Includes:
Mary Karr
Marilynne Robinson
Elie Wiesel
Graham Greene
William Faulkner
Walker Percy
Maya Angelou
Shelly Foote
Seamus Heaney
Includes:
Mary Karr
Marilynne Robinson
Elie Wiesel
Graham Greene
William Faulkner
Walker Percy
Maya Angelou
Shelly Foote
Seamus Heaney
Posted by Dan Pierson on April 04, 2010 in Authors, Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (0)
Posted by Dan Pierson on April 02, 2010 in Authors | Permalink | Comments (0)
Posted by Dan Pierson on April 01, 2010 in Conferences | Permalink | Comments (0)
The winner of the 2010 Orion Book Award is Charles Bowden's Some of the Dead Are Still Breathing: Living in the Future (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt).
Posted by Dan Pierson on April 01, 2010 in Award Winners | Permalink | Comments (0)
The Liars' Club author discusses worshipping art, getting sober, becoming Catholic, and writing Lit by Bill McGarvey
From Busted Halo,
March 22, 2010
Considering the harrowing stories of her Texas youth — plagued by the alcohol, drugs, violence and general mayhem she recounted in The Liars’ Club (1995) and Cherry (2000) — it is a minor miracle that Mary Karr lived to tell her tale. The fact that she still has more stories of tumult and survival as an adult to write about, though, really begins to edge into loaves and fishes territory.
In her third memoir, Lit, Karr moves past her “drug sodden” adolescence into her young adulthood where the joys of falling in love, getting married and becoming a mother are overwhelmed by her debilitating alcoholism, depression and family dysfunction. But Lit isn’t simply a catalog of grinding desperation and addiction. Karr combines a poet’s eye for extraordinary detail and tone — she was a Guggenheim Fellow in poetry — with an earthy honesty and humor to create prose that is beautiful, unadorned and filled with a survivor’s wisdom. Lit is Karr’s testimony to the actual, ongoing miracle in her own life: her conversion from devoted cynic to devout Catholic.
In the interview that follows, Karr discusses the difficulties she encountered in writing about alcoholism, sobriety and spirituality as well as her stormy relationship with a young David Foster Wallace and some hard-won advice for spiritual seekers.
Posted by Dan Pierson on March 24, 2010 in Authors | Permalink | Comments (0)
Ron Rolheiser, OMI, author of Holy Longing:The Search for a Christian Spirituality and a weekly columnist for diocesan newspapers, recommends those books that touched him the most in 2009. Books that Found Me.
Posted by Dan Pierson on February 14, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (1)
NAN CRERIE MERRILL JERICHO - Nan Crerie Merrill, 78, made her journey back to her Beloved on Saturday Jan. 23, 2010, at the Vermont Respite House. Nan was born on Dec. 3, 1931, in Swampscott, Massachusetts, the daughter of Ernest and Merle Crerie. Nan was blessed with five children and their spouses: Deborah and Peter, Mark and Susan, Pamela and Danny, David and Lisa, James and Mary Ann. She was "Nana" to six grandchildren: Rachel, Elisabeth, Samantha, Austin, Martina and Madison; sister to Gail Roche; and "Auntie Nancy" to nieces and nephews: John, Jim, Kathy, Lori, Larry, and Norman. Nan touched the hearts of thousands of people through her monthly publication of Friends of Silence. She started this newsletter over 22 years ago in Detroit, Michigan. It has grown from a beginning group of about 40 members to more than six thousand subscribers world wide. Nan shared her deep spiritual insights and love of writing by authoring six books and editing numerous others. She encouraged and nurtured everyone who came into her path. Nan has led retreats, worked with inner city residents and been involved in prison ministry for many years. Nan was a friend and spiritual guide to many. She was also an avid sports fan who enjoyed watching golf, baseball, and football. A special thanks to Dr. Soultanakis and staff and to the wonderful caregivers and volunteers at Vermont Respite House. A private memorial service will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Vermont Respite House.
Posted by Dan Pierson on February 10, 2010 in Authors | Permalink | Comments (0)
Posted by Dan Pierson on January 27, 2010 in Books | Permalink | Comments (0)
Our judging process began with 472 titles submitted by 72 publishers. Christianity Today's editors selected finalists in each category, and our expert judges went to work discovering the best of the bunch from 2009. Here are the 12 winners (including two ties) and 11 notables that best shed light on the people, events, and ideas that shape evangelical life, thought, and mission, with comments from the judges. (From Christianity Today)
Complete ListPosted by Dan Pierson on January 23, 2010 in Books | Permalink | Comments (0)
Posted by Dan Pierson on January 23, 2010 in Books | Permalink | Comments (0)
Posted by Dan Pierson on January 21, 2010 in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (0)
Last night I discovered Paul Dry Books. And I agree that they have a great collection. I agree that their books will awaken, delight and educate.
