Confirmed A Treasury of Faith & Prayer - Catholic Truth Society

Confirmed: A Treasury of Faith & Prayer

Catholic Truth Society

ISBN 9781784691851

CTS Booklet D821

Over the last several years I have read 358 different volumes from the Catholic Truth Society, many of them more than once. I have nearly 200 others I want to read. And each year they come out with new ones that often end up on my wish list. I picked this one up for my youngest daughter as a confirmation gift. It was an instant hit, so much so I have had to order a copy for her older brothers. And if there was an eBook edition available I would grab a digital copy for myself. This book is well put together great binding, and craftsmanship. It is a prayer book that should last my daughter a lifetime. The only complaint is the single ribbon, should has already added a few more.

The description of this book is:

“This treasury of faith and prayer includes everything the newly-Confirmed need to live life in the Church. Both prayer book and a guide to the Catholic faith, Confirmed contains an abundance of prayers, including basic prayers, traditional Catholic prayers such as the Angelus and the Divine Mercy Chaplet, morning and evening prayers, prayers to Our Lady, a collection of litanies and novenas, and prayers for various needs and occasions.

As a guidebook, Confirmed helpfully explains various Catholic prayers and practices, such as going to Confession, visiting the Blessed Sacrament, what a novena is, how to pray the rosary. The Order of Mass is also included, as are various forms of the Examination of Conscience.

Meanwhile, the newly confirmed are offered a reminder of the essentials of Catholic teaching, in addition to an in-depth explanation of the sacrament of Confirmation and the adult faith. Guidance is also given on how to live your Christian faith, and frequently asked questions on the faith are answered.

A beautifully designed, accessible book for people of all ages who are being confirmed, or have been confirmed. An ideal Confirmation gift.”

The chapters and section in this volume are:

The Effects of Confirmation

Basic Prayers

     Our Father

     Hail Mary

     Glory be to the Father

     I Believe (The Apostles Creed)

     Act of Faith

     Act of Hope

     Act of Charity

     Commendation

     Act of Resignation

     For the Faithfully Departed

     For help

     Prayer before a Crucifix

Morning & Evening Prayer

Morning Prayer

     Psalm 99

     The Benedictus (Luke 1:68-79)

     Intercessions

     Concluding prayer

     Offering

     Morning offering

During the Day

     The Angelus

Evening Prayer

     Hymn

     Psalm 16

     Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55)

     Intercessions

     On going to bed

Prayers to the Holy Spirit

     Veni Creator Spiritus

     Veni Sancte Spiritus

     Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Penitential Prayers

     Sacrament of Reconciliation

     Essential elements of a good confession

     Prayer before Confession

     The Confiteor

     An Act of Contrition

     Examination of Conscience

          Sins against God

          Sins against myself and others

          For Spouses

          For Parents

          For Young People

     Going to Confession

          Reception

          The Word of God

          Reconciliation

          After Confession

     The Way of the Cross

Devotional Prayers of the Church

The Divine Mercy

          The Chaplet of Divine Mercy

The Litany of the Divine Mercy

Prayers to Our Lady

The Holy Rosary

The Hail Holy Queen

Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Memorare

The Regina Caeli

Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions

Prayer to St Ignatius

Prayer of St Richard of Chichester

Prayer to my guardian angel

Prayer to St Michael

Prayer for Life

In Temptation

In Trouble

In Sickness and Pain

Prayer for Chastity

In Thanksgiving

Prayer for the Pope

Prayer for Priests

Prayer for Vocations

Prayer for Others

Prayer for Christian Unity

Prayer for Peace

The Order of the Mass

Introductory Rites

The Liturgy of the Word

The Liturgy of the Eucharist

The Communion Rite

If You Can’t Get to Mass

Acts of Spiritual Communion

Prayers for Holy Communion

Prayer before Mass

Before Holy Communion

Prayer for Help

Act of Faith

Act of Humility

Act of Sorrow

Act of Adoration

Act of Love and Desire

Prayer of St Thomas Aquinas

Receiving Holy Communion

After Holy Communion

I give you thanks

Act of Faith

Act of Adoration

Act of Humility

Act of Love

Act of Thanksgiving

Act of Offering

For Yourself

For Perseverance

A Visit to the Blessed Sacrament

The Secret of Joy

Our God is a God of Joy

The Holy Spirit, Teacher of Divine Joy

Love and Joy in God

Prayers to the Holy Spirit

The Fruits of the Holy Spirit A Novena

Hymns

Veni Creator Spiritus

Hymn to St Philip

Litany of the Holy Spirit

The Litany of St Philip

Litanies to the Saints

Litanies – A Short History

Litany of the Saints

Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Litany of St Joseph

Novenas to the Saints

What is a Novena?

