Catholic Christianity - Peter Kreeft - A Complete Catechism of Catholic Beliefs Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church

Catholic Christianity: A Complete Catechism of Catholic Beliefs Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Peter Kreeft
Ignatius Press
ISBN 9780898707984
ASIN  B004QOB78A

I read this book as part of my working through the Catechism in a year. Over the last few years I have read the catechism and other similar books a little bit each day throughout the year. This year I added this book and it took me 4 months of study to work through this volume. This was an excellent read. It was a wonderful study tool. It helped me go so much deeper in my study of the Catholic Faith. The sections in this volume are:

Preface
PART I: Theology (What Catholics Believe)
Chapter 1: Faith 
Chapter 2: God 
Chapter 3: Creation 
Chapter 4: Man 
Chapter 5: Jesus Christ 
Chapter 6: The Holy Spirit 
Chapter 7: The Holy Catholic Church 
Chapter 8: The Forgiveness of Sins 
Chapter 9: The Resurrection of the Body 
Chapter 10: Life Everlasting

PART II: Morality (How Catholics Live)
Chapter 1: The Essence of Catholic Morality 
Chapter 2: Human Nature as the Basis for Morality 
Chapter 3: Some Fundamental Principles of Catholic Morality 
Chapter 4: Virtues and Vices
Chapter 5: The First Three Commandments: Duties to God 
Chapter 6: The Fourth Commandment: Family and Social Morality 
Chapter 7: The Fifth Commandment: Moral Issues of Life and Death 
Chapter 8: The Sixth and Ninth Commandments: Sexual Morality 
Chapter 9: The Seventh and Tenth Commandments: Social and Economic Morality
Chapter 10: The Eighth Commandment: Truth

PART III: Sacraments and Prayer (How Catholics Worship)
Chapter 1: Introduction to Catholic Liturgy
Chapter 2: Introduction to the Sacraments
Chapter 3: Baptism and Confirmation
Chapter 4: The Eucharist
Chapter 5: The Sacrament of Penance
Chapter 6: Matrimony 
Chapter 7: Holy Orders 
Chapter 8: Anointing of the Sick 
Chapter 9: Prayer 
Chapter 10: The Lord’s Prayer 
Chapter 11: Mary
Conclusion
Abbreviations
Notes

This is not a volume I could pick up and read through from beginning to end. At least not do so and really take it in. But by reading 5-15 points a day it was very digestible. In the introduction Dr. Kreeft goes over some of the possible titles this book had, and his reason for them, and reasons for changing. They were:

Mere Christianity
What Is a Catholic

He also states:

“Half a century ago such a book would have been superfluous, for Catholics knew then twenty times more than they know now about everything in their faith: its essence, its theology, its morality, its liturgy, and its prayer; and there were twenty times more books like this one being written. The need was less, and the supply was more. Today the need is much more, and the supply is much less. Since “nature abhors a vacuum”, spiritually as well as physically I offer this unoriginal “basic data” book to those Catholics who have been robbed of the basic data of their heritage.”

The book might be unoriginal, and basic data about Catholicism, but maybe that is what makes it such a treasure. This book is likely one I will read each year for years to come. This book is an amazing resource, for the faithful, for those studying Catholicism, and for those just curios about what Catholicism is all about.

Kreeft has written some amazing books and this is among the best! 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!

Book by Peter Kreeft:

C. S. Lewis: A Critical Essay (1969)

Love Is Stronger Than Death. 1979.

Heaven: The Heart’s Deepest Longing (1980)

Between Heaven Hell (1982) 

The Unaborted Socrates (1983)

The Best Things In Life (1984)

Yes or No? — Straight Answers to Tough Questions about Christianity (1984)

Making Sense Out of Suffering (1986)

Fundamentals of the Faith, Essays in Christian Apologetics (1988)

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Heaven... But Never Dreamed of Asking (1990)

Making Choices: Practical Wisdom for Everyday Moral Decisions (1990)

You can understand the Old Testament : a book-by-book guide for Catholics (1990)

Summa of the Summa (1990) 

Three Philosophies of Life (1990) 

Prayer: The Great Conversation (1991)

Back to Virtue (1992) 

Shorter Summa (1993) 

Christianity for Modern Pagans: Pascal's Pensees (1993)

Your Questions, God's Answers (1994) 

Handbook of Christian Apologetics (with Ronald K. Tacelli) (1994)

C. S. Lewis for the Third Millennium (1994) 

Shadow-Lands of C.S. Lewis: The Man Behind the Movie (1994)

Pocket Handbook of Christian Apologetics (1994)

