Books Read in Cancun 2009

1. The Story of FRENCH by Jean- Benoit Nadeau and Julie Barlow

St. Martin’s Griffin , NY, NY  483 pages.   An interesting expose on how the French language developed and its place in the world today

2. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, Namaste Publishing , Vancouver, BC, Canada – 236 pages – Deep insight into living in the moment and not letting fear and anxiety about the future or pain and suffering from the past affect enjoyment of the present.

3. The Appeal by John Grisham – Bantam Dell, NY – 484 pages.  Grisham has not lost his touch, fast paced easy reading, a surprising twist toward the end.  Not only enjoyable but a challenge to our legal system that needs attention.

4. Nothing to Hide, by Russell Shaw – Ignatius Press, San Francisco – 174 pages This famous reporter looks at the history of secrecy in decision making and shows how poorly it serves the church.  If you are interested in the workings of the Church – how bishops are selected, this is a must read.

5. Clericalism – The Death of Priesthood by George Wilson SJ, Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN  158 pages.  A very academic look at how clericalism undermines the priesthood of Jesus.  A must read for our new priests.

6. The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell, Ballantine Books, NY  420 pages.

This is a wonderful book, set in the future when we first encounter life on another planet.  It is the Jesuits who mount the exhibition to discover God’s creation.  This book will hold your interest and is worth reading to the end.

7. The Shack by Wm. Paul Young - Windblown Media, Newbury Park, CA  248 pgs.

This is a MUST READ!!!!  One of the three best books I have ever read, if not the best.  The great mystics have had insights into God, and written about them, but generally I couldn’t identify with them.  This is the written experience of an ordinary human whose young daughter was kidnapped, and murdered.  God steps in and unfolds the pure majesty of love and relationship in a way this ordinary grief stricken father could understand.  He shares his transforming experience of God as he remembers it.  A. Have plenty of tissues near by as you read this.  B. Buy several copies you will want to give one to anyone you love C. Know that you will never understand God in the same way again.

8. Liberal Europe, Islam, and the Limits of Tolerance – Murder inAmsterdam, by Iam Buruma – Penguin Books, NY – 266 pages  This book takes an careful look at the characters and the issues surrounding the death of Theo Van Gogh a Dutch filmmaker who was critical of Muslims.  Many issues are raised, but no solutions.

9. Being Catholic Now by Kerry Kennedy – Crown Publishing, NY 248 pages.  Kerry talks about her own journey and solicits the thoughts of prominent people in the US who are or were Catholic.  These accounts cover the gamut of people’s experience of being Catholic in the US today.

10. Confronting Power and Sex in the Catholic Church, Reclaiming he Spirit of Jesus by Bishop Geoffrey Robinson – Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN  - 301 pages.  This should be required reading for every Bishop and Curia member in the church.  It is solid in its approach to Scripture and tradition.  The present structure needs to be changed.