for the number of women saints Gallick profiles. It would be a wonderful companion throughout the year to learn more about these women who, coming from a variety of circumstances, have all had a profound effect on the Church and their respective communities. Their stories also provide hope and inspiration for all of us trying to live holy lives.



4. One of my favorite ongoing methods of personal growth is to study a different person in history every month. This month I am studying Teresa of Avila and from this study I am learning so much about so many other remarkable saints like in this phenomenal book I stumbled upon (thankfully!) at the library.
   
   Part devotional, part study aid, part inspiration-for-women-of-all ages, this unique guide to more than 400 women saints across the ages it includes a years worth of daily readings which each include a brief bio of each woman (or group of women) along with a section called "The Genius of..." which synopsizes that particular saint's contribution and then a reflection section with a Bible passage.
   
   The back matter of the book accentuates "the courageous Catholic saints" and what I would like to add is that this book is not solely for Catholics, it could speak to women of any faith, Christian and non-Christian alike.
   
   The introductory section (before the daily readings) includes the definition of "Saint" and describes canonization, something which I, as a non-Catholic, found very helpful. I also enjoyed looking up the Saints featured on my birthday and each of my children's birthdays. (A quick aside is my birthday - January 29 - features Saint Bathildes, who went from being a Slave to being a Queen to being a Nun... she was known for her grace, generosity and compassion)
   
   I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in women in religion and spirituality. I am planning on purchasing my own copy to use as a daily conversation guide with my ten-year-old and sixteen-year-old daughters who enjoy being inspired by other women in leadership.
   
   I am grateful I kept my eyes scanning the shelves as I walked out with my Teresa of Avila books in hand!



5. This excellent book came out about a year ago, but as today is Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent, I thought I'd post a review.
   
   Ms. Gallick has done an exceptional job of writing a lucid, easily-accessible book on women saints. For each day of the year on the particular saint's feast day, the book contains biographical information about a woman saint, usually no longer than one page of text. The information about the saint is followed by short sentence or two supplied by Ms. Gallick explaining the "genius" of the saint.
   
   (Example: For Saint Lucy Filippini on March 25, her genius is described as follows: "Lucy recognized that teaching is a vocation, a calling from God, and she lived the advice of her mentor, Cardinal Barbarigo: 'The Church of God is not a restful garden but a working vineyard.'")
   
   I found Ms. Gallick's observations on each Saints' "genius" to be succinct and insightful. Each Saint's entry then ends with a "Reflection" from scripture that Ms. Gallick has selected; the scripture quote thematically relates to the Saint's life.
   
   (Example: Blessed Barbe Acarie, a beautiful society girl, dedicated herself to bringing the Carmelites to France. The scriptural reflection provided by Ms. Gallick is from Proverbs: "Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting; The woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Prov. 31:30.)
   
   This book is a worthy addition to any Catholic's library, suitable as a daily devotional or a quick reference guide. (I hope that non-Catholics would find it interesting and inspiring, too!). As another reviewer mentioned, it would make a great gift (note the very handsome cover art), particularly perhaps for a teenage girl being confirmed, since the individual entries lend themselves to a quick read.
   
   I give this book five stars.

5 comments about High Calling: The Courageous Life and Faith of Space Shuttle Columbia Commander Rick Husband.

1. Very meaningful personal testimony to a most important event in our Nation's history.
   Should be read by everyone.



2. The book High Calling is good. I recommend that if you enjoy real life novels you buy this book. It is about the astronaut Rick Husband and his wife Evelyn Husband. I liked it for that reason. Also, it gets to the point without too much detail but it has enough. It was also interesting how it told about all of the procedures that astronauts do and how their lives are. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes books about real people in real situations. Another good thing is that the book is spiritual and tells people who read it to become more spiritual.



3. I was surprised how really good this book was. As well as telling you tons of fascinating info about NASA and lots of interesting detail about the work of the astronauts, the reader is given an intimate look into what their families are put through. I highly recommend it.