The Angel and the Ants: Bringing Heaven Closer to Your Daily Life (1994)

Talking to Your Children About Being Catholic (1995) — A treasure trove of ideas

Angels (and Demons): What Do We Really Know About Them? (1995)

Ecumenical Jihad: Ecumenism and the Culture Wars (1996)

The Journey A Spiritual Roadmap For Modern Pilgrims (1996)

The Snakebite Letters Devious Secrets for Subverting Society (1998)

Refutation of Moral Relativism (1999)

Prayer for Beginners (2000)

Catholic Christianity (2001)

Socrates Meets Jesus (1987/2002) 

How to Win the Culture War: A Christian Battle Plan for a Society in Crisis (2002)

Celebrating Middle Earth: Lord of the Rings (2002) 

Three Approaches to Abortion: a thoughtful and compassionate guide to today's most controversial issue (2002)

Philosophy 101 by Socrates (2002) 

Socrates Meets Machiavelli (2003) 

Socrates Meets Marx (2003) 

The God Who Loves You (2004)

Socratic Logic (2005) 

You Can Understand the Bible (2005) 

Socrates Meets Sartre: Father Of Philosophy Meets The Founder of Existentialism (2005) 

The Philosophy of Tolkien: The Worldview Behind "The Lord of the Rings" (2005)

The Sea Within (2006)

Socrates Meets Descartes (2007) 

The Philosophy of Jesus (2007) 

Pocket Guide to the Meaning of Life (2007)

Before I Go (2007) 

I Surf Therefore I Am (2008)

Because God Is Real: Sixteen Questions, One Answer (2008)

Jesus-Shock (2008)

Socrates Meets Kant (2009) 

If Einstein Had Been a Surfer (2009) 

Between Allah & Jesus: what Christians Can Learn from Muslims (2010)

Socrates Meets Hume (2010) 

An Ocean Full of Angels (2011)

Summa Philosophica (2012) 

Jacob's Ladder (2013) 

Charisms: Visions, Tongues, Healing, etc. (feat. Dave Nevins) (2013) 

Socrates Meets Kierkegaard (2014) 

52 Big Ideas (2020) 

Practical Theology (2014) 

Letters to an Atheist (2014) 

Philosophy 101 by Socrates: An Introduction to Philosophy Via Plato's Apology : (Forty Things Philosophy is According to History's First and Wisest Philosopher (2014)

I Burned for Your Peace: Augustine's Confessions Unpacked (2016)  

How to Be Holy (2016) 

Catholics and Protestants (2017) 

Between One Faith and Another (2017) 

Forty Reasons I am a Catholic (2018)

Doors in the Walls of the World (2018) 

The Platonic Tradition (2018) 

Socrates' Children, 4 vols. (2019) 

How To Destroy Western Civilization And Other Ideas From The Cultural Abyss (2021)

The Greatest Philosopher Who Ever Lived (2021)

Food for the Soul: Reflections on the Mass Readings 3 vols. (2023)

What Would Socrates Say? (2024) 

…

Contributed to:

Beautiful Eucharist

...

Articles That Mention Kreeft:
Opus Dei
Opus Dei Part II
Catholic Catechism Dialogue blog
4 Resources

...

 

Articles That Mention Kreeft:
Opus Dei
Opus Dei Part II
Catholic Catechism Dialogue blog
4 Resources

Related Posts:

Catholic Christianity - Peter Kreeft - A Complete Catechism of Catholic Beliefs Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church

YOUCAT Confession - YOUCAT

Catechism of the Catholic Church: Second Edition 

The Companion to the Catechism of the Catholic Church

Introduction to the Catechism of the Catholic Church 

Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church

Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church in a Year

Catholic Catechism Dialogue blog

Catechism of the Catholic Church, Ascension Edition

The Catechism in a Year Companion, Volume I

The Catechism in a Year Companion, Volume II

The Catechism in a Year Companion, Volume III

…

Books from the Council of Baltimore:

Baltimore Catechism One

Baltimore Catechism Two

Baltimore Catechism Three

Baltimore Catechism Four

Manual of Prayers: For the Use of the Catholic Laity - Third Plenary Council of Baltimore 

The Little Office of Baltimore - Claudio R Salvucci - Traditional Catholic Daily Prayer

…

Prisoners of War - Sarah Gracia - Prisoners of War Trilogy Book 1

Prisoners of War
Prisoners of War Trilogy Book 1
Sarah Gracia
Rivershore Books
ISBN 9781635220049
ASIN B07L8L65NM
eISBN 9780463016138
 

I am sitting her and finding it very hard to know how to start this review. While reading this book there were some incredible moments, and at others I found myself wondering what was going on, and how is this all going to fit together. And yet by the time I finished the novel, I could not help but wonder what is going to happen next in the Prisoners of War Trilogy. I think this book might do for panic attacks and OCD what The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time did for Asperger Syndrome and Autism. The author states:

“It tells the story of my freshman year in high school (minus Matt and the kidnapping plot). There are some aspects that are unrealistic, but that's intentional. The whole book is my daydream in ninth grade when I had the six-month panic attack. The novel reflects the reality in a very tangible way.”

