Really enjoyed The Patron Saint of Liars
583340
First book of Ann Patchett's that I've read and I really enjoyed it. Well written, very descriptive, makes you feel like you're there. Anxious to read another of her books.
4731812
I was immediately drawn to this book because of the saints that were reviewed. But maybe even more than that was the life of a woman that parallels the lives of the saints. The saints she discussed were Teresa of Avilla, Therese of Liseux, Mother Teresa, Edith Stein, Faustina of Poland and Mary of Nazareth. The truth is I am fascinated about studying how the saint's lived their lives. I connected with the author not so much in the details of a father with Alzheimers or bouts with infertility but with a woman searching for more. I am in the general demographic the book was intended being a middle class woman in my 40's. The book was easier to read because I identified with the main character.

I didn't see a big change in the main character of the author beyond normal college shallowness and a woman in her thirties having a baby. There was a natural sense of maturity through the decade and half of living. The author did glean some similarities between herself and the saints she discusses. There was a self identified reawakening of her Catholic faith. I admired the patience of her spouse and I questioned her personal priorities at times. The author seemed overly dismissive of adoption but I haven't been in the position of infertility so it hard to judge how I would feel in this position.

I would recommend this book to learn more about these saints since she gives a good biographical history of each. It gives a good example of how we as readers can draw parallels with the saints even if not at first an obvious one. The author maintains her faith ideals through personal trials as she questions her roles as daughter, wife and mother. Overall I enjoyed this book and I think you will too.
1471316
Conclave is a good read even if you are not catholic. I found it highly interesting to go behind the walls of the Vatican and see how succession is arranged for the pope. The characters are interesting and their lives are revealed in snippets of information that make you anticipate the next piece of the story. The humanity and struggle of priests to find their own truth and define their own beliefs is also clearly revealed in this story. Worth the read.
2837015
As fate would have it, Father Andrew released this book today -- just two days after I finished reading the (authentic) Letters of Ignatius. The work clearly demonstrates Father Andrew's love of history and veneration of this great Saint. I especially enjoyed reading the dialogue between St. Ignatius and Emperor Trajan which led to his persecution and martyrdom in the first place; this book really "fills in the blanks" in the story of Ignatius and his influence on the Church.
3049432
I highly recommend Fr. Steve Gemme and Deacon George's short novel "Nicholas Gilroy: Our Lady and the Guardian."  It is a fast paced, entertaining read that can be read in one or two sittings.  It is filled with references to the beautiful Catholic faith that I know personally is a strong part of both of these gentlemen's lives.
It tells the story of a teenager who enters a high school seminary, and is awed by life there, but in his pastoral assignment, he comes to experience the darker side of life, but is touched by the grace of God in that experience as well.
 I loved the description of daily life in the seminary, including the beautiful details of the architecture.  I think one can tell the authors have experience with places like this!
The descriptions of the pastoral assignment in the inner city of Baltimore are also very compelling, and likewise, it appears the authors have had some experience with this, as well!  Being from Baltimore originally myself, I really appreciated the descriptions of places in the City that I am familiar with.
There is one scene in the book that is a little violent, but other than that, I can't find much else to critique about this book.  I would not be surprised to see some more adventures of Nicholas and his friends show up in bookstores in the near future.
Thank you Father and Deacon for taking the time to write this book. I really enjoyed it.
996270
A great  took with a amazing number of Saints I as a non Catholic was unaware of.  I did feel a little cheated upon learning that many, most notably Bernadette of Lourdes has had wax applied  to her sweet face.  Does not for me show true miracle.
1354071
I finished Madeleine Mysko's new book, Stone Harbor Bound.  I really enjoyed it.

I identified with Bridget, the forgiving Catholic.  Bridget certainly bears her crosses in the story, yet she remains optimistic, positive about the future because she has faith that God forgives her every moment.

In fact, I thought the title could have been "Forgiveness".

That seemed to be the theme, certainly MM hammers it out in those words:  "the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins" multiple times in the novel.

The Communion of Saints, as MM explains through a character, is the belief in the mystical presence of the angels and saints at every celebration of the eucharist or mass.  Those who have died and entered heaven are, by definition, saints.  So when I attend mass, my dad, uncles, aunts and everyone else that I pray went to heaven are at mass in a spiritual sense, just as Bridget knew her deceased relatives were with her.

This communion brings us back to the theme of her book.  Stone Harbor, for Bridget, and later for Camille was heaven.  Early in the book on of them mentions that the word "harbor" derives from "haven" which shares roots with "heaven".  The word "stone" has reverberations for Christians.  Peter is the 'rock'; Christ is the 'cornerstone'.  There is the large stone that covers the tomb that must be "rolled away" as in the hymn "roll away the stone."

