33 Days to Morning Glory:
A Do-It-Yourself Retreat In Preparation for Marian Consecration
Michael E. Gaitley
Marian Press
ASIN B00DJDZMXK
ISBN 9781596142442
This was the third book by Father Michael E. Gaitley that I have read this year, but my introduction to his writing was his piece in the collection Beautiful Mercy. But this book I worked through with a group on facebook. This book is an incredible read. Often when writing reviews of non-fiction books I will draw a few quotes from the book that I highlighted while reading the book. But during my first read through of this book I highlighted 78 passages.
In this book Father Gaitley looks at the history of Marian consecration through three sets of eyes, first through the historical eyes of St. Luis de Montfort, and next those of St. Maximilian Kolbe and finally St. Mother Teresa. Working throught this book either in a group or individually will be an amazing experience.
The sections in this book are:
In Gratitude
Acknowledgements
Introduction
WEEK ONE: St. Louis de Montfort
WEEK TWO: St. Maximilian Kolbe
WEEK THREE: Blessed Mother Teresa
WEEK FOUR: Blessed John Paul II
FINAL FIVE DAYS: Synthesis and Review
DAY OF CONSECRATION
APPENDIX ONE: Prayers
APPENDIX TWO: Devotions
Endnotes
Cheat Sheet
More Resources on Mary
I have heard a lot about Marian consecration over the last few years. But I had also heard that St. Louis de Montfort's method was very complicated. So I had never really looked into it. Then author James Hahn started a group wot work through this book together, and I jumped at the chance to work through this.
Father Gaitley does an incredible job of drawing from numerous sources to highlight the meaning behind consecration. He draws extensively from popes and also the three saints that we specifically use as a framework for out teaching. In the introduction Father Gaitley states: "Marian consecration basically means giving Mary our full permission (or as much permission as we can) to complete her motherly task in us, which is to form us into other Christs.". One of the the things I appreciated most about this self-retreat is the prayer. I found that through the daily reading and short prayers each day my own prayer life intensified. I arose early each day to work through that day's chapter, to reflect upon it. I found it often coming back throughout the day. Another quote from Fr. Gaitley that really hit me was "A person practices purity of intention when he directs his thoughts, words, and actions not to himself or another creature but to a divine purpose or mission, and ultimately to God." And really as Christians that should be a goal for all of us.
I have always had closeness to Mary our mother, even when away from the Catholic church for a while. This book helped me understand theologically and experientially Mary and her role in my life in a fuller way. Father Gaitley states: "Mary's new motherhood is not some vague or abstract sort of thing. It's concrete and personal. And even though it's universal, it's also intensely particular. Mary is your mother. She is my mother." And she is. And this book will help youi grow in understanding that.
This was an incredible read and I highly recommend it and look forward to reading more by Father Gaitley.
Books by Michael E. Gaitley:
33 Days to Morning Glory
33 Days to Merciful Love
40 Days to Mercy
Consoling the Heart of Jesus
Divine Mercy Explained
The Divine Mercy Image Explained
The One Thing Is Three
The Second Greatest Story Ever Told
You Did It To Me
Marian Missionaries of Divine Mercy Missionary Handbook
Nine Days to Joseph: A Novena in Preparation for Consecration to St. Joseph
DVD Series by Father Michael E. Gaitley:
Divine Mercy In The Second Greatest Story Ever Told
You Did It to Me: Putting Mercy Into Action
33 Days to Morning Glory - Group Retreat
Consoling The Heart Of Jesus - Group Retreat
Wisdom And Works Of Mercy - Group Study Dvd
Contributed to:
Beautiful Mercy
Divine Mercy for Moms
(Note: this books is part of a series: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)
Dark Wyng
Erth Dragons Book 2
Chris D'Lacey
Orchard Books
ISBN 9781408332504
ASIN B01E4AQVA4
In under a year I have read 16 books including this one by Chris d'Lacey. It is easy to say that currently he is one of my favourite all time children's and young adult authors. And this book was worth the wait. I find it hard to start series when I do not know how many books there will be or as they just are beginning; in part because the wait for the next volume can be so hard. And for someone in North America where this particular series is being released more than a year behind those in Europe makes it even harder to wait. But d'Lacey's writing is so addictive I had to start this series and am hooked.