And there are some very surreal moments in the novel. In some ways reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland or even The Matrix. As you are reading you will wonder how far down the rabbit hole goes and is there a way out. But in order to find out you will need to read the book.

You cannot help but feel for Tara, the main character, and for Sarah the author and the struggle with OCD as described in the book. Early in the book this section really captured my attention:

“Prisoners of war, people who have been captured by the enemy.
I wonder if Adrian’s a prisoner of war since he was captured by those people. It’s not a war between countries, but trying to escape seems like his own personal war.
Am I a prisoner of war, too? I’m going to die with OCD with no hope of freedom. Could that be a war? A lot of people describe OCD as a hostage situation. I’m the prisoner; OCD the captor.
Maybe. Maybe we’re all prisoners of war of some kind . . .”

It is a penetrating insight especially considering the age at which the author wrote it. This book does not feel perfectly polished. But It is not suppose to. It is written to capture the nightmare of struggling with mental illness, and how someone who does suffer sees and feels about themselves. Also, how they feel others see and treat them. It was also written from dream, and as such does have that disjointed, often jumpy feel. But it is well done.  As such the book is not always an easy read, but it is worth the effort to finish, and I really do look forward to seeing what will happen in the next volume.

A great first effort by a young author trying to bring awareness through her own personal struggles. Well done.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!

Treachery and Truth - Katy Huth Jones - A Story of Good King Wenceslas

Treachery and Truth
Katy Huth Jones
Pauline Books and Media
ISBN 9780819875358
eISBN 9780819875389
ASIN B01AH4DO5Q
 

I had this book on my Kindle for a little over a year. It kept popping up in recommendations from friends, fellow reviewers and authors. And every time I moved it towards the top of my reading list, it was quickly bumped down and forgotten until I was reminded about it again. This last time I was reminded about it, I immediately started reading the book. And what an excellent read it is. I had a hard time putting this book down; and ended up devouring it in three sessions over two days. Over the last few years I have read several Christian, Catholic historical fiction novels. Based on a life of a saint, that gives us a glimpse of the life of a saint. And this book does an incredible job of just that.

This is a story filled with history, betrayal, faith, and following God. Most people are aware of the Christmas carol ‘Good King Wenceslas’. This is a story of that man’s life. Saint Wenceslaus, or Vaclav in the Bohemian or Czech as is used in the story. The story is told through the eyes of a servant a young man named Poidevin. Many of the characters are real historical figures, as is the main story. Liberties have been taken to write it into a compelling novel. Set in the ‘dark ages’ around the year 930 A.D. The story takes place between the years 920 and 929 approximately. It is a time of clashes between Pagan religions and the growing Christian Catholic influence. After the death of his father, his mother acting as regent returns to the pagan ways. While Vaclav is faithful to the Catholic church, as was his father and his paternal grandmother. The conflict grows until Vaclav must seize the throne that is rightfully his from his own mother. But his own Christian beliefs prevent him from taking the life of his mother and brother, and it eventually has dire consequences for the king, his family and the whole kingdom.

At one point in the story Poidevin reflects:

“I turned and watched the candle’s flame in the dark room. I’d never noticed before how much light a single candle could produce, how much darkness it dispelled. In that moment, a thought came to me. My master was like a flame burning brightly in the darkness of Bohemia, the darkness of selfishness, greed, ignorance, and an insatiable hunger for power. It was heartening to know how much goodwill one man could spread to others.”

And in many ways that is what this boo does for us 1100 years after the events of the story. Wenceslaus or Vaclav depending on what name you prefer for his was by all accounts a good man, a devote man, and an honest man. He was canonized lest than 70 years after his death.

