Welcome to the U.S. Catholic Book Club
March 2010:
The Spirituality of Fasting: Rediscovering a Christian Practice
by Msgr. Charles MurphyReview: Rather than woefully lamenting the loss of the Catholic tradition of fasting, Msgr. Charles Murphy challenges his readers to recover and adapt the practice for today. He agrees that the legalisms associated with fasting in the pre-Vatican II era needed to be discarded, but he also believes that, among other benefits, this age-old spiritual discipline can bring communities together, makes us more aware of the connection between body and soul, and increases our desire for and reliance upon God.
The Spirituality of Fasting offers more than just an argument, though, for why we should fast. It serves as a useful handbook, complete with history, reflection questions, and suggestions for how to translate this valuable ancient practice into our lives. Give it a try this Lent. —Meghan Murphy-Gill, Assistant Editor, U.S. CATHOLIC
Ave Maria Press says: With sensitivity and depth, Msgr. Charles Murphy explores the spiritual discipline of fasting, both in its historical tradition and in its modern significance for Catholic spiritual life.
Paperback: $12.95
Available at book stores or from Ave Maria Press: (800) 282-1865 or shop online avemariapress.com.
Order now from Ave Maria Press!
Suggested discussion questions from Ave Maria Press
What do you think? Once you have read the book, discuss it in our online forum
February 2010:Good Girls, Bad Girls: The Enduring Lessons of Twelve Women of the Old Testament
by T.J. WrayReview: In clear and engaging language Good Girls, Bad Girls presents 12 of the most important and fascinating women of the Hebrew Bible. In the book's two major parts-Liars, Lawmakers, and Lovers; and Victims, Volunteers, and Vindicators-the reader will encounter Ruth and Jezebel, along with lesser known women such as the Shunammite Woman (1 Kings).
The portraits of these ladies are refreshingly nuanced and multifaceted. Along with solid biblical scholarship, T. J. Wray provides sensitive insights into the contemporary relevance of these women's stories. This book will appeal to both students of the Bible and women and men interested in discovering what these biblical women can teach us today. —Father John Molyneux, C.M.F., Editor, U.S. CATHOLIC
Rowman and Littlefield says: Impeccably researched and beautifully written, Good Girls, Bad Girls takes a nuanced look at the stories of 12 Old Testament women--from "good" Ruth and "bad" Jezebel to infamous Delilah and the mysterious Witch of Endor.
Available at book stores or from Rowman and Littlefield: (800) 282-1865 or shop online avemariapress.com.
Order now from Ave Maria Press!
Suggested discussion questions from Rowman and Littlefield
What do you think? Once you have read the book, discuss it in our online forum
January 2010:
Prayerfulness: Awakening to the Fullness of Life
by Robert WicksReview: So how preoccupied were you today with the past or future, on a scale of 1-10? Me, too. Robert Wicks shakes up readers with this from novelist Walker Percy: "What if life is like a train and I miss it?" Unless you become spiritually mindful, says Wicks, you risk getting left behind on the platform.
This brief gem of a book brims with wise, compassionate, in-the-trenches advice on how to practice "being in the present with your eyes wide open to experiencing God and life." Wicks visits with the greats of Catholic spirituality and tells tales on himself (he frets about stock losses while three family members struggle with serious illness). There's even a checklist of "spiritually mindless" habits. Bravo. —Catherine O'Connell-Cahill, Senior Editor, U.S. CATHOLIC
Ave Maria Press says: New from Robert Wicks, this creative combination of ancient wisdom and contemporary psychology is designed to help readers develop a loving, clear, and spiritually balanced outlook.
Hardcover: $20.00
Available at books stores or from Ave Maria Press: (800) 282-1865 or shop online avemariapress.com.
Order now from Ave Maria Press!
Suggested discussion questions from Ave Maria Press
What do you think? Once you have read the book, discuss it in our online forum
December 2009:
Claiming Earth as Common Ground: The Ecological Crisis through the Lens of Faith
by Andrea Cohen-KienerReview: Claiming Earth as Common Ground is a great discussion-starter for any parish group. With question guides for each chapter, action steps, and further resources, the book is designed to be very practical.
"The time for platitudes is past," writes author Andrea Cohen-Kiener. She and contributors from other faiths delve into the "nitty-gritty"- issues of race, class, and theology that prevent groups from making progress on environmental issues.
But this book isn't just about religious people saving the environment. "The environmental crisis is the manifestation of a spiritual problem," says Cohen-Kiener. Confronting this crisis might also save religion. —Megan Sweas, Associate Editor, U.S. CATHOLIC
SkyLight Paths Publishing says: 
Inspiring insights from ecology coalitions, emerging theologies, and spiritual & environmental activists rally us to work across denominational lines in order to fulfill our sacred imperative to care for God's creation.
Hardcover: $16.99
Available at book stores or from SkyLight Paths Publishing (800) 962-4544 or shop online at www.skylightpaths.com.
Order now from SkyLight Paths Publishing!
Suggested discussion questions from SkyLight Paths Publishing
Have you already read it? What did you think? Discuss in our online forum
November 2009:The Saint and the Sultan: The Crusades, Islam, and Francis of Assisi's Mission of Peace
by Paul MosesReview: Can a long misrepresented 13th-century encounter between two extraordinary individuals inspire world-changing reconciliation and peacemaking today? It can and it does. Paul Moses' fascinating account of St. Francis of Assisi's meeting with Sultan Malik al-Kamil in the midst of the Fifth Crusade not only details the historical record, puts it into context, and tries to strip it of centuries of tendentious distortions, it also documents how its true significance has recently come to blossom and bear fruit in Christian-Muslim relations.
In his thoroughly researched and engaging book Moses uncovers and retells the true story of the Christian saint's audience with the Muslim ruler "with the hope that it will encourage others to build on [their] example." —Meinrad Scherer-Emunds, Executive Editor, U.S. CATHOLIC
Doubleday Religion says: 
This is a story about peace - one that is nearly 800 years old - but still resonates in an era where Christians and Muslims look at each other with suspicion.
Hardcover: $26.00
Available at book stores or from Doubleday Religion (800) 773-3000 or shop online at DoubledayReligion.com.
Order now from Doubleday Religion!
Suggested discussion questions from Doubleday Religion
Have you already read it? What did you think? Discuss in our online forum
October 2009:The Recollected Heart: A Guide to Making a Contemplative Weekend Retreat
by Philip ZaleskiReview: Despite constant encouragement to “make” one, there are few things more mystifying to most Christians that a retreat. Just what does one do, and what is supposed to happen? Enter Philip Zaleski, who offers this practical guide for a getaway with God, which he recommends as “a rock-bottom of a healthy life.”
Zaleski recognizes, however, that for many a retreat seems like a daunting spiritual do-it-yourself project. Drawing heavily on the Benedictine tradition, he guides the novice through contemplation, the liturgy of the hours, and the best ways to keep everyday life at bay. In doing so, he takes the mystery out of making a retreat – and makes the reader ready to meet the Mystery we all seek. —Bryan Cones, Managing Editor, U.S. CATHOLIC
Ave Maria Press says: 
Acclaimed author and editor Philip Zaleski understands the need for retreat, and in this step-by-step guide he offers his monastic prescription for properly and effectively finding spiritual refreshment.
Paperback: $15.95
Available at book stores or from Ave Maria Press (800) 282-1865 or shop online at http://www.avemariapress.com.
Order now from Ave Maria Press!
Suggested discussion questions from Ave Maria Press
Have you already read it? What did you think? Discuss in our online forum
See past U.S. Catholic Book Club entries
September 2009: The Forgiveness Book by Alice Camille and Paul Boudreau (ACTA Publications)
August 2009:Seeking Life: The Baptismal Invitation of the Rule of St. Benedictby Esther de Waal
July 2009: A Persistent Peace: One Man’s Struggle for a Nonviolent World by John Dear, S.J. (Loyola Press)
June 2009: Finding Happiness by Abbot Christopher Jamison (Liturgical Press)
May 2009: Listening to God's Word by Alice Camille (Orbis Books)
April 2009: The Geography of God's Mercy by Patrick Hannon (ACTA Publications)
The U.S. Catholic Book Club is a collaborative project of U.S. Catholic magazine and the Catholic Book Publishers Association. 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.