In the previous book The Wearle, we find out about a second dragon colony come to Erth they have found out what happened to the previous colony but things are still amiss. Ren a young hom 'Human' boy can speak dragon tongue and is now with the two dragon children. A dark stranger has come into the remains of the Kaal village and is challenging the men and bewitching the women. There is unrest in the dragon colony and strange events stirring up both the dragons and the humans. And Ren is stuck in the middle with only a few dragons he can or does trust.
This tale was a little stranger than the first volume in the series. And there is far more action. There are battles with dark forces, and what appears to be a dragon legend coming to life again. Ren must figure out the pieces if he would save is tribe and those dragons he cares for. He is stuck now not in the middle of just humans and dragons but also the beginnings of some fractions within the dragon kingdom. He certainly has had a lot of problems all stemming from a curious boy who wanted to know more about the dragons who had driven his people from their ancestral home.
This book was very hard to put down. In fact I stayed up reading much, much later than I should have just to finish it. Book 1 on this series was the first book I finished in 2016, and ranked at the top of the 177 books I read in 2015. This book is an excellent follow up, that unfortunately leaves you wanting the next book, which likely will not be out for at least a year.
Another amazing book by Chris d'Lacey!
The Whites of Their Eyes
Benjamin Pratt & Keepers of the School Book 3
Andrew Clements
Adam Stower (Illustrator)
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
A Division of Simon and Schuster
ISBN 9781416939092
ASIN B00710PTCG
Having read 11 books by Andrew Clements in under a year I can now state he is one of my favourite middle grade authors ever. For the most part his books are a realistic fiction, but this series stretches that further than any other books of his I have read. This book represents the midpoint of this series, book 3 of 5. It follows directly after Fear Itself, which followed We the Children. In this volume the action really heats up and the days are counting down until The Oakes School will be demolished and the property turned into a theme park.
In this volume Ben and Jill are trying to follow the clues to the secrets that were left behind that were intended to save the school. But because janitor Lyman is onto them they need to expand the team. They bring in the least likely partner and Ben's lifelong rival, Robert Gerritt. And every time they think they have found something that will save the school, the tables get turned on them. And time is ticking away. And yet the kids are determined and even have a few adults on their side.
This book really begins to explore some deeper themes, we have Ben dealing with the separation of his parents and their imminent divorce. Also we have Robert who has lost both his parents and is being raised by his grandmother. And Jill is dealing with her parents constantly fighting at home. They are also trying desperately to save their school, and now Lyman has rigged the school with sensors and even a beast of a dog after hours. Their troubles just keep mounting up.
Adam Stower does dome wonderful illustrations to supplement the story. There are a number of full pages illustrations and also numerous smaller pieces throughout the book. And the story has really picked up its pace. Children will stay glued to the pages wanting to find out what will happen next.
Clements writes great characters. I often find myself thinking about characters from other of his books and wondering what they are up to now. With this being one of his only three series after finishing this volume I am constantly wondering what will happen next. In this volume we see some huge character growth, both in Jill and Ben, especially in Ben as he revaluates his lifelong rivalry with Robert. Reading this book will likely spark some reflection in children, and how they relate to others especially those they struggle to get along with.
I have been hooked on Clements's books for almost a year now, and this series recently, I look forward to finding this series and reading many more books by this gifted storyteller.
Books by Andrew Clements:
Bird Adalbert
Noah and the Ark and the Animals
Santa's Secret Helper
Temple Cat
Mother Earth's Counting Book
Billy and the Bad Teacher
Who Owns the Cow
Bright Christmas: An Angel Remembers
Frindle
(Adapter)Philipp's Birthday Book
Riff's BeBop Book
Real Monsters Go for the Mold
Things That Go EEK on Halloween
Real Monsters Stage Fright
Music Time, Any Time
Double Trouble in Walla Walla
Workshop
Gromble's Haunted Halloween
Hey Dad, Could I Borrow Your Hammer
The Landry News
Look Who's in the Thanksgiving Play
The Mouse Family
The Janitor's Boy
Circus Family Dog
The Christmas Kitten
The School Story
Things Not Seen
The Jacket
A Week in the Woods
Slippers at Home
Naptime for Slippers
The Report Card
The Last Holiday Concert
Slippers at School
Slippers Loves to Run
A Million Is a Lot of Dots
Lunch Money
Things Hoped For
Room One: A Mystery or Two
No Talking
Things That Are
Lost and Found
Extra Credit
Troublemaker
About Average
The Map Trap
The Friendship War
The Losers Club
...
