Tuesday, 25 November 2025

Compulsory - Martha Wells - Murderbot Diaries Book 0.5

Compulsory 
Murderbot Diaries Book 0.5
eISBN 9781645241720
ASIN B0CD39L16K

Compulsory - Martha Wells - Murderbot Diaries Book 0.5

I have read the first seven novels and novellas in this series. As I await the release of the eight I am going back and reading the 4 short stories. Two are prequels and two falls between other works. This one is a prequel and it really does come before the first novel. I am thankful I gave this series a try, it was highly recommended from an author I love. I read this volume and the other 4 shorter works on the same day. 

The earlier stories in this series were novellas then a full length novel and now back in the novel range for book 7. All of the stories in this series are excellent reads. And I was excited find out after reading this that an eighth volume has been announced for release early in 2026.

The description of this instalment is:

“Murderbot—the sardonic, almost-homicidal, media-loving android created by Martha Wells—has proven to be one of the most popular characters in 21 st century science fiction. Everything that makes this protagonist (it would be wrong to call Murderbot a hero) beloved of fans is on display in Compulsory.

While trying to watch episode 44 of The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon, Murderbot is—again, what is it with humans?—distracted by something that is technically outside its purview. A miner is suddenly in danger following a pointless (to Murderbot’s way of thinking) argument, and the choice is to risk discovery and leap into action, which would require hitting the pause button during a very exciting part of Sanctuary Moon, or to follow orders and stay still.

This is a tougher choice than it seems. But then, when has Murderbot ever been faced with an easy choice?

A shorter version of this story originally appeared in Wired magazine.”

This story was originally in a shorter form in Wired Magazine in December of 2018. This particular story is available online as an eBook I do not believe there is currently an audio book edition. Short fiction is a very different art form that writing novels and very short fiction like this is also a different skill. Wells is a master of all three, and has all three in the Murderbot Universe.

This is a great little story in this universe. We encounter Murderbot before the first novel, he is still working for the corporation. He is hacking other systems to cover his mistakes. And he is just as sarcastic. My favorite line from the story is:

“Since I hacked my governor module, it’s not like I haven’t thought about killing the humans. But once I started exploring the company servers and found hundreds of hours of downloadable entertainment media, I just thought, there’s no hurry. I can always kill the humans later, after the next series drops.”

It was interesting encountering Murderbot, this early in his freedom. It is a well written story. It adds some interesting information into the Murderbot Universe.

A great read I can easily recommend. For fans of the series or those just looking to give it a try. I am certain they will be hooked.

Books by Martha Wells:
The Murderbot Diaries:
All Systems Red - Martha Wells - Murderbot Diaries Book 1.0

Artificial Condition - Martha Wells - Murderbot Diaries Book 2.0

Rapport Friendship, Solidarity, Communion, Empathy - Martha Wells - Murderbot Diaries Book 2.5
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Monday, 24 November 2025

You Shook Me All Night Long - Andrew Child - A Jack Reacher Story

You Shook Me All Night Long: 
A Jack Reacher Story
Andrew Child
eISBN 9798228507807
ASIN B0F3GD3GSG

You Shook Me All Night Long - Andrew Child - A Jack Reacher Story

This is one of only a few short stories by Andrew Child featuring Jack Reacher. A few years back he started co-writing the Reacher novels with his brother. An accomplished author in his own write under the name Andrew Grant, I have enjoyed following his contributions to the Reacher canon. I read my first Reacher story in 2019, I had picked up the most recent as a gift for my dad, this time I read the back and thought it looked interesting, and picked up the eBook for myself. I read about a book or published short story a week until I was caught up, thought I jumped around a lot, picking titles at random. I have since stayed up to date on the series. I have also read the Hunt for Reacher Series by Diane Capri and also the Jack Reacher Experiment book 1 by Jude Hardin. I even have a tag on my blog for all Reacher Stories no matter the author. I really enjoy the character, and have loved almost all of the books. I had picked up the Anthology this came from but have not got around to reading it yet. This is one I really wanted to read and was excited it was available as a standalone story. So I was pretty excited to give this a read.
 