This story is a great read for young men, it will captivate their interest, and show them a man living his faith well. It was written with a Young Adult audience in mind, and yet I believe it can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. It is wonderfully written. The characters are well written, and the plot, written around the facts we know about this saint’s life. A great read that I can give a solid 5/5 stars.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Katy Huth Jones:
Leandra's Enchanted Flute
Treachery and Truth
Carpe Diem
Stuck in the Muck
Return to Finian Jahndra
Battling the Beast: Growing in Faith through Cancer
Bug Feet: An Introduction to Rhythm in Poetry

He Who Finds Mercy Series:
Mercy's Prince
Mercy’s Gift
Mercy’s Battle
Mercy’s Joy

Contributed to:
Image and Likeness: Literary Reflections on the Theology of the Body

Gifts Visible & Invisible 8 Christmas Stories for Teens

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ABCs of the Christian Life - G.K. Chesterton - The Ultimate Anthology of the Prince of Paradox

ABCs of the Christian Life:
The Ultimate Anthology of the Prince of Paradox
G.K. Chesterton
Peter Kreeft (Foreword)
Christian Classics
Ave Maria Press
ISBN 9780870613104
eISBN 9780870613111
ASIN B072F9PN5P
 

I am a latecomer to the works of Chesterton. It has only been the last year or so that I have started taking a serious look at his works. The more I read, the more I learn, the more I appreciate about the man, his mind, his works, and his faith. But this book was not exactly what I expected, and yet it was almost exactly what I needed to read at the time. The book contains excerpts from Chesterton’s writings on a variety of topics to fit the alphabet. The sections in the book are:

Foreword
Publisher’s Note
A Asceticism
B Bethlehem
C Catholicism
D Charles Dickens
E Ephemera
F St. Francis
G Gospel
H Heretics
I Insanity
J St. Joan
K Kensington High Street
L Lying in Bed
M Miracles
N Negativity
O Orthodoxy
P Primitive Revelation
Q Questing
R Religions Compared
S Suicidal Thinking
T St. Thomas Aquinas
U Upon This Rock
V Queen Victoria
W Words
X Sex
Y Yes
Z Zion
Sources

I have read other books over the years that work on the A to Z model. Specifically Kathy Shaidle’s A Catholic Alphabet: The Faith from A to Z. And I have been working on an A to Z book of prayers for my children. But this book is not just a simple collection of short snippets. The eBook comes in at over 150 pages and the paperback almost 200. Peter Kreeft in the introduction states:

“Whenever I assign Chesterton to my college students, some love him and some hate him. One student explained very candidly why he hated reading him: “His mind is a rapier, and he’s dueling with me, and he cuts my clothes to ribbons and makes me feel naked and stupid.” I replied: “That’s exactly right. Don’t you just love that?” He thought I was kidding. I told him to read Psalm 139.”

And also:

“Someone said that G. K. Chesterton’s sayings are like potato chips: it’s impossible to eat just one. They are gloriously addictive. GKC is a gold mine, and here are some gold potato chips.”

There is definitely gold in this book, and the more of Chesterton that I read the more I want to read. I personally do not recall having Chesterton assigned in school, and checking my list of books read, I did not read any full volumes of his works. The more the pity. I can only imagine what life would be like if I had begin reading Chesterton 20, or 30 years ago. With that being said I strongly encourage you to pick up this book and give it a read.

The chapter that impacted me most was the one on Negativity. It is too large to share but if you are perusing a physical copy of the book jump there. This is an excellent read but be warned because each chapter is taken from another book, either as a section or whole chapter. So, your wish list or your ‘to be read pile’ might grow exponentially as you work your way through this volume. But is that such a terrible thing?

A wonderful volume, great for fans of Chesterton’s work, and serves as a great introduction for those of us less familiar. A great little read!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan! For reviews of books by Peter Kreeft click here.

Reviews of books by or about G.K. Chesterton:
The Shop of Ghosts - A Short Story
Way of Wonder: Wisdom from G.K. ChestertonInspiration from the Saints Stories from the Lives of Catholic Holy Men and Women - Maolsheachlann Ó Ceallaigh
ABC’s of the Christian Life
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God Speaks, We Listen: Revelation, Faith, and Prayer - Jeff Vehige - Find the Faith Book 2

God Speaks, We Listen: Revelation, Faith, and Prayer
Find the Faith Book 2
Jeff Vehige
ISBN 9781723874192
ASIN B07JDBDQZW


This is the second book in a series with four announced to date. It is an excellent read and wonderful resource. The book and the series are well worth the read. It is excellent for personal study, as a resource for an RCIA Program, for group study. Or even as an academic text for high school or undergraduate work. After finishing this second column I am very excited to see where the series will go in the next two volumes that have been revealed. This book begins with a quote from Pope Saint John Paul II:

“Revelation comes before faith. Faith is conditioned by revelation. It is man’s response to divine revelation.”