Pets to the Rescue Series
Ringo Saves the Day!
Brave Norman
Tara and Tiree, Fearless Friends
Delores and the Big Fire
Jake Drake Series
Jake Drake Know-It-All
Jake Drake, Bully Buster
Jake Drake, Teacher's Pet
Jake Drake, Class Clown
Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers of the School Series
We the Children
Fear Itself
The Whites of Their Eyes
In Harm's Way
We Hold These Truths
Reading program Books
Karen's Island
Three Wishes for Buster
Bill Picket: An American Original, Texas Style
Hurricane Andrew
Ham and Eggs for Jack
Life in the Desert
Desert Treasure
Inventors: Making Things Better, Steck-Vaughn
Milo's Great Invention
The Autobiography of James T. Kirk
David A. Goodman
Titan Books
ISBN 9781783297467
eISBN 9781783297474
ASIN B00R049OOM
Having been a Star Trek fan for as long as I can remember, when I saw this book I knew it was a must read. Unfortunately I read the introduction almost a year ago, and then it got lost in my giant 'to be read pile', only to resurface this week and be devoured in two days. As a long-time fan it was a fascinating read. Once I started it was hard to put down. From the forward by Leonard H. McCoy to an Afterward by Spock of Vulcan this book will bring back memories. From events we know, to their back story, to personal insight. The book is truly written in the voice of James T. Kirk.
James T. Kirk was one of the first hero's I remember having, before movie stars, before athletes, and even before rock stars. This was James T. kirk, a man who believed in himself, and his crew. A man who would try and think his way out of a problem and if he could not was willing to fight, no matter what it took to get the job done. And this book came out on the 49th anniversary of those original stories. This book stays true to the classic Star Trek canon and pulls from the tv show, animated series and the movies.
The book is written in Kirk's voice, written as a series of recollections, mostly linear, telling his story in his own words. But he also shares a lot of personal reflections both from the time of the incidents and looking back on them. He shares some stories that we are not privy to through any other means. The book also contains a number of photo's, paintings and memorabilia of Kirk and his time. Towards the end of the narrative Kirk reflects: "My collaborator, upon reading an early draft, noted that he was surprised I didn't mention any of the commendations I received from Starfleet, and I had to examine that. I realized that the medals I have do remind me of my victories, and that's the problem. The Duke of Wellington said, "Nothing except a battle lost can be half so melancholy as a battle won." Too many people died for me to win those medals. And all those victories I suppose made it hard for me to connect, to foster relationships and a life. I just kept going back to being a captain. In that chair, I felt like I accomplished a lot; it felt like I helped more people than I hurt. I hope that's true." And he shares those stories and those regrets with us.
This book was very well written, it really does read as if we were experiencing Kirk's own autobiography. The editor David A. Goodman has done a masterful job of pulling the stories together and giving a very enjoyable read. It has been a few decades since I have read a Star Trek novel. And even with all the other series and even now the reboot of the franchise, there is something about classic Kirk that will always strike a chord. While reading this book I could not help but picture William Shatner narrating the book. For a life well imagined, and the inspiration is has provided thank you! Well worth the read for fans both old and new!
A Little Taste of Poison
Uncommon Magic Book 2
R.J. Anderson
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
A Division of Simon and Schuster
ISBN 9781481437745
eISBN 9781481437769
ASIN B01BKR47LO
I recently had the privilege of attending a book launch in Waterloo region that had four local authors. I had already read and reviewed two of the books and had read other books by those authors. But this event was my introduction to R.J. Anderson and her wonderful writing. And even though this is book two in a series after hearing the author read the opening chapter I read this book through and have only now gone back to read book one. This book continues a few months after book one, but not having read it this story does have the strength to stand alone.