The description of this offering in the Reacher series states:

“Reacher finds himself caught in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse between US Military Intelligence and the KGB in this thrilling tale of espionage …

This story originally appeared in Back in Black: An Anthology of New Mystery Short Stories, edited by Don Bruns.”

Another description states:

“A stunning new installment in the bestselling Jack Reacher series, written by Andrew Child

Reacher finds himself caught in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse between US Military Intelligence and the KGB in this thrilling tale of espionage …

This story originally appeared in Back in Black: An Anthology of New Mystery Short Stories, edited by Don Bruns.”

Man oh man what a great story. Very soon we realize that both Jack and Joe are in this story, and early indications are they are working together. It starts off with a defection and Jack in a most unlikely of places acting in a peculiar way. This story is excellent.

I absolutely loved this story. I read it then went back and listened to it using adaptive technology. This is one of three Stories Child has written for this anthology series; the books and stories are:

Back in Black - You Shook Me All Night Long 
Bat Out of Hell – Vat Out Of Hell 

If you are a fan of Reacher this is an excellent shorter story in the collection of Reacher stories from the Child brothers. It is a great piece. Writing short form fiction if a very different skill than long form fiction, Andrew is proving himself an expert of each. And this is a wonderful read. So I encourage you to give it a try, either as this standalone edition or in the anthology edited by Don Burns.  

Books by Andrew Grant:
…

David Trevellyan Series:
…

Detective Cooper Devereaux Series:
…

Paul McGrath Series:
…

As Andrew Child with Lee Child:
Jack Reacher Series:
Reacher Short Stories by Andrew Child:

Books Andrew Grant Contributed To:
In the Company of Sherlock Holmes
Murder and Mayhem in Muskego
Back in Black Music and Murder Mystery 2 
Bat Out of Hell Music and Murder Mystery 3
…

Hotel California Music and Murder Mystery 1 - Don Burns

Back in Black Music and Murder Mystery 2 - Dbn Burns

Bat Out of Hell Music and Murder Mystery 3 - Don Burns

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Sunday, 23 November 2025

Prayer of the Day Saint Josemaria Escriva Prayer for Vocations

St Escriva Prayer for Vocations   
Prayer of the Day  

A Prayer of the Day St Escriva Prayer for Vocations

O God, all powerful Father, through the intercession of the virgin of the Pillar and of St. Josemaria, who was a seminarian and priest of the diocese of Zaragoza, grant holy and abundant vocations for our seminarians, to the measure of the Heart of Christ, the Good Shepherd. Grant that all priests may carry out their ministry with desires of holiness and be authentic pastors close to God, to their bishop, to their brother priests and to the people of God.

Through Christ, our Lord, 
Amen.
  
Note: Every so often I post a prayer I use as part of my daily prayers. I started praying this one after finding it on a new prayer card on retreat in the winter of 2025. I try and pray this daily during my evening prayers.


Books by St. Josemaria Escriva:
Christ Is Passing By
Conversations with Saint Josemaria
The Forge
Friends of God
Furrow
Holy Rosary
In Love with the Church
The Way
The Way of the Cross
The Way of the Cross - Booklet Illustrated Michael O'Brien
The Way, Furrow, Forge (3 in 1 Edition)
...

Books about St. Josemaria Escriva:
A Man Who Knew How to Forgive: Lessons from the Life of St. Josemaria Escriva - Francesc Faus
Praying 15 Days with St. Josemaria Escriva - Guillaume Derville

Volumes in the St Josemaria Escriva's Collected Letters:
Letters 1: Singuli dies, 24 March 1930
Letters 2: Videns eos, 24 March 1931
The Burgos Letters (1938-1939): Three Circular Letters
Letters: Letter 3: Res omnes, 9 January 1932
Letter 4: Vos autem, 16 July 1933 : Letter 4: Vos autem, 16 July 1933 
Letter 5: Euntes ergo, 2 October 1939 
Letter 6: Sincerus est, 11 March 1940
Letter 7: Quem per annos, 24 October 1942 
Letter 8: Legitima hominum, 31 May 1943 
…

Other Posts:
...