This book will help you understand the concept of God’s revelation, and will strengthen our faith. The chapters in this volume are:

Preface to the “Find the Faith” Series 
Introduction to “God Speaks, We Listen” 
1. Our Thirst for God 
2. What Is Revelation? 
3. The Stages of Revelation 
4. The Transmission Of Revelation 
5. We Listen 
6. Prayer 
Bibliography 
Acknowledgments 
About the Author Find The Faith Books 
Find the Faith Podcast

The book, and the series follow the question and answer format. And it contains 30 questions that are addressed. Jeff shares with us in the into to the series his attempts to use a different formats. And also, why he returned to this one. He states the purpose of the series is to:

“But Find the Faith is more than a simple walk through Catholic teaching. I want to help you grasp something of the theological, philosophical, biblical, and historical background of Catholic doctrine and worship. I want to explore the relationship between doctrine and morality, and how both should penetrate our spiritual life.”

And he does an excellent job of delivering on that purpose. This is a book I wish I had when I was doing my Religious Studies Undergraduate with a specialization in Roman Catholic Thought. I could easily see this book being required reading, or recommended reading for several of the courses I took during my degree. I look forward to my children being a little older and rereading this volume with them as part of a family study. 

This was an excellent read. I will reiterate and state that I could easily see it being used in a High School class, for an RCIA program, for individual or group study, and even as an undergraduate text. It would be great to work through this book with a small group digging into it and using some of the many resources listed in the Bibliography to go deeper. I am very thankful I stumbled across this series, and thoroughly enjoyed this book. I look forward to future offerings in the series. This book is well worth the time and effort to work through it. It will help you grow in your faith.  Another great read from the pen of Jeff Vehige!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Jeff Vehige:
Find the Faith Series:
Foundations of the Faith: God, Christ, and the Church
God Speaks, We Listen: Revelation, Faith, and Prayer
The God of Jesus Christ: The Christian Doctrine of God 
The Mystery of Creation: Heaven and Earth, Angels and
...

Saint Pope Paul VI - Matthew Bunson - Celebrating the 262nd Pope of the Roman Catholic Church

Saint Pope Paul VI:
Celebrating the 262nd Pope of the Roman Catholic Church
Matthew Bunson
Sophia Institute Press
ISBN 9781682780701
ASIN B07HVY4T4K
 

Over the last few years I have read several books both by and about Pope Paul VI. With his canonization in 2018, and the 50th anniversary of the publication of Humanae Vitae there has been a lot of interest in in the man and his works. And this book is an excellent addition to that area of scholarship, and devotion. That book once started is hard to put down. And it reads as part biography, part academic treatise, and part exhortation from the wisdom of Paul VI’s writings.

This is the second book written by Matthew Bunson that I have read, and both are excellent reads. Bunson writes in such an open and honest way. Bunson presents Paul VI, as a man, a man with faults, but a man with a deep devotion and passion for God. The first words of Paul VI that we encounter are before the book begins:

“I must bear witness to his name: Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matt. 16:16). He reveals the invisible God, he is the firstborn of all creation, the foundation of everything created. He is the Teacher of mankind, and its Redeemer. He was born, he died, and he rose again for us. He is the center of history and of the world; he is the one who knows us and who loves us; he is the companion and the friend of our life. He is the man of sorrows and of hope. It is he who will come and who one day will be our judge and — we hope — the everlasting fullness of our existence, our happiness.”

Taken from a Homily for Mass at Quezon Circle, the Philippines November 29, 1970. Paul VI had an unenviable task. When he was elected pope, the church was in the middle of Vatican Council II. There was speculation oat the time that he would cancel it, or even radically change its direction. Instead he saw it through in the spirit of Saint Pope John XXIII and spend the rest of his pontificate defending both the counsel and his own writings. He was the first pope that was known as a world traveller. He dispensed with many of the trappings of the Papacy. Sold off papal gear to finance ministry and trips. He was the first pope to set foot in Jerusalem. And made 9 trips during his pontificate including the United States, Middle East, Africa, India, and Philippines.

Many consider his works prophetic. And reading them with an open mind I do not see how you could disagree. You might not like his conclusions, and how society as a whole has changed. But he saw much of the result the changes that had started.