Owen's encounter with Erin and Camille recalls the parable of the "Good Samaritan" and Jesus's answer as to "who is my neighbor."  Erin's story also  joins families together.  Owen and Judy also seem to reflect the parable of the prodigal son.

All the frightening events of adult life come together in Stone Harbor.  Death, addiction, illness, being the "stranger in a strange land" as Camille and Judy initially are in their joining their respective lovers' families, all are found in the microcosm that is stone harbor.  Eventually, all come to reconcile, commune, forgive and find acceptance in Stone Harbor.

I also recommend her earlier novel, Bringing Vincent Home.
4555137
Having spent time in Siena, understanding the history and the Contradas and significance of the Palio made this an especially enjoyable read. Without prior knowkedge, I believe I would have been confused / or missed some of the detailed beauty of the story
4043357
This story was amazing and very fascinating to learn about this saint.  The miracle needed to usher her into sainthood, happened in Omaha, NE to a gentleman who was cured of his ailment. I encourage you to buy this book and learn about this saint.
1922315
I picked up this book after having read several reviews. I can say I was pleasantly surprised at how Mr. Salzman conveyed the everyday existence of a nun. I do not have any personal knowledge of the lives of nuns or monks, but I feel strongly that the author has captured the essence of such a life. Sister John's story has much to tell all of us about the importance of accepting life's experiences and learning from them. Her humility and grace shine forth most in the last pages of the book, where we share a moment of levity and brightness with Sister Joan and a newly arrived novice at the convent. All in all I recommend LYING AWAKE without reservation!
318378
Loved it :-) my sister recommended it and I learned history while laughing.  This book proved redemption and that saints are human too
4134480
After meeting the author on a cruise ship it was fun to read about a priest and his make believe escapades while cruising.. recommend to Catholics who cruise.
377077
I knew who St. Josemaria was but didn't know his story, this movie makes me want to learn more.  Very Well Done.
207065
"Troubled Bones" (of the Jeri Westerson series featuring Crispin Guest) is now in its fourth episode and Guest, the disgraced knight of the Middles Ages (he was insubordinate to a higher power, on principle), and, for his sins,  hes now dispatched to Canterbury to atoneand to solve a riddle, which will restore him to good graces.  Alas, it just so happens he is good friends with Geoffrey Chaucer, whom he happens to run into, surrounded by a group of pilgrims also on their way, with, no doubt, plenty of their own tales to tell!

  Soon, both find themselves mixed up in a murder at, where else?Canterbury Cathedral and this tale surrounds the bones of our martyred saint, Thomas  Becket!  Not only have the two gotten caught up with trying to find a murderer, but there is a hidden heretic loose (and when was the Church not eager to find those folks!).  And, of course, Guest has some doubts about Chaucers involvement in all this.

  The Archbishop has specifically requested Guests help (his reputation has spread far and wee) as his Grace has received letters threatening those treasured artifacts.  Of course, with this magic duo, naturally alls well that ends well.  But before we come to the end weve had a nice tale, not told by an idiot  full of sound and fury but one that signifies something (or the other). Fun, light, and appropriate for April!
4722044
Eddie, former priest and current sole occupant of the derelict Church of Martyrs in Cleveland is really not sure why he has garnered the attention of any assassin, but hes grateful the creepy, over realistic statues of famous Church martyrs were there to save him. Now if he could just figure out what they want from him, and how to stay alive and maybe how to keep the pope alive, that would be awesome.

I loved the somewhat sacrilegious humor coupled with the healthy skepticism of religion in general, although the Catholic Church was the prime target in this one. I also loved that it was a fast paced globe trotter and the added supernatural aspect, although as a social worker, I was a little frownie at the relationship progression. Still it is a great read, and anyone looking for a quick read should definitely pick this one up.
1067175
I enjoyed learning about this "reluctant" Pope and wonderful Saint who was our Pope from 1903 to 1914.  When asked about his miracles, he stated with humility, "it's the keys". Highly recommend for your Lenten reading, or if you just want to learn more about a relatively recent Saint, with a very interesting life story.
3027871
St JPII was the pope during the time I was growing up. I have heard the stories of how he would sneak out of the Vatican to go skiing. It made me remember he was human like the rest of us. I cried when I learned of his passing. It was like a close family member has died! Somehow I came across this book and had to buy it. Wow, his life! His dedication and love for God and the Virgin Mary and the obstacles he constantly encountered! I also have a quick version of the CD of this book (from a different site,) that I admit I listen to over and over, especially when I am distressed to focus me back on that we all can learn to be saints. That what I am facing my life is not bad and to put my trust in Jesus as St PJII did! The author did a great job in writing this, I laughed, cried, smiled and contemplated. I hope you enjoy the book as I did!