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Saturday, 22 November 2025

A Pocket Guide to the Mass - Michael Dubruiel

A Pocket Guide to the Mass  
Michael Dubruiel
ISBN 9781592762934
eISBN 9781612781860
ASIN B007R61N1A

A Pocket Guide to the Mass - Michael Dubruiel

After reading Dr Hahn’s A Pocket Guide to St. Paul from OSV I have been able to track down all but one in the series. I have been jumping around reading them. I have read books by Patrick before, and looked forward to working through this volume. Both the physical edition and eBook of this book appear to still be in print. This is an excellent little read.

The description of this volume states:

“Get the most out of the Mass... A Pocket Guide to the Mass walks you through the biblical basis of prayers, the meaning behind gestures, and a brief overview of the spirituality that brings Catholics together for the Eucharist each week.

Reenergize your time at Mass or help those who are new or returning to the Church with this quick and insightful overview. Rediscover the fullness of the Mass today!”

The chapters and sections in this booklet are:

Introduction
What Is the Mass?
A Prayer to Say before Mass
The Parts of the Mass
     Introductory Rites
     The Liturgy of the Word
     The Liturgy of the Eucharist
     Concluding Rites
A Prayer to Say after Mass
Meditation
The Emmaus Story: Encountering the Risen Christ at Mass
Notes

About the author we are informed:

“Born in Keene, NH. Michael Dubruiel had a Master's in Theology as well as an MA in Christian Spirituality.

He was the author of several books including "The How-To Book of the Mass," published by Our Sunday Visitor and still in print. 

Michael Dubruiel passed away on February 3, 2009.”

I highlighted a few passages while reading this volume, some of them are:

“In a book written before his election as Pope I Benedict XVI, then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger wrote of the dangers of the Mass losing its moorings—as the worship of God. He compared the present situation to that of the people of Israel, who in the desert, waiting for Moses to come down from the mountain, found God to be distant and aloof, leading them to conceive a ritual that was a celebration of the community alone.”

“This little book is meant to help you to experience that liberation—that freedom—from distress that comes when we forget that there is a God and that our very existence has everything to do with worshipping Him.”

“Jesus Christ, on the night before he died, celebrated the Jewish Passover meal with his disciples at the Last Supper. In the course of the meal, He gave new meaning to the ritual, declaring the bread that He blessed, broke, and gave to His disciples to be His Body, and the cup filled with wine to be His Blood that was of the New Covenant.”

“The prayers used at Mass have developed over the Church’s history. Many of them are taken directly from the Bible, and one prayer, the Creed, comes from several early Church councils (worldwide gatherings of bishops to discuss Church matters).”

“The Mass makes present the one sacrifice of Jesus on the cross at Calvary. All who participate in the Mass join their spiritual sacrifices to the one sacrifice of Christ, and through Him, they are offered to God the Father through the action of the Holy Spirit.”

“The English word homily comes from the Greek homilia, which simply means “discourse”—but in the Christian context, it came to mean a commentary on the Scriptures with the goal of explaining both the literal meaning of the texts and bringing out the spiritual meaning of them for us today.”

I hope those quotes give you a feel for this volume. There are not as many quotes as other volumes because much of the book was looking at the specific rubrics of the mass. This little volume is a great resource. It is an excellent volume that any Catholic or any Christian could benefit from reading. And it would be a great supplement to an RCIA program.