The chapters in this volume are:

Introduction
1. The Life and Holiness of Pope St. Paul VI
2. Jesus Christ
3. The Church
4. Mary
5. The Second Vatican Council
6. Credo of the People of God
7. The Mass and the Sacraments
8. Joy
9. Marriage, Life, and Family
10. The Human Person
11. The Modern World
12. Peace
13. Prayer, Holiness, and the Life of Faith
14. The Testament of Pope Paul VI
Selected Writings of Pope St. Paul VI

The book draws heavily from the writings of Paul VI and is in fact written around his own words. It is an excellent addition to the canon of work about Paul VI, and one of the first published after his canonization. It does not matter if you are interested in Paul VI, ad a man, as a priest, or as a pope, this book will give you a great deal of detail around the man and his thought.

It is a wonderful volume, and a book I will likely return to again as I continue my studies on Paul VI and his works. If you have already read about Paul this will be a great read. If you have not read much about him, it is an excellent introduction. A great read no matter your level of interest and I highly recommend it.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!

Other books by or about Pope Paul VI:
Love's True Meaning The Message of Humanae Vitae 50 Years On - Fr Anthony Doe
Paul VI - Anthony Symondson- CTS Biographies
Wisdom from Pope Paul VI - Mary Leonora Wilson FSP
Saint Pope Paul VI  - Matthew Bunson

Paul VI - Michael Collins

...

Books by Matthew Bunson:
Apostle of the Exiled St. Damien of Molokai
Our Sunday Visitor's Encyclopedia of Saints
Encyclopedia of Ancient Rome
Encyclopedia of the Roman Empire
Encyclopedia of U.S. Catholic History
A Dictionary of the Roman Empire
Saint Kateri: Lily of the Mohawks
John Paul II's Book of Saints
…

Guarding Aaron - T.M. Gaouette - Faith and Kung Fu Book 3

Guarding Aaron
Faith and Kung Fu Book 3
T.M. Gaouette
ISBN 9781729434949
ASIN B07KYYXCHT

As of the writing of this review I have read all T.M. Gaouette’s published novels. I have appreciated her story telling immensely since first reading The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch, about a foster family. But Guarding Aaron is the third novel in a series of four, and I find that with each book in the series the series gets better. I must say I was completely surprised by this novel. The twists that are tossed in this book, some subtle, and some not really make the reader think.

Many of the characters in this book are familiar to us from the first two volumes. And reading about this is like a visit with old friends. It is a chance to catch up and see where they are at in life, and in their spiritual journey. For some there is marked changes, and improvements. For others we see a turning from what they once believed and held dear. There are three main plot lines in this story that all wrap together well. First, we have Aaron being bullied at school, and who discovers the Dojo where Gabriel assists with teaching. We have Gabriel and Tanner who have feelings for each other but are both trying to find God’s plan and purpose for their life. And finally, we have Faith Perry, a young woman who is losing her way. All three plot lines flow in and around having faith, trusting God, and seeking god. 

The characters are one of the greatest strengths of this book and the series. The genre of these stories is ‘realistic fiction’. And in fact, reading these books could be like encountering friends and family that you know in real life. In fact, there is a young woman at the Dojo where my children and I train who just achieved her black belt who reminds me of a female counterpart to Gabe. The characters are so well written that readers might be disappointed to find out there is only one remaining book planned in the series. 

The second great strength of the story is the story itself. The plot and how Gaouette handles the elements is masterful. In this story we have bullying, teen drinking, discernment of God’s will, and overcoming adversity. The story is an intense and engaging read on many levels. I could not put the book down, and to be honest am desperate for the final installment in the series. 

The more I read by T.M. Gaouette the more I want to read. I thoroughly enjoy her works and appreciate that they are good clean Christian fiction. This is an excellent Catholic Young Adult book but can be read and enjoyed by anyone who loves a good story! A truly great read in a wonderful series for readers of all ages.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by T.M. Gaouette:

The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch
For Eden's Sake
Shadow Stalker
...

Faith & Kung Fu Series:

Freeing Tanner Rose  
Saving Faith
Guarding Aaron

Loving Gabriel

...

Contributed to:
Secrets: Visible & Invisible 7 Amazing Stories - Catholic Teen Books
Gifts Visible & Invisible 8 Christmas Stories for Teens
Treasures: Visible & Invisible 8 Stories for Teens

Ashes Visible & Invisible 10 Stories for Teens

Shadows Visible & Invisible 7 Stories for Teens

...