I ordered The Book Shopper: A Life in Review by Murray Browne. If you go to the author's webiste, www.thebookshopper. org, you can secure the discount code for 30%.
"The Book Shopper is a spirited and witty guide to the world of disheveled used bookstores and dusty basements where shelves sag under the burden of so many books. In the limitless sea of books, here's one that will make you laugh as it helps you find your way to titles and authors you'll really want to read."
To read an excerpt, Paul Dry Books.
Posted by Dan Pierson on January 21, 2010 in Books, Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (0)
Posted by Dan Pierson on January 21, 2010 in Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (0)
The Future Church: How Ten Trends are Revolutionizing the Catholic Church by John L. Allen Jr. Doubleday, $28, 480 pp
Posted by Dan Pierson on November 06, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0)
I just finished reading The Life You Can Save:Acting Now to End World Poverty by Peter Singer.
The Life You Can Save offers a seven-point plan that guides us to reflect and consider on how we can make a huge difference in the lives of others throughout the world.
Singer addresses the following topics: common objections to giving, why we don't give more, creating a culture of giving and improving aid. He recommends 5% of annual income as the new standard of giving of those who are financially comfortable, and rather more for the very rich.
For additional information visit book's website. Click here.
Posted by Dan Pierson on April 19, 2009 in Social Justice | Permalink | Comments (0)
Posted by Dan Pierson on March 19, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0)
Posted by Dan Pierson on March 18, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0)
An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith by Barbara Brown Taylor. Harper One
Posted by Dan Pierson on March 18, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0)
Don't Trust the Abbot: Musings from the Monastery by Abbot Jerome Kodell. Liturgical Press
Posted by Dan Pierson on March 18, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0)
This Flowing Toward Me
by Marilyn Lacey, RSM
My wife Margaret found this spiritual journey a very moving and enlightning collection of stories. It clearly demonstrate both the storeis and stuggles of our everyday immigrants and refugees and the commitment of Sr. Marilyn's ministry of the past 25 years.
Posted by Dan Pierson on March 15, 2009 in Biography | Permalink | Comments (0)
Oprah Magazine presents an extensive set of guidelines for Starting a Book Club.
Posted by Dan Pierson on February 19, 2009 in Articles | Permalink | Comments (0)
Every issue of Oprah Magazine recommends and highlights recently published books. For a complete list of nearly 200 books from all previous issues go to O Magazine
Posted by Dan Pierson on February 17, 2009 in Reading Lists | Permalink | Comments (0)
We at faithAlivebooks have reviewed Bibles, Bibles, and more Bibles for parents and children! We highly recommend the following four titles for parents and children to use independently as well as together. They are well written, offer colorful and eye-catching illustrations and photographs, and are available at reasonable prices.
Posted by Dan Pierson on October 07, 2008 in Bibles for Parents and Children | Permalink | Comments (1)
To many, a saint is a person who is extremely holy, unimaginably close to God, and set apart from the world; an unattainable status for the rest of us “normal people”.
Bert Ghezzi, popular speaker and author, disagrees with that opinion in his recent book The Heart of a Saint: Ten Ways to Grow Closer to God.
Ghezzi explains that “Holiness is not the narrowly guarded privilege of a few, but rather an abundantly available opportunity for all. Here’s the point: we can become saints if we want. All we must do is choose to be holy, and the Holy Spirit will make it happen.”
As indicated in the title, the book presents ten elements of holiness, each illustrated by a saint who particularly exemplified that quality. Ghezzi captures the essence of the featured saints in short, conversational stories of their lives. Both interesting and thought provoking, the saint stories range from the well-known St. Francis of Assisi to the more obscure St. Aelred of Rievaulx.
The book is more than a volume of stories, however. Every chapter ends with a section entitled “Think, Pray, and Act.” Ghezzi offers further reflections on the chapter and also provides questions and suggestions for use in personal prayer and daily life. The concise format lends itself to practical application for the reader; an inspirational how-to for holiness. With the help of the Holy Spirit, of course.
Alissa Schafer, Student at Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, MI
www.amileinmyhikingboots.blogspot.com
www.alissajean.blogspot.com
Posted by Dan Pierson on September 16, 2008 in Saints | Permalink | Comments (0)
More than a Dream: How One School's Vision is Changing the World, written from the perspective of an insider, details the birth, growing pains and success of Cristo Rey, a Catholic high school created especially for poor urban youth in inner city Chicago.
G.R. Kearney’s telling of the Cristo Rey story is fair and complete. Creating a new model for an urban high school is difficult at best and while perhaps not changing the world as the subtitle suggests, this new approach is changing lives of students and the minds of thoughtful educational leaders.
The Cristo Rey model has since been duplicated in other urban cities and is based on a foundation of true caring for disadvantaged youth, listening to the needs of the youth and their families and the creation of a unique and powerful economic model designed to assure affordability and sustainability of the school.
