Welcome to the U.S. Catholic Book Club

April 2021

Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope

By Esau McCaulley

Reading While Black weaves together biblical narratives, American culture, and African American identity through a methodic exegesis that shows how Christian scripture remains the source of hope for the Black church and community. Esau McCaulley illustrates the importance of engaging the experiences of the African American community in the interaction between the Bible and theology in order to build faith.

The book’s merit lies in its emphasis on the importance of reading and interpreting biblical narratives from one’s social location. It provides insights on how biblical texts that have been interpreted in history to oppress African Americans can be reexamined to embolden the faith of the Black community by means of contextual interpretation. Reading While Black reveals that the richness of scripture stories about God’s relationship with humanity can help any community of faith find God in their response to collective challenges and find hope by connecting their lived experiences with their faith in God.

—Rev. Ferdinand Okorie, C.M.F., editor-in-chief, U.S. Catholic

“Esau McCaulley’s voice is one we urgently need to hear. This book is prophetic, biblical, measured, wise, friendly, and well-reasoned—and thus all the more hard-hitting. A powerful word for our times.” —N.T. Wright

Paperback: $20.00

Available at bookstores or from InterVarsity Press at 1-(800)-843-9487 or ivpress.com.

General Book Club Guidelines

March 2021

Secrets of the Sacred Heart

By Emily Jaminet

The devotion to the Sacred Heart has a complex history and tradition. In her new book, author and popular speaker Emily Jaminet helps shed light on how this popular yet sometimes perplexing devotion can help you. In Secrets of the Sacred Heart: Twelve Ways to Claim Jesus’ Promises in Your Life, Jaminet goes beyond the well-known story of St. Margaret Mary’s revelations, exploring Jesus’ powerful invitation in a practical and restorative guide.

Devoting a chapter to each of Jesus’ 12 promises, Jaminet guides readers to examine each promise, ponder its impact, pray, and act. Appropriate for parish book groups and self-guided retreatants alike, Jaminet’s guide will certainly inspire many to a devotion that has been a roadmap to holiness for hundreds of years.

—Sarah Butler Schueller, associate editor, U.S. Catholic

Ave Maria Press says “This fresh spin on the classic Catholic devotion invites you and your family to experience the profound spiritual benefits you will receive when you keep the Sacred Heart of Jesus at the center of your home.”

Paperback: $14.95

Available at bookstores or from Ave Maria Press at 1-(800)-282-1865 or avemariapress.com.

General Book Club Guidelines

February 2021

The Center Will Hold: An Almanac of Hope, Prayer, and Wisdom for Hard Times

By Christopher de Vinck

Christopher de Vinck’s new book, The Center Will Hold: An Almanac of Hope, Prayer, and Wisdom for Hard Times, begins with a meditation on simplicity. De Vinck writes of the awe to be felt in everyday sights such as a blue jay or yellow school bus and in universal human experiences such as watching one’s child being born or one’s own father being laid to rest.

It’s a fitting start for a book that follows de Vinck through the four seasons as he shares memories that are at once relatable and deeply personal. Readers will come to feel as if they know the people and places in this book: de Vinck’s Belgian grandparents and parents; his siblings, children, and grandchild; his childhood teachers; and even his backyard raccoons and neighbor’s pumpkin patch. 

A former schoolteacher and a widely published essayist, de Vinck crafts brief but profound narratives abundant with wisdom, gentleness, and joy.

—René Ostberg, editorial assistant, U.S. Catholic

Loyola Press says “The Center Will Hold reminds us of life’s graces, and challenges us to embrace our experiences with hope, humor, and gratitude.”

Paperback: $16.95

Available at bookstores or from Loyola Press at 1-(800) 621-1008 or loyolapress.com.

General Book Club Guidelines

January 2021

Learning to Be: Finding Your Center After the Bottom Falls Out

By Juanita Campbell Rasmus

One morning, on a day that seemed like any other, pastor and author Juanita Campbell Rasmus was in the middle of getting her family ready for school and out the door when she collapsed. “Imagine large, strong hands slowly applying pressure to a family-sized package of uncooked spaghetti noodles,” she writes. “I was the spaghetti.”

This is what Rasmus calls “the crash” and what led to a months-long struggle with depression, fueled by burnout, compassion fatigue, trauma, and stress. In her new book, Learning to Be, Rasmus talks honestly about her battle to recover and the tools that helped her find God even in the midst of the darkness.

In each chapter, Rasmus not only details her experience but also includes resources and questions for reflection to help readers pause and, perhaps, find God in their own struggles. The book is a meaningful read for anyone who has ever experienced burnout, perfectionism, or family trauma and offers a powerful reminder that we are all beloved children of God.

—Emily Sanna, managing editor, U.S. Catholic

InterVarsity Press says exhausted and depressed, Juanita Campbell Rasmus experienced a dark night of the soul. Everything in her life came to a stop. She had to learn to be—with herself and with God.

Paperback: $22.00

Available at bookstores or from InterVarsity Press at 1-(800) 843-9487 or ivpress.com

General Book Club Guidelines

Let Go of Anger & Stress!: Be Transformed by the Fruits of the Spirit

By Gary Zimak

It’s easy to relegate religious influence to only Sunday mornings spent in church pews. But for Gary Zimak, recognizing the Holy Spirit’s presence in every moment of each day led to a more peaceful and charitable existence.

In Let Go of Anger & Stress!: Be Transformed by the Fruits of the Spirit, Zimak shares from his own experience with the Catholic charismatic movement how each one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit can lay the foundation for a life free of anger and stress—if you let them.

A helpful summary at the end of each chapter highlights key points to remember and questions to reflect upon before responding to a prompt about how a particular gift of the Spirit is working in your life. Each chapter’s concluding prayer leads readers further into embracing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control every day.

—Stephanie Clary, digital editor, U.S. Catholic

Ave Maria Press says using the nine fruits of the Spirit as a guide, bestselling author Gary Zimak will help you free yourself from anger and stress to find peace and to live the life God has planned for you. 

Paperback: $14.95

 Available at bookstores or from Ave Maria Press at 1-(800) 282-1865 or avemariapress.com

General Book Club Guidelines

November 2020

The Way Up Is Down: Becoming Yourself by Forgetting Yourself

By Marlena Graves

Where do you go when you can’t fall any further? In The Way Up Is Down, Puerto Rican author and pastor Marlena Graves answers with a paradox: You go further down. Graves’ latest book is centered on the process of kenosis, or self-emptying to achieve union with God. She melds scriptural references, tales of personal trials and shortcomings, and ancient Christian spiritual practices to chart a path toward a Christlike life. You become who you are, she says, when you strip away all that is not God’s.

The Way Up Is Down often finds Graves reflecting on her experiences of poverty and racial injustice, holding up a mirror to the ways in which our society fails to practice the selflessness Christ asks of us. Part meditation, part social critique, this book is a great resource for Catholics seeking to step outside culture and take up their cross.

—Nathaniel Hunter, assistant editor, U.S. Catholic

InterVarsity Press says Marlena Graves describes the process of emptying herself, allowing herself to move upward toward God. Formation and justice always intertwine to a balanced life of both action and contemplation.

Hardcover: $22.00

Available at bookstores or from InterVarsity Press at 1-(800) 843-9487 or ivpress.com

General Book Club Guidelines

Discussion Questions

October 2020

Christ in the Storm: An Extraordinary Blessing for a Suffering World

By Pope Francis

Christ in the Storm is a reprint of and meditation on Pope Francis’ Urbi et Orbi liturgy on March 27, 2020, when he led the world in an extraordinary prayer in the midst of the novel coronavirus. As the virus caused the world to hunker down, Pope Francis held up “to a suffering world the images of Jesus and the Blessed Mother.”

Teaching from Mark 4:35–41, the pontiff gave hope and encouragement to a world besieged with fear and despair, reminding us that “faith begins when we realize we are in need of salvation” and inviting us to welcome Christ into our lives to experience salvation from COVID-19. The prayer concluded with the ritual of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

With the liturgy Pope Francis reminded us that Christ is with us in the midst of pandemic. This book will continue to elicit hope and trust in God during crises to parishes, families, and individuals.

—Father Ferdinand Okorie, C.M.F., editor-in-chief, U.S. Catholic

Ave Maria Press says Christ in the Storm gathers color photos, readings, the pope’s homily and blessing and explains the symbolism and history of the Urbi et Orbi to create a powerful reminder that Jesus is always with us and that God’s love never fails.

Hardcover: $18.95

Available at bookstores or from Ave Maria Press at 1-(800) 282-1865 or avemariapress.com

General Book Club Guidelines

September 2020

The Outsider: Pope Francis and His Battle to Reform the Church

By Christopher Lamb

Since his election to the papacy in 2013, Pope Francis’ dedication to living and proclaiming the gospel has attracted many but is also not without sustained opposition. In his new book, The Outsider: Pope Francis and His Battle to Reform the Church, author and journalist Christopher Lamb details the pope’s prophetic ministry and the inside forces that seek to upend it.

Lamb, a Rome correspondent for the British Catholic publication the Tablet, provides an honest, objective,and eye-opening guide to Francis’ critics as well as the neotraditionalist theology and politics influencing them. Engaging and informative, The Outsider is a critical read for Catholics who seek to understand how a good shepherd so quickly became an outsider in Rome.

—Sarah Butler, associate editor, U.S. Catholic

Orbis Books says Christopher Lamb, the Tablet’s reporter in Rome, examines Pope Francis’s ministry and agenda for the church, as well as the opposition against him. What does this portend for the Catholic Church now and in the future?