Author Profile and interview with T.M. Gaouette

(New 2018 Covers)

(Original Covers) 

The Siege Of Reginald Hill - Corinna Turner - I Am Margaret Book 6.0

The Siege of Reginald Hill
I Am Margaret Book 6.0
Corinna Turner
UnSeen Books an Imprint of
Zephyr Publishing
eISBN 9781910806791
ISBN 9781910806807
ASIN B07K5FN98Z UK
ASIN B07K5F4BK4 US 


The ‘I Am Margaret’ series has been full of surprises. It is currently comprised of 5 novels, one journal, 3 short stories, and a story in an anthology. This series and especially this story keep it fresh and new, and in a good way. Few series have the staying power of these books. And in some ways the story in this one is the most powerful yet! To summarize for those unfamiliar with the series, in book one, Margaret Verrall was selected for sorting, basically she failed a test and has been selected to just be spare parts for citizens of the Euro Block. But after winning a writing contest under a different name, and publishing a novel things have changed drastically.

At the time of this story sortings have been stopped. Religious freedoms are returning. The value of each human life is growing again. But in the middle of the night, during Eucharistic adoration, Fr Kyle Verrall has been abducted. He knows things are not good when he recognizes the voice of Reginald Hill, one of the most powerful men in the history of the Euro Bloc. Kyle knows Reginald, and know there are likely few people who hate his sister as much as Reginald. And not being able to get to Margaret in the Vatican Free State, he has come to Africa and captured her brother. When they begin the conscious dismemberment of Kyle, his prayers intensify. 

But who really is the captor and who really is free. After chapter two the story is told alternatively from the perspective of Kyle and Margo. In fact the chapter titles are just the news of whose part of the story it is. There are 32 short chapters in the volume. The story is nearly impossible to put down. I believe it is strong enough to be read on its own, but the whole series is incredible and worth reading. This story deals with themes of prayer, abandonment to God’s will, possible martyrdom, and forgiveness. It is a solid example of loving your enemy. 

The story is very well crafted. The story is tightly written. And the plot is excellent. It is a prime example of Catholic’s in the arts. Though written as teen fiction, this book and this whole series can be enjoyed by anyone who loves a great suspenseful read.  

Another incredible read in an amazing series!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan! 

The Siege of Reginald Hill Blog Tour:

December 1 – I Am Margaret
December 3 – Book Reviews and More
December 4 – CatholicMom.com
December 5 – Regina Doman
December 6 – Theresa Linden
December 7 – The Catholic Bard!
December 8 – T.M. Gaouette
December 10 – Carolyn Astfalk
December 13 – Leslea Wahl
December 14 – Elizabeth Amy Hajek

Books by Corinna Turner:
I Am Margaret Series:
0.0 The Underappreciated Virtues of Rusty Old Bicycles (A prequel)
0.5 Brothers (Prequel)
1.0 I Am Margaret
1.5 How Snakey Got His Name (Short Story)
2.0 The Three Most Wanted
3.0 Liberation
4.0 Bane's Eyes
5.0 Margo's (Attempted) Diary & Notebook
5.5 An Unexpected Guest
6.0 The Siege of Reginald Hill
6.5 Buttons (Short Story)
7.0 A Saint in the Family
I Am Margaret The Play - Fiorella de Maria

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Yesterday and Tomorrow Series:
Someday
Tomorrow's Dead
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unSPARKed Series:

Prequel Short Stories:

Liam and the Hunters of Lee'Vi

0.1 Breach

A Truly Clawful Christmas

0.2 A Mom with Blue Feathers 

0.3 A Very Jurassic Christmas

0.3a A Very Jurassic Lent

0.4 A Dino Whisperer at the Zoo

Three Clawsome Tales

A Very Jurassic Hallowtide

...

Novels:
 1.0 Drive!
 1.0a Please Don't Feed the Dinosaurs

 2.0 A Truly Rapror-Ous Welcome
 3.0 Panic! 
 4.0 Farmgirls Die in Cages
 5.0 Wild Life

 6.0 A Right Rex Rodeo

 7.0 FEAR

 8.0 A Different Kind of Camouflage

 9.0 A Different Kind of Freedom

10.0 What’s Done is Done

11.0 Weigh the Odds

12.0 A Nest of Piranha’saurs

...

Mandy Lamb Series:
Mandy Lamb and the Full Moon

The Wolf The Lamb and the Air Balloon

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Friends in High Places:

1.0 The Boy Who Knew: Carlo Acutis

1.5 Do Carpenters Dream of Wooden Sheep? 

2.0 Old Men Don’t Walk to Egypt: Saint Joseph

3.0 Child, Unwanted: Margaret of Castello

4.0 A Lion for a Tomb: Ignatius of Antioch

5.0 The Higher We Go Pier Giorgio Frassati

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Elfling Series:

Elfling

The Most Expensive Alley Cat in London

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Last Things Series:

