What book are you reading? #3

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I am at the last pages of James OTooles "Militant and Triumphant: William Henry OConnell and the Catholic Church in Boston, 1859-1944" (University of Notre-Dame Press, 1992). It is a no-holds-barred biography of this figure (who is the prelate loosely depicted in the novel and the film, "The Cardinal"). It reveals OConnells many faults, but it does not pillory him. Its a fair account of OConnells life and career. I once had the opportunity, early in my music library career, to catalogue Cardinal OConnells fine Latin Church music in manuscript (though he is best remembered for his hymns), which partly is how I became interested in this figure.

I shall be starting later today on a biography of a courageous 18th century bishop who was active at a time of oppression of Roman Catholics in Great Britain. The book is James Barnard`s “The Life of Richard Challoner, Bishop of Debra” (facsimile reprint, from Kessinger Publishing, of the 1784 Coghlan edition), This bishop is best known to Catholics as the reviser responsible for the Douay-Rheims-Challoner Version of the Catholic Bible. His work on the Douay-Rheims Bible made it far more elegant and readable for Catholic faithful than it had been in its original form. Barnard does not discuss very much the venerable Bible on which Challoner laboured so fruitfully, but it is clear, from what I have heard of this book and from so far scanning it before launching into reading it in full, that Bp. Challoner was a virtuous and an heroic figure of our precious Catholic history.
 
Hardback – Shadows on the Moon by Zoe Marriott

Kindle – Virals by Kathy Reichs
 
The Way of Perfection - St. Teresa of Avila
Introduction to the Devout Life - St. Francis de Sales

{I haven’t technically started the second book as of this posting. However, I’m going to start it later this evening. Who knows how long it will take me‽ I’ve heard it’s pretty intense, so I’m excited.}
 
Kisses from Katie
by Katie Davis

Story about an 18 year old American girl who moved to Uganda to do mission work. She is now 22 and in the process of adopting 14 daughters there. I know she was raised Catholic and the Diocese of Nashville actually did a story on her when she left but don’t know what she identifies as now. Her book and writings talk a lot about Christianity, God, and Jesus, but no particular denomination.

I wholeheartedly believe she is one of the most amazing people on the earth today.

That is what I’m reading at home. When I go to adoration I am reading St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Francis of Assisi by G.K. Chesteron as well as 201 Inspirational Stories of the Eucharist by Sister Patricia Proctor, OSC. The Chesteron book was a gift from my sponsors when I was received into the Church in November and the Eucharist book was in the adoration chapel. I love the Eucharist book. Some of the stories are truly inspiring, and I cry when reading them. A great book to read during adoration.
 
NeedsMercy said:
Right now, I’m reading “Why We Love Them So: Surviving the Loss of an Animal Friend” by Father Paul A. Keenan. I just had to say goodbye to one of my kitties and needed some consolation…:bighanky:
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So sorry for your loss.
 
I am currently reading catholic apologetics God, Christianity, and the church. By father John Laux, MA

It is the last book I HAVE to read before college and it is really good so far.

Shalom
God bless
 
“The Jesus Myth” by Bart Ehrman. Odd to find myself agreeing with him. (Ehrman is a biblical scholar who is also agnostic leaning towards atheist. Despite that, he debunks the “Jesus never existed” mythicists in this book.)
 
I have recently read several books, most recently on Purgatory and SR Faustinas diary.
Lately I have become obsessed with the messages from Jesus, Mary, our father, and step by step hope to respond to each and every request.
 
Dear VampireQueen, utah rose, and anp1215: Thank you for your kind thoughts. You are in my prayers…

:gopray:
 
St. Augustine’s Confessions.
The Peasant Prince - Thaddeus Kosciuszko and the age of revolution.
 