The Cristo Rey story is a book well written and researched. It is a book designed for a wide audience and especially helpful for those who want to rethink high school education especially in urban areas.
Bert Blake
Superintendent Emeritus, Grand Rapids Public Schools
Posted by Dan Pierson on September 15, 2008 in Education | Permalink | Comments (1)


In Being Catholic Now Kerry Kennedy has asked 37 prominent Catholics about the changes in the Church and what it means to be Catholic.
For interview of Kerry Kennedy by Deborah Solomon September 12, 2008, click here.
Posted by Dan Pierson on September 14, 2008 in Biography | Permalink | Comments (0)
Posted by Dan Pierson on July 17, 2008 in Bestsellers | Permalink | Comments (0)
Posted by Dan Pierson on July 17, 2008 in Bestsellers | Permalink | Comments (0)
Posted by Dan Pierson on July 17, 2008 in Bestsellers | Permalink | Comments (0)
The National Catholic Reporter's Website presents an ongoing list of reviews, interviews and recommendations. Visit NCR Book Club.
Posted by Dan Pierson on July 17, 2008 in Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (0)
Posted by Dan Pierson on July 17, 2008 in Bestsellers | Permalink | Comments (0)
Drawing from ancient and contemporary sources and practices, this complete library of essential Christian wisdom is the ideal companion for anyone heading to graduate school, studying for Christian ministry, or as a gift for someone who loves to study and learn. The Paraclete Collection.
Posted by Dan Pierson on June 20, 2008 in Recommendations | Permalink | Comments (0)
In my work with Catholic Publishing companies I am surprised by the increasing number of daily devotionals. Many of these are based on the Sunday Lectionary (Three year cycle) or on the Weekday Lectionary (Two year cycle). Others focus on the writings of a single individual or a collection of prayers and reflections. Here are just a few:
A Year of Sundays
Gospel Reflections 2008
Little Rock Scripture Study.
(Available in English and Spanish)
9780814631225 English
9780814631232 Spanish
Abide in My Word
2008 Mass Readings at Your Fingertip
The Word Among Us
$16.50
9781593250904
Life as a Sacred Journey
Rest Stops Along the Way
Reflections for Parents and Catechists
David M. Thomas
NCCL
0971297576
Disciplines 2008
A Book of Daily Devotions
The Upper Room
Posted by Dan Pierson on June 19, 2008 in Devotionals | Permalink | Comments (0)
New books from Paulist Press include
Googling God
The Religious Landscape of People in Their 20's and 30's
Mike Hayes
9780809144877
Posted by Dan Pierson on June 19, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)
Recently published titles include
The Funny Shape of Faith
Devotions for the Rest of Us
John Bush
9780806657615
Defeating Depression
Real Help for You and Those Who You
Howard W. Stone
9780806690315
Posted by Dan Pierson on June 19, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)
Recent titles from LoyolaPress include
The Best Catholic Writing 2007
Edited by Jim Maney
9780829426113
My Life with the Saints (paperback)
James Martin
139780829420012
Posted by Dan Pierson on June 19, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)
Recent books from Jossey-Bass, An Imprint of Wiley
include
Real Kids Real Faith
Practices for Nurturing Children's Spiritual Lives
2004
Karen Marie Yust
9780787964078
In the Midst of Chaos
Caring for Children as Spiritual Practice
Bonnie J. Miller-McLemore
9780787976767
God's Mechanics
How Scientists and Engineers Make Sense of Religion
Brother Guy Consolmagno, SJ
9780787994662
A New Kind of Christian
A Tale of Two Friends on a Spiritual Journey
Brian D. McLaren
2001
078795599x
Posted by Dan Pierson on June 19, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)
What a surprise to discover the Questions of faith series from Hendrickson Publishers.
The present four titles, which were first published in England, are attractively and well-designed. A variety of full color images are well integrated throughout the text. These books are written in a very practical and easy to read format. I look forward to additional titles.
Why Do People Suffer
James Jones
9781598561661
User's Guide to the Bible
Stephen M. Miller
9781598561388
Exploring Prayer
Sue Mayfield
9781598561678
Searching 4 Faith
Brian Draper
9781598561371
Posted by Dan Pierson on June 19, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)
I have received the following titles from Liturgical Press.
How to Explain Your Faith
John Pritchard
9780814631782
Benedict of Nursia
His Message for Today
Anslem Grun
9780814629199
Jesus and Paul
Parallel Lives
Jerome Murphy-O'Connor
9780814651735
Touching the World
Christian Communities Transforming Society
Dan McKanan
9780814631751
Posted by Dan Pierson on June 19, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)
We Pray
Living in God's Presence
Oscar Lukefahr, CM
9780764815614
Posted by Dan Pierson on June 19, 2008 in Prayer | Permalink | Comments (0)