Three last things or The hounding of Carl Jarrold, Soulless Assassin

A Changing of the Guard

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Other Books:
The Raven & The Yew
Man or Beast 
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Contributed to:
Secrets: Visible & Invisible 7 Amazing Stories - Catholic Teen Books
Gifts Visible & Invisible 8 Christmas Stories for Teens
Treasures: Visible & Invisible 8 Stories for Teens

The Christmas Lights

Ashes Visible & Invisible 10 Stories for Teens

A Foul Christmas

A Saint Nicholas Eve Carol

The Gift of the Angel Tree  

Shadows Visible & Invisible 7 Stories for Teens

A Lack of Christmas Spirits 

Alien Family Traditions

Pilgrim Tales An anthology of fiction by the Catholic Writers Guild 

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Author profile and interview with Corinna Turner

Prayer of the Day A Hunter's Prayer.

 

To Raise the Fallen: A Selection of the War Letters, Prayers, and Spiritual Writings of Fr. Willie Doyle - Edited by Dr. Patrick Kenny

To Raise the Fallen: A Selection of the War Letters, Prayers, and Spiritual Writings of Fr. Willie Doyle
William J.G. 'Willie' Doyle
Dr. Patrick Kenny (Editor)
US Edition
Ignatius Press
ISBN 9781621642565
eISBN 9781642290585
ASIN B07K8VRJKR
UK Edition
Veritas
ISBN 9781847308078


Over the last few years I have read several biographies of military chaplains. I read a biography of Fr. Willie Doyle and want to read more about him. This book is an excellent starting point. This book contains a brief selection with an outline of Fr. Doyle's life. Sections for letters from different points in his life. And an appendix with testimonies about his military service and valour. The chapters in the book are:

Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. Letters from the Front
2. The War Within
3. Spiritual Advice
4. Priesthood and Vocations
5. Meditations on the Stations of the Cross
6. Personal Prayers
Appendix: Testimonies
Notes

This book was hard to put down. To read about this man of God in his own hand is both a blessing and a challenge. I do not know how anyone could read his letters and not be challenged in their faith. The book is drawn from his letters and his personal journals. Journals that he wished to have destroyed upon his death but that he superiors saw the value of and they were preserved. The introduction begins with this personal contract that he wrote in his journal in May of 1883:

"Darling Mother Mary, in preparation for the glorious martyrdom which I feel assured thou art going to obtain for me, I, thy most unworthy child, on this the first day of thy month, solemnly commence my life of slow martyrdom by earnest hard work and constant self-denial. With my blood I promise thee to keep this resolution, do thou, sweet Mother, assist me and obtain for me the one favour I wish and long for: to die a Jesuit Martyr."

And he lived that spirit for the next 24 years. He lived to serve. And as a young man that needed to take a break from his studies more than once because of ill health, it was surprising that he achieved ordination. And yet at each impasse in following his vocation, he seemed to grow in stamina, resolve, and fortitude. The booklet he wrote on vocations and becoming a priest are still available today. He had immense impact during his life, and also since his death. This volume spans samples from his published writings, his private journals and his letters.

The first of the testimonies in the appendix is from Major General Sir William Bernard Hickie:

"Father Doyle was one of the best priests I have ever met, and one of the bravest men who have fought or worked out here. He did his duty, and more than his duty, most nobly and has left a memory and a name behind him that will never be forgotten. On the day of his death, 16 August, he had worked in the front line, and even in front of that line, and appeared to know no fatigue-he never knew fear. He was killed by a shell towards the close of the day and was buried on the Frezenberg Ridge. . . . He was recommended for the Victoria Cross by his commanding officer, by his brigadier, and by myself. Superior authority, however, has not granted it, and as no other posthumous reward is given, his name will, I believe, be mentioned in the commander-in-chief's dispatch. . . . I can say without boasting that this is a division of brave men; and even among these, Fr Doyle stood out."

This is an excellent read. I encourage you to give it a read and let the life of this man encourage and challenge you. For I am certain it will.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan! For all reviews and articles about Military Chaplains click here.

Books by and about Fr Willie Doyle:

Fr Willie Doyle & World War I: A Chaplain's Story - K.V. Turley

To Raise the Fallen: A Selection of the War Letters, Prayers, and Spiritual Writings of Fr. Willie Doyle, S.J. - Edited by Patrick Kenny

Willie Doyle SJ: Much in the Presence of God - Patrick Corkery SJ

Pamphlets for the Faithful - Fr Willie Doyle, SJ  

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Canonization Prayer for Father William Doyle

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Books by Dr. Patrick Kenny:

Spiritual Writings of Fr. Willie Doyle, S.J. - Edited by Patrick Kenny

The Rock from Which You Were Hewn

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