This is a very interesting read, it is a story about friendship, and standing up for what is right. Isaveth is still trying to get evidence on the man responsible for framing her father. She is doing so with that man's brother, Esmond, one of the few people who seem to recognize the true nature of their foe. Isaveth has been given a scholarship to learn Sagery at the academy. But she has a lot stacked against her, first she is a commoner, second she belongs to a religious minority the Moshites. And third her father was recently accused of murder and organizing unions. So even though being at the school is a wonderful opportunity, Isaveth soon finds out it is also full of prejudice and enemies both old and new. And no matter how good she does in her classes things keep getting worse and worse for her.
There is a lot of adventure in this book, for a 12 years old girl who is a little head strong and determined to do all she can for her family. And for the second son of the sage lord who seems to be in conflict with everyone but Isaveth.
In this book we have a world powered by magic, but there are two types of magic, common magic that is baked and can be used by almost anyone and sagery which works with charms and often only works for those who make it. This magic is used for heat, light, transportation and more. The book is written with a brisk pace of action. With a number of small side plots that eventually all come together. It some ways it reads like a magical Agatha Christie book.
And though this book was my introduction to R.J. Anderson's writings it will defiantly not be my last. It was an excellent little read and I look forward to reading Isaveth and Esmond's earlier adventure and also other books from Anderson.
Books by R.J. Anderson:
Faery Rebels Series:
Knife
Rebel
Arrow
Ivy of the Delve Series:
Swift
Noman
Ultraviolet Series:
Ultraviolet
Quicksilver
Uncommon Magic Series:
A Pocket Full Of Murder
A Little Taste of Poison
Into the Deep:
Finding Peace Through Prayer
Dan Burke
Wellspring Publishing
formerly
Beacon Publishing for
Dynamic Catholic
ISBN 9781942611530
eISBN 9781929266777
ASIN B01M0UNERN
I was interested in this book because of the publisher, but once I read the forward by Matthew Kelly I was even more excited to be reading this incredible book on prayer. The bible has numerous passages about prayer. And there are literally thousands of books written about prayer, so you might be asking yourself, why another. And the answer is that Dan Burke has spent years teaching Catholics and other Christians this method of prayer. In the introduction Dan states: "The bottom line? If you want something to go right in life, pray! God didn't make us for the purpose of abandoning us to meaningless toil and suffering. The reality is that he wants to work with us in life so that we can know a kind of abundance that cannot be known outside of a relationship with him." And to be honest we all if we are honest would admit our prayer life could be a little better.
The Chapters in this book are:
Foreword
Introduction: Why Pray?
One: Your Desire for God, God's Desire for You
Two: Discovery Prayer
Three: Essential Elements for Progress in Prayer
Four: Making a Solemn Commitment to God
Five: Step-by-Step into the Presence of God
Six: Winning the Battle of Prayer
Seven: Experiencing God in Prayer
A Final Word of Encouragement: Be Scrappy
I have read through this book twice now, and know that I will do so again. I could prattle on about how great it is, and I do believe it is a great book. But I want to give you a series of quotes from the book that highlight some of the teaching Dan Burke shares with us through this volume.
"Discovery Prayer is a modern name for an ancient but ever new practice called Lectio Divina (a Latin phrase that means "Divine Reading"); this practical method will build a strong foundation for an ongoing prayer life."
"Sacred Time: As with any serious attempt to progress in the spiritual life, prayer requires time and patience. There has never been anyone who experienced significant progress in prayer without a daily commitment to meet with God."
"Sacred Space: Jesus instructed his followers to pray in secret in their "inner room" (see Matthew 6:6). It is ideal to create a space dedicated to prayer and nothing else. You might think this is not feasible, but it only requires a few feet of space."
"The goal is not to mechanically execute the method, but to honor and seek God."
"Similarly, when we consecrate something to God, we are giving something to him that we would not ever dare take back."
"To sum up Discovery Prayer: Reading seeks, reflection finds, responding engages, resting tastes, and the person who experiences an authentic encounter with God resolves."
"The Catechism reveals that prayer is a battle. It is a battle against the world, the flesh, and the devil-all the things that seek to distract us from our pursuit of God."