Novena to St Thomas Aquinas

Novena to St Josephine Bakhita

Novena to St Joseph

Novena Prayer to St George

Prayer to St George

Novena to St Dymphna

Novena to St Anthony of Padua

Novena to St Martha

Novena to Maximilian Kolbe

Novena to St Jude

Novena to St Martin de Porres

Novena to Blessed Charles de Foucauld

Living Life to the Full

Not Just following the Rules

Friendship with God

How to Decide

Tough Decisions

Honest Relationships

The Kingdom of God

As can be seen by the list above, it packs in a lot of prayers into this compact volume. It is a great book for confirmation preparation, confirmation, and even beyond. I just really wish there was an eBook edition. That way they could keep it on them at all times. This is an incredible resource. This would be a wonderful addition to any child’s library, church, home or school library as well.

An excellent resource the whole family loves, and one we can easily recommend.  

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2023 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.

Visits to the Blessed Sacrament and the Blessed Virgin Mary - Saint Alphonsus María de Liguori - TAN Books

Visits to the Blessed Sacrament

and the Blessed Virgin Mary

Saint Alphonsus María de Liguori

TAN Books

ISBN 9780895556677

eISBN 9781618903136

ASIN B00ET69DE0

Late in high school in the mid 80’s I went through a phase where I was fascinated by Saint Alphonsus María de Liguori. At the time I purchased and read a few volumes from TAN, I remember them as all having white covers and being very thing paperbacks. I struggled with the volumes but wanted to emulate the saint. Now 30ish years later I returned to his works again from Tan, and this time as part of  Father Mark Goring’s Saint Mark’s School of Reading. It was read in May of 2023. And Each Monday Father Mark released a video teaching. This volume has 31 reflections and May has 31 days and we were encouraged to read one a day for the month. The description of this volume is:

“After she died, St. Teresa of Avila appeared to one of her nuns and said: “There should be no difference, as far as purity and love are concerned, between the blessed in Heaven and the faithful on earth, though we are perfectly happy and you are suffering. What the Divine Essence is to us in Heaven, the Blessed Sacrament should be to you on earth.” “Here, then,” says St. Alphonsus, “is our heaven on earth—the Most Blessed Sacrament.” This book was conceived and written to help us grow in the knowledge and love of God and in appreciation for what He has done for us by giving us the Blessed Sacrament. For each of the 31 days of the month, St. Alphonsus provides for us a “Visit to Our Lord”—which is a brief meditation on and a fervent prayer of love toward Jesus in the most Blessed Sacrament. Each Visit to Our Lord is followed by a “Visit to Our Lady.” The latter are short meditations on and prayers of great confidence in her powerful help—even for the most wretched and forsaken of sinners. At each Visit, the reader is to make an “Act of Spiritual Communion,” which will help enflame his heart with greater love of God. Through this little book, St. Alphonsus leads a person to appreciate Our Lord’s great love for us in the Blessed Sacrament, to love Him in return, and to consecrate his life to Him. Visits to the Blessed Sacrament by St. Alphonsus Liguori is a perennial favorite among Catholic prayer books, as well as one of the most famous and best-loved Catholic books ever published”

And another description is:

“This TAN Books edition of “Visits to the Blessed Sacrament” by St. Alphonsus Liguori, features:

- The complete original text, edited and re-typeset by TAN Books

- A supplemental reading section entitled “Novena of Holy Communions” exclusive to this eBook edition

- Eight pieces of classic artwork exclusive to this eBook edition

Visits to the Blessed Sacrament:

"Here, then," says St. Alphonsus, "is our heaven on earth--the Most Blessed Sacrament." This book was conceived and written to help us grow in the knowledge and love of God and in appreciation for what He has done for us. For each of the 31 days of the month, St. Alphonsus provides for us a "Visit to Our Lord"--which is a brief meditation on and a fervent prayer of love toward Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament. Each Visit to Our Lord is followed by a "Visit to Our Lady."

Novena of Holy Communions:

A famous devotional booklet of nine consecutive Communion exercises. Each consists of a novena prayer, an intimate talk with Our Lord, and a brief self-examination. Rich in doctrine; ideal to make over and over throughout life--to grow in holiness and grace.”

