Following, in reverse chronological order, are links to my monthly book columns that appear in the print edition of The Catholic Post. There are other books I review through the month. You can also find reviews by using the “search this blog” tool in the upper left hand corner of the blog.
My role as book page editor for The Catholic Post, newspaper of the diocese of Peoria, began in April 2010. Tom Dermody, my ever-encouraging and resourceful editor of the Post, approached me about writing a monthly book column, and since I’d been blogging on various platforms since 2005, I proposed adding on a blog as well. And the rest, as they say, is history. Author interviews quickly followed as a popular feature, so I’ve included a tab for those as well, and I will endeavor to keep those updated.
Note: this has not been updated in (gasp!) three years. I will try to update soon.
April 2014: Time for a Mid-Lent Re-Set
Mercy in the City by Kerry Weber
February 2014: Happy Reads for February Doldrums
Yes God! What Ordinary Families Can Learn About Parenting from Today’s Vocation Stories by Susie Lloyd.
January 2014: The Theology of the Body for Everyone
These Beautiful Bones: An Everyday Theology of the Body by Emily Stimpson
December 2013: Christmas Gift Books to Inspire and Entertain
The Miracle of Father Kapaun: Priest, Solider and Korean War Hero by Roy Wenzl and Travel Heying
When Faith Feels Fragile: Help for the Wary, Weak and Wandering by Fr. R. Scott Hurd
Dad is Fat by Jim Gaffigan
Small Steps for Catholic Moms: Your Daily Call to Think, Pray and Act by Danielle Bean and Elizabeth Foss
Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration by Melanie Rigney
November 2013: Christmas gift book ideas for Children & Families
Women of the Bible by Margaret McCallister (also author of The Mistmantle Chronicles, reviewed here)
Bambinelli Sunday: A Christmas Blessing by Amy Welborn, illustrated by Ann Kissane Engelhart
The Gate by Nancy Carabio Belanger
Fr. Mitch Pacwa’s The Holy Land: An Armchair Pilgrimage
Sister Wendy on the Art of.. (series)
October 2013: Revenge of the Nerds: How Geekiness Can Strengthen Faith & Family
Part 1: GeekPriest: Confessions of a New Media Pioneer by Fr. Roderick Vonhogen
September 2013: Tapas for the Soul: Reflections from Rome by Monsignor Soseman
August 2013: Discouraged? Books Offer Hope for Flourishing in Faith
How to Defend the Faith Without Raising Your Voice: Civil Responses to Catholic Hot Button Issues by Austen Ivereigh
Strange Gods: Unmasking the Idols in Everyday Life by Elizabeth Scalia
July 2013: Your College Faith: Own It! by Colleen and Matt Swaim
June 2013: The Ear of the Heart: An Actress’ Journey from Hollywood to Holy Vows by Mother Dolores Hart
May 2013: Great Mother’s and Father’s Day Gifts
A Season of Mystery: 10 Spiritual Practices for Embracing a Happier Second Half of Life by Patricia Huston
Recipe for Joy: A Stepmom’s Story of Finding Faith, Following Love, and Feeding a Family by Robin Davis
April 2013: A Catholic Vision of Hope and Healing for Depression
The Catholic Guide to Depression:How the Saints, the Sacraments and Psychiatry Can Help You Break Its Grip and Find Happiness Again by Aaron Kheriaty, MD, with Fr. John Cihak, STD
Surviving Depression: A Catholic Approach by Pauline Sister Kathryn J. Hermes
Arise from Darkness: What to Do When Life Doesn’t Make Sense by Fr. Benedict Groeschel
Beyond Blue by Therese Borchard
March 2013: Time for A Lent Re-Set
A Rhythm of Life: The Monastic Way by Brother Victor-Anoine D’Avila-Latourette.
Lent and Easter Wisdom from St. Vincent de Paul by John E. Rybolt, CM.
Holiness for Everyone: The Practical Spirituality of St. Josemaria Escriva by Eric Sammons
February 2013: Forming Intentional Disciples: The Path to Knowing and Following Jesus by Sherry Weddell
January 2013: New Year, New You
Cravings: A Catholic Wrestles with Food, Self-Image and God by Mary DeTurris Poust
Running With God Across America by Jeff Grabosky
December 2012: My Sisters the Saints: A Spiritual Memoir by Colleen Carroll Campbell
From Willow Creek to Sacred Heart: Rekindling My Love for Catholicism by Chris Haw.
November 2012: How to Pray the Dominican Way by Angelo Stagnero
October 2012: Youth is Wasted On the Young
He Speaks to You by Sister Helena Burns, FSP
Be Beautiful, Be You by Lizzie Velasquez
Fearing the Stigmata by Matt Weber
September 2012: Sheen for All Seasons
Treasure in Clay by Archbishop Fulton Sheen (autobiography)
Life of Christ
The World’s First Love: Mary, the Mother of God
Old Errors and New Labels
The Quotable Fulton Sheen
August 2012: De Gustibus, or Fiction for All Kinds of Tastes
Catholic Philosopher Chick Makes Her Debut by Rebecca Bratten Weiss and Regina Doman
Shadows and Images: A Novel by Meriol Trevor
for kids:
The Tripods Attack! The Young Chesterton Chronicles, Book 1 By John McNichol
The Kindgom of Patria by Daniel McInerney
July 2012: Adam & Eve After the Pill: Paradoxes of the Sexual Revolution by Mary Eberstadt and My Peace I Give You: Healing Sexual Wounds with the Help of the Saints by Dawn Eden
June 2012: 14 Minutes: A Running Legend’s Life and Death and Life by Alberto Salazar and John Brant
May 2012: The Temperament God Gave Your Kids by Art & Laraine Bennett
After Miscarriage by Karen Edmisten
April 2012: Word on Fire: The Lectio Divina Bible
March 2012: The Work of Mercy: Being the Hands and Heart of Christ by Mark Shea
A Catholic Girl’s Survival Guide for the Single Years by Emily Stimpson
February 2012: Wish You Were Here by Amy Welborn
January 2012: Time to Go On a (Media) Diet?
Strengthening Your Family: A Catholic Approach to Holiness by Marge Fenelon
How to Watch Movies with Kids: A Values-Based Strategy by Sister Hosea Rupprecht
Weightless: Making Peace with Your Body by Kate Wicker
Extreme Makeover: Women Transformed by Christ, Not Conformed by the Culture by Teresa Tomeo
The Catholic Briefcase: Tools for Integrating Faith and Work by Randy Hain
God Will Provide by Patricia Treece
December 2011: Christmas Gift Books
November 2011: A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms by Lisa Hendey
October 2011: A Therese for Everyone
September 2011: Remembering 9/11, 10 Years Later
August 2011: Life, Death and Catholic Medical Choices by Fr. Kevin O’Neil, CSSR, and Father Peter Black.
July 2011: Real Books Still Matter
Ablaze: Stories of Daring Teen Saints by Colleen Swaim
YOUCAT
June 2011: Summer-friendly Books
May 2011: One Book for Mom, and 3 for Mary
January 2011: New Year, New You Books
November 2010: Thursday Night Pizza by Father Dominic Garramone, OSB (also reviewed here his children’s book Brother Jerome & the Angels in the Bakery)
April 2010: Treasure in Clay by Archbishop Fulton Sheen.