Review: Gifts from Our Father--A Catholic Prayer Book for Kids

Gifts from Our Father

About the Book:

How well do your loved ones know their Catholic Faith? Share your faith with the future of our Catholic Church with Gifts From Our Father - A Catholic Prayer Book for Kids. This hardcover book teaches Catholic prayers and traditions in a fun, simple, and easy to understand way without watering down our faith. Illustrated for kids yet written for adults, this is the perfect resource for Catholics of all ages who want to strengthen their knowledge and love for Christ and His Church.

My Comments:

If you are looking for basic textbook on Catholic beliefs, traditions and prayers that can be shared by the whole family, you may have found it here.  Gifts from Our Father begins with prayer, and after describing prayers of gratitude, petition, forgiveness and adoration, the Nicine Creed is presented..  This is followed by the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.  More prayers are presented including a prayer for the Holy Father, Acts of Faith, Hope and Love and the Act of Contrition (a heartily sorry version).  Holy Days of Obligation are discussed and then the liturgical year, including prayers for each season.  The Seven Sacraments are listed and described and, as appropriate, the Mass gets several pages.  Eucharistic Adoration is described and the Amina Christi and The Divine Praises are printed.  The Rosary, its prayers, mysteries and promises take up five pages.  The Memorare, the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes come next. The section on the Communion of Saints describes the canonization process, talks about living a holy life and then describes several saints and gives prayers of others.  

The book is printed on high-quality glossy paper and the illustrations are eye-catching and charming.  While the prayers in the book  use "you" and "your" rather than "thee" "thou" (except in the Rosary prayers) they are the adult versions of the prayes, not re-worked children's versions.  A family that wants a handbook of basic things that should be taught to Catholic children will find just what they need in this book. 

Scripture quotes are from the NRSV.  The book has an Imprimatur and a Nihil Obstat.   Grade:  A. 

I'd like to thank Catholic Word for sending me a review copy of the book.  Catholic Word describes itself as " a one-stop resource for leading programs and religious titles from over 35 top Catholic publishers. For over 15 years, Catholic Word has built a reputation based on quality, personal relationships and a devotion to excellence in service."  The mission they espouse is "to build up the Church one soul at a time through top quality Catholic materials and resources. Wherever a person is on their faith journey, we offer real help to taking the next step closer to God. Our motto is to do the right thing, in the right way, for the right reason."  They claim to be "100% faithful to the teachings of the Magisterium".  

Review: Archangela's Horse

Archangela's Horse

About the Book:

Sometimes God has the most unpredictable ways of showing us the path we are to take. Archangela comes to understand God's will when her beloved horse Santo refuses to take her where she wants to go, revealing a different path for her life. Written by Sherry Boas, Illustrated by Ines Leguizamo.

My Comments:

If there is one love that is almost as universal as the love God has for us, it is the love that girls have for horses.  Archangela's Horse is the story of the love Eleanora Girlani, who later became known as Blessed Archangela, had for her horse and how God used that horse to lead her to her true vocation as a Carmelite nun rather than as the Benedictine nun she wanted to be.  While the writing is a little overdone in spots, I think the story will definitely grab the horse-crazy 8-11 year old girl.  The illustrations are done in water color and are a strong point of the book.  Grade:  B.  

I'd like to thank Catholic Word for sending me a review copy of the book.  Catholic Word describes itself as "a one-stop resource for leading programs and religious titles from over 35 top Catholic publishers. For over 15 years, Catholic Word has built a reputation based on quality, personal relationships and a devotion to excellence in service."  The mission they espouse is "to build up the Church one soul at a time through top quality Catholic materials and resources. Wherever a person is on their faith journey, we offer real help to taking the next step closer to God. Our motto is to do the right thing, in the right way, for the right reason."  They claim to be "100% faithful to the teachings of the Magisterium".  

Review: Encyclopedia of Peg Saints

Encyclopedia of Peg Saints

About the Book:

Discover all the fascinating facts that make the saints so lovable and inspirational. Get to know 36 saints in an engaging and easy to “absorb” format, centered around colorful hand-painted peg dolls collected and cherished by Catholic kids everywhere. “I highly recommend this book to parents and educators, as it will help children come to know and love the saints, which will in turn lead them into a deeper relationship with Christ and His Church. I have always been very partial to the lives of the saints, so I believe this book will go a long way in the New Evangelization. The saints are great, graphics are beautiful and the information on the saints’ lives is excellent.” ~The Most Rev. James S. Wall, Bishop of Gallup.