When researching for this review I found numerous other contemporary versions of this title by various publishers, but this TAN edition was excellent and I can easily recommend it. The chapters in this work are:

Dedication to Our Lady 

Instructions on the Visits 

How to Make a Visit 

Prayer Before Each Visit 

Spiritual Communion 

Prayer To Our Lady After Each Visit 

     Visits 1-31 

Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament 

A Collection of Classic Artwork  

A Novena of Holy Communions  

     Foreword 

     From Holy Mother Church’s Decree on Frequent Holy Communion 

     Important Note 

Holy Communion Is Your Treasure 

Novena Prayer 

     1st Day—Christlikeness 

     2nd Day—Marylikeness 

     3rd Day—Joyfulness 

     4th Day—Prayerfulness 

     5th Day—Kindness 

     6th Day—Sinlessness 

     7th Day—Lowliness 

     8th Day—Unselfishness 

     9th Day—Eucharist-mindedness 

Prayers for a Short Preparation for Holy Communion 

Prayers after Holy Communion

The passages I highlighted while reading this volume were:

“It is well known that the Holy Church instituted the festival of Corpus Christi with a solemn octave, and that she celebrates it with the many usual processions and such frequent expositions of this Most Holy Sacrament, that men may thereby be moved gratefully to acknowledge and honor this loving presence and dwelling of Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of the Altar by their devotions, thanksgivings and the tender affections of their souls.”

““Behold that Heart which has loved men so much, and which has spared itself nothing, and has even gone so far as to consume itself, thereby to show them its love; but in return the greater part of men show Me only ingratitude, and this by irreverence, tepidity, sacrileges and contempt which they offer Me in this Sacrament of love; and that which I feel the most acutely is that they are hearts consecrated to Me.””

“But let all those devout souls who often go to spend their time with the Most Blessed Sacrament speak: let them tell us the gifts, the inspirations which they have received, the flames of love which are there enkindled in their souls, the paradise which they enjoy in the presence of this hidden God.”

“St. John Francis Regis did the same thing: and sometimes finding the church closed, he endeavored to satisfy his longings by remaining on his knees outside the door, exposed to the rain or cold, that at least at a distance he might attend upon his Comforter concealed under the sacramental species.”

“Certainly, among all devotions after that of receiving the Sacraments, that of adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament holds first place, is the most pleasing to God and the most useful to ourselves.”

“Be assured that the time you will thus spend with devotion before this most divine Sacrament will be the most profitable to you in life and the source of your greatest consolation in death and in eternity.”

“You must also be aware that in a quarter of an hour‘s prayer spent in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, you will perhaps gain more than in all the other spiritual exercises of the day.”

“Oh, how sweet a joy it is to remain with faith and tender devotion before an altar and converse familiarly with Jesus Christ, who is there for the express purpose of listening to and graciously hearing those who pray to Him; to ask His pardon for the displeasure which we have caused Him; to represent our wants to Him, as a friend does to a friend in whom he places all his confidence; to ask Him for His graces, for His love and for His kingdom; but above all—oh, what a heaven it is to remain there making acts of love toward that Lord who is on the very altar praying to the Eternal Father for us and is there burning with love for us!”

“A Spiritual Communion, according to St. Thomas, consists in an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament and in lovingly embracing Him as if we had actually received Him.”

“All those who desire to advance in the love of Jesus Christ are exhorted to make a Spiritual Communion at least once in every visit that they pay to the Most Blessed Sacrament, and at every Mass that they hear; and it would even be better on these occasions to repeat the Communions three times, that is to say, at the beginning, in the middle and at the end.”

These all come from before the first visit. A Sample visit is:

“Thirteenth Visit 

PRAYER: “My lord Jesus Christ …” 

My eyes and my heart shall be there always. (3 Kgs. 9:3).

JESUS has fulfilled this beautiful promise in the Sacrament of the Altar, where He lives with us night and day. My Lord, would it not have been enough for You to remain in the Blessed Sacrament during the day only, when You could have someone to adore You and keep You company? Why remain the whole night as well, when all the churches are closed and men retire to their homes, leaving You quite alone? But I understand You. It is love that has made You our prisoner. It is the very great love You have for us that has kept You on earth, unable to leave us either night or day.