This is the one of two volumes in the series I believe that is still in print. It is a pity because the whole series is excellent. I have been able to track down and read 7 of the 8 volumes. The final I cannot find a copy that will ship to Canada for a reasonable price, or one in my budget. This is a great book in an excellent series. I encourage you to give this great volume a try.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Our Sunday Visitor Pocket Guide Series

Books by Michael's Dubruiel:
John Paul II's Biblical Way of the Cross  - with Amy Welborn
A Pocket Guide to Confession - 2009 Review
A Pocket Guide to Confession - 2025 Review
A Pocket Guide to the Mass
The How-to Book of the Mass: Everything You Need to Know but No One Ever Taught You
The Church's Most Powerful Novenas
How To Get The Most Out Of The Eucharist
Praying the Rosary: With the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries - with Amy Welborn
The Power of the Cross: Applying the Passion of Christ to Your Life 
Praying the Rosary: With the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, & Glorious Mysteries - with Amy Welborn
Praying in the Presence of Our Lord with Fulton J. Sheen
The Biblical Way of the Cross - with Amy Welborn 
...

Books in the OSV Pocket Guide Series:

Books in the Handy Little Series from OSV:
The Handy Little Guide to Confession - Michelle Jones Schroeder
The Handy Little Guide to the Holy Spirit - Michelle Schroeder
The Handy Little Guide to the Lent - Michelle Schroeder
The Handy Little Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours - Barb Szyszkiewicz
…

Handy Little Guides - Our Sunday Visitor

Books in the OSV Companion in Faith Series:
For Those Who Grieve - Jeannie Ewing
Living in Peace - Father Jeffrey Kirby
The Beatitudes - Kathleen M Basi
The Power of Forgiveness - Patrice Fagnant-Macarthur
…

Companion in Faith Series Our Sunday Visitor


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Friday, 21 November 2025

Illustrated Classic Christmas Carols - Katie Warner and Adalee Hude

Illustrated Classic Christmas Carols
Katie Warner
Adalee Hude (Illustrator) 
TAN Books
ISBN 9781505134865
eISBN 9781505137217
ASIN B0FXD7J29F

Illustrated Classic Christmas Carols - Katie Warner and Adalee Hude

This is the seventh volume I have read by Katie Warner, my youngest and I love her books even though they are well below her reading level. A number of years ago we read Cloud of Witnesses: A Child's First Book of Saints and loved it. A few years ago we read, Lily Lolek, Future Saint, and really enjoyed it. Both my daughter and I enjoyed this book; her because of her love of music and the season of Advent and Christmas; and me because of a deep devotion during the season. It is a wonderful volume, and we will continue to track down other works from Katie to read. The description of this volume is:

““Awake, mankind! For your sake God has become man . . . I tell you again: for your sake, God became man.”

—St. Augustine

Keep your family immersed in the wondrous Truth of the Christmas season with Illustrated Classic Christmas Carols. In this unique resource for children and adults alike, stunning classic artwork meets timeless, theologically rich Christmas hymns. With over twelve hymns, and reflections by Katie Warner on each one, even the littlest souls can learn to pray with the Truths contained in these hymns and not simply sing them.

Hymns include:

O Come, All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles)
Once in Royal David’s City
In the Bleak Midwinter
Angels We Have Heard on High

Teach your children the true meaning of Christmas and the hallmarks of our Faith while making lasting memories by the Christmas tree, around the piano, or at your holiday gatherings with Illustrated Classic Christmas Carols.”

Katie in the introduction states:

“It's that wonderful time in the liturgical year again: the hopeful anticipation of Advent, followed by me mystical joy of the Christ Child's coming at Christmas.

May this collection of artwork, reflections and hymns help prepare a place in your heart for Our Lord to dwell this holy season. Whether you sing these hymns as a family by your table or tree, with a group of carolers in neighborhoods or nursing homes, or with your parish as you prepare for and ponder the Incarnation together, lee the words sink deep and your voice raise high as we share with our dark world the good news that Christ has come to save us.

I truly hope this book becomes a treasured resource for you! Know that you are in my prayers, this holy season and always.”