My Comments:

It is hard to find a book about the saints that is on the right level to teach kids quickly about these heros of our faith.  Encyclopedia of Peg Saints does a great job.  Each page features a different saint and is illustrated by a peg doll of that saint,  Those dolls can be found at Saintlyheart.com.  The text isn't a story about the saint, but rather a collection of fact boxes so that you can use those for which you have time, or which suit your purpose, and skip the rest.  The book has sixteen female stories (two are the Blessed Mother) and eighteen male stories.  It also includes two angels.   If you are looking for a book to use in a religion class or with homeschoolers to teach about a variety of saints, I think you'll find this one to be very useful.  Grade:  B+

I'd like to thank Catholic Word for sending me a review copy of the book.  Catholic Word describes itself as " a one-stop resource for leading programs and religious titles from over 35 top Catholic publishers. For over 15 years, Catholic Word has built a reputation based on quality, personal relationships and a devotion to excellence in service."  The mission they espouse is "to build up the Church one soul at a time through top quality Catholic materials and resources. Wherever a person is on their faith journey, we offer real help to taking the next step closer to God. Our motto is to do the right thing, in the right way, for the right reason."  They claim to be "100% faithful to the teachings of the Magisterium".  

Children's Book Review: Light for the World

Light for the World

About the Book:

Written and illustrated for your entire family, this softcover book explains Catholic traditions and feast days that we celebrate throughout the seasons of Advent and Christmas.

My Comments:

As Catholics, we celebrate the liturgical year, which has its own seasons and celebrations.  Light for the World takes us through the seasons of Advent and Christmas, touching on feast days, prayers and traditions.  Feasts discussed include the Annunciation, St. Francis Xavier, St. Nicholas (of course!), the Immaculate Conception, Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. John of the Cross, Christmas, St. John, Apostle and Evangelist, The Holy Innocents, The Holy Family, Mary the Mother of God, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. John Neumann,  Epiphany and the Baptism of Our Lord.  Traditions that are explained include the Advent Wreath, the Advent Calendar, the Nativity Scene, the Jesse Tree, the "O" Antiphons, filling stockings, presents and King Cake.  

The pages about the feast days give short stories about the feast or the celebrated saint and they often include prayers.  The Feast of the Holy Innocents page includes the following prayer;

Prayer for the Dignity of Human Life

Lord and giver of all life, 

help us to value each person

created in love by you.

In your mercy, guide and assist our efforts

to promote the dignity and value of all human life,

born and unborn.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

The book has an Imprimatur and Nihil Obstat from the Bishop of Green  Bay, Wisconsin.  Scripture quotes are from the NRSV.

While marketed as a children's book, I see it as a book for family use.  I think there is too much text and that some of the words are too advanced for young children, such that giving them the book would not be using it to its full potential.  Grade:  B.  

I'd like to thank Catholic Word for sending me a review copy of the book.  Catholic Word describes itself as " a one-stop resource for leading programs and religious titles from over 35 top Catholic publishers. For over 15 years, Catholic Word has built a reputation based on quality, personal relationships and a devotion to excellence in service."  The mission they espouse is "to build up the Church one soul at a time through top quality Catholic materials and resources. Wherever a person is on their faith journey, we offer real help to taking the next step closer to God. Our motto is to do the right thing, in the right way, for the right reason."  They claim to be "100% faithful to the teachings of the Magisterium".  

Mommy, Mommy, When You Pray

Mommy, Mommy, When You Pray

About the Book:

Celebrate the simple joys of family life! A mother shares with her children the joy and thanksgiving she offers through prayer, teaching them that they are blessings, just in being who God made them to be.

My Comments:

The story starts with a son asking his mother what is in her heart when she prays.  She replies that she thanks God for "little hearts, and hands and faces. Whispers that tickle, and horseback races. For every curious cabinet searcher, and overflowing imagination to nurture.".  There are pictures of the family sledding and kids in a holiday performance.  Kids joining the parents in bed in early morning are also shown. The book concludes with "My heart says thank you.  Thank you God".  

Teaching kids to pray is an important part of motherhood and this book show that we should start with thanking God for the most precious part of our lives, our family.  Grade:  B-

I'd like to thank Catholic Word for sending me a review copy of the book.  Catholic Word describes itself as " a one-stop resource for leading programs and religious titles from over 35 top Catholic publishers. For over 15 years, Catholic Word has built a reputation based on quality, personal relationships and a devotion to excellence in service."  The mission they espouse is "to build up the Church one soul at a time through top quality Catholic materials and resources. Wherever a person is on their faith journey, we offer real help to taking the next step closer to God. Our motto is to do the right thing, in the right way, for the right reason."  They claim to be "100% faithful to the teachings of the Magisterium".  

Author Interview: Sherry Boas

I've reviewed several books by Sherry Boas, so I was definitely interested when Catholic Word asked me if I wanted to interview her.  Sherry's comments are in bold type below.

Hi Sherry!  I'm a fan of your Lily books and I'm so glad you agreed to take time for this interview.
I looked at your website and the photos of your kids are great.  I understand why you are vague on the details about them, but can you tell us a little about them--their genders and approximate ages (teens, toddlers, pre-teens, etc.).

My children range in age from 9 to 16. They are awesome gifts from God and make our lives rich and joyful.

All of your kids are adopted, and none of them were the healthy, perfect white infants that so many adoptive parents want.  How old were your kids when you adopted them?  Do you have any advice for parents considering adopting special-needs kids?

We adopted all our children when they were infants. If you feel you may be called to special needs adoption, pray, research and have courage. Let love guide you, not fear. Love will determine whether each placement is right. Love doesn’t require you to say yes to everything. Sometimes love means saying no. But fear is never a good decision maker. As our beloved St. John Paul II always reminded us, “Be not afraid!”

Your website said you homeschool your kids.  Is this something that you think you would have done if your kids did not have special needs, or is it something you chose to do largely because of your kids' special needs?

I was led to home schooling after seeing the fruits of home schooling in families I knew or read about. It seemed they had a very close bond and that’s what I wanted for my family.

In Until Lily, we learn that Lily works, uses public transportation independently and lives in a group home.  What type of future to you envision for your children?  I have a son who has autism and so far, I've found adulthood to be harder than the school years. I can't imagine having to worry about four kids with special needs and what they are going to do when I'm gone.

From what it looks like now, thanks to so many miracles, I think most of my children will be independent. My daughter with Down syndrome is the one who will require help all her life. I think she will hold some kind of job and live with family or in a group home. Her older brother, who is now 15, has expressed a desire to help her through life, which I think is beautiful. If it doesn’t end up working out that way, I pray God will send the right people into her life, and as she gets older, we will begin to make more solid plans. She is only 12 now. But I know it’s a worry, and I hear what you say, loud and clear. Adulthood for people with special needs can be a real challenge. Perhaps we as parents must rely on God’s providence even more at those times. And work very hard and pray for the strength to endure whatever suffering and sacrifices are necessary because that’s what love requires.

All the Lily books are published by Caritas Press, and your bio on their website says you are the owner of Caritas Press.  As a book blogger I've started to learn about the business of books and I'm still trying to figure things out.  What is the difference between owning a company like Caritas Press, and self-publishing?  Is there a difference?  Does Caritas Press publish books by other authors?  Do you want to?  Did you try to publish any of your books with other publishers?

I started as a self publisher in 2011, when I published the Lily Trilogy, but my mission unexpectedly grew and now I have a small publishing company called Caritas Press. I do publish other people’s work, including children’s books, but I wouldn’t be able to do any of it without my publishing partner, Catholic Word, which handles all my distribution, marketing, order fulfillment and accounts. Catholic Word is the reason I was able to make the cross-over from self-published author to publisher, so their decision to take on my titles has been a huge blessing.

In my review of The Things Lily Knew, I asked my readers:  If adults could take pre-conception pills to eliminate defective eggs or sperm, would that be a good thing?  I'm not talking about something that would hurt an already conceived zygote, embryo or fetus; rather this hypothetical drug would work on gametes (eggs and sperm).  What is your answer?

Such a good question. It is the question that the main character in The Things Lily Knew has to face. I would love for people to read the book and see if it helps them decide for themselves!

In your books it becomes clear that for Lily's family she is a catalyst for salvation--both salvation in the everlasting sense and in an earthy sense, as the family was better off here on earth because of the interactions with Lily.  Fast forward twenty years.  A drug has just hit the market that cures Down's Syndrome or a condition that one of your other children has.  I know you can't fix chromosomes but this hypothetical medicine provides what is missing because of that extra chromosome, and studies have shown that if people with those conditions take this medicine and then undergo extensive tutoring (because they were so far behind to start with) they can achieve normal intelligence/abilities.  Would you give the medicine to your children?

Another really good question. Probably similar to the question of cochlear implants for people who are deaf. If I were deaf, I assume I would sign up for that surgery. But I have heard some in the deaf community say that deafness is something that doesn’t need to be fixed. For myself, if there was a magic drug that had no side effects and could make my memory better, I would probably take it. I think it would improve my quality of life to be able to remember where I put my car keys and what chapter contains the scene where Lily gets married, for instance, and I don’t think it would change my personality. I think I might view medication for improving intelligence in those with intellectual disabilities the same way. On the other hand, one would have to wonder if such a medication would change one’s personality, and then that becomes a tougher question.

Your bio says that you spent ten years as a journalist.  Now you are a novelist.  How do the jobs compare?  Why did you decide to switch fields?

I quit my very demanding job as a reporter at a daily newspaper in 1998 when we adopted our first baby. I became a stay-at-home mom and have loved every minute of it. Then in 2009, I decided to try writing a book, and that turned into a trilogy, which I published in 2011, and then a series, and I began to see how I could publish other books as well. I have been blessed to be able to do it all at home, in the stolen moments between laundry and times tables, and late at night when everyone has gone to bed. It has been a blessed journey!

I'd like to thank Sherry for taking the time to visit with us. I've enjoyed getting to know her and hope you enjoy her books as much as I do.

Seven Quick Takes about With the Help of Thy Grace Cookbook and a Giveaway!

1. With the Help of Thy Grace is a Catholic Cookbook.  Besides recipes that will look familiar to those who love church cookbooks, it also contains spirtual readings and meditations on most pages.  You can read my review of the book here.
   
   
2. One thing I like about church cookbooks is that the recipes are things people actually eat. I reviewed a cookbook once that had a recipe that took two days to make and used over twenty-seven ingredients.  Those types of recipes aren't found in cookbooks like With the Help of Thy Grace.
   
   
3. I've made two recipes from With the Help of Thy Grace.  One was Sweet and Sour Pork Chops.  You'll have to come back in a few days to get the recipe and see how they looked after I cooked them.  They were good, at least according to the food critics who live at my house.
   
   
4. I also made Cheesy Baked Chicken which had a crust made of breadcrumbs and cheddar cheese.  Yummy!
5. You can order a copy of With the Help of Thy Grace from Catholic Word.  Isn't the cover pretty?
   
6. Catholic Word is sponsoring a giveaway of this cookbook.  For every twenty people who enter (that's unique people, not entries) they will give away one cookbook.  Isn't that generous?
7. There is a recipe for Tomato Soup Cake, that contains a can of tomato soup, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, nuts and raisins.  Has anyone every made Tomato Soup Cake?

To enter the giveaway:  Leave a comment with your name, email address and the name of a dish you make to celebrate the Liturgical Year (even if it is Christmas Cookies or Easter Ham).

For a second entry, Visit Catholic Word's website and leave a second comment containing the URL of a page showing a product in which you are interested that no one else has left.

For a third entry tweet about this contest and leave a comment with the tweet URL

For a fourth entry, follow me on Bloglovin and leave a comment with your Bloglovin name

For a fifth entry, spread the word about this contest on facebook and leave a comment with the facebook URL

For another entry, blog about this contest and leave the URL in  a comment

For another entry, follow me on Twitter (RAnn@ruthjoec)  and leave your Twitter name in a comment.

Winner will be randomly selected May 15, 2015.

Review: Things Unknown to Lily

Things Unknown to Lily (The Lily Series) (Volume 5)

About the Book:

Charlotte was willing to accept whatever suffering came her way, just to be with the man she loves. But she could never have foreseen how difficult it was going to be to weather the louring tempests of her husband’s depression. Mystified by why her devotion is not enough to make John happy, she carries the burden of his sadness, unaware that it is a long-ago secret, kept from his aunt Lily, that prevents him from surrendering to the joy born of true love. Healing is about to come from an unlikely place, as it often does with anyone who has known Lily and grows to understand that something quite unexpected can change everything.

My Comments:

Lily and her family are back.  For those who haven't read the other books, Lily was a woman with Down Syndrome who made a profound (and good) difference in the life of her family.  This is the story of her nephew (whose mother conceived him so that Lily could have a child to help raise) and his wife.  John, the nephew suffers from depression.  His wife Charlotte is almost totally blind, and will be totally blind soon.  Charlotte wants to help John, but he won't let her in.  In the end, Lily is the answer.

I love Sherry Boas' writing, not only her stories, but her writing as well, and if you peruse this blog, you'll find that there are few writers about whom I say that.  She has a real gift in her use of language; if I had to guess I'd say she was a poet in a previous life, not a journalist (though in reality, she was a journalist).  

While classified as religious fiction, Things Unknown to Lily is on the milder end of the spectrum.  The fact that the characters have faith is mentioned, and Mother Theresa makes an appearance but this is no sermon dressed as a story.  The faith elements are there, but they belong in the story naturally and for the most part did not feel forced.  It is definitely not a "find Jesus and life will be grand" book.  

Fans of the series will enjoy catching up with members of the Lovely family but Things Unknown to Lily stands well on its own--you don't have to read the other books first, but they do add an additional dimension to the story.  I like it enough to give it an A- and if you've read this blog very long, you'll know that's high praise.  

I'd like to thank Catholic Word for sending me a review copy of the book.  Catholic Word describes itself as " a one-stop resource for leading programs and religious titles from over 35 top Catholic publishers. For over 15 years, Catholic Word has built a reputation based on quality, personal relationships and a devotion to excellence in service."  The mission they espouse is "to build up the Church one soul at a time through top quality Catholic materials and resources. Wherever a person is on their faith journey, we offer real help to taking the next step closer to God. Our motto is to do the right thing, in the right way, for the right reason."  They claim to be "100% faithful to the teachings of the Magisterium".  

Review: Crux

Crux

About the Film:

ANIMA is a series of films that help us break through the noise of our everyday life in order to hear the voice of truth and love. Each film in the series guides us on an inward journey of self-reflection and wonder. The short movies feature Bishop Donald Hying as he incorporates the word of God, original music, and artistic cinematography.

crux / krəks, kro͝oks/ noun

the decisive or most important point at issue.

What experiences in your life can only be explained by the existence, the presence, and the intervention of God?

How does God becoming human in the person of Jesus change our understanding of being human, our understanding of God?

How can living in the present moment fill me with greater joy, peace, conviction and love?

This DVD not only encourages you to ponder thought-provoking questions during the short film, but also includes 3 key questions from Bishop Donald Hying for further reflection and discussion!

My Comments:

Crux is a well-done reflective movie featuring scenes in and around Milwaukee Wisconsin.  The narrator, who is Bishop Hying, encourages us to reflect on the fact that without God, our life is meaningless--what we have here is all there is, and once it is over, there is nothing more.  Bishop Hying also points out that without God, we have to be God in our lives, always right, always strong.  The main thing that struck me was when Bishop Hying said that most of the time if we are worried or regretful, it is because we are trying to live in the past or the future; most of the time the present is good, and we should appreciate that.  

This film is the first in a series.  They are all short; this one is about twelve minutes long and I think they would be good to use  with an adult or young adult prayer group.  The material (at least in Crux) is more reflective than instructional and is followed with the discussion questions listed above in italics.  

I'd like to thank Catholic Word for providing a complimentary review copy.  Grade:  B+

Books from Catholic Word

The big box from Catholic Word also had grown-up books.  I really need to get off the computer and get reading!

7 Secrets of Confession

About the Book:

"I want to go to Communion, so I have to go to confession."

Sound familiar? To many Catholics, confession is just a means to an end: cleaning us up from sin so we can receive Communion. But, as Pope Francis tells us, confession is much more than "going to the dry cleaner." It's "an encounter with Jesus, who waits for us as we are."

In 7 Secrets of Confession, best-selling author Vinny Flynn explores the "hidden" truths of this encounter with Jesus, presenting what to many will be a whole new way of going to confession, and inviting you to begin an exciting personal journey to healing and holiness.

If you do no yet look forward to confession in the same way you look forward to Communion, read on. It will change your life.

My Comments:

Going to Confession isn't on the top of the list of my favorite things to do.  I flipped through this book and it looks like it is highly readable.  There are quite a few quotes from St. Faustina's Diary and since I've never read it, I look forward to learning about it.  Maybe this book will change my attitude about Confession.  

Awakening a Life-Giving Heart

About the Book:

Live with a generous spirit! A book for all Catholic women who want to grow contemplatively, in order to pray effectively for their families and for the Church. The focus of the book is not academic but a spiritual encouragement to live out the life-giving capacity of the feminine genius.

Mary Gannon Kaufmann describes the life-giving nature of womanhood and seeks to guide women to live a deeper contemplative life of faith and prayer that can awaken holiness in themselves and others, in their families and the priests and deacons that they pray for.

Even though this call to effectively intercede for others is not new, today the call to spiritually uplift the Church and her clergy stands in new brilliance. Using Venerable Concepción's work as well as the insights of other saintly women, Awakening a Life-Giving Heart helps women learn to negotiate the ups and downs of their lives as prayerful sacrifices for others.

My Comments:

It is interesting to see all the various types of books on the spiritual life.  Somewhere in this Mega-giveaway stack I may find one that zings my heart.  I wonder if this will be it.  Has anyone read it?

Seeking First the Kingdom: 30 Meditations on How to Love God with All Your Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength

About the Book:

For anyone who is curious to go deeper in their relationship with Jesus Christ, Seeking First the Kingdom: 30 Meditations on How to Love God with All Your Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength was written to help those those pursuing Christ to take the next step in spiritual maturity. You want to go deeper and grow closer, but how? By identifying four core areas of your relationship with God (heart, soul, mind, and strength), Fr. John Bartunek helps determine what areas you're stuck in. Short chapters and reflection/discussion questions make this book digestible and applicable to your life. By identifying where you need to grow, you'll experience renewed enthusiasm and discover a new depth to your prayer life. 

Seeking First the Kingdom is full of practical examples and down-to-earth wisdom which will show you how to bring Christ into each facet of your life. In these 30 meditations, you’ll learn: how to bring every dimension of your being into your relationship with God, how to handle the emotional roller coaster of everyday life, how to overcome spiritual obstacles and roadblocks, and ways to develop virtue and grow in holiness. 

Along the way, you’ll discover how to cultivate a deep and joy-filled friendship with Christ - an adventure that begins today, here on earth, and continues for all eternity.

My Comments:

I guess Someone is really trying to tell me my prayer life needs work (and it does).  This book looks like one that could be used individually or in a group setting.  Into the toppling tower of TBR it goes.  

Children's Books from Catholic Word

I got so much stuff from Catholic Word, via the Mega-Advent Giveaway that I'm spreading it out in several posts.  This post will highlight two children's books.

Barnyard Bliss

About the Book:

The animals can't wait to share the news. Something exciting and beautiful has come to be! All of creation rejoices as word of Mr. And Mrs. Hoot's owlet spread throughout the farm in this whimsical tale written by Ruth Pendergast Sissel. and Illustrated by Tina Tolliver Matney. "With unbridled joy, their voices rise. All things old become refreshed. Welcome Babe, this joyous day! We pray your life is blessed!"

My Comments:

A cute book showcasing animals that rejoice when their friends have a baby.  Featured animals include the cow, the hummingbird, the butterfly, the peacock, the chicken and the lamb.  There isn't really a plot but young children will enjoy finding their animal friends.  Grade:  B.

Victoria's Sparrows

About the Book:

Things are usually perfect at Grandma and Grandpa's cabin. But not on the day after a fierce storm comes to Fossil Lake. The cellar, stocked with all the food the family needs, is blocked by a fallen tree. The bridge is washed out, and there's no way to get to town. But it isn't her own rumbling tummy that worries Victoria as much as the sparrows' broken and empty bird feeder. Before the day is through, the young girl will come to understand what providence is all about. The layers of meaning hidden in this story, full of unanticipated twists and turns, have become a trademark of author Sherry Boas' work. The seasoned writer's experiences as a journalist, novelist and mother inspire her to write stories that fill readers with a sense of wonder at life's unexpected goodness.

My Comments:

The illustrations in this book are charming and I guess I'm getting old because the grandmother looked about my age and was dressed like women my age dress.  She wasn't a plumpish woman with curly white short hair who wore and dress covered by an apron.  Grade:  B-.  

Thanks to Catholic Word: Sacraments 12 Amazing Short Videos

Sacraments

About:

In order to effectively reach this generation with the richness and beauty of our Catholic faith, it must be done in new and relevant ways. Teens watch a staggering amount of media content each day. Why not reach out to them through this channel that resonates with them and speaks their language? The VCAT Video Catechism does this through creative short films and videos that use cultural analogies, creativity, humor, and always try to answer the question, "Why should a teenager care about this?" At the heart of each video is a point (or points) articulated by the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

This fantastic DVD contains the following 12 short films - great for youth ministry, religious education, and Catholic school programs and classrooms:

The Seven Sacraments - This short film offers a brief overview of the seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church and the purpose each serves. (3 minutes)

On the Road to Emmaus - A special visitor joins Will at Mass on Sunday and suddenly the Mass will never be the same. (8 minutes)

Initiation - Watch as a story-telling grandpa with an over-active imagination tries to explain the Sacraments to his grandkids. You’ve never heard it quite like this before. (4 minutes)

Holy Water - When a “voice from above” asks a teen why he blesses himself with holy water as he enters the chapel at his parish, he responds, “Isn’t that what you are supposed to do when you enter a church?” The “voice” then takes him on a journey into his past and future to see exactly what this water means. (4 minutes)

We Adore - “What sublime humility and humble sublimeness, that the Lord of the Universe, the Divine Son of God, should stoop as to hide Himself under the appearance of bread for our salvation!” ~ St. Francis of Assisi (3 minutes)

It's NOT Graduation - The general conception that Confirmation is “graduation” is challenged in this film using some interesting comparisons. (3 minutes)

How do I go to Confession? - Whether this is a refresher or an introduction, this film creatively walks through the Sacrament of Reconciliation in a way that will stick with you. (4 minutes)

Suffering and Glorified - Meet Caroline and Jack, two kids who have battled illness and received strength through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. (6 minutes)

Get Up and Walk - In this contemporary re-enactment of Mark 2:1-12, we see the need for us to bring each other to Christ for forgiveness and healing. (8 minutes)

The Game of Life - Four friends enjoy some time together over a board game and learn something in the process. (4 minutes)

Chris Padgett Talks About Marriage - Chris Padgett shares his thoughts about the Sacrament of Marriage, and few jokes, too. (6 minutes)

Call Waiting - Meet Will. He likes God and he likes girls. He thinks he might be called to the priesthood, but doesn’t know for sure. (7 minutes)

My Comments:  These seem aimed at the teen audience and are the perfect size to use within a religous ed class--long enough to make a point, short enough not to take your whole class period.   I watched one on baptism/holy water, one on the Mass that compared it to the story of Jesus on the road to Emmaus  and the one in which a tatooed Chris Padgett talked about the self-sacrificing nature of marriage and how marriage as a vocation calls you to unselfish love. This will be donated to my school or parish religion program.  Grade:  B

I won this video as part of the Mega Advent Giveaway.

Children's Book: Miraculous Me

Miraculous Me

About the Book:

What thoughts crossed your mother's mind the first time she saw you? What dreams did your father hold in his heart? Told from the perspective of a baby in utero whose parents are seeing the ultrasound picture for the first time.

A colorful and inspiring way to instill the message that we are each wonderfully made and treasured from the moment of conception. Great pro-life gift for baby showers, new parents, and teaching children!

Fun Fact: In early spring 2013, while putting socks on her newest daughter's feet, Ruth spoke out loud, "Look at those toes, where will they go?" In a moment of sheer inspiration, she grabbed her eldest daughter's Tinkerbell notebook, and between folding laundry and scrambling eggs, wrote the manuscript for this book.

My Comments:

Written in a poetic style, this book is a fun read-aloud showing parents at their first ultrasound dreaming of what their baby will become.  One thing is sure; this baby is cherished whether a he or a she; whether a ballerina or an astronaut.  The parents are ready to play with this child and care for him or her.  That a baby is a gift from God is clear.  

I'll be donating this book, which was given to me for review by Catholic World, to my daughter's Catholic school.  I hope the kids enjoy it.  Grade:  B+.

Catholic Word is the leading Catholic publisher group in the United States, with over 35 publisher members producing books, study programs, audio and videos which provide answers to the burning needs and questions relevant to today's Catholic.

Wing Tip: My Review

Wing Tip

About the Book:

Dante De Luz's steel was forged in his youth, in the crucible of harsh losses and triumphant love. But that steel gets tested like never before as the revelation of a family secret presents the young Catholic priest with the toughest challenge of his life, with stakes that can't get any higher. 

This unique tale of relentless love offers a profound look at the mercy of God as revealed through the trials of one man and the failures and flaws in his family line. 

Wrapped within the plot line is a thought-provoking love story that reveals the power of authentic and pure romantic love to see beyond social classes and materialism. 

“Wing Tip is the compelling story of how one man refuses to allow a stunning revelation about his very identity to destroy his life, but amid much struggle, transforms the dark revelation into a restoration of a lost soul,” says literary critic Leticia Velasquez, Catholic Media Review. “It allows the reader a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the heart of a fervent priest." 

“Through the life of one man, Wing Tip journeys with the reader into the adventure of God’s relentless pursuit of His lost sheep,” says Father Paul Sullivan, director of vocations for the Diocese of Phoenix. “So relatable, so enjoyable, this book will leave the reader to consider the enduring joys that come with living God’s will in the situation that we find ourselves in and the legacy that we will leave when at last we are called home.”

My Comments:

The book begins with an almost deathbed scene.  Fr. Dante's mother is elderly and frail and not long for this world.  He has heard her confession and now wants to give her Communion.  She refuses, and says that she needs to go to confession, there is something she has withheld, but she wants a different priests.  Fr. Dante calls another priest who hears her confession, and shortly thereafter, she dies.  After the funeral the other priest gives him a letter that his mother dictated, a letter that tells her secrets.  Fr. Dante then makes contact with the other person mentioned in the letter.  The book is the story of Fr. Dante's life and this man's life along with the lives of Dante's mother and father.  

I found the book to be an engaging read that very overtly presented Catholic doctrine and practice.  I liked Fr. Dante and would love for him to be assigned to my parish (not that I have any problems with my current pastor).  The Catholic church and the sacraments were clearly presented as the means by which Jesus reaches us to save us.  

That being said, the book had editing problems.  Dante's mother is described in the opening scene (which happens in the present day) as frail and old, but the beginning of the story took place when she was twenty-nine. At that time, she knew a man who had WNBA tickets (the league started in 1996), she listened to Sonny and Cher songs on the car radio including I've Got You Babe ( a 1965 hit--and Sonny and Cher split in 1975) and there is a reference to Farrah Fawcett vs Cheryl Ladd (Charlie's Angels 1975-1981). Ten year old Dante and his mother go to Mass and hear "We proclaim your death, oh Lord and proclaim (sic) your resurrection, until you come again".  Also, the window Fr. Dante has on his mother's past is a letter she dictated while on her deathbed.  Fr. Dante then uses this letter to tell his mother's story to the other person mentioned in the letter.  There was far too much story; far too much detail for such a letter.  Had the letter directed him to journals or to other people who would know details, it would have made more sense.  

There are times I wanted to give this book an "A" because of the beauty of the writing alone, and other times that I almost rolled my eyes at things that seemed to be put in the story just to give Boas a chance to inform her readers about another aspect of Catholicism.  While I enjoyed the story, it is definitely the story of the spiritual life of a priest and as readers we listen to Fr. Dante speaking to penitents in the confessional, counselling unbelievers and encouraging believers.  

I'd like to thank Catholic Word for providing a review copy of this book.  I was not obligated to provide a positive review.  Grade: B-

Catholic Word is a one-stop resource for leading programs and religious titles from over 35 top Catholic publishers. For over 15 years, Catholic Word has built a reputation based on quality, personal relationships and a devotion to excellence in service.

October: Respect Life Month

In honor of Respect Life Month, I've been offered the opportunity by Catholic Word  to give away a set of the Lily books, written by Sherry Boas.  These books tell the story of the effect a woman with Downs Syndrome had on her family.

Book 1:  My Review

Book 2:  My Review

Book 3:  My Review

Book 4:  My Review

Catholic Word, the group sponsoring this giveaway, describes itself as " a one-stop resource for leading programs and religious titles from over 35 top Catholic publishers. For over 15 years, Catholic Word has built a reputation based on quality, personal relationships and a devotion to excellence in service."  The mission they espouse is "to build up the Church one soul at a time through top quality Catholic materials and resources. Wherever a person is on their faith journey, we offer real help to taking the next step closer to God. Our motto is to do the right thing, in the right way, for the right reason."  They claim to be "100% faithful to the teachings of the Magisterium".

To enter this giveway, please go to Catholic Word's website, find a book that you would like to read that has not been previously mentioned in the comments, and leave a comment with the name of the book.  Good luck!  Winner will be drawn on the Feast of All Saints.