4. I read this book and re-read it several times. Evelyn Husband did an excellent job describing the life of Rick Husband in this book. Some folks accuse her of being preachy, but what those folks need to know is that faith and religion is such a big part of Rick Husband's (and his family's) life that if she hadn't written it all, it would not have accurately portrayed the life that Rick Husband lived. This book changed my life in many more ways that not even people closest to me ever had. This book changed me from a nominal believer to a dedicated believer. This book helped me set my priorities correct in my life. It showed me the value of dedication, hard work, faith, and determination. In fact, this book has become my "Bible". After reading this book, Rick Husband and his family have and will always have a very special place in my heart.



5. The Courage and Faith that Commander Husband exhibited in his life is to be admired! My 15 year old grandaughter wanted this for Christmas and she shared it with me. The title really tells you about his life: "High Calling".

5 comments about Mornings with Henri J.M. Nouwen: Readings and Reflections.

1. Henri Nouwen gives us all a wonderful way to start each day! His inspirational and thought provoking views of life, both practical and spiritual, are just right for any Christian. Although Nouwen was Roman Catholic, his writings provide "soul food" for anyone looking for something more from day to day life. I would recommend this lovely little book to all.



2. Henri Nouwen, in my opinion, will be considered one of the most inspired Catholic writers of the 20th Century. Nouwen wrote from his lived experience of being human and yet, finding himself always on a quest for a closer union with God.
   
   With Thomas Merton, Dorothy Day, and Mother Teresa, Nouwen will in time be considered one of the luminary spiritual writers of the last century.
   
   Mornings With Henri Nouwen is just a series of very brief reflections that can be used to start one's day. I really like these types of books and tend to leave them in different places around my house so that I will come across different ones at different times of the day.
   
   The topics covered weave Nouwen's writings into them and are truly good thoughts to consider at the start of the day.
   
   Highly recommended for a spiritual focal point to start the day with. James J. Maloney
   Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA



3. Here's Henri Nouwen, wishing he'd memorized more prayers: "I fear that in crisis situations I will have to depend on my own unredeemed ramblings and not have the Word of God to guide me." This admission reveals Nouwen, a revered spiritual teacher, to be accessible to the ordinary seeker. And the fact that this quote is taken from a reflection called "The Value of Memorized Prayers" further shows Nouwen as one open to all avenues toward holiness. The 112 single-page reflections in this work, chosen from Nouwen's writings on prayer, solitude, and community, are sure to inspire and encourage all who reflect on them. As a bonus, the book is sized to fit in pocket or purse and includes charming photos of Nouwen. Faith-sharing groups could turn to any page for a discussion starter.



4. A wonderful collection of short readings to give pause for thought each day.A good introduction to Henri Nouwen's writing style, and a look at his heart.



5. This is a great way to start your mornings, a cup of coffee, a breakfast roll and a tidbit from Henry. A great addition to any devotional life!

5 comments about Forgiving the Dead Man Walking: Only One Woman Can Tell the Entire Story.

1. I remember this crime all too well. My cousin (Mark) was Debbie's boyfriend. I was only 9 at the time, but I remember the frantic phone call from my aunt and my dad joining other members of our family as they drove through town looking for Debbie and Mark. I will never forget overhearing the details of the wake of horror that Robert Willie left behind.
   
   Debbie's book is full of courage, honor, and forgiveness. If should be in every victim assistance program and every victim of crime should read it. If you've read Dead Man Walking, you owe it to yourself to read this as well as Mike Varnado's book (he was the investigator who found Faith Hathaway's body). Helen Prejean cannot tell you about the "real" Robert Willie... only his survivor can.



2. It's hard to find enough words of praise for this book. Two vicious killers escape from jail and chance on a 16-year-old Christian girl talking with her boyfriend in his car in a small town in Louisiana. The escaped prisoners abduct them at gunpoint and head for Florida. They shoot the boyfriend on the way and leave him for dead on a fire ants' nest. They keep the girl with them, and rape her whenever they feel like it. She finds out they raped and killed at least one other young woman before her.
   
