Tag: book review

Posted on

Review Suffering: What Every Catholic Should Know

Mark Giszczak’s book, Suffering: What Every Catholic Should Know (Ignatius Press) resonated with me. Truth be told, I didn’t want it to affect me as deeply as it did. Long time readers of this blog know of my husband’s illness, and other members of my family are struggling with serious health concerns, as well. Beloved friends, too, have their share of suffering.

I hoped to glean a better understanding of the Church’s teaching on suffering, and I did. If that is all I had taken away from this book, I would have had a strong foundational understanding of the Theology of suffering. I knew there would be deep theological points, but Giszszcak has a direct style that remains formal, but flows conversationally. I enjoyed reading the book, even though the topic is close to my own experience.

Coping with suffering as Christians is not just about pain management but also includes certain spiritual practices that lead us to surrender our lives more fully to the Lord. (10)

What struck me right away is how I experienced all the things that Giszszcak names. Suffering is universal, a part of the human condition, as misunderstood as it is pervasive. He doesn’t avoid the WHY that so many of us ask of God. And so, he begins with the story of Job, and goes on to describe how suffering is deeply personal, yet filled with the power of hope and redemption.

I reflected upon the various times of suffering in my life, as daughter, wife, and mother, as friend and companion, spiritually and physically, and I was consoled.

In suffering, we are transformed. It aligns us with Christ’s suffering on the cross, and brings us closer to Him. Suffering is not endured in vain, but is a great spiritual gift.

A recommended read in good times and in bad.

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Augustine Institute – Ignatius Press; 1st edition (February 26, 2024)
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1955305587
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1955305587
Posted on

Review: Living the Seasons

Living the Seasons: Simple Ways to Celebrate the Beauty of Your Faith Throughout the Year by Erica Tighe Campbell, Ave Maria Press

Living the Seasons: Simple Ways to Celebrate the Beauty of Your Faith Throughout the Year, by Erica Tighe Campbell (Ave Maria Press, 2023) is a delightful and practical resource for Catholic mothers and families looking for a rich and family-fun way to celebrate the liturgical seasons of the Catholic Church. Campbell, owner and designer of Be a Heart, understands the importance of family bonding and spiritual growth. This book is filled projects and crafts that bring the liturgical calendar to life in a meaningful and enjoyable way. Don’t worry if crafts are not your thing! Campbell offers good advice and the crafts have easily accessible supplies. The beautiful pictures are great guides, too.

From Advent to Ordinary Time and back, Campbell gives us a wonderful selection of activities that cater to various age groups and interests within the family. Whether they are simple crafts for young children or more complex projects for older children, every member of the family can find ways to celebrate their faith.

The activities are designed to encourage families to spend quality time with one another, deepening their bonds through shared experiences rooted in the teachings of the Church. Whether it’s designing an Advent banner, creating a cardboard cactus during Lent, or preparing a special meal for a feast day, each project gives space for conversation and reflection. I especially love how she incorporates prayer as part of these activities.

Living the Seasons is a great resource for Catholic families seeking an activity-based approach to celebrating the faith. It’s filled with activities and projects that deepen that celebrate the liturgical seasons in creative ways while creating lasting memories. This book is a lovely companion for families looking for ways to introduce the celebration of all the liturgical seasons throughout the year.

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ave Maria Press (October 6, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1646802314
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1646802319
Posted on

Review: Poems Every Child Should Know

Book Review: Poems Every Child Should Know, compiled by Joseph Pearce

I love Joseph Pearce’s collection, Poems Every Child Should Know. This beautifully curated collection elegantly presents classic poetry that will shape hearts and minds and serve as an entry point into the sometimes daunting world of poetry.

When I was a freshman in college, I had a composition professor who assigned more literary reading to us than the literature professor. We were required to memorize a poem from a list, and I chose “Daffodils” by William Wordsworth. The rhyme and rhythm made it easy to memorize. I just wanted a quick solution to the assignment. I never expected that decades later, I can still recite the poem. It has been part party trick and part prayer to be able to recite this poem at various times in my life. Not only did it introduce me to the joy and challenge of poetry, but it showed me that it can have spiritual roots, too.

Reading good classical poetry contributes to a well-rounded education and creates a foundation for a lifelong love of literature and learning. This collection, designed for children, is really for anyone who wants to embrace the universal language of poetry. Its beauty, in carefully selected poems, is representative of the richness of the poetic literary tradition. Each section dedicated to an author’s work also provides a thematic context for the reader.

Some of my favorite selections include a section on so many beloved Mother Goose rhymes, poems by Gerard Manley Hopkins, and of course my favorite, “Daffodils.” It also has the lovely William Blake, and the touching A.A. Milne. I am enjoying revisiting many of the poems in this season of my life, and sharing my favorites with my grandchildren.

Within the pages of this lovely book, one can find echoes of the Catholic literary tradition, too. Poems exploring themes of love, compassion, and the wonders of creation are presented in a way that aligns with the moral and spiritual values often associated with the teachings of the Catholic Church. The collection serves as a subtle guide for parents and educators seeking to impart not only the joys of literature but also enduring virtues to the next generation.

Highly recommended.

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ TAN Books (March 21, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Imitation Leather ‏ : ‎ 344 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1505126303
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1505126304

Pin It on Pinterest