The hymns covered in the book are:

Angels We Have Heard on High
Away in a Manger
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
In the Bleak Midwinter
It Came upon the Midnight Clear
Joy to the World
O Come, All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles)
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Veni, Veni Emmanuel)
O Holy Night
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Once in Royal David’s City
Silent Night
The First Noel
What Child Is This?
We Three Kings of Orient Are

A sample write up for a hump is:

“In the Bleak Midwinter

Christina Rosetti, 1872

“Notice the contrastsin this beautiful song: the cold, bleakness of winter meets the warmth and light of Christ; the glory of heaven descends to the poverty of earrth. God has lavished us with more than we could ever repay. But He longs for one thing from us: our love..”

Another is:

“O Holy Night

Placide Cappeau (author), 1847
Translated by John Dwight, 1855

The soul feels its worth when it encounters Christ. It is he whom we were made for! As Saint Augustine wrote, in his confessions, “our hearts are restless, until they find rest in You.” No wonder the evening of His birth is such a holy one. On this night, the world meets its Savior face to face! He turns things upside down – kings bowing before a Baby, slaves as brothers – and that God for that. Because we are not worthy of His love, yet He lavishes it upon us, Praise His name forever!”

This is a magnificent volume, for young readers, and for the young at heart. It can be used as a picture book for young readers or as a hymnal for the family. The book is set up with the music and lyrics on facing pages to the illustration and texts about the song. I enjoyed it just as much as my daughter. The illustrations are amazing. 

About the author we are informed:

“Katie Warner is a Catholic homeschooling mom and bestselling children’s book author. Her popular titles include Oremus: Latin Prayers for young Catholics and One Holy Marriage: The Story of Saints Louis and Zelie Martin. She has a graduate degree in Catholic Theology and lives in Georgia with her husband and fellow book-loving children.”

About the illustrator:

“Adalee Hude, a wife, mother to two beautiful adopted children (and several wee intercessors), and Catholic author and artist, runs Brightly Hude Studio. Fueled largely by prayer and tea, she has done illustration work for Catholic magazines, prayer journals, stickers, and several children’s books. Her own books include Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus: An introductory Latin Missal for Children, published by Tan Books, and Light of Heaven: A Children’s book of Saints, published by OSV.”

This is an excellent volume. It is a great book to add to the family, school, or church library. It is a great good book we can easily recommend.

Illustrated Classic Christmas Carols - Katie Warner and Adalee Hude Sample 1

Illustrated Classic Christmas Carols - Katie Warner and Adalee Hude Sample 2

Illustrated Classic Christmas Carols - Katie Warner and Adalee Hude Sample 3

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Katie Warner:
Head & Heart: Becoming Spiritual Leaders for Your Family
Gaze Upon Jesus: Experiencing Christ's Childhood through the Eyes of Women
A Grandparent Who Prays: A Journal to Guide You in Praying for Your Grandchildren
A Parent Who Prays: A Journal to Guide You in Praying for Your Children
A Sponsor Who Prays: A Journal to Guide You in Praying for Your Confirmand
A Godparent Who Prays: A Journal to Guide You in Praying for Your Godchild
Illustrated Classic Christmas Carols
…

For Children:
I Went to Mass: What did I See?
Cloud of Witnesses: A Child's First Book of Saints
Lily Lolek, Future Saint
Let Us Pray: A Child's First Book of Prayers 
The Word of the Lord: A Child's First Scripture Verses 
Kiddie Cat: A Child's First Catechism Lesson 
Father Ben Gets Ready for Mass 
This is the Church

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Thursday, 20 November 2025

Newearth Relevance - A. K. Frailey - Newearth Book 4

Newearth Relevance
Newearth Book 4
A.K. Frailey
A. K. Frailey Books
ISBN 9798999824127
ASIN B0FTFVRQ9F
ASIN B0FT3RKQ2L

Newearth Relevance - A. K. Frailey - Newearth Book 4

I have read a few of Ann’s adult fiction and non-fiction titles. I believe I have read her books a total of 12 times, and I have all the others on my ‘to be read’ pile, and have picked up all in eBook format. I absolutely love her stories and this one is another excellent offering. After book three which was a difficult read for me personally, I was hesitant when I began this one, and though it starts rough boy did things change, but I am getting ahead of myself.

