X Books

This calendar-style book has much to offer in short, easily adaptable entries for each day of the year. The obvious approach would be to set aside a few minutes to read and reflect on each day's entry. However, the author has generously offered an option via the topic index. Either choice is suitable for individuals or small groups. The format is a selection from Augustine's writings, containing an appropriate heading and the citation, followed by a brief reflection.

For example, the entry for the day on which this review was written, March 15, is titled "A Prayer for Prayer." It begins with an excerpt from Augustine's Soliloquies asking God to wash him free "of all my silly earthly desires so that I may be clear-eyed enough to see you," a wish that continues to echo into the twenty-first century. Fr. Burt's reflection compares our ability to pray despite silly earthly desires with an airplane's ability to fly despite the pull of gravity. "Gravity is always an obstacle to flying; flying with weakened wings is all the more a challenge," he writes. Overcoming worldly distractions even for a moment allows us to receive the grace to pray, he explains, and it takes few words for our attention and love to become gradually fixed on God.

This pattern of acknowledging human frailty while expressing encouragement and hope runs throughout Fr. Burt's current work, making it a valuable resource to keep close at hand.

This book is a must read for anyone that is insterested in Texas history. The author holds no punches in telling the true stories of drunkeness and constant backstabbing that went on while the young territory was trying to gain independence from Mexico. It definetley is not a book that tells only the glorious side of the Battle of San Jacinto.

William X. Kienzle is one of the most talented and popular authors working in the mystery genre today. Dead Wrong: A Father Koesler Mystery is a classic Kienzle tale and centers on Father Robert Koesler's investigation into the 30-year-old murder of a young woman awaiting a marriage proposal. Scandal between family, business, and the Church loom in this dark tale, riddled with twists and hidden motivations.

Like most of Kienzle's books, this one had an interesting plot twist. It was quite difficult to find out who the killer was, and the ending was nothing short of surprising. The characters were fully developed, and all the background of the principal characters showed the reader why they had a problem with the victim. The plot was not only interesting, but easy to follow.

As usual, Kienzle has written a good story here, but he adds an element of humor in the actions of one of the characters. His constant mishaps nearly make the reader laugh out loud. A very good book.

I'm surprised that Publisher's Weekly gave this book such a bad review. Sure, the twist at the very end (which I did absolutely did not see coming) might not have followed the "rules" of genetics, but you know what? This book is FICTION. Take it for what it is.

Robert Forsythe is a wonderful character and I look forward to reading the rest of this series.

Should residents be allowed to have pets? That's the burning question agitating the trustees of the Jamie Coralund Home for the Aged. Barrister Robert Forsythe is called on to mediate, but he is no fool and declines the honor. Instead, he sends his formidable secretary, Miss Sanderson, to deal with the tempest in the provincial teapot.

It might have ended there but for two things: a dog is poisoned and an old lady is smothered.

Miss Sanderson, ever sensitive to the ebb and flow of human passions, learns that the trustees-three middle-aged men and one timelessly beautiful woman-have known each other since childhood, the handpicked playmates of rich little Jamie Coralund, Jamie himself has been dead for thirty years. Or so everyone believes.

Miss S. suspects that, dead or alive, Jamie is somehow involved in present events, and that the sins of the past are making a return appearance....

A leading artist butchers his male model at his country estate--or does he?

In 1944, Sebastian Calvert was tried and convicted of the most brutal, bizarre and perverse murder in England's history. Early one morning, Sebastian was found crouched in the study, dazed and incoherent. In his arms he cradled the dismembered body of David Mersey, his Adonis, which to this day rivals Michelangelo's David. Fifteen years later, Elizabeth Pennell Calvert, his daughter by an ill-fated first marriage, reopens the case to prove her father's innocence--and to allow her the freedom to love without the shadow of her father's horrible crime of passion.

Which of the houseguests committed the savage crime? Was it: Vanessa, Sebastian's wife, a leonine statuesque blonde who wanted David and was willing to fight for him...? Rosemary Calvert, the precocious sixteen-year-old devoted to her uncle Sebastian and jealousy protective...? Elinor Atkin, Vanessa's dedicated cousin who had already lost Vanessa once--to Sebastian...? John Hrner, a passionate young poet, Sebastian's secretary, and wild for Vanessa, who spurned him nastily...?

Retrieved from an early retirement, Robert Forsyth, a disgraced London barrister in his mid-thirties, and Miss Sanderson, his no-nonsense secretary, gather together the original players... each of whom had a motive for murder, among them: lust, pride, and revenge.

Kienzle is an excellent writer. Having been born in the Detroit area, I find his references to places I know refreshing. His gift for holding the reader's attention is superb, and this book especially demonstrates that talent. The story line is unique, and the twists and turns in the plot are surprising. This was a very good read.

This text, 'Decision Making in the Church', is a shorter and earlier version of many of the same topics Luke Timothy Johnson covers in 'Scripture and Discernment'. This text, published in 1983, was produced shortly before Johnson was a professor of mine at Indiana University, in the field of New Testament studies.

The text is divided into four primary sections: definitions, difficulties, decisions, and discernment. For the definitions, Johnson explores the nature of faith, community, obedience and authority, and different theological concepts. Decision and discernment should be done in a communal level, by groups rather than individuals. The groups may vary in composition, of course, but the general principle remains strong. How faith and authority are developed in this context remains an important part of the process.

One difficulty that arises comes from Paul, who while recognising the theological nature of the Christian community still emphasises the individual nature of responsibility. Drawing on different texts in Paul, the gospels and Acts, Johnson highlights historical, literary and