   Debbie Morris survived this terrible ordeal and her testimony put the abductors back in jail. Later she found that a nun had befriended the main killer, Robert Willie, and he was now becoming something of a celebrity, even while headed for the electric chair.
   
   It would have been easy to produce a book that was full of bitterness at the legal system, at the world, and at God. But this book doesn't do that. It is gripping yet sensitive, informative yet reserved, and as forgiving as it is powerful. What I like most about it is that the writers (professional writer Gregg Lewis put it together for Debbie Morris) know exactly when to give details and when to restrain them. For example, many writers would play up the rapes for their sensationalism, but in this book Debbie Morris says "he raped me" and leaves it at that.
   
   This is factual writing at its best. I found it hard to put the book down. And it moved me more than books usually do. I cannot find a thing wrong with it to give it less than a five-star rating.



3. This was written by, or on behalf of, Debbie Morris, one of the victims of Robert Willie, a death row inmate supported by Sister Helen Prejean, as recounted in her book Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account Of The Death Penalty In The United States. As such, I think anyone interested in Prejean's work will want to read it, and I recommend reading Michael Varnado's Victims of Dead Man Walking (also issued as Losing Faith) and Dead Family Walking: The Bourque Family Story of Dead Man Walking by D.D. Devinci for other points of view.
   
   I read this book when it first came out, and I have pondered it for all the years since. As an account of enduring and surviving a grotesque crime, this is a very moving account. As a comment about dealing with such issues, I found it unsatisfying.
   
   The first problem is the ambiguities of the relationship between Morris and Prejean. Let me say that I have considerable admiration for Prejean, certainly more than for most people on her side of the death issue. At least she doesn't dismiss the victims as irrelevant. This story is told as a memoir, so Morris attempts to recount her feelings at the time, which are not necessarily how she feels looking backward. Before she met Prejean, Morris tells us that she was extremely critical of her for accepting without question what Robert Willie told her. Her anger was quite justified. It wouldn't have been difficult for Prejean to find other accounts. But now that Morris and Prejean are such great friends, does this criticism still stand? Further, it becomes clear that Prejean has no qualms about lying through her teeth to further her claims. She said in her interviews prior to Willie's execution that he was remorseful, a changed man. Willie contradicted her in his own interviews. She admits to Morris that Willie wasn't, and probably wasn't capable of being remorseful. Neither she nor Morris seem to have dealt with this untruthfulness.
   
   I am bewildered by Morris' remarks about forgiveness. Many people who write on the issue of forgiveness have the odd idea that if one hasn't forgiven someone, one thinks of them obsessively, eaten up with anger. I had a friend who was murdered; I certainly haven't forgiven the murderer. He received a sentence that satisfies my sense of justice and I have almost forgotten him. I often think lovingly of my friend, but the only time that I think of him is when someone brings up this forgiveness issue. One of the proponents of forgiveness insisted that I must have forgiven him in some sense, but I insisted that I am the arbiter of my own feelings - he is not forgiven one whit. Forgiveness can be just as active and require as much energy as anger.
   
   I'm glad that Morris has learned to cope with what happened to her, but I don't understand it as forgiveness. If she had forgiven him before the trial, would she have refused to testify? If it doesn't affect the course of the law, then what does it mean? Salvation is between the individual soul and God, so that is no explanation either. These are familiar platitudes, which people throw out so unthinkingly, confident that they are self evident, that when they are challenged to explain, they often cannot.
   
   Personally, I recommend Forgiving and Not Forgiving:: Why Sometimes It's Better Not to Forgive by Jeanne Safer as a nuanced look at anger and forgiveness.



4. Along with this, Michael Varnado's "Victims of Dead Man Walking" gives excellent insight into the true story of the murders/rapists and their victims. Those crimes did not just affect the ones directly involved, but the entire community.



5. Having struggled with the issue of forgiveness in my own life, I truly related to what was conveyed in this book. I commend Debbie on her courage in sharing her story, and God's work in her life.