The description of this volume states:

“On a mission to make a home for himself, Relevance, as Newearth’s first tribrid humanoid, founds LEAP Laboratories in partnership with an angry geneticist who harbors dystopian dreams. Together, they populate the woodlands with sentient animals called Animans, but when their goals diverge, Relevance finds himself trying to stop the very operation he brought into being. Haunting childhood rejection hurls him into reckless actions and blinds him to the harm he does to others. When his patients suffer tragically, he searches for answers and discovers that a grim truth offers more hope than an alluring lie. Family is more than DNA.”

Another is:

“Relevance, created as Newearth’s first tribrid humanoid by an enterprising scientist, is on a mission to make a home for himself. Partnering with a geneticist who has a secret mission of his own, Relevance forms LEAP Laboratories, where animals are brought to sentience. Haunting childhood rejection hurls him into reckless actions and blinds him to the harm he might do to others. When his patients suffer tragically, he searches for answers and discovers that a grim truth offers more hope than an alluring lie. Family is more than DNA.”

About the author we are informed:

“A. K. Frailey, an author of a historical sci-fi and science fiction series, short story collections, inspirational non-fiction books, a children’s book, and a poetry collection, has been writing for over ten years and has published 17 books.
 
Her novels expand from the OldEarth world to the Newearth universe-where deception rules but truth prevails. Her nonfiction work focuses on the intersection of motherhood, widowhood, practicing gratitude, and rediscovering joy.
 
As a teacher with a degree in Elementary Education, she has taught in Milwaukee, Chicago, L. A., and WoodRiver, and was a teacher trainer in the Philippines for Peace Corps. She earned a Masters of Fine Arts Degree in Creative Writing for Entertainment from Full Sail University. 

Ann homeschooled all eight of her children. She manages her rural homestead with her kids and their numerous critters. In her spare time, she serves as an election judge, a literacy tutor, and secretary/treasurer of her small town’s cemetery.”

I know I brought it up in my last 2 reviews of works by Frailey, but I need to state it again. About 30 years ago I went through a phase where I read 30 volumes from Madeleine L’Engle over about 18 months. I read her childrens books, her young adult fiction, her adult fiction, and her theology; anything I could lay my hands on. And thanks to some generous friends I was able to travel and meet her at a conference. Her works have had a lasting impact on me. And with the reading of the last three books I have read from Frailey, I can now say the same of her, I have read her fiction, her non-fiction, her poetry, and I plan on reading everything she has in print. I said something similar about Fly, Sparrow, Fly Oldtown Book 1 that time I was thinking more about L’Engle’s Chronos books, those set in real time. This volume and the other in the series I have read remind me more of her Kairos books. And Cerulean reminds me of Canon Tallis who spans both L’Engle’s  children’s fiction series but also her non-fiction and adult fiction books.

This is a story for the most part about humans tendencies to make mistakes; how some grow and change and improve from those mistakes, and others keep going further and further askew. Many years ago I did a week long healing course called The Divine Plumbline, we spend the week looking at our reactions to rejection from others, and rebellion against God. Both of those through things off. If you are building a brick wall, and some bricks are off to the front and some off to the back, eventually it all crumbles. This book brought back a lot of memories from that week, and the healing that began. But not all seek healing and not all seek forgiveness. Frailey has delved deep into what it means to be human, to be created, and to live in a fallen world. This story spans years, across families, friends, and even species. It is an epic science fiction story. If it was a standalone book it would be a great read, and the currently it is the culmination of 5 OldEarth novels, and 4 NewEarth novels. And I can only hope we will have many more stories set in this universe. 