Paperback: $24.00

Available at bookstores or from Orbis Books at 1-(800) 258-5838 or orbisbooks.com

General Book Club Guidelines

August 2020

I Want You to Be: On the God of Love

By Tomáš Halík

Czech theologian and best-selling author Tomáš Halík’s latest book, I Want You to Be: On the God of Love, borrows its title from a quote attributed to St. Augustine: Amo: volo ut sis, or “I love you: I want you to be.” Starting from this source of inspiration, Halík meditates on the Christian practice of love and its relationship to faith. He especially focuses on faith and love against the backdrop of modern European secularity and offers advice on how Christians can engage with nonbelievers through tolerance and understanding—in other words, through love.

Halík’s discussion explores the writings of prominent philosophers, including atheists such as Richard Dawkins and Friedrich Nietzsche and religious mystics such as Meister Eckhart. His analysis is both challenging and insightful. This book is recommended for Catholics interested in the mystery and theology of God’s loving relationship with humans.

—René Ostberg, editorial assistant, U.S. Catholic

University of Notre Dame Press says Tomáš Halík examines the connection between faith and love, meditating on a statement attributed to St. Augustine—Amo, volo ut sis, “I love you: I want you to be”—and its importance for contemporary Christian practice.

Paperback: $22.00

Available at bookstores or from University of Notre Dame Press at 1-(800) 848-6224 or undpress.nd.edu

General Book Club Guidelines

Discussion Questions

July 2020

James Martin, SJ: In the Company of Jesus

By Jon M. Sweeney

It makes sense that Jesuit Father James Martin, one of the most recognized priests in the United States, is the most recent addition to Liturgical Press’ People of God series, which chronicles the lives of important 20th- and 21st-century Catholics. A follower and fan of Martin’s work, I was surprised how little I knew about his life and formation before reading Jon M. Sweeney’s James Martin, SJ: In the Company of Jesus.

In addition to chronicling Martin’s life as a Jesuit, notable public appearances, and publishing accomplishments, Sweeney manages to capture the driving force behind this General Electric executive turned Catholic priest: the notion that God moves through our desires. With each formational development shared in the book, it becomes increasingly clear that the prominent place Martin holds in Catholicism today is the result of his attention to the urgings of the Spirit made known through seeking fulfillment of interests and desires throughout his adult life and offering this wisdom to others along the way.

—Stephanie Clary, digital editor, U.S. Catholic

Liturgical Press says get to know Father James Martin: his life, ministry, and spirituality. Readers will come away with a much better understanding of one of today’s most interesting and influential Catholics.

Paperback: $16.95

eBook: $11.99

Available at bookstores or from Liturgical Press at 1-(800) 858-5450 or litpress.org

General Book Club Guidelines

Discussion Questions

June 2020

Earth, Our Original Monastery: Cultivating Wonder and Gratitude through Intimacy with Nature

By Christine Valters Paintner

To develop a contemplative practice, we must look to the Earth, says Christine Valters Paintner in her new book, Earth, Our Original Monastery. Paintner makes the case that all monastic tradition has its roots in an intimate connection with nature. “All of creation is woven together in holiness,” she says, and we cannot truly understand God or our relationship to the holy until we remember our proper place within the web of creation.

To help us rediscover this and to deepen our own contemplative spirituality, Paintner outlines seven ways of seeing the Earth through the lens of faith. Each chapter pairs these spiritual reflections with lived practices: suggestions for meditative walks, growing herbs, and artistic pursuits. All these suggestions will help readers not just think about, but actually live out an incarnational theology that sees God in all creation.

—Emily Sanna, managing editor, U.S. Catholic

Ave Maria Press says Christine Valters Paintner shares how living contemplatively with an appreciation for the natural world can make you more aware of the presence of God in every aspect of your life.

Paperback: $15.95

Available at bookstores or from Ave Maria Press at 1-(800) 282-1865 or avemariapress.com

General Book Club Guidelines

May 2020

Conscious Contact with God: The Psalms for Addiction and Recovery

by Kenneth W. Schmidt

The title of Conscious Contact with God: The Psalms for Addiction and Recovery by Kenneth W. Schmidt, a Catholic priest and licensed counselor, comes from Step 11 of the 12-step model of addiction treatment: “Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him.”

As Schmidt notes, this step can initially be difficult for people in recovery who grew up with a narrow, unyielding idea of God or prayer. They may have been taught only one way to pray or a judgmental concept of God. Additionally, their addiction may have convinced them they’re not worthy of God’s grace.

Schmidt’s solution is the Book of Psalms, an ideal “school for prayer” with themes that correspond to the recovery process, from despair to gratitude. As a twist, Schmidt has adapted the psalms using language familiar to people “working the steps,” making this book an affirming resource for anyone seeking a broader path to God.

—René Ostberg, editorial assistant, U.S. Catholic

Liturgical Press says this new paraphrase of the psalms reflects the experience of addiction and living in recovery. It speaks to anyone who shares those struggles to find God present in the midst of them.

Paperback: $19.95

eBook: $11.99

Available at bookstores or from Liturgical Press at 1-(800) 858-5450 or litpress.org

General Book Club Guidelines

Discussion Questions

April 2020

Enough as You Are: Overcoming Self-Doubt and Appreciating the Gift of You

by Peggy Weber

For plenty of people, a short scroll through social media can trigger a spiral of self-doubt. Am I healthy enough? Smart enough? Successful enough? Catholic journalist and author Peggy Weber is no stranger to these feelings of inadequacy. “I have spent a lot of time wondering if I am any-number-of-things enough,” she writes. In her new book, Enough as You Are: Overcoming Self-Doubt and Appreciating the Gift of You, Weber explores modern issues that provoke self-doubt and offers timeless wisdom to make real change.

In 11 encouraging chapters focusing on different types of doubt, Weber invites readers to reflect honestly on what shapes their self-worth. Along with examples of self-doubt from her personal life, each chapter highlights a saint to pray with and includes a guided examen. With Weber’s help, anyone can tune out doubt and tune into God, finally saying with confidence that “I am enough as I am.”

—Sarah Butler, associate editor, U.S. Catholic

Loyola Press says Enough as You Are is the perfect book for women searching to rediscover their own self-worth and tune out the voices of self-doubt and insecurity while tuning into the truth that we are all created and loved by God, and that is enough.

Paperback: $13.95

Available at bookstores or from Loyola Press at 1-(800) 621-1008 or loyolapress.com

General Book Club Guidelines

Discussion Questions

March 2020

Death: A Reader

by Mary Ann G. Cutter

Despite the fact that we all die, humans do not share the same view of death,” writes Mary Ann G. Cutter in her new book, Death: A Reader. How then can we talk about death and understand how to come to terms with it?

In Death: A Reader, Cutter attempts to solve this dilemma by exploring 13 themes regarding the nature of death, including physical disintegration, resurrection, the value of death, grieving, and physician-assisted suicide. For each theme, she lays out perspectives from a variety of time periods and religious and ethical traditions to help readers gain a vocabulary for talking about the theme in their own life. These writings are then paired with discussion questions to foster conversation about end-of-life issues.

This book is an important read for anyone seeking a way to come to terms with or talk about death—in other words, for everyone.

February 2020

Virgin, Mother, Queen: Encountering Mary in Time and Tradition

by Robert L. Fastiggi and Michael O’Neill

All Christians know who Mary was, but Catholics especially recognize her continuing intercession in our lives, including appearances to various individuals over the centuries. But while there have been countless reports of Marian apparitions, the Vatican has approved only a small number.

In Virgin, Mother, Queen: Encountering Mary in Time and Tradition, two experts gather 10 Vatican-recognized Marian apparitions—in Belgium, France, Ireland, Mexico, Portugal, and Rwanda—and uncover the details of each. Each chapter begins with the history and cultural context of an apparition written by Michael O’Neill, host of “The Miracle Hunter” radio program, followed by a summary of scripture and church teachings explaining the apparition’s significance and title by theologian and Marian expert Robert L. Fastiggi (for example, Mary as “Advocate,” “Virgin,” or “Mother of Mercy”). Featuring intercessory prayers and color images of artwork depicting each apparition, this book offers much to enjoy for readers looking to learn more about Mary.

January 2020

Becoming an Ordinary Mystic: Spirituality for the Rest of Us

by Albert Haase, O.F.M.

In today’s busy times, it’s easy to become spiritually lost and overwhelmed. As modern life demands more of our attention, Franciscan Father Albert Haase urges us to turn inward in his new book, Becoming an Ordinary Mystic: Spirituality for the Rest of Us. This book offers a practical way to feel God’s essence in all parts of our day. 

In easy-to-digest chapters, Haase invites us to take a deep dive into our faith life and prioritize our personal spirituality. He presents daily practices that will set you on the path to seeing the spiritual in everyday life. Through relatable anecdotes and reflections from spiritual greats such as Thomas Merton and Teresa of Ávila, Haase sets readers up to live in the moment and bask in God’s glory. Although you may not consider yourself a mystic now, you just might after journeying with Becoming an Ordinary Mystic. 

—Shanna Johnson, assistant editor, U.S. Catholic

InterVarsity Press says Franciscan priest Father Albert Haase affirms that we are all called to be ordinary mystics in his newest book.

Paperback: $16.00

Available at bookstores or from InterVarsity Press at 1-(800) 843-9487 or ivpress.com

General Book Club Guidelines

December 2019

Small Simple Ways: An Ignatian Daybook for Healthy Spiritual Living

by Vinita Hampton Wright

Work, laundry, groceries . . . it’s not always easy to grow closer to God when a missing sock and a half-completed grocery list compete for my attention. This is why I’m excited about a much-needed new daybook by author, editor, and retreat leader Vinita Hampton Wright. Small Simple Ways is a perfect guide for finding God in everything, every day. And while the book might be as practical as its title indicates, its results can be profound.

For 52 weeks, Monday to Sunday, Wright details clear ways to inspire and challenge your spirit. Each four-week chapter has its own spiritual focus based on the teachings of St. Ignatius, such as “The Examen” and “God in All Things.” Simply open this book once a day and a prayer, meditation, or exercise, followed by one suggestion for action, will help you grow each day with God. If you want to develop and maintain healthy spiritual living in the new year, Wright’s day-book is a perfect companion.

—Sarah Butler, associate editor, U.S. Catholic

Loyola Press says Vinita Hampton Wright’s 52 weeks of guided reflections help you discover “God in all things,” recognize the graces of the day, and take simple, powerful steps to grow in faith, hope, and love.

Paperback: $14.95

Available at bookstores or from Loyola Press at 1-(800) 621-1008 or loyolapress.com

General Book Club Guidelines

November 2019 

Thea Bowman: Faithful and Free

by Maurice J. Nutt

Before I started reading Thea Bowman: Faithful and Free, a new biography by Maurice J. Nutt, the number of facts I knew about Sister Thea could be counted on one hand: I knew that she had worked for the greater inclusion of black Catholics, that she had died of cancer in the 1990s, and that there is talk of considering her for sainthood. After reading Nutt’s book, I am in awe of this woman who had such a phenomenal impact on the church she loved. 

The book chronicles one woman’s journey from being Bertha Bowman, a curious little girl growing up in Canton, Mississippi, to Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Thea Bowman, beloved teacher, preacher, friend, and advocate for racial justice who, as Nutt writes, “was like no other person—and certainly no other nun—you would ever meet!” It is a must-read for anyone interested in the black Catholic experience or in learning more about this role model in faith and love.

—Emily Sanna, managing editor, U.S. Catholic

Liturgical Press says get to know the passion and prayer, the mission and ministry of one of American Catholicism’s most inspiring figures.

Paperback: $16.95

Available at bookstores or from Liturgical Press at 1-(800) 858-5450 or litpress.org

General Book Club Guidelines

October 2019 

MicroShifts

by Gary Jansen

Making lasting change in your life can be overwhelming. Even when you know what changes you’d like to make, you might get stuck figuring out how to find the time. Gary Jansen has a solution in his new book, MicroShifts. 

Jansen defines “microshifts” as small life changes you can institute every day (he suggests setting aside 15 minutes) to achieve lasting spiritual transformation. His theory is that starting out with baby step-sized changes is not only easier to commit to, but can also add up to breaking stale life patterns and reshaping your perspective for good. Examples of microshifts include keeping your daily prayers short and practicing having “no opinion” instead of judging yourself and others. 

Along with these suggestions, Jansen provides relatable experiences from his own life and offers the teaching of St. Ignatius, who spoke of seeking the sacred in all things, as proof positive of the transformative potential of microshifts.

—René Ostberg, editorial assistant, U.S. Catholic

Loyola Press says if you are looking for steps to improve your life that are achievable, sustainable, and life-changing, Gary Jansen’s MicroShifts is a powerful place to begin.

 

Paperback: $14.95

 

 

 

September 2019 

August 2019 

Girl, Arise!

by Claire Swinarski

“Is it possible to be both a Catholic and a feminist?” Creator of The Catholic Feminist podcast Claire Swinarski navigates the relationship between these two identities in Girl, Arise!, and—spoiler alert—her answer is an emphatic yes. In fact, Swinarski argues that if you’re Catholic, you really should be a feminist too. In this bold and honest exploration of what Catholic feminism means to her, Swinarski—drawing from scripture, saints, and the catechism—easily connects faith with feminism. And whether you consider yourself a Benedict or a Francis (and Swinarski would rather you did neither), Girl, Arise! leaves us with a welcome reminder that we should be wary of stereotypes—because “Catholic feminists believe in uplifting other women, even those who make us want to roll our eyes.” 

—Sarah Butler, associate editor, U.S. Catholic

Ave Maria Press says In Girl, Arise!, Claire Swinarski shows it’s possible to be both Catholic and a feminist by empowering women to embrace their God-given abilities, serve others, and ultimately change the world.

Paperback: $14.95

Notre Dame vs. The Klan: How the Fighting Irish Defied the KKK

by Todd Tucker 

When I think of Notre Dame I do not think of the Ku Klux Klan. Rather, I visualize the golden dome that rises above the campus,the Fighting Irish logo, and the deep blue jerseys of the football players. Now, however, after reading Todd Tucker’s Notre Dame vs.The Klan: How the Fighting Irish Defied the KKK, I may think instead of the university’s mission to challenge the racist organization.Tucker is a master storyteller and historian, following the events that transpired in South Bend, Indiana on May 17–19, 1924. For readers with little historical context of the time, the author tells the tale of the Klan’s rally at Notre Dame through the experiences of the former leader of the Indiana chapter of the KKK, the president of the university, and several individuals who were students at the time. Though Indiana had the largest Klan membership in the United States in 1924, Tucker brings to light the riveting and little-known story of how Notre Dame, and the Catholics who lived in the area, fought back against evil.

—Shanna Johnson, assistant editor, U.S. Catholic

University of Notre Dame Press says this uplifting story set in 1924, when the Ku Klux Klan rallied inSouth Bend, Indiana, and came to blows with the “Fighting Irish” of Notre Dame, gives hope to our own challenging times.

Paperback: $20.00

Available at bookstores or from Notre Dame Press at 1(800) 848-6224 or undpress.nd.edu

General Book Club Guidelines

Being Human: Bodies, Minds, Persons

by Rowan Williams

 

May 2019

God Isn’t Finished with Me Yet: Discovering the Spiritual Graces of Later Life

by Barbara Lee

 

April 2019 

Forgiveness Makes You Free: A Dramatic Story of Healing and Reconciliation  from the Heart of Rwanda

by Father Ubald Rugirangoga and Heidi Hess Saxton

In 1994, Rwanda exploded into civil war between the Hutu and the Tutsi. The war resulted in the genocide of nearly one million Tutsi people. In his moving book, Forgiveness Makes You Free, Father Ubald Rugirangoga shares how he survived the genocide, which he credits to the grace and mercy of God. 

In each chapter, Rugirangoga tells a harrowing tale. At the end of each story, he includes reflection questions to guide readers who have also experienced adversity and trauma toward their own healing. Rugirangoga urges readers struggling to move past these hardships and to “be thankful and have faith, choose to forgive, denounce evil, decide to live for Jesus, and claim the blessing” of living through God. This book is a much needed reminder that even in darkness, there is the light of God’s love. 

 

—Shanna Johnson, assistant editor, U.S. Catholic

 

Ave Maria Press says on the 25th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide, survivor Father Ubald Rugirangoga shares his story and offers five spiritual principles that can help those traumatized by the past to experience healing and peace in Christ.

 

Paperback: $16.95

 

 

March 2019 

The Cost of Compassion: Five Women Who Paid the Ultimate Price 

by Barbara Ann Pawlikowski

In 1992 five American women religious, all in their 50s and 60s and living in Liberia, were killed. They were shot outside of their convent by rebel guerrilla forces during a civil war that lasted 14 years and killed more than 250,000 people.

In her new book, The Cost of Compassion, Barbara Ann Pawlikowski brings to life these ordinary women. Her book paints a picture of them not just as glorified martyrs to the faith, but as real-life women who cared deeply about their vocations and the people with whom they worked. These women were heroes not because they were willing to die, but because they were drawn by their faith to minister to those who needed it most, despite the danger and personal sacrifice required. This well-researched and powerful book is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about these little-known women.

 

—Emily Sanna, associate editor, U.S. Catholic

 

 

February 2019 

Make Today Matter: 10 Habits for a Better Life (and World)

by Chris Lowney

Self-help books offer plenty of practices that purport to help us live well, from healthy bedtime routines to tech-free evenings to organized dresser drawers. In his inspiring new book, Make Today Matter: 10 Habits for a Better Life (and World), Chris Lowney, a former Jesuit seminarian and popular speaker on business ethics and leadership, first helps us reexamine what makes life meaningful. But that’s the easy part. Once we get there, Lowney guides us through the more challenging task of acquiring habits that allows us to pursue this every day. But never fear: With 10 simple practices he illustrates with engaging personal stories, Lowney shows us how he’s worked to make every day matter and, in turn, how we can as well. Whatever track you’re on—college graduate, newly retired, newly confirmed—Lowney’s guiding principles are easy to apply and inspiring to consider. His advice would enrich the lives of any Catholic who wishes to commit—or recommit—their life to the greater good this Lent.

—Sarah Butler, associate editor, U.S. Catholic

Hardcover: $17.95

Available at bookstores or from Loyola Press at 1-(800) 621-1008 or loyolapress.com

General Book Club Guidelines 

January 2019

Black Domers

Edited by Don Wycliff and David Krashna

In Black Domers, editors Don Wycliff and David Krashna bring together the stories of 75 black Notre Dame alumni. The contributors—including the first black student to graduate Notre Dame, the first African American ambassador to Jamaica, technical illustrators, teachers, stand-up comedians, doctors, and judges—reflect on why they chose Notre Dame, what they learned there, and their struggles to become fully accepted members of the student body.

 

While the book shares the students’ triumphs and joys, it is also open about the struggles of being black at Notre Dame, especially in the early days after the university began accepting black students in 1947. Notre Dame wasn’t always an easy place to be black, and many of the writers recall memories of racial and cultural isolation.

 

One of Black Domers’ biggest lessons is that the university’s ongoing fight for racial equality stems out of their commitment to Catholic social teaching and the dignity of every person. It’s a lesson valuable not just for Notre Dame graduates or historians but to all Catholics.

 

—Emily Sanna, associate editor, U.S. Catholic

 

December 2018

Gratefulness: The Habit of a Grace-Filled Life

by Susan Muto 

It’s easy to get wrapped up in the busyness of life—but Susan Muto reminds us to take a step back and recognize what we’re graced within her book Gratefulness: The Habit of a Grace-Filled Life. In guided chapters headed by Catholic greats such as Henri Nouwen, St. Ignatius of Loyola, and Julian of Norwich, Muto leads readers through a mini-retreat that aids in the development of gratitude. “The more we live in gratitude,” Muto says, “the less inclined we are to reduce the day to a collection of annoying interruptions.” She encourages readers to stop, look around, and be grateful for all God has given us. Who among us could not benefit from these changes?

 

—Shanna Johnson, editorial assistant, U.S. Catholic

 

November 2018 

Making Room for God: Decluttering and the Spiritual Life 

by Mary Elizabeth Sperry 

If my hall closet said anything about the state of my soul, I’d be worried. There’s not much room for my winter coats—let alone anyone else’s. 

In her book Making Room for God: Decluttering and the Spiritual Life, popular Catholic speaker (and self-proclaimed packrat) Mary Elizabeth Sperry draws from church teaching, saints, and even Pope Francis to explore what our stuff says about our spiritual lives.

 

Sperry’s Catholic perspective differs from the typical and trendy minimalist decluttering guides. What if decluttering was more about making room for God and for others rather than simply tossing our possessions? It might make things easier. This convincing, practical, and well-researched guide to decluttering is a refreshing read, especially as Catholics make room for God this holiday season.

 

—Sarah Butler Schueller, associate editor, U.S. Catholic

 

Ave Maria Press says, writing from an unabashedly Catholic perspective, Making Room for God offers an enticing and entertaining approach to decluttering, discipleship, and the spiritual life that makes tidying up seem almost fun.

Paperback: $14.95

 

 

October 2018 

Jesus Approaches: What Contemporary Women Can Learn About Healing, Freedom, & Joy from Women of the New Testament 

by Elizabeth M Kelly 

American women today have little in common with women of first-century Palestine. Or do they? Prolific author and retreat leader Elizabeth M. Kelly thinks there’s plenty to learn from the women of the New Testament and offers their stories of encounters with Jesus as models of trust, vulnerability, and grace in Jesus Approaches: What Contemporary Women Can Learn about Healing, Freedom & Joy from the Women of the New Testament.

 

Kelly is an engaging storyteller who shares deeply personal narratives, both her own as well as those of modern women who have found a deeper relationship with the person of Jesus. Her suggestions for prayers and ideas on which to meditate truly invite the reader to find her own way into a lasting friendship with him. 

—Meghan Murphy-Gill, managing editor, U.S. Catholic

 

September 2018 

Death in Chicago: Winter 

by Fr. Dominic J. Grassi 

A Catholic priest writing a murder mystery seems odd, but that’s precisely what Father Dominic J. Grassi has done with his first detective novel, Death in Chicago: Winter. The gripping story, set in Chicago’s North Side, tells the tale of detective Cosmo Grande as he investigates a tip about a potential murder. 

 

This page-turner depicts Grande attending to not only his city but also his faith community, as he attempts to catch the killer and help a group of deacons try to save the Catholic Church from its own sins. Grassi’s intentional inclusion of Catholic details, including a financial scandal that could ruin a parish and a corrupt bishop, speaks to Catholic readers with an interest in crime. 

—Shanna Johnson, editorial assistant, U.S. Catholic magazine

 

 

Praying the Angelus: Finding Joy, Peace, and Purpose in Everyday Life 

by Jared Dees 

On a recent visit to one of our Claretian communities in Bangalore, India, I was reintroduced to praying the Angelus, a devotion I had not thought much about since my youth. In Praying the Angelus, popular author and speaker Jared Dees offers an invitation to the reader to join him in this ancient prayer practice that recalls the annunciation of Christ’s birth by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary. Through historical background, his own experience of the prayer, and guided meditations, Dees invigorates this biblically rooted, ancient devotion and makes it attractive to modern-day busy Catholics. This book—as well as this prayer—serves as a great reminder to dedicate our time, our work, and our lives back to God and, most important, to slow down and look for God’s presence in our lives.

—John Molyneux, C.M.F., editor-in-chief, U.S. Catholic

Ave Maria Press says Jared Dees introduces the Angelus devotion and explores its rich history and significance for the church. As a spiritual companion and guide, he offers meditations on the words and images of both the Angelus and the Regina Caeli.

Paperback: $13.95

Available at bookstores or at Ave Maria press at 1(800) 282-1865 or avemariapress.com

General Book Club Guidelines

July 2018 

In Praise of the Useless Life: A Monk’s Memoir

by Paul Quenon 

“I am on a permanent vacation.” So begins Trappist Brother Paul Quenon in his new memoir, In Praise of the Useless Life. He continues on to describe the monastic life as lived through play, through song and music and dancing with God.

For Quenon, the cycles of monastic life are not constraining, despite the fact that it can be hard work and there are times when meditation and prayer seem to weigh the brothers down more than illuminate their faith. Rather, he says, the routine gives him the freedom to just live with no other purpose than to marvel being in God.

Quenon’s book reminds anyone who has ever struggled with finding the time for prayer and contemplation that we don’t need to sit in a darkened room to find God. Instead, the divine is all around us: in the birdcalls that keep us awake, the poems we read, and the interesting people who surround us.

—Emily Sanna, associate editor, U.S. Catholic

Ave Maria Press says Brother Paul Quenon, O.C.S.O., shares stories and lessons from more than five decades as a Trappist at the Abbey of Gethsemani where he served as a novice under Thomas Merton. 

Paperback: $15.94

Available at bookstores or at Ave Maria press at 1(800) 282-1865 or avemariapress.com

General Book Club Guidelines 

June 2018

The Prayer List 

by Jane Knuth

When Jane Knuth’s Aunt Kay passed away, she inherited an unusual family heirloom. It wasn’t an antique end table or piece of jewelry; rather, she became the keeper of “The List,” a collection of prayer intentions from and for her family and friends. A tradition started several generations before, The List gave Jane the unique opportunity to reflect on the role of prayer in her family and within families in general.

In “The Prayer List: And Other True Stories of How Families Pray,” Jane tells stories of how prayer has affected her own family and invites her friends to share their stories as well. In the spirit of her Aunt Kay, at the end of each chapter she offers suggestions for readers to start their own Prayer List. Part memoir and part spiritual guide, The Prayer List is the perfect read for anyone looking to shake up their prayer life.

—Rosie McCarty, assistant editor, U.S. Catholic

Loyola Press says “The Prayer List” shares the true stories of how families from many faith traditions—Christian, non-Christian, or no defined faith—pray together in meaningful ways. With prompts to inspire your own family’s prayer after each chapter, these stories prove that family prayer can be a path to the intimacy and closeness we long for. It’s like making God a member of the family.

Paperback: $14.95

Available at bookstores or from Loyola Press at 1-(800)621-1008 or loyolapress.com

General Book Club Guidelines

May 2018 

The Works of Mercy

by Pope Francis

Since the beginning of his pontificate Pope Francis has made mercy a central theme in his teachings. And so Francis’ words are fitting to follow on a walk through the corporal and spiritual works. Using relevant reflections and excerpts from the pope’s writings and preaching, The Works of Mercy details each corporal and spiritual work at length, opening doors to a variety of discussion topics and themes.

In “Welcoming the Stranger” which is unsurprisingly one of the book’s longest sections, Pope Francis challenges us to welcome migrants and refugees and says that in doing so we open our doors to God. The book is a much-needed reminder that mercy is not just one virtue to live by but rather the “epitomizing word of the Gospel.”

—Sarah Butler, associate editor, U.S. Catholic

Orbis Books says mercy has been a trademark of Pope Francis’ papacy: it is a theme rooted in the message of Jesus, who tied our salvation to the treatment of the least of our brothers and sisters. Here, Pope Francis reflects on each of the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy and invites us to live this challenging gospel message each day.

Paperback: $16.00

Available at bookstores or from Orbis Books at 1-(800) 258-5838 or www.orbisbooks.com

General Book Club Guidelines

April 2018 

Boundless Compassion

by Joyce Rupp 

Living compassionately is not just a skill but a way of life. In her new book, Boundless Compassion, Joyce Rupp takes readers through the steps of creating a compassionate life. Her work as codirector of the Servite Center of Compassionate Presence makes Rupp the perfect creator of this six-week program and an ideal teacher to spread this message of compassion. By the end of the book readers will be able to live life with a more open heart and treat every living thing with more empathy than ever before.

—Shanna Johnson, editorial assistant, U.S. Catholic

Ave Maria Press says throughout this six-week personal transformation process for developing and deepening compassion, Joyce Rupp nudges, encourages, and inspires you to grow in the kind of love that motivated Jesus’ life and mission for his disciples. 

Paperback: $18.95

Available at bookstores or from Ave Maria Press at 1-(800) 282-1865 or www.avemariapress.com

General Book Club Guidelines 

March 2018   

Joyce Rupp: Essential Writings 

by Michael Leach

Often described as a “spiritual midwife,” Joyce Rupp’s writings are at once otherworldly and earthy, not unlike the miraculous event of childbirth that midwives attend. Her poetry and prose sing with surprise, wit, and humility that stimulates and satisfies any spiritual imagination.  Masterfully curated, Orbis’ Joyce Rupp: Essential Writings serves as a primer for new writers and a trusty reference for longtime fans. Rupp and this collection are both a gift. 

—Meghan Murphy-Gill, managing editor, U.S. Catholic

Orbis Books says Joyce Rupp is beloved on five continents as a writer, speaker, and retreat giver. Joyce Rupp: Essential Writings draws from her most influential works, arranged in key themes that speak to every heart: Home. Earth. Cosmos. God. For those who know Joyce’s work well, and those who are just coming to know it, this book is a treasure indeed. 

Paperback: $22.00

Available at bookstores or from Orbis Books at 1-(800) 258-5838 or www.orbisbooks.com

General Book Club Guidelines

February 2018 

Uncommon Prayer

by Michael Plekon 

Prayer is not just formal private or corporate conversations with God, professor and Orthodox priest Michael Plekon believes. It is also what happens when we come together with others to eat, to celebrate, to create, and to confront what we fear. It happens not just in churches but in the forest, in kitchens, and on the streets.
To make his point, Plekon’s new book, Uncommon Prayer, brings together the voices of theologians, poets, activists, and contemplatives to show how even the mundane moments of life can be prayerful. Some of the voices he includes are familiar. Others, like in his chapter on making pierogis, are not about great spiritual thinkers or theologians but vibrantly describe the prayer present in the smallest moments of everyday life.
Together, Plekon’s chapters are a powerful meditation on the incarnation: God is not in heaven but in and among us.

—Emily Sanna, associate editor, U.S. Catholic magazine

University of Notre Dame Press says Plekon turns to poets, saints, writers, theologians, and activists who demonstrate in word and deed that ‘there is no time of day, no activity, no place that cannot be prayer.’

Paperback: $30.00

General Book Club Guidelines

January 2018

 Essential Writings: James Martin

by James Martin 

Review: James Martin has been at the forefront of modern Catholic social thought within the past few years. So it was only fitting his writings be a part of the Modern Spiritual Masters series by Orbis Books. Essential Writings is a comprehensive collection of some of Martin’s finest writing to date, chronicling such topics as finding the divine in daily life and living in solidarity with those who are suffering. James Martin, often referred to as one of the greatest spiritual writers of our time, is fully accessible in this collection that emphasizes faith and the acceptance and appreciation of all God’s children.

—Shanna Johnson, editorial assistant, U.S. Catholic magazine

Orbis Books says this famous Jesuit offers reflections and insights on everything from prayer to depression to sexuality to finding one’s individual path to holiness.

Paperback: $22

Available at bookstores or from Orbis Books at 1-(800) 258-5838 or www.orbisbooks.com

General Book Club Guidelines

December 2017 

Prayer Seeds 

by Joyce Rupp 

Review: Seeds have fascinated Joyce Rupp since she was a child growing up on a farm in northwest Iowa. So it’s fitting that the spiritual writer’s new collection of prayers, reflections, and poems seek to grow the spirit from within. Prayer Seeds, a companion to her previous prayer collection, Out of the Ordinary, offers 100 new blessings, reflections, and poems that is a refreshing update for any personal or group prayer. The prayers are grouped into sections such as Marriage, Difficult Times, and Compassion, but Rupp’s Advent and Christmas section is particularly inspiring. In “Silent Night, Holy Night” Rupp writes, “Silence the useless anxiety and confusion. / Calm the pressures placed upon us. / Hush the illusory need to get it all done.” It’s a welcome challenge this Christmas season.

—Sarah Butler, associate editor, U.S. Catholic magazine

Ave Maria Press says bestselling author and retreat leader, Joyce Rupp, offers almost a hundred new prayers on a variety of themes such as the feasts and seasons of the liturgical year, compassion, ministry, difficult times, and important events.

Paperback: $15.95

Available at bookstores or from Ave Maria Press at 1-(800) 282-1865 or www.avemariapress.com

General Book Club Guidelines

November 2017

Why I’m Catholic (and You Should be Too)

by Brandon Vogt

Review: While some young people today may cast aside the religion of their childhood in favor of becoming a religious “none” (someone who may be spiritual but does not affiliate with any organized religion), Brandon Vogt did just the opposite. In his 20s he converted to Catholicism. In his new book Why I Am Catholic (And You Should Be Too), Vogt chronicles his conversion and provides simple, straightforward reasons about why others should explore their faith as well. Vogt makes a convincing argument using language that is both accessible and thoughtful. He writes he discovered that the Catholic Church is “worth considering not because it’s popular, progressive, or comfortable but because it’s true, good, and beautiful.” Why I Am Catholic (And You Should Be Too) is an important read regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey.

— Rosie McCarty, assistant editor, US Catholic magazine

Ave Maria Press says bestselling author Brandon Vogt shares his passionate search for truth, a journey that culminated in the realization that Catholicism was right about a lot of things, maybe even everything.

Hardcover: $20.00

Available at bookstores or from Ave Maria Press at 1-(800) 282-1865 or www.avemariapress.com

General Book Club Guidelines

October 2017

25 Life-Changing Questions from the Gospels

by Allan F. Wright

Review: We tend to think of Jesus as the one with all the answers when in fact he is the one with many questions—more than 100 of them in the gospels. Educator and author Allan F. Wright reflects on a quarter of these in 25 Life-Changing Questions from the Gospels.

Wright uses his knowledge of biblical Greek and Hebrew and his understanding of the historical Jesus’ culture to provide valuable insights into these questions. These questions and the issues they raise are just as relevant to Catholics today as they were to Jesus’ first followers.

— John Molyneux, editor-in-chief, U.S Catholic

Ave Maria Press says biblical scholar and retreat leader Allan F. Wright organizes 25 questions Jesus asked into five spiritual stages that will lead you on the road to discipleship.

Paperback: $15.95 

Available at bookstores or from Ave Maria Press at 1-(800) 282-1865 or avemariapress.com

General Book Club Guidelines

September 2017

The Way of Gratitude

by various authors 

Review: We are told that our lives will benefit from the daily practice of giving gratitiude for all that we have. That is precisely what The Way of Gratitiude: Readings for a Joyful Life, featuring the writings of various acclaimed authors, seeks to accomplish and promote.

The prolific passages of authors such as Mary Oliver, J.K. Rowling, and James Martin provide a guide for reflections on gratitude for readers seeking to deepen their spiritual life. This collection is an opportunity to strengthen your connection to God through heightened awareness of the gifts in our own lives.

— Shanna Johnson, editorial assistant, U.S Catholic

Orbis says: A hundred famous writers share their experiences, essays, fiction, poems, meditations, and  ideas on the joy of being thankful. These honest and heartfelt writings will add gladness to your days.

Paperback: $18.00

Available at bookstores or from Orbis Books at 1-(800) 258-5838 or orbisbooks.com

General Book Club Guidelines

August 2017

Four Scraps of Bread 

by Magda Hollander-Lafon

Review: While in Auschwitz-Birkenau, a dying woman gave Magda Hollander-Lafon four scraps of bread and told her, “You must live to be a witness to what is happening here.” In Four Scraps of Bread, originally published in French in 2012 and newly translated into English, she does just that.

The book’s reflections, prose meditations, and poetry offer ways to experience alongside Hollander-Lafon her lived experience, both in the death camp and in the Holocaust’s aftermath, as she, despite all odds, lives through Auschwitz’s atrocities and builds a new life after the war. Her books shows the beauty, hope, and presence of God while not flinching from an open-eyed portrayal of the worst violence and brutality that humans are capable of inflicting on each other.

— Emily Sanna, associate editor, U.S Catholic

Notre Dame Press says: Hollander-Lafon records a journey through extreme suffering and loss that led to radiant personal growth and a life of meaning.

Paperback: $25.00

Available at bookstores or from Notre Dame Press at 1-(800) 621-2736 or undpress.nd.edu.com

General Book Club Guidelines

July 2017

Taste & See: Experiencing the Goodness of God with Our Five Senses

by Ginny Kubitz Moyer

Review: Since the word mindfulness has crept up in the cultural lexicon, I’ve been a bit skeptical. It’s not that I don’t think paying attention to the physical world around us is a good idea. But the sacramental tradition of the church has always invited a deeper appreciation of the sights, smells, sounds, tastes, and touch of our world. This is the way God is revealed, after all.
Still, we often need reminding of that fact, and thankfully there’s Ginny Kubitz Moyer’s Taste & See for that. Through personal and down-to-earth storytelling, Moyer shows how Christian faith is not just an exercise in awareness or an experience of the mind but also the five senses.

—Meghan Murphy-Gill, managing editor, U.S. Catholic

Loyola Press says: Our physical senses are powerful avenues through which we encounter God. This “Examen of the senses” will help readers recognize God through all five senses.

Paperback: $9.95

Available at bookstores or from Loyola Press at 1-(800)621-1008 or loyolapress.com

General Book Club Guidelines

June 2017

Busy Lives and Restless Souls: How Prayer Can Help You Find the Missing Peace in Your Life

By Becky Eldredge

Review: It’s hard to define what “normal” life is, exactly. Author Becky Eldredge knows her own often requires Olympic effort. But, Eldredge writes, somewhere in between (and during) carpools and diaper changes, shuttling kids to practices, and making meals, she finds time to pray. Her book, Busy Lives and Restless Souls: How Prayer Can Help You Find the Missing Peace in Your Life, draws on the 500-year-old spiritual wisdom of St. Ignatius that is sure to help anyone who wants a stronger spiritual life find God in even the most mundane things, like watching TV or chatting at the checkout counter. Featuring practical prayer tools that easily fit into even the busiest daily routines, Eldredge’s interpretation of Ignatian principles will equip any reader with the tools to find God right where they are.

— Sarah Butler, associate editor, U.S Catholic

Loyola Press says: A young, busy woman offers a fresh Ignatian perspective on how to satisfy our restlessness within by making space for prayer in the midst of a demanding life.

Paperback: $13.95

Available at bookstores or from Loyola Press at 1-(800)621-1008 or loyolapress.com

General Book Club Guidelines

May 2017

All In: Why Belonging to the Catholic Church Matters

By Pat Gohn

Review: If someone were to ask you what one thing defines your life is, what would you say? For Pat Gohn, author of All In: Why Belonging to the Catholic Church Matters, the answer is simple: her Catholic faith. Gohn writes with convincing authority and vigor how church teachings have made a deep impact on her life and driven her to be “all in” when it comes to the Catholic Church.

Gohn invites readers in with intimate and relatable language. She even includes resources at the end of each section encouraging prayer and further learning. All in is an enjoyable read no matter where you are on your spiritual journey.

–Rosie McCarty, assistant editor, U.S. Catholic

Ave Maria Press says Pat Gohn invites you to become more confident in the power of the Catholic faith to transform your life as well.

Paperback: $15.95

Available at bookstores or from Ave Maria Press at 800-282-1865 or avemariapress.com

General Book Club Guidelines

April 2017

William Shakespeare

compiled and introduced by Ron Marasco

Review: As a student of British literature and a fan of Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets, I found the William Shakespeare volume of the Literary Portals to Prayer series fascinating as well as helpful to my prayer life. In this book each left-hand page contains an excerpt from one of Shakespeare’s works, and the facing page illuminates the selection with a Bible verse. For example, under the theme “Love Never Gives Up,” a quote from Act I, scene 1 of Twelfth Night is coupled with 1 Corinthians 13:4–7. Other volumes in this series include the works of Herman Melville, Louisa May Alcott, and Charles Dickens. I recommend this series as a great resource for those seeking to enhance their prayer life—just start with your favorite author.

— John Molyneux, editor-in-chief, U.S Catholic

ACTA  Publishing says, each book in this series takes 50 excerpts from a single beloved literary figure and pairs them with a passage from The Message for creative two-page “prayer-starters” for individual and group use.

Each Paperback: $10.95

Available at bookstores or from ACTA Publishing at 800-397-2282or actapublications.com

General Book Club Guidelines

March 2017

The Francis Effect

By John Gehring

Review: For nearly four years, Pope Francis has made incredible strides in the Catholic Church. His commitment to helping the poor and acceptance of those who have been excluded by the church have led newcomers to Catholicism and brought back those who have left.

John Gehring reflects on Francis’ monumental change with a
riveting look at the history of the church and how it has changed over the past 100 years. Gehring explores how Pope Francis’ style can create real change in the church, particularly in the United States. The Francis Effect is a read for fans and critics of Pope Francis alike.

—Shanna Johnson, editorial assistant, U.S. Catholic

Rowman & Littlefield says, this book explores how a church once known as a force for social justice became known for a few key wedge issues, then looks at the opportunities for change in the “age of Francis.

Hardcover: $32.00

Available at bookstores or from Rowman & Littlefield at 800-462-6420 or rowman.com

General Book Club Guidelines

February 2017

Particles of Faith 

By Stacy A. Trasancos 

Review: Given how commonly the relationship between faith and science is discussed, it’s a wonder that anyone could still find them firmly at odds. And yet, as Stacy A. Trasancos recounts in her vivid and engaging memoir, Particles of Faith, there seems no end to debates.

A scientist and devout Catholic herself, she offers stories and suggestions for the faithful who are still working out their own relationship with modern scientific discoveries. With her pleasing prose, Trasancos invites the reader to experience the awe of a child whose early encounters with the world delight and inspire.

—Meghan Murphy-Gill, managing editor, U.S. Catholic

Ave Maria says, scientist, writer, and scholar Stacy Trasancos gives us ways to talk about how science and Catholic faith work together to reveal the truth of Christ through the beauty of his creation.

Paperback: $15.95

Available at bookstores or from Ave Maria Press at 1-(800) 282-1865 or avemariapress.com

General Book Club Guidelines

January 2017

When God was a Little Girl

By David Weiss, Illustrations by Joan Hernandez 

Review: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. All too often, Christians picture an old man with a beard calling the universe into being with his words. But in When God Was a Little Girl, David Weiss reminds us to not get caught up in how we’ve heard or seen the story told. He gives us a new metaphor: A little girl, singing creation into being with imagination, smiles, and a little bit of glue.

The illustrations show children of all different ages and ethnicities, allowing the reader to see God in her own image and keeping us from getting too invested in any one depiction of God. The book is a profound reminder that how we describe God is important and different ways of expressing God reveal deep truths about creation. The book is lovely addition to any little girl’s (or boy’s) library.

–Emily Sanna, associate editor, U.S. Catholic

Acta says, a daughter asks her father, with “her eyes twinkling with this divine little twist,” to tell story about “when God was a little girl”…and he obliges.

Hardcover: $19.95

Available at bookstores or from Acta Publishing at 800-397-2282 or www.actapublications.com

General Book Club Guidelines

December 2016

Dear Pope Francis

By Pope Francis 

Review: Though a picture book, Dear Pope Francis is spiritual panacea for readers of any age. The 70-page release from Loyola Press features Pope Francis’ responses to 30 unfiltered letters and illustrations from children around the world, some of whom ask some pretty tough questions. But Francis—with humility, humor, and grace—answers them all.

The children wonder about all kinds of things (“If God loves us so much … why didn’t he defeat the devil?” and “Why are there not as many miracles anymore?”), and Francis celebrates and validates each child’s spiritual depth by thoughtfully answering each question, no matter how small . For many, Francis’ words offer not only answers but also a challenge. “I can’t resolve all the conflicts in the world,” Francis says to 9-year-old Michael from Nigeria. “But I’m going to try. And I ask you to try too.”

— Sarah Butler, Associate editor, U.S Catholic

Loyola Press says, in this unprecedented book, questions from children from across the world are presented to Pope Francis — and the Pope himself answers each letter.

Hardcover: $18.96

Available at bookstores or from Loyola Press at 1-(800)621-1008 or www.loyolapress.com

General Book Club Guidelines

November 2016

American Catholics in Transition 

By William V. D’Antonio; Michele Dillon and Mary L. Gautier

Review: Today, more than 75 million people in the United States identify as Catholic. But with an increasingly diverse church population—culturally, geographically, and even linguistically—what does being a Catholic today really mean?  Using data collected over the past 25 years, William V. D’Antonio, Michele Dillon, and Mary L. Gautier try to shed light on just that.

In this fifth volume of surveys conducted since 1987, D’Antonio, Dillon, and Gautier hear from everyone—pre-Vatican II Catholics to Millennials—to explain not only the changes in attitudes toward Catholic identity but also the continuities in core beliefs. Especially timely during this election year, American Catholics in Transition is an enjoyable and informative read for anyone curious about how Catholics in the United States have viewed their faith over the last quarter-century.

   —Rosie McCarty, Assistant editor, U.S Catholic

Roman & Littlefield says American Catholics in Transition paints a vibrant picture of the diverse church today, outlining changes in the past as well as looking toward continuity and change in the future.

Hardcover: $33.00

Available at bookstores or from Roman and Littlefield at 1-(800) 282-1865 or www.rowman.com

General Book Club Guidelines

October 2016

Reclaiming Francis

By Charles M. Murphy 

Review: When Pope Paul VI originally pointed to evangelization as the church’s essential mission, he said that “people listen more to witnesses than to teachers.” In Reclaiming Francis: How the Saint and the Pope Are Renewing the Church, Monsignor Murphy proposes St. Francis of Assisi as a preeminent saintly model for the new evangelization. Through thoughtful reflection on key aspects of Francis’s life and spirituality, Murphy reminds us that the priority of God, the preferential love of the poor, voluntary poverty, care of creation, and the pursuit of peace are the ways by which the Church will be rebuilt. As Pope Francis continues to call for the rebuilding of the Church, this book will contribute significantly to contemporary discussions of the New Evangelization.                              

—John Molyneux C.M.F., editor-in-chief, U.S. Catholic

Ave Maria Press says: As Pope Francis continues to call for the rebuilding of the church, Msgr. Charles M. Murphy offers a timely look at what today’s church can learn from St. Francis of Assisi about evangelization and renewal.

Paperback: $13.95

Available at bookstores or from Ave Maria Press at 1-(800) 282-1865 or avemariapress.com

General Book Club Guidelines

September 2016: 

The Preferential Option for the Poor beyond Theology

Edited by Daniel G. Groody and Gustavo Gutiérrez

Review: It’s been 43 years since Gustavo Gutiérrez wrote A Theology of Liberation. His book forever changed the face of Catholic theology, and yet the poor around the world are still suffering. Therefore, it is not enough to hold on to the theological idea of a preferential option for the poor; we need to put the idea in practice while acknowledging the multifaceted nature of poverty.

The essays in this volume show how poverty affects every aspect of human existence. Contributors write on law, economics, film, science, and education—to name a few of the many topics addressed—examining how their own lives and vocations have been shaped and guided by the option for the poor, no matter what their industry or academic discipline. Anyone, no matter their career or location in life, can live out a commitment to the world’s poor and marginalized.

—Emily Sanna, associate editor, U.S. Catholic

University of Notre Dame Press says: How can one live a Christian life in a world of destitution? This book addresses the option for the poor and the ways it can shape our social, economic, political, educational, and environmental approaches to poverty.

Paperback: $30.00

Available at bookstores or from University of Notre Dame Press at 1-(800) 621-2736 undpress.nd.edu.com

Order now from University of Notre Dame Press

General Book Club Guidelines

August 2016: 

The Psalms: Songs of Faith and Praise

by Gregory J. Polan, O.S.B

Review: The psalms, though ancient in form, always remind me how everything old is new again. These songs of prayer give voice to my spiritual praises and laments when I don’t quite have the words. But delving into scripture and personal prayer can be daunting. And so, the Revised Grail Psalter is where I turn when I need some assistance praying.

In this revised commentary and guide to the psalms, Benedictine Father Gregory J. Polan offers a brief but thorough introduction that makes the very prayers Jesus would have uttered relevant and accessible. Polan’s reflections on each psalm are at once inspiring and enlightening; they are an opportunity for intellectual and spiritual learning.

—Meghan Murphy-Gill, managing editor, U.S. Catholic

Paulist Press says: Graceful and inspiring, here is an insightful and moving introduction to the Book of Psalms as prayer.

Paperback: $24.95

Available at bookstores or from Paulist Press at 1-800-218-1903 paulistpress.com

Order now from Paulist Press

General Book Club Guidelines

July 2016: 

The Gospel of Happiness: Rediscover Your Faith Through Spiritual Practice and Positive Psychology

by Christopher Kaczor

Review: What is true happiness? Does Christianity provide happiness in a way other self-improvement paths cannot? In The Gospel of Happiness, Dr. Christopher Kaczor highlights seven ways in which positive psychology and Christian practices together can lead to personal and spiritual transformation. Focusing on studies that point to the wisdom of many Christian teachings, Kaczor provides not only practical suggestions on how to become happier in everyday life but also insights on how to deepen Christian practice and increase our love of God and neighbor in new and bold ways.

If you’re tired of flipping between best-selling self-help books that never seem to fully address your whole person—mind, body, faith, and soul—The Gospel of Happiness might be the “whole-person” answer for which you’ve been searching.

—Laura Whitaker, associate editor, U.S. Catholic

Image Books says: A simple approach to seven ways positive psychology can help us lead more spiritual, effective, and loving lives.

Hardcover: $22.00

Available at bookstores or from Image Books at 1-800-733-3000 or ImageCatholicBooks.com

Order now from Image Books

General Book Club Guidelines

June 2016: 

Pope Francis: Life and Revolution
A Biography of Jorge Bergoglio

by Elisabetta Piqué

Review: To truly know Pope Francis, you must first know Padre Jorge. Few offer a better introduction than Argentine journalist Elisabetta Piqué, whose friend Jorge Bergoglio became Pope Francis virtually overnight. Piqué, who first met Pope Francis during an interview in 2001, paints a portrait of Francis in Pope Francis: Life and Revolution that’s based on more than 75 interviews with people who knew him before he became the Bishop of Rome in 2013. It’s this unparalleled insight that reveals Pope Francis’ personality, motivations, and revolutionary vision for the church. Piqué’s captivating narrative details unsung episodes of Pope Francis’ life that show why his peace and patience energizes so many.
—Sarah Butler, assistant editor, U.S. Catholic

Loyola Press says: Written by Vatican correspondent Elisabetta Piqué, who has known the Pope personally since 2001, Pope Francis: Life and Revolution offers unique insights into the Pope, his work for the poor, and his vision for the church. 

Paperback: $16.95

 

 

 

May 2016:

Word by Word
Slowing down with the Hail Mary

edited by Sarah A. Reinhard

Review: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Most Catholics can easily recite the words of the ever-familiar Hail Mary prayer. But how many of us take time to reflect on what we are saying, to truly internalize the profound beauty and meaning behind each word? In Word by Word, editor Sarah Reinhard invites us to intentionally examine each part of the Hail Mary to revitalize our understanding of the beloved prayer. In deliberately slowing down and meditating, Reinhard says, “a calmness is cultivated” that urges you “to live in the present moment in a way so few things in modern life of gadgets and responsibilities require.” Anyone looking for restored vitality in their prayer life, or even anyone simply seeking stillness amid a hectic lifestyle, should read Word by Word. It will comfort, enlighten, and inspire you to examine things with new eyes, especially those things—like the Hail Mary prayers—that may be overlooked or under appreciated. 

—Rosie McCarty, editorial assistant, U.S. Catholic

 

Ave Maria says: Sarah Reinhard compiled forty of the most popular Catholic voices to write a brief reflection on each word of the Hail Mary, one of the most important prayer traditions in Catholic life.

 

Paperback: $14.95

 

April 2016: 

The Jesuits
A History from Ignatius to the Present

by John W. O’Malley, S.J.

 

Review: As the first Jesuit pope, Francis has piqued new or renewed interest in the Society of Jesus. As the Society closes in on the 500th anniversary of its founding in 1540, Jesuit church historian John W. O’Malley offers a short, accessible, and sweeping history of the religious order from its foundation to the present—from Ignatius of Loyola to Pope Francis. Father O’Malley is a master at distilling the scholarship on which this work is based and presenting it clearly and concisely. I was personally grateful for O’Malley’s treatment of the modern and postmodern era, particularly the Pedro Arrupe era. This slim volume will be of interest to anyone interested in church or world history and includes an annotated reference section for further reading. As Father O’Malley says in his preface, the purpose of this book is to whet the readers’ appetites to read further into the fascinating history of the Jesuits. 

—John Molyneux, C.M.F., Editor-in-Chief, U.S. Catholic

 

Rowman & Littlefield says: O’Malley has once again written a lively and accessible historical introduction to the Society of Jesus. 

 

Hardcover: $22.00

 

 

 

 

 

February 2016:

Between the Dark and the Daylight
Embracing the Contradictions of Life

by Joan Chittister

Review: Joan Chittister’s signature wisdom and spirit are at it again in Between the Dark and the Daylight, her new book that speaks not only to seekers of faith but also of comfort. “There is a part of the soul that stirs at night,” Chittister writes, “in the dark and soundless times of day, when our defenses are down and our daylight distractions no longer serve to protect us from ourselves.” In these soul-soothing pages the beloved author of The Gift of Years dives into the chaos of life, exploring the questions and contradictions that mess with our minds and hurt our hearts. Chittister doesn’t have all the answers but willingly embraces the conundrum of life so that we might better understand ourselves, one another, and God. Her short reflections and simple meditations are the remedy for a ravaged soul. They’ll help you sleep better, too.

—Sarah Butler, assistant editor, U.S. Catholic

Image Books says: Getting at the heart of what it means to be human, Between the Dark and the Daylight is not about finding all the answers, but rather surrendering to self so that we can find rest in the arms of God.

Paperback: $20.00

 

 

 

 

January 2016:

Fly a Little Higher
How God Answered a Mom’s Small Prayer in a Big Way

By Laura Sobiech

Review: When her 17-year-old athletic, fun-loving, and musical son, Zach, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, Laura Sobiech turned to God to help her and her family remain strong throughout the mental, physical, and emotional battle with Zach’s grueling disease. After given just one year to live, Zach decided the best way to say goodbye to his friends and family was by writing and performing music. His song, “Clouds,” became a huge success and helped his family turn such a devastating diagnosis into a joyous celebration of their son’s vibrant life. 

Fly a Little Higher chronicles the Sobiech’s faith-filled journey with Zach’s cancer and provides a refreshingly honest example of serenity and perseverance throughout great pain and sadness. Laura emphasizes that, “To Zach, it was all very simple: use what you have to make another person happy, and joy will be returned to you.”

 

—Rosie McCarty, editorial assistant, U.S. Catholic

 

Thomas Nelson says: Read the story of a mother’s love, a son’s battle with cancer, and the hit song that touched the lives of millions.

 

Hardcover: $24.99

 

December 2015:

What Are We Doing on Earth
for Christ’s Sake?

by Richard Leonard, SJ

Review: Richard Leonard tries to avoid conversations with strangers on long flights. Inevitably, a fellow passenger will ask Leonard what he does for a living, and the Australian Jesuit dreads the reaction he will hear upon saying he’s a Catholic priest. Leonard thought he’d heard them all—that is, until he met a young man named Thomas on a flight from New York to Los Angeles.

Their resulting conversation inspired this book, in which Leonard employs his engaging storytelling, wit, and wisdom to provide, as he calls it, “an accessible argument for faith.” The book tackles common questions Leonard hears from both nonbelievers and lapsed Catholics like Thomas, offering a powerful reminder that true faith is never without doubt, but rather it is a constant search for answers. 

 

—Scott Alessi, former editor, U.S. Catholic

 

Paulist Press says: Addressing the world in which Christians live, bestselling author Richard Leonard asks who we are before God and how we can be more confident in our faith in a loving God.

 

Paperback: $14.95

 

November 2015:

This Economy Kills
Pope Francis on Capitalism
and Social Justice

by Andrea Tornielli
and Giacomo Galeazzi

 

Review: When Pope Francis wrote in Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel) that the economy of the West is one that “kills,” he was immediately branded a Marxist by some conservative Catholic commentators from the United States. In This Economy Kills, two of the most informed Italian journalists covering the Vatican today explore the pope’s teaching and witness on the topic of the economy, and provide context and background from Catholic social teaching that help us understand what he is saying. Perhaps best of all, they let Francis’ own words speak for him, including an interview in which he addresses capitalism and social justice. This book should remind us all that care for the poor and forgotten is at the heart of the gospel and Christian mission.

 

—John Molyneux, C.M.F., Editor-in-Chief, U.S. Catholic

 

Liturgical Press says: This fascinating book includes the full text of an extended interview the authors conducted with Pope Francis on the topic of capitalism and social justice, appearing here in English for the first time. 

 

October 2015:

Five Years in Heaven
The Unlikely Friendship That Answered Life’s Greatest Questions

By John Schlimm

Review: All too often, friendship carries connotations of jockeying for position, of “fitting in,” or of hiding your true nature in order to not be alone. But in Five Years in Heaven, John Schlimm reminds us that at its best, friendship is a relationship that can reveal the presence of God.

This memoir centers around the unexpected relationship between the author and Sister Augustine. Schlimm, in his early 30s and disillusioned with his fast-paced career and unsatisfactory life, finds insight in the life of Sister Augustine, an 87-year-old artist. The book invites us into their friendship and to learn, side-by-side with Schlimm, a grounded wisdom that reveals profound truths about the world.

 

Five Years in Heaven reminds us that friendship can be found in surprising places. Opening ourselves to unforeseen moments of human connection teaches us about others, God, and ourselves. 

 

—Emily Sanna, Associate Editor, U.S. Catholic

 

Image Books says: What is heaven on earth? What if you had the chance to learn the answers to life’s greatest questions? This is the story of such an encounter…an unlikely pair and the journey they take.

 

Paperback: $23.00

 

 

 

 

September 2015:

Mercy in the City
How to Feed the Hungry, Give Drink to the Thirsty, Visit the Imprisioned, and Keep Your Day Job

By Kerry Weber

Review: I will start volunteering as soon as I finish getting the house clean. If you’ve ever used a similar excuse, Kerry Weber’s Mercy in the City belongs on your nightstand. In her honest, funny, and incredibly down-to-earth book, Weber—a young, single New Yorker—recounts her attempt to complete all seven Corporal Works of Mercy in 40 days (while acknowledging that life would be easier if she could instead achieve spiritual enlightenment by abstaining from ice cream). 

Despite its “how-to” tagline, Mercy in the City isn’t a manual. Acts of mercy, we discover, can’t be rote or simplified. Instead, even the smallest actions are often laden with intent and meaning. Weber’s encouraging and insightful journey shows that when it comes to answering the call of faith, there are many ways to say yes.

 

—Sarah Butler, Assistant Editor, U.S. Catholic

Loyola Press says: A modern, young woman lives a “regular” life amid the daily pressures of New York City while also living a life devoted to service and practicing real works of mercy in a meaningful manner. 

 

 

August 2015:

Would You Baptize an Extraterrestrial?
…and Other Questions from the Astronomers’ In-Box at the Vatican Observatory”

By Guy Consolmagno S.J. and Paul Mueller, S.J.

Review: What really happened to Galileo? Why did Pluto get bumped from being a planet? Jesuits Guy Consolmagno and Paul Mueller serve up an engaging and funny treatment of the science questions that people fire at these two Vatican astronomers. Especially refreshing is the pair’s understanding of how nonscientists tend to react to complicated scientific ideas like the big bang—Mueller likens it to how he, a non-artist, can feel alienated from a painting by abstract artist Jackson Pollock. 

You will learn a lot of science along the way, but even more important, the book does a great job of shooting down the tired but unfortunately still popular view that science and religion are somehow opposed or contradictory. Au contraire.

—Catherine O’Connell-Cahill, Former Senior Editor, U.S. Catholic

Image Books says: A book about what it’s like when science encounters faith on friendly, mutually respectful terms sharing with the reader the joy, hope, and fun in exploring science and living with  a real faith.

Imagine if a Martian showed up, all big ears and big nose like a child’s drawing, and he asked to be baptized. How would you react?”   
—Pope Francis, May, 2014

Hardcover: $25

Available at your favorite bookstore or online retailer or by visiting www.ImageCatholicBooks.com

Order now from Image Books

General Book Club guides

July 2015:

Dear Young People… 
Inspiration from Pope Francis for Everyone

By Brother Michael O’Neill McGrath, O.S.F.S.

Review: Pope Francis is already one of the most quotable people on the planet, but somehow Brother Mickey McGrath found a way to make the words of Francis even more accessible and appealing. With his vivid illustrations, McGrath injects new life into papal quotes on topics ranging from poverty and peace to family and faith.

Dear Young People… is an excellent resource for introducing children to the Catholic faith through the eyes of Francis. But as McGrath notes in the introduction, the book could just as easily be called Dear Everybody Who Is Young At Heart. Indeed, readers of all ages are sure to find inspiration in McGrath’s artistic interpretation of an already inspiring figure’s words.

—Scott Alessi, Managing Editor, U.S. Catholic

World Library Publications says: Brother Mickey McGrath presents a new book for young people (of all ages!) containing inspiration from Pope Francis in the form of quotations and tweets.

Paperback: $20

Available online at wlpmusic.com or by calling 1-800-566-6150

Order now from World Library Publications.

General Book Club guides

June 2015:

Making a Case for God: Faithful Encounters

By William Clark, O.M.I. 

Review: In this brief, clear, and creative work, Oblate Father William Clark reflects on the hiddenness of God, the possibility of making a case for God, and what encountering God involves. These reflections stem from two sources: faith and reason. Through examples from scripture and philosophy, Clark tries to understand God and what that means to an individual.

In the end, the examples of encountering God in Making a Case for God: Faithful Encounters show that our understanding of God is not about whether God exists, but how God exists in our lives. This little book will be of interest to all of us who struggle with “the problem of God.”

—Father John Molyneux, C.M.F., Editor, U.S. Catholic

Liguori Publications says: Does God exist? Father William Clark, O.M.I. uses scripture, philosophy, and literature to help us look beyond the question of God’s existence to how we can be open to and recognize encounters
with God.

Paperback: $10.99

Available at bookstores or from from Liguori Publications at 1-800-325-9521 or liguori.org.

Order now from Liguori Publications.

General Book Club guides

May 2015:

Framing Faith 
From Camera to Pen: An Award-Winning Photojournalist Captures God in a Hurried World

By Matt Knisely

Review: In our increasingly distracted and plugged-in world, it’s tough to find moments to stop, slow down, and be present. But in Framing Faith, photojournalist Matt Knisely reminds us that although we have eyes, we often fail to see. Those spare moments exist, but they often pass us by as we flit from Twitter to Facebook, email to Instagram. Rather than filling our days with these distractions, Knisely encourages us to find God in those often overlooked spare moments. Framing this faith journey with photography, Knisely challenges us to shift our eyes from our screens and look through his lens. Not only does he show us what he’s found—he helps us realize what we’ve been missing.

—Sarah Butler, Assistant Editor, U.S. Catholic

Thomas Nelson says: Framing Faith is a book for people seeking to focus their lives, to find a deeper knowledge of God, and a more authentic Christian faith.

Paperback: $15.99

Available from Thomas Nelson at 800-251-4000 ex. 1176 or www.ThomasNelson.com

April 2015:

Master of Ceremonies: A Novel

By Donald Cozzens

Review: As a former vicar for priests, Donald Cozzens knows and understands the inner workings of the Catholic Church, and especially the clerical culture, better than anyone. In recent years his honest, courageous, and insightful writing has shed much light on the root causes and the cultural and systemic failures that led to the clergy sexual abuse crisis.

In his first novel, Master of Ceremonies, Cozzens now uses all that inside knowledge to spin a page-turning tale around the consequences of clergy sexual abuse, the machinations of a secret society of careerist and hypocritical priests and bishops, and a few good Catholics working to uncover the truth. There is scandal, murder, love, and intrigue—you’ll have a hard time putting it down.

—Meinrad Scherer-Emunds

ACTA Publications says: Father Donald Cozzens has written an unflinching story of clergy sexual abuse and its very personal consequences. A thriller of a novel, not for the squeamish or faint of heart.

Hardcover: $24.95

Paperback: $19.95

Available at bookstores or from ACTA Publications: 1-800-397-2282 or shop online at www.actapublications.com.

Order now from ACTA Publications.

What do you think? Once you have read the book, discuss it on uscatholic.org.

General Book Club guides

March 2015:

Just call me Lopez: Getting to the Heart of Ignatius Loyola

By Margaret Silf

Review: A simple happenstance can change the course of the future. When Rachel finds herself injured in a bicycling accident, she’s lifted up by a stranger named López, whom we recognize as St. Ignatius of Loyola.

Margaret Silf’s Just call me López follows the unlikely friendship between the 16th-century saint and the 21st-century woman. Their journey together in this historical fiction centers on transformation: St. Ignatius’ shift from being a raucous youth to a devoted pilgrim of God, and Rachel’s change as her newfound friend gently guides her through the daily struggles of life. Their grace-filled and reflective conversations—over many cups of coffee—will slowly shape your heart and soul as well.

—Caitlyn Schmid, Assistant Editor, U.S. Catholic

Loyola Press says: In Just call me López, a twenty-first-century woman, Rachel, meets the man who becomes the saint, and both are transformed by their unlikely friendship and series of thought-provoking conversations.

Hardcover: $14.95

Available at bookstores or from Loyola Press: 800-621-1008 or shop online at www.loyolapress.com.

Order now from Loyola Press.

February 2015:

The Wisdom of the Beguines: The Forgotten Story of a Medieval Women’s Movement

By Laura Swan

Review: This fascinating account tells the story of a little-known but surprisingly widespread movement of medieval women that started in the early 1200s. The beguines, active across Europe, were laywomen who formed their own communities, served the poor and sick, ran successful businesses, preached, wrote spiritual tracts, and achieved an unusual degree of independence.

Some of their medieval visions, practices, and reported miraculous occurrences may sound strange to modern ears, but Laura Swan tells the stories of these strong women leaders—their great resilience and success, as well as the envy, criticism, and persecution they suffered—with great sympathy. In the process she makes a compelling case that the beguines offer readers “hope and a fresh path … to live with prophetic courage.”

—Meinrad Scherer-Emunds

BlueBridge says: Beguines were medieval laywomen defined by their visionary spirituality, unusual business acumen, and strong commitment to the poor and marginalized. The beguines invite us to seek out their wisdom and to discover them anew.

Hardcover: $16.95

Available at bookstores or from BlueBridge: 800-343-4499 or shop online at www.bluebridgebooks.com.

Order now from BlueBridge.

General Book Club guides

January 2015:

When Saint Francis Saved the Church: How a Converted Medieval Troubadour Created a Spiritual Vision for the Ages

By Jon M. Sweeney

Review: Jon M. Sweeney’s compact book sets the poor man of Assisi in the context of the church and society of his day, demonstrating how Francis often trod on dangerous ground—and why no pope had taken his name for 800 years. Early on, the author dispatches our weak, pious notions of Francis. In their place he describes a man whose revolutionary approaches to friendship, poverty, spirituality, death, nature, and people on the margins drew many to his side, even though few could hack what it really meant to follow him.

Sweeney deftly shows how Francis, ahead of his time, is also a man for our time, less interested in doctrines and debates than in how humans ought to treat the world and one another.

—Catherine O’Connell-Cahill, Senior Editor, U.S. Catholic

Ave Maria Press says: Bestselling author Jon M. Sweeney offers a surprising new look at the world’s most popular saint, showing how this beloved, but often-mythologized character created a spiritual vision for the ages and may very well have rescued the Christian faith.

Hardcover: $22.00

Available at bookstores or from Ave Maria Press: 800-282-1865 or shop online at www.avemariapress.com.

Order now from Ave Maria Press.

See past U.S. Catholic  Book Club entries

The titles featured in the U.S. Catholic Book Club are selected each month by the magazine’s editors from submissions by participating book publishers. The publisher provides a paid advertising in U.S. Catholic magazine for the featured book.