Ah, my loving Saviour, this very great love of Yours should, of itself, make all men ever stay near You in the sacred ciboria unless they be driven away by force! And when they do go, they should leave at the foot of the altar their hearts filled with love for God Incarnate who remains alone and hidden in a Tabernacle—for a God who is ever alert to see our needs and to provide for them, who is all heart to love us and who longs for the coming day that He may be visited again by those He loves.

Yes, my Jesus, I wish to please You. I consecrate my will and all my love entirely to You. O Infinite Majesty of God, You have left Yourself in this Sacrament not only to be near us and with us, but especially to give Yourself to souls, souls that You love so much. But, Lord, who will presume to approach You to eat Your flesh? But who, on the other hand, can keep at a distance from You? It is precisely that You might be able to enter into us and take possession of our hearts that You hide Yourself in the consecrated Host. You long that we should receive You and are delighted to be united to our hearts. Come, then, my Jesus, come! I desire to receive You within me, that You may be the God of my heart and of my will. All that is in me I yield, my dear Redeemer, to Your love. Satisfaction, pleasure, self-will—all I give to You. O God of Love, conquer me entirely and rule over me. Destroy in me everything that is merely mine and does not belong to You. Do not permit, O my Love, that my soul, which is filled with the majesty of God when it receives You in Holy Communion, should attach itself again to creatures. I love You, my God, I love You, and I will love You only, and that always.

Aspiration: Draw me by the chains of Your love.

SPIRITUAL COMMUNION  

Visit To Our Lady 

St. Bernard thus exhorts us: “Let us seek for grace, and let us seek it through Mary.” She is the treasury of divine graces. It is in her power to enrich us, and she wishes to do so. And so she invites us and calls to us: Whosoever is a little one, let him come to me. (Prov. 9:4). Most loving Lady, most gracious and exalted Lady, look on a poor sinner who recommends himself to you and who places all his confidence in you.

Aspiration: We fly to your patronage, O holy Mother of God.

PRAYER: “Most Holy Virgin …”

When I was involved with Campus Ministry in the late 80’s and early 90’s we had a challenge to read the book of proverbs, 1 chapter a day each month and to read the book 12 times in a year. A number of times while reading this volume I thought about the fruit of that experience, personally and from what I heard from others. I think that would be an excellent exercise for Catholic today, To take this book and read the 31 Visits each month for a year and see how your life is transformed.

I am very thankful this was one of the volumes we did as a group for Saint Mark’s School of Reading. I am already reading it a second time. I believe this is a book that would transform the life, and the prayers of any Catholic who reads it. It is an amazing little volume and I can easily recommend this title and specifically this TAN Edition.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews 2023 Catholic Reading Plan!

For a list of all books that are part of Father Mark Goring's Saint Mark’s School of Reading click here.

Review of other books by Saint Alphonsus María de Liguori:

Visits to the Blessed Sacrament and the Blessed Virgin Mary

What Will Hell Be Like?

Stations of the Cross The Way of Divine Mercy

...

Life of Matt Talbot - Sir Joseph Glynn - Catholic Truth Society of Ireland

Life of Matt Talbot

Sir Joseph Glynn LLD

Catholic Truth Society of Ireland

1928

 

This is the second volume I have read by Sir Joseph Glynn about Matt Talbot, the first a little booklet, The Kingdom of Matt Talbot, was excellent and so popular the author was asked to write an expanded version. The edition I read was from a fourth printing in 1942, and the earlier booklet had already been translated into several languages and republished around the world. This volume has the Nihil Obstat from Reccaredus Fleming and an Imprimi Potest from Ioannes Carolus.  This volume also contains a number of block prints. photos or pen and ink sketches, a total of 8 interspersed throughout the volume. 

The description of this volume is:

“On June 7, 1925, Matt Talbot, a labourer, known only to a small circle of friends, fell dead in a Dublin laneway. Within a year, his marvellous life story was known throughout the English-speaking world; within two years it had been 'told in French, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Hungarian, etc. In November, 1931, His Grace the Archbishop of Dublin (Most Rev. E. J.

Byrne, D.D.) initiated the Cause of his Beatification, the first, or ordinary, process of which is still proceeding.”