C.S. Lewis stated:

“Fallen man is not simply an imperfect creature who needs improvement. He is a rebel who must lay down his arms. Laying down your arms, surrendering, saying you are sorry, realizing that you have been on the wrong track and getting ready to start life over again from the ground floor - that is the only way out of a hole. This process of surrender - this movement full speed astern - is repentance”

Frailey captures this so well in this story and series. I will state it again Frailey is a modern day L’Engle, and this is an excellent offering from her pen. It is a story you will find hard to put down. It is moving on many levels. It is the latest in an amazing series! When you finish you will be desperate to know what happens next. 

It is a masterfully written story. I highly recommend this story, give it a try it is science fiction at its best.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2022 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by A.K. Frailey:

Old Earth Series:
OldEarth ARAM Encounter
OldEarth Ishtar Encounter
OldEarth Neb Encounter
OldEarth Georgios Encounter
OldEarth Melchior Encounter
…

New Earth Series:
NewEarth: Justine Awakens
NewEarth A Hero's Crime
...

Oldtown Series:

Wise Home Series:
Wise Home on Lily Pad Pond
…

Non-Fiction:
My Road Goes Ever On A Timeless Journey
…

Note: Old series that got reworked into other series:

Deliverance Series:
ARAM
Ishtar's Redemption: Trial by Fire
NEB the Great: Shadows of the Past
…

Hidden Heritage Series:
Georgios
Georgios II - A Chosen People
…

OldEarth and NewEarth Series by A. K. Frailey
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Wednesday, 19 November 2025

A Pocket Guide to Confession - Michael Dubruiel

A Pocket Guide to Confession  
Michael Dubruiel
ISBN 9781592763313
eISBN 9781612781853
ASIN B01F43I888

A Pocket Guide to Confession - Michael Dubruiel

After reading Dr Hahn’s A Pocket Guide to St. Paul from OSV I have been able to track down all but one in the series. I have been jumping around reading them. I have read books by Michael before, and looked forward to working through this volume. I am always interested in reading about confessions, and consider it absolutely central to my faith and life. At the time of writing this review this book and series appear to be out of print. It has been fewer than 20 years since it released, and not even the eBook appears to be available currently. While reading this it seemed very familiar, I read and reviewed it in 2009, for that original review click here. This is a wonderful little read.

The description of this volume states:

“This pocket guide is meant to serve as an aid to such a varied group as those:

Confess regularly. 
Are becoming Catholic. 
Are making their First Confession. 
Have been away from this sacrament for some time. 
Are waiting for a sign that God can forgive whatever horrible sin has been committed. 

You will find:

Answers to basic questions about Confession. 
Helps to preparing to make a good Confession by examining your conscience and praying before you celebrate the sacrament. 
A walk through the sacrament. 
How to use the experience of the Apostle Peter as a model for your own ongoing conversion to Jesus Christ.”

The chapters and sections in this booklet are:

Introduction
Questions and Answers about Confession
Examining Your Conscience before Confession
A Prayer to Say before Confessing Your Sins
The Elements of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation (Confession)
     Entering the Confessional or Reconciliation Room
     Reception of the Penitent
     The Liturgy of the Word (optional)
     Confession and Penance
     Act of Contrition
     Absolution
     Dismissal
Prayers to Say after Confession
      (Along with Your Penance)
Meditation: Making Confession a
Life-Changing Experience
Notes

I highlighted a few passages while reading this volume, some of them are:

“Claire Furia Smith, in her book Catholicism: Now I Get It!, confessed that when she made her first confession she took a list and a flashlight with her — the list so she wouldn't forget what she had done and the flashlight so she-would be able to see the list in the dark confessional. In some ways, Claire's first experience is enlightening: going to confession is all about shedding light on our darkness — letting the light of Christ redefine who God created us to be and letting go of all that tends to define us when we hold on to our list of misdeeds.”

“This great sacrament that Jesus has given to the Church offers each of us the opportunity to once again leave behind whatever the “such were some of you” might be in our own lives and reclaim our new identity — not based on our sinfulness, but on the purpose for which God has created us.”

“This great sacrament that Jesus has given to the Church offers each of us the opportunity to once again leave behind whatever the “such were some of you” might be in our own lives and reclaim our new identity — not based on our sinfulness, but on the purpose for which God has created us.”