"If you are ready to get scrappy in your prayer life, there is no better time than now. Be scrappy, my friends, and you will know a joy and peace that you never thought possible."
Some pretty powerful stuff for a few quick quotes. But the whole book is about this method of prayer, and how to start it and how to grow the practice.
The Method:
"Reading: Performing an attentive, slow, leisurely, and repetitious reading of a short passage of the Bible
Reflecting: Making an effort to prayerfully engage with the meaning of the passage and to consider how it may apply to your life circumstances
Responding: Conversing with God about the passage
Resting: Allowing yourself to rest and remain absorbed in the words of God; allowing or inviting the Holy Spirit to draw you more deeply into his presence through what you've read
Resolving: Allowing the encounter with God to permeate your day, causing you to draw near to him through his self-revelation and unique call to you to participate with him in the redemption of the world"
This book is a powerful tool in on spiritual growth workbench. It will teach you this method of prayer, and motivate you to practice it and pursue a deeper relationship with the father, the Holy Spirit and the Son. It can be an excellent resource for a new Christian to begin this walk, or for the lifelong Christian to again go deeper with God.
There are a few really great things about this book. First the style of Dan's writing is easy to access and engaging. Second the number of examples at the end of the book, short interviews with different people of all walks of life who have used this practice to grow their faith. And finally that it is immediately applicable. You can read the book and even start practising as you are reading.
Overall this was an incredible read and I highly recommend it! So read this book and get scrappy in your prayer life.
Books by Daniel Burke:
Navigating the Interior Life - Spiritual Direction and the Journey to God
Finding God Through Meditation-St. Peter of Alcantara
30 Days with Teresa of Avila
Into the Deep
Living the Mystery of Merciful Love: 30 Days with Thérèse of Lisieux
Heart to Heart:
Meeting With God in the Lord's Prayer
Rachel Starr Thomson
Little Dozen Press
ISBN 9780973959154
ASIN B006QL167I
Rachel Staff Thompson is the first author I can think of that I discovered through a Facebook ad. It was actually for her Oneness Cycle books, but when I found out she had written a non-fiction book about the Lord's Prayer I had to give it a read. This book was a great little read, in many ways it was a reminder. It strives to make our faith personal. And I have found that the longer I am serious about my Christian faith the harder I need to work to prevent it from becoming just head knowledge. This book helps us return to the heart.
The chapters in this book are:
Introduction
Father!
Our Father…
Something More
Father in Heaven
Hallowed
Hallowed Be Thy Name
Reality
Thy Kingdom Come
Trust
Thy Will Be Done
Longing
Give Us This Day
Song of the Forgiven
As We Forgive, Forgive Us
Delivered
Deliver Us From Evil
The Hymn of Creation
Thine Is
The book is a mix of prose, poetry and quotes. Rachel draws from a number of sources to support her own reflections on this prayer. Rachel draws from church history, other Christians and passages from the bible to enhance her points. Coming in at under a hundred pages it is a quick and easy read. But it is also short enough that you could go back and easily reread it a few times to help sink in the teachings and as a refresher from time to time.
I really enjoyed this little book, and thing it will benefit your faith journey. Also after reading this non-fiction book I am even more excited to check out some of her fiction offerings.
(Note: This nook is currently available for free on Rachel's site.)
Books by Rachel Starr Thomson:
Taerith
Theodore Pharris Saves the Universe
Angel in the Woods
Lady Moon
Reap the Whirlwind
The Babel Chip
Blue Violet on the Meadow
Fifty Shades of Loved
Heart to Heart: Meeting With God in the Lord's Prayer
Letters to a Samuel Generation
Tales of the Heartily Homeschooled
Seventh World Trilogy:
Worlds Unseen
Burning Light
Coming Day
Oneness Cycle:
Exile
Hive
Attack
Renegade
Rise
The Prophet Trilogy:
Abaddon' s Eve
Comes the Dragon
Short Stories:
Magdalene
Butterflies Dancing
Fallen Star
Orges Is
Journey
Wayfer's Dream
The City Came Creaping
War With the Muse
Shields of the Earth
Of Men and Bones