2 comments about Faustina: Apostle of Divine Mercy.

1. This book is simply written for people of all ages to enjoy. This book shows the life of St. Faustina and devotion to the Divine Mercy in a very spirited way. A must read for any one interested in the lives of the Saints or the Divine Mercy.



2. This book is simply written for people of all ages to enjoy. This book shows the life of St. Faustina and devotion to the Divine Mercy in a very spirited way. A must read for any one interested in the lives of the Saints or the Divine Mercy.

4 comments about Miracle at Tenwek: The Life of Dr. Ernie Steury.

1. The story of Ernie and Sue Steury and the further development of Tenwek medical facility in Kenya Africa is nothing short of a look into God's hand and heart. As young Ernie Steury, gives up a Naval career, not quite knowing why and then becomes a medical missionary in Africa, God works miracle after miracle. If you are discouraged, are weary, and need to be reminded to "draw near to Jesus" this book is for you.
   My heart crys out "Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord let the earth hear His voice, Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, let the people rejoice. O, come to the Father through Jesus the Son, and give Him the glory great things he has done."
   
   Buy this book, read and reread....



2. Simply stated, this is the best story of missionary medicine I have ever read. Having spent two years in missionary medicine,in Africa, my wife and I enjoyed immensely reading the story of Ernie Steury. We had experienced a small amount of what is told in this book, and the story recalled our experiences.



3. As I read this book and recognized names of people I have met, I cried as I saw how God used ordinary people who were willing to give of their time and finances. For me, this was like a walk through WGM's "Hall of Fame". God is able if we are willing to step out of ourselves to do God's work - one mission trip and a time. Reach out to your neighbor, wherever you see a need.



4. Dr. Steury's ability to provide surgical and other medical treatment over a 50 year period with limited equipment is surpassed only by his humbleness and commitment.

5 comments about The Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of Saint Therese of Lisieux.

1. St. Therese of Lisieux's memoir, "Story of a Soul," has set the world on fire. For more than fifty years after Therese's death, the only edition available had been heavily edited by Therese's sister Pauline, Mother Agnes of Jesus, who made about five thousand changes in the manuscript. Michael Day's translation is made from this edited manuscript.

   Happily, about 1956 the "Manuscrits authentiques," Therese's original manuscripts, were released to the world, and in 1976 Fr. John Clarke, O.C.D. translated them in the book "Story of a Soul: the autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux," published by the Institute of Carmelite Studies. This is universally acknowledged as the only authentic and authoritative English translation. Mother Agnes's version remains of interest to scholars who wish to compare the two manuscripts, or to study the version which gave rise to the original cult of St. Therese.




2. While much has been made regarding the translation of this book, I cannot stress enough what a classic this book is. Certainly for all Catholics this book is a must have. However, the simple and practical wisdom of this book reaches well beyond Catholic walls. If you have a section in your collection of books where you keep classics that you always go back too, pick up this book and it will find its way there for sure.



3. This is the Diary of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus
   It is very inspiring. Number One on my list.



4. A must-read! St. Therese reminds us that we are all to answer the call of holiness.



5. How inspiring to read this beautiful saint's beautiful words! Reading this book truly transports you to another world! It is so easy to see why she is a saint! She has meant so much to my entire family, beginning with my grandmother, who was born just three weeks after St. Therese died. She has answered many of my prayers and I am so happy that my confirmation name was chosen for her.
   
   "Jesus set before me the book of nature. I understood how all the flowers God has created are beautiful, how the splendor of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not take away the perfume of the violet or the delightful simplicity of the daisy. I understood that if all flowers wanted to be roses, nature would lose her springtime beauty, and the fields would no longer be decked out with little wild flowers. And so it is in the world of souls, Jesus' garden. He has created smaller ones and those must be content to be daisies or violets destined to give joy to God's glances when He looks down at His feet. Perfection consists in doing His will, in being what He wills us to be."
   - The Little Flower