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Book Club
Overview
The St. Raymond Book Club is an informal group of booklovers who meet monthly to discuss a wide variety of Christian (primarily Catholic) literature. Call or e-mail Julie Bailey, 703-646-5195, julie@baileypeople.com to find out more about the Book Club.
Upcoming Books (updated 11/16)
- 18 Nov 2011 - Abuse of Language Abuse of Power by Josef Pieper, 54 pp
- 16 Dec 2011 - The Angels: The Catholic Teaching on The Angels by Fr. Pascal Parente, 157 pp
- 20 Jan 2012 - The 33 Doctors of the Church (Selected Chapters) by Christopher Renger, 715 pp – avg. 21 per
- 17 Feb 2012 - Lukewarmness: The Devil in Disguise by Francis Carvajal, 142 pp
- 16 Mar 2012 - Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week: From the Entrance Into Jerusalem To The Resurrection by Pope Benedict XVI, 384 pp
- 20 Apr 2012 - An Easy Way to Become A Saint by Fr. Paul O’Sullivan
- 18 May 2012 - Ten Dates Every Catholic Should Know: The Divine Surprises and Chastisements That Shaped the Church and Changed the World by Diane Moczar, 177 pp
- 15 Jun 2012 - The Grunt Padre by Fr Daniel Mode, 174 pp
- Summer 2012 - Happiness, God, and Man by Christoph Cardinal Schonborn, 225 pp
Previous Books
Books read since September 2009 include the following (a synopsis or description taken from the book cover is included as well as the average of club members ratings of the books from 1 – 5 stars, some member comments included). Books read most recently are at the top.
Heretics by G.K. Chesterton
- Synopsis: Though he was on the whole a fun loving and gregarious man, during adolescence Chesterton was troubled by thoughts of suicide. In Christianity he found answers to many of the dilemmas and paradoxes of life. Throughout Heretics he provides a very personal critique of contemporary religious notions. His consistently engaging but often wayward humor is mixed liberally with daring flights of fancy and some startling turns of thought. A highly original contribution to one of the major debates of the last century - one that continues to exercise leading thinkers in the present one.
- Rating: 3.0 stars
- “Though we agreed that G.K. Chesterton is definitely a giant in Christian literature, we found this selection difficult because of its continuous references to problems and personalities of Chesterton’s times (with which we were unfamiliar). As a group we wished we had chosen a different book of his for our first reading of Chesterton.”
Transformed By Love: The Soul's Journey to God in Teresa of Avila, Mother Aloysius of the Blessed Sacrament, and Elizabeth of the Trinity by Shirley Darcus Sullivan
- Synopsis: In an age when the desire for spiritual depth often eclipses the yen for material prosperity, Shirley Sullivan's Transformed by Love is a welcome guide for the interior voyage.-- Gloria Hutchinson, author of A Retreat with Teresa of Avila.
- Rating: 3.35 stars
- “Teresa was challenging but Mother Aloysius was exceptional. Well-coordinated among the three views.”
- “This is a book I am keeping in my library. During my travel through life I will need to constantly refer to this. I loved especially the reminders that my every day events contribute to my spiritual growth.”
Before the Dawn: Autobiographical Reflections by Eugenio Zolli, Former Chief Rabbi of Rome
- Synopsis: This is the remarkable and inspiring story of how the famous and revered Chief Rabbi of Rome, Israel Zolli, became a Christian and entered the Catholic Church after World War II. Zolli was a world renowned Jewish leader and Scripture & Talmudic scholar, and an authority on Semitic philology.
- Rating: 4.4 stars
- “Loved the conversion story! A wonderful writer and so much faith and love infused in this wonderful story.”
- “Thoroughly enjoyed following Mr. Zolli’s path to conversion. Very worthwhile reading.”
Jesus, The Apostles and the Early Church by Pope Benedict XVI
- Synopsis: Based on Pope Benedict XVI’s weekly teaching on the relationship between Christ and the Church, this book tells the drama of Jesus’ first disciples – his Apostles and their associates – and how they spread Jesus’ message throughout the ancient world.