The chapters in the book are:

Preface

Introduction to First Edition 

The Cause of Beatification 

Birth and Early Life 

Conversion 

Growing In Holiness 

Labour Troubles 

The Daily Round of Prayer 

The Evening Prayer 

Fasts and Mortifications 

Circle of Friends: His Charity 

Illness and Closing Years 

The Growing Cultus 

Prayer for Canonization 

Pastoral Letter Of His Grace Most Rev. E. J. Byrne, Archbishop Of Dublin

The prayer for canonization also appears on the inside of the back flap of the book cover. The book also provides a list of 39 volumes that indicate the type and quality of books that Matt Used to read, discuss and trained himself by. Of interest to me as I have read a number of books about Matt now is that some of the books indicate multiple readings of different volumes about the same Saint or subject. I highlighted a few passages while reading this volume, but not many as my highlighting and notes have been extensive from other books on Matt you can check out the links to other reviews below. 

To date this is the most extensive volume I have read about Matt. I have one other and a couple of others I am still trying to track down. My fascination with Matt started with The Holy Man of Dublin: or the Silence of Matt Talbot by Alice Curtayne, and I have been hooked since. But I can state that this is the most complete version of his life I have read yet. It draws heavily from personal interviews by the author, of those who knew Matt, interacted with him, and first-hand accounts. It is an excellent volume and I can easily recommend it.

This is a book any Catholic could benefit from read. It will inspire and challenge readers of all ages. It is an excellent biography, and a continuation of the one that started it all. It is a story of overcoming addiction, and quietly living a deep devotional and prayer life, living to influence others by example, and occasionally work, and it is the story of faithfully living for God. An excellent read!  

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2023 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.

For reviews in the CTS Biographies Series Click here.

Books about Matt Talbot:

The Holy Man of Dublin: or the Silence of Matt Talbot - Alice Curtayne

Matt Talbot - Eddie Doherty

The Kingdom of Matt Talbot - Joseph Glynn

Life of Matt Talbot - Joseph Aloysius Glynn

Matt Talbot - Emily MacAdam

The Making of Matt Talbot – Mary Purcell

Matt Talbot and His Times - Mary Purcell

Matt Talbot: His Struggle, His Victory over Alcoholism - Susan Helen Wallace 

The Irish Way: Studies in Irish Sanctity from St. Patrick to Matt Talbot- Frank Sheed (Editor)

Addict for Christ - Francis W. Johnston - CTS Biographies

'Neath Mary's mantle - Marius McAuliffe 

The mystery of Matt Talbot - Morgan Costelloe 

Matt Talbot - Xavier Carty 

Spotlight on Matt Talbot  - Edward O'Connor, S.J.

Matt Talbot - Simon O'Brynne 

The quest for Matt Talbot - Philip Rooney 

We knew Matt Talbot - Albert H Dolan

Matt Talbot - James F. Cassidy. 

An address to Pope John Paul II from the Parish of Matt Talbot, The Worker. 

Matt Talbot : the Irish worker's glory - James Francis Cassidy 

Matt Talbot - Albon White 

The Story of Matt Talbot - Malachy Gerard Carroll

Matt Talbot Hope for Addicts - Father Morgan Costelloe

…

Prayer of the Day Matthew Talbot Canonization Prayer

...

The Irish Story - Alice Curtayne - Cluny Media Reprint Edition

The Irish Story

A Survey of Irish History and Culture

Cluny Media Reprint Edition

Alice Curtayne

Cluny Media

ISBN 9781952826122

Previous editions:

Kenedy & Sons (1960)

Clonmore & Reynolds (1962)

A few years ago I fell in love with the works of Alice Curtayne. I first encountered the writings of Alice Curtayne through her book Twenty Tales of Irish Saints, I was captivated by her writing style and her style as a hagiographer. And I started tracking down her other writings. This is not proving an easy task. The first problem is that only 2 of her works were in print at that time. Second many of her books never had North American editions, and that made them hard to find in Canada or even copies that would ship to Canada. Her first book was published in 1929 and her last I believe in 1977. I believe this was the second last volume she published. She wrote histories, most focused on saints. She wrote a few novels. And she wrote extensively for newspapers and magazines. I have also found that she wrote pamphlets for the Catholic Truth Society and other Catholic organizations. Cluny Media has released 5 of her books in reprint editions and one she contributed to, The Irish Way.  Most are available as paperbacks or hardcovers, and to date only one has a digital edition, this Cluny reprint edition released in 2020. At the time there was indication that eBooks editions would be forthcoming but 3 years on they have not materialized. This is the seventh volume I have read from Cluny Media. 

