faithAlivebooks Blog

The Florist's Daughter

The Florist's Daughter by Patricia Hampl

Patricia Hampl's memoir is wonderful, moving and personal. With her dying mother's hand held in her own at the side of a hospital bed, Hampl reflects on the wonderful weight of being a daughter--of both loving, caring for and honoring parents, and receiving parents' love, care, and pride. Her story unravels as a lyrical stream of consciousness, flowing seamlessly as she moves from one mind's image to the next. Deeply reflective prose draws readers into the heart of remembrance--for her family and her beloved St. Paul, and the self that grew with them.

Patricia Hampl's new memoir "offers the bloom of meditation on the mysteries between parents and children, between the past and the present, and between those old adversaries, beauty and truth." --Kristin Ohlson, author of Stalking the Divine

My Life with the Saints

My Life with the Saints by James Martin, SJ

James Martin, SJ, an editor at America magazine and a frequent commentator for the media, has written a “delightful,” (First Things) “Remarkably engaging” (U.S. Catholic) and “an outstanding and often hilarious memoir” (Publishers Weekly). Martin introduces us to 16 of his historical friends and explores their relevance for how we live the Christian life. Some of his friends include Pope John XXIII, Thomas Aquinas, Dorothy Day, the Ugandan Martyrs, and Thomas Merton.

I heard Martin address all those in attendance at the Religious Booksellers Trade Exhibit (May 29 – June 1, 2007.) His address is available as a podcast at www.loyolapress.org.

Almost Catholic

Almost Catholic by Jon M. Sweeney

Jon Sweeney, a self-described "evolved Protestant" and noted religious writer, has long been fascinated by the Catholic Church. However, it wasn't until he was a young missionary in the Philippines that he truly began to understand the Church's traditions, mysteries, and religious beliefs and its hold on those who follow the tradition. As he explains, Catholic spirituality is all about responding to the fundamental mystery of Jesus, the incarnation, and what it all meant in the beginning as well as what it means today.

In Almost Catholic, Sweeney offers an appreciation of Catholicism, weaving in the story of his own explorations with those of others who have also been attracted to this tradition. He finds himself drawn to the Church's ancient and medieval traditions out of a desire to connect with the deepest and widest paths on the way. Two millennia of saints and practices and teachings and mystery form a connection for him to the very beginnings of Christianity.

One Hundred Great Catholic Books

One Hundred Great Catholic Books by Don Brophy

In this lovely tome, Don Brophy introduces readers to the myriad works of Catholic literature, having carefully selected pieces that have greatly impacted their readers. His short reviews are put into chronological order and comprise the classic Catholic books as well as some true surprises.

"This is the most congenial history of Catholic thought one could ever hope to find. On every page, I found some new connection to be made or an intriguing insight to be savored."  —Phyllis Tickle, author, The Divine Hours

The Courage to Teach

The Courage to Teach: Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Teacher's Life by Parker J. Palmer

This is an excellent book on the art of teaching that will help teachers in recovering and renewing their passion for being an educator. It "[e]vokes the heart of what teachers really do, and does so in a vivid, compelling, and soulful way." --Robert Coles, University Health Services at Harvard University The Courage to Teach is an excellent choice for book discussion at teacher reading groups.