**I (Jerry Parker) had written: ** *I shall be starting later today on a biography of a courageous 18th century bishop who was active at a time of oppression of Roman Catholics in Great Britain. The book is James Barnard`s “The Life of Richard Challoner, Bishop of Debra” (facsimile reprint, from Kessinger Publishing, of the 1784 Coghlan edition), This bishop is best known to Catholics as the reviser responsible for the Douay-Rheims-Challoner Version of the Catholic Bible. His work on the Douay-Rheims Bible made it far more elegant and readable for Catholic faithful than it had been in its original form. Barnard does not discuss very much the venerable Bible on which Challoner laboured so fruitfully, but it is clear, from what I have heard of this book and from so far scanning it before launching into reading it in full, that Bp. Challoner was a virtuous and an heroic figure of our precious Catholic history. *​

Was I ever mistaken that this book would be a pleasant read! What a piece of pious trash! I am persevering with it only because I have such an high veneration for Bp. Richard Challoner and for his revision, the magnificent Douay-Rheims-Challoner Version of the Catholic Holy Bible.

The problem is the truly excessive persiflage and wasted verbiage of the way that James Barnard recounts Challoner`s life! There are endless stretches of pious reflections and doctrinal reflections on Catholicism; that is fine in another book or two (one devotional, the other catechetical), but this one is supposed to be a biography, and all of those distracting digressions can drive one loopy! Honestly, one can learn as much or more about Challoner from reading a good cyclopaedia article about him. However, once started, I am going to finish this piece of reverential dross. Bp. Challoner deserves a lot better than this; it is sad that there is so little about him published at book length.
 
NeedsMercy said:
Right now, I’m reading “Why We Love Them So: Surviving the Loss of an Animal Friend” by Father Paul A. Keenan. I just had to say goodbye to one of my kitties and needed some consolation…:bighanky:
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They are part of our family. I think God gives them to us as a reminder of His love. I’ve grieved over cats, dogs, canaries and even guinea pigs–all with their own special personality .Thanks for your kind remarks.
 
I just finished the Hunger Games.

SO much disturbing stuff in this book! How do books like this end up being kids books???

As an adult I enjoyed it but I kept thinking: What if a kid was reading this? Holy! :eek:
 
nickybr38 said:
I just finished the Hunger Games.

SO much disturbing stuff in this book! How do books like this end up being kids books???

As an adult I enjoyed it but I kept thinking: What if a kid was reading this? Holy! :eek:
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Yeh I read the first two and I thought they were WAY TOO Violant
 
HEAVEN AND BACK by Mary Neal MD. This orthopedic surgeon ‘drowns’ in a kayak accident and lives to tell of her near death experience. She is a very good woman and obviously brilliant. There is much to admire about her. She is a Christian. Her NDE is of a love and peace beyond words. Her theology is vague and casual. I assumed a person w/ such a great mind/ intellect would delve deep into theology and history of Christianity & ask difficult questions. No mention of salvation. A quote from this book: “God knew each one of us even before He sent us into our mothers womb”. sent us? After her son’s death (killed by a driver distracted by his cell phone) a Catholic priest from Rwanda, Father Ubald, visits her home. Father Ubald prays w/ Dr Neal and her husband, who are grieving and locked in fear and despair. They are liberated from the despair that evening after Father Ubald prays w/ them & sprinkled holy water in every room and object commanding the evil spirit of despair to leave their home and family. Dr Neal writes:“I have never been a Catholic so I am not sure what to think about holy water, . . .” but goes on to acknowledge their lives changed after Father Ubald’s visit.
I would not recommend anyone to spend $ on this book. I like to imagine this good Dr.'s faith journey will eventually lead her into a deeper relationship w/ Christ and eventually into His church.
 
The Joyful Christian: 127 readings from C. S. Lewis
Letters to a Young Catholic by George Weigel
 
I am reading through the Wheel of Time series again in preparation for the release of the final volume. One of the best fantasy series’, even if it has its problems.

I am also reading a book called The Fighter’s Mind, Inside the Mental Game, by Sam Sheridan. It is an interesting book about the mental aspect of sports like boxing, wrestling, and MMA.

There are many other books that I am reading on and off at the moment.
 
I just finished ‘The Search for the "Manchurian Candidate: The CIA and Mind Control: The Secret History of the Behavioral Sciences,’ by John Marks.

As Johnny Carson would say…weird, wild stuff…
 
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