“Father Tadeusz Dajczer points out in his excellent book on the spiritual life, The Gift of Faith,’ that there are two ways to experience the sacrament of Reconciliation. The first is an egocentric (meaning a me-centered) way. The second is a theocentric (meaning a God-centered) way. He points out that many times we go to confession in order to feel better about ourselves (an egocentric way) and not out of any real sense that we have hurt God by our actions (a theocentric way).”

“Our sins rupture our relationship with God. They hurt Him. An analogy might help us understand this better. When a child rejects the love of his or her parents, the parents are hurt by this act. They do not stop loving the child, in fact they suffer all the more because of their love and concern for the child.”

“This is not only a sacrament of healing, but it is also a sacrament of conversion. When you and I celebrate it with the aim of truly repenting — changing the way we think about the world we live in and viewing it as Christ has taught us and continues to teach us through His Church — then we will be transformed by the Holy Spirit.”

“We should realize that just as Christ founded the Church and the Church is His Body, we who are in Christ hurt not only God when we sin but the Church. One only has to think of how the sins of Christians damage the visible sign of Christ in the world through His Church.”

“What steps must one follow in order to celebrate this sacrament fruitfully?
1. Examination of conscience (review one’s relationship with God and others)
2. Contrition/repentance (sorrow for one’s sins and a desire to not sin again)
3. Confess sins (tell one’s sins to a priest)
4. Satisfaction (perform the penance given by the priest)”

“The priest will then impose a penance. He may ask you to say certain prayers or to do a charitable work. If for some reason, you feel you cannot do it — for instance, you don’t know the prayer he asks you to do as a penance — you should tell him. He may modify the penance or tell you where you can find the prayer. Your fulfillment of the penance is called making satisfaction and it is an important element of the sacrament.”

“Some sample penances include but certainly are not limited to:
     Say three Our Fathers
    Perform an act of kindness
     Say a prayer for the person you have hurt”

I hope those quotes give you a feel for this volume. This little volume is a n excellent little read. From what I have read from Michael’s pen and in this series I am not surprised! It is easy to engage with. This volume could be read by a secondary school student. It is an excellent volume that any Catholic or any Christian would benefit from reading. I should note I read and reviewed this volume in 2009, but wanted to read it again while working through the whole series.

I just wish this book and the series were still in print, I have already tracked down a few used copies to pass on to others.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Our Sunday Visitor Pocket Guide Series

Books by Michael's Dubruiel:
John Paul II's Biblical Way of the Cross  - with Amy Welborn
A Pocket Guide to Confession - 2009 Review
A Pocket Guide to Confession - 2025 Review
A Pocket Guide to the Mass
The How-to Book of the Mass: Everything You Need to Know but No One Ever Taught You
The Church's Most Powerful Novenas
How To Get The Most Out Of The Eucharist
Praying the Rosary: With the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries - with Amy Welborn
The Power of the Cross: Applying the Passion of Christ to Your Life 
Praying the Rosary: With the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, & Glorious Mysteries - with Amy Welborn
Praying in the Presence of Our Lord with Fulton J. Sheen
The Biblical Way of the Cross - with Amy Welborn 
...

Books in the OSV Pocket Guide Series:

Books in the Handy Little Series from OSV:
The Handy Little Guide to Confession - Michelle Jones Schroeder
The Handy Little Guide to the Holy Spirit - Michelle Schroeder
The Handy Little Guide to the Lent - Michelle Schroeder
The Handy Little Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours - Barb Szyszkiewicz
…

Handy Little Guides - Our Sunday Visitor

Books in the OSV Companion in Faith Series:
For Those Who Grieve - Jeannie Ewing
Living in Peace - Father Jeffrey Kirby
The Beatitudes - Kathleen M Basi
The Power of Forgiveness - Patrice Fagnant-Macarthur
…

Companion in Faith Series Our Sunday Visitor


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