The description of this edition of this book states:

“The Irish Story surveys the history and culture of the Emerald Isle, beginning from the Celtic Sagas and the coming of Christianity to the penal years and the Easter Rising of 1916. In these pages, Curtayne uncovers the roots of the Irish experience, traces its evolution from pagan outpost to the heart of Western civilization, and testifies to its trials and tribulations as an English colony and its struggle for independence. Conscientious and uncompromising, Curtayne focuses on the characters of Ireland: the “Irish story” is drawn from the particular people, the flesh-and-blood men and women, whose faith, fervor, and creativity lent Ireland its shape and its spirit. Originally published in 1960, The Irish Story is an absorbing and rewarding narrative of Ireland from its earliest documented days to the mid-twentieth century, introducing its key people and places and presenting its mythos with heartfelt honesty.”

Before we get to the review of this specific volume I want to restate, that it should be noted that this reprint edition from Cluny is very well done. Unlike many books brought back from the public domain, this volume went through a process of a high quality scan. And a complete re-typesetting. Cluny is dedicated to restoring quality editions of old books, focused on the Catholic Tradition. Their motto is: ‘Promote the tradition. Preserve the Past.’ Which is a very worthy cause. I really appreciate the work of Cluny Media, they are trying to restore Catholic books, bringing them back into print in wonderful physical editions and for a few eBooks. They are excellent editions. I just wish they had eBooks for all volumes.

The chapters in this volume are:

Heroes of the Celts

Ireland Goes Christian

The Art of the Golden Age

The Descent of the Vikings

The Two Archbishops

Norman Conquest and Gaelic Recovery

A Martyr and a Soldier

Another Martyr and Soldier

The Penal Night

O’Connell, Davitt and Parnell

1916

Literature in Twentieth Century Ireland

This was a fascinating read from beginning to end. It begins with the earliest histories and legends and goes right up to the time of writing. It is a history of a nation and a people written in bread strokes, and yet also fine details. It span centuries, but shows what makes us Irish so very Irish. It covers from the year 3000 B.C. to 2000 A.D. and yet it is so riveting the reader will come to the ends of the volume and be desperate for more. 

Curtayne writes in a flowing style that is easy to engage with. Readers are drawn in and become captivated by the events, people and places whose stories she tells. She is a master wordsmith and this is an excellent offering. The volume begins with these words:

““Betcha ye didn’t see Queen Scota’s grave.” This used to be piped in mocking tones by the children in my native town of Tralee in county Kerry. To go on a holiday expedition to Gleann Scotin, or Scota’s Glen, was one thing; to stand on the very flagstone underneath which the Queen is buried was another. The glen is only three miles south of the town, but the miles are uphill and the grave lies almost at the top of the rugged place. As children, we considered it a point of honor to salute Scota when visiting the lovely glade.”

And the volume ends with these words:

“Early in its history, the Gaelic League founded An Toireachtas, an annual festival of the Irish language and culture. This had lapsed during the years of strife, but has since been restored as an annual nine-day event, held in October. It includes competitions for original works in verse and prose, music, drama, traditional singing, story-telling and an important art exhibition.

After a slow start, during which people were confused and inhibited by political catch-cries, aftermath of the troubled years, a wave of national effort at cultural reconstruction is now sweeping the country. There is a new clamor for the products of all creative workers, which is evoking response. Every year sees some exciting development—it may be a set of stained glass windows in a church, a book in Irish, or an original play. No one knows to what crest this wave may yet carry us.”

Having read a number of volumes on Matt Talbot over the last few months including Curtayne’s own, The Holy Man of Dublin or the Silence of Matt Talbot, 

I see much better how he fits in his times and history. And Much of the history I have been taught in school, in the home, and from extended family here in Canada and from the emerald isle I now look at with much different lenses. I have absolutely loved several of Curtayne’s books about saints for young readers. And this volume rounds out the history of the Irish before and after the eras of those great saints. It was a fascinating and vastly entertaining read!

The Cluny edition with its freshly reset type and artistic covers is a pleasing book to hold and read. As with all titles I have read from Cluny or from the pen of Curtayne I am thankful to have given this a read. And very thankful it is back in print. But I will state again with my dual form of dyslexia I really wish this volume and the other by Curtayne were available digitally so I could change the font, and font and page colour to make it more accessible. That being stated, yet again, I can say this is an excellent volume I can easily recommend!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2023 Catholic Reading Plan! 

For All reviews of Books from Cluny Media click here.

For All reviews and articles about Alice Curtayne click here.

Books and Booklets by Alice Curtayne:
A Recall to Dante

Borne of the Wind

Croagh Patrick. An account of the great national pilgrimage to Ireland's holy mount.

Francis Ledwidge: A Life of the Poet

House of Cards

Irish Saints for Boys and Girls

Jean-Baptiste Debrabant

Lough Derg: St. Patrick's Purgatory

More Tales of Irish Saints

Patrick Sarsfield

Saint Anthony of Padua

Saint Bernard Abbot Of Clairvaux And Doctor Of The Church

Saint Bernard and His Friend Saint Malachy

Saint Brigid of Ireland

Saint Brigid of Ireland - Cluny Media Reprint Edition

Saint Brigid, The Mary of Ireland

Saint Catherine Of Siena A Woman Who Changed The World

Saint Columcille: the Dove of the Church

Saint Philomena

St Francis of Assisi: Founder of the Franciscan Order

St. Bernard Doctor of The Church 1933

St. Catherine of Siena

St. Patrick, Apostle of Ireland

Saint Patrick's Purgatory The Sanctuary Of Station Island Lough Derh

The Holy Man of Dublin; or, the Silence of Matt Talbot

The Irish Story

The New Woman Transcript of a Talk
The servant of God, Mother Mary Aikenhead

The Story of Knock
The Trial of Oliver Plunkett
Twenty Tales of Irish Saints
...

Books Edited by Alice Curtayne:
The Complete works of Francis Ledwidge

...

Books Translated by Alice Curtayne:

Labours in the Vineyard by Giovanni Papin

...

Books Contributed to by Alice Curtayne:

The Irish Way

...

Three Great Catholic Writers That You Might Never Have Heard Of! Curtayne - Lord - Powers

The Jacket - Andrew Clements

The Jacket

Andrew Clements

Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Simon & Schuster

ISBN 9780689860102

eISBN 9780689848308

ASIN  B000FC0QFM

Seven years ago, I discovered the works of Andrew Clements. I was instantly hooked and have now read almost 29 books from his masterful pen. Many consider him the ‘master of school stories’, and I would agree. I have a dual form of dyslexia and did not learn to read until after grade 7. So I never read ‘school stories’ when I was young. That combined with having my own school aged children has instilled a great appreciation for the genre and specifically for the works of Andrew Clements. Clements passed away in 2019 his last novel was The Friendship War, which is an excellent volume. He wrote amazing stories for children, but they are also stories that any of us can learn from. Back then I set the goal of reading all of his works, but as my own children have outgrown these books and they had slid by the wayside. I have now returned to them yet again. 

This story is a little different. With race relations what they are in 2023 I doubt this book would have been published if it had gone to editors this year or last year. And yet it really does have a good message even if a little overly simplified, and the resolution comes too quick. In many ways the story feels unfinished, or at least that the ending was rushed. The description of the story states:

“Phil is on a mission. His absentminded little brother forgot his lunch money. All kinds of thoughts are running through Phil's mind as he searches for Jimmy in the throngs of fourth and fifth graders crowding the school hallway:...if I'm late for math today, then I might not be allowed to take the test -- and then I could flunk math! I might even flunk sixth grade and get left back!

Then Phil spots Jimmy's one-of-a-kind jacket and rushes to the corner of the hallway. Except the person wearing it isn't his brother; it's some black kid Phil's never seen before -- wearing Jimmy's jacket! Phil makes an accusation, tempers flare, and both kids wind up in the principal's office.

How will Phil react when he finds out how Daniel came to be the owner of this unique jacket? Will Daniel be able to forgive Phil for an accusation that was based on racial prejudice? What will each boy learn about the other, and most important, about himself?”

When Phil finds out how the jacket ended up on Daniel got the jacket he begins to question a lot of things. He soon notices the color of people more, who lives where, who works where and when jogging just 2 miles the difference in some neighbourhoods he passes through. But he also realized that he never notices or thought about it before. But how can he find a way to undo the mess he has made? 

It is a good read, and it does have a great message from both sides. The ending felt rushed. And compared too many of Clements other volumes, overly simplified. There are 19 editions of this book that I have found with a variety of covers, I like the one that is traditionally illustrated and matches his other works best. On Goodreads it has  3.5 rating when I wrote this review and on Amazon 4.6 if you could actually give half stars I would give it a 5 for the concept, a 3.5 for the execution and a 2 for the ending. Thus rounding to 3.5. It is a good read but far from Clements best.

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

...