HNP Today occasionally provides suggestions of publications that may be of interest to friars and their partners-in-ministry. Below are three brief book descriptions provided by various sources.
A Call to Serve: Pope Francis and the Catholic Future (The Crossroads Publishing Co., 2013) by Stefan Von Kempis and Phillip F. Lawler was suggested in a recent Sunday bulletin of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New York City. Written by the editors of Vatican Radio and Catholic World News, the book and beautiful photos tell the story of Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation, the election of Pope Francis, and the challenges that await him. The book is available in the lobby of St. Francis House on West 31st Street.
Tenth of December: Stories (Random House, 2013) by George Saunders was recommended by the book club at Sacred Heart Parish in Tampa, Fla. “One of the most important and blazingly original writers of his generation, Saunders is an undisputed master of the short story,” reads the book’s description. His stories reflect on class, love, loss, work, despair and war. One of his stories, “Victory Lap,” tells of a boy witnessing the attempted abduction of the girl next door and is faced with a choice: Does he ignore what he sees, or override years of smothering advice from his parents and take action?
The Orphan Master’s Son (Random House, 2012) by Adam Johnson was recommended by the book club of St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church in Hartford, Conn. The Pulitzer-Prize-winning Johnson tells the story of Jun Do, the orphan master’s son, a North Korean man working as a government-sanctioned kidnapper. According to Amazon.com book reviewer Chris Schluep, “Through Jun Do’s story we realize that beneath the weight of oppression and lies beats a heart not much different from our own—one that thirsts for love, acceptance, and hope.”
The HNP Communications Office welcomes emails from readers who would like to suggest a book or periodical. Themes that are relevant to friars and partners-in-ministry — in addition to spirituality and news of the Catholic Church — include topics affiliated with Holy Name Province committees and directorates: evangelization, vocations, justice and peace, wellness, African-American and Hispanic ministries, and young adults.
— Compiled by Wendy Healy