- Rating: 4.2 stars
- “A beautiful explanation of Jesus’ Way and each of the Apostles as they encountered Jesus, how they came to believe, follow, and spread the Gospel to the point of losing their lives. The Holy Father brought the early Church alive to the here and now.”
- “I was surprised that the Pope was able to bring to us so much information in such simple and understandable words. What an intimate picture of the Apostles & the early Church!”
This Life: What Catholics Believe About What Happens Next by Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, C.F.R.
- Synopsis: This fascinating book looks at how really consoling and uplifting are the truths surrounding death, judgment, Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven.
- Rating: 5.0 stars
- “Father Groeschel's concise presentation on Purgatory is a must read for everyone. Father justified Purgatory's existence with quotes from Matthew's gospel. I particularly enjoyed the visual of St Catherine of Genoa portraying Purgatory as "a soul feeling itself melting in the fire of God's love." She said, "the joy increases day by day as God's love fills the soul as the impediments to that love are worn away." Not the scary place most imagine.”
A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken
- Synopsis: A heart-rending love story described by its author as "the spiritual autobiography of a love rather than of the lovers.
- Rating: 4.0 stars
- “A good story about the journey & process of conversion of godless people. Didn’t care for the literary style.”
- “I cherished the insight into the man CS Lewis was through his letters.”
Many Are Called by Scott Hahn
- Synopsis: Dr. Scott Hahn, one of the most celebrated scholars and influential Catholic writers living today, enthusiastically encourages Catholics around the world to renew their focus on the sacred role of the Catholic priest.
- Rating: 3.5 stars
- “I enjoyed the book, because I learned to look at the priesthood in so many different ways.”
- “I was expecting a book explaining how the calling for the priesthood enters the lives of men, the various responses they have to that calling, and why they answered the call. The title to me was dishonest. It could have been called...The Priesthood Through the Centuries, or something like that.”
Mother Teresa A Complete Authorized Biography by Kathryn Spink
- Synopsis: The complete story of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, founder of the Missionaries of Charity and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, a woman regarded by millions as a contemporary saint for her dedication to serving the poorest of the poor.
- Rating: 4.0 stars
- “I enjoyed reading about how her story unfolded. There are many, many things one could say about her life and work, but what struck me most of all was the two things to which she always returned. Those things were the "primacy of love" and the focusing on one individual at a time. It made me think of the passages in Corinthians about having all the wonderful gifts, but if we don't use them with love, they are worthless. That is what Mother Teresa's life showed, the idea that love always must be the focus of our interactions with one another.”
- “A joy to read the details of the character and works of Mother Teresa who was so beloved by people of all faiths for her genuine selfless love for all people, but especially the poor. Her determination was amazing and the way she inspired others. I hope after reading this that I will remember, more often, to look into the eyes of others to see their dignity in the image of Jesus Christ.”
The Lamb’s Supper by Scott Hahn
- Synopsis: An inspiring exploration of the Mass and of the book of Revelation.
- Rating: 4.2 stars
- “We agreed that we gained a deeper appreciation of the meaning of all the parts of the Mass and are hoping that will translate to keener and more deliberate participation when we attend Mass.”
- “Revelation is a part of the Bible that has always confounded me and I think that Scott Hahn clarified so many things with Jesus as Lamb. His insights were lovely, and I liked his writing.”
Padre Pio, Man of Hope by Renzo Allegri
- Synopsis: An intimate biography by which one sees the results of this humble Capuchin’s prayers, and discovers for oneself the Source of his great hope.
- Rating: 4.2 stars
- “The book, and his life, made a compelling case for the importance of the Sacrament of Confession in aiding all believers on their journey toward holiness.”
- “It was very good in the way it emphasized the importance of obedience and the sacrament of confession.”
Old Errors, New Labels by Fulton J. Sheen
- Synopsis: A fascinating and thought-provoking analysis of cultural issues that trouble us as much today as they did the faithful to whom Bishop Sheen initially addressed this book in 1931.
- Rating: 4 stars
- “A lot of "meat" in this book and one needs to take the time to digest it all. When approaching this book, I think one needs to prepare oneself for a lot of reflection. He gives excellent perspectives on the logic or illogic of a way of thinking.”
- “Bishop Sheen could have written this book yesterday since everything he says is as pertinent for today’s world as for the time he lived. It was enlightening and interesting.”
A Doctor at Calvary by Pierre Barbet M.D. {Read during Lent}
- Synopsis: The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ as Described by a Surgeon
- Rating: 3.8 stars
- “This book changed how I view the Crucifixion, it enlightened me to the facts of the death of our Savior. This book was a life-changing one in many ways for me.”
- “It is an excellent technical book about the crucifixion. If one is looking for a book to help immerse oneself in the passion, this could be of great value.”
Saint Gianna Molla by Pietro Molla and Elio Guerriero
- Synopsis: The inspiring story of a newly canonized contemporary woman who risked her life to save her unborn child.
- Rating: 1.8 stars
- “This book was disappointing because it was very poorly written and very repetitive. St. Gianna is a wonderful example of a contemporary holy woman but I didn’t feel this book did her story justice. A better book was Saint Gianna Beretta Molla, A Woman’s Life by Giuliana Pelucchi.”
Life of Christ by Fulton J. Sheen
- Synopsis: A dramatic and moving recounting of the birth, life, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Christ, and a passionate portrait of the God-Man, the teacher, the healer, and most of all, the savior, whose promise has sustained humanity for two millennia.
- Rating: 4.6 stars
- “It is a very "meaty" book and is the kind of book that can be used in small sections. By that I mean, after reading it through once, a person could return to it and focus on just one section at a time for review.”
- “It was not what I expected (merely a chronicle of Christ’s life) but made me rethink many aspects of our religion, had amazing insights and was wonderful from beginning to end. A book to deepen faith!”
Left to Tell by Immaculee Illibagiza
- Synopsis: Discovering God Amidst The Rwandan Holocaust – The Inspiring Autobiography of a Survivor
- Rating: 4.6 Stars
- “A glowing example of trust and belief in God, of faith that is tested and remains true, and of one woman’s courage and devotion.”
- “In her hiding, she experienced the spiritual warfare within her very soul. She wrote about having to fight against doubt (i.e. God cannot save you, etc.), fear and self-pity. The miracle of her survival is truly witness of God's power and love.”
Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
- Synopsis: How a Senior Devil Instructs a Junior Devil in the Art of Temptation
- Rating: 4.4 Stars
- “It is very helpful to read about some of the devil's tactics, especially to realize that they can be very simple things. The tendency is to think big, and to be ready to fight off the dragon when the enemy actually is a gnat.”
- “I enjoyed it, liked the perspective of the devil's manipulation and found it inventive and well written.”
Our Lady of Kibeho: Mary Speaks to the World from the Heart of Africa by Immaculee Ilibagiza
- Synopsis: The story of this Vatican-approved Marian apparition that took place 13 years before the genocide in Rwanda.
- Rating: 4.3 stars
- “Another winner by Immaculee Ilibagiza. It makes the Blessed Mother’s great love for the world so very evident, and it emphasizes the need to listen to Christ and His mother when they speak.”
- “I really enjoyed reading this book. It was so sweet, so warm and so inspiring. It amazed me that all these apparitions took place during my lifetime and I knew nothing about it until this book.”
No Turning Back, A Witness to Mercy by Fr. Donald Calloway
- Synopsis: The autobiography of an extremely troubled young man who experiences a powerful conversion, embraces Catholicism, and answers the call to the priesthood.
- Rating: 3.7 stars
- “An amazing story of conversion reminding us that there is always hope.”
- “An incredible story of God’s grace and mercy. It is a hopeful testament to the power of prayer for those who are fallen.”
Praying with the Saints for the Holy Souls in Purgatory by Susan Tassone
- Synopsis: This inspiring book shows how you can join the saints in this act of divine charity.
- Rating: 4 stars
- “I learned so much from this book! I felt had had previously been negligent in praying for the poor souls in purgatory.”
- “As a cradle Catholic I was aware of praying for the souls in purgatory. This is a great reminder to focus every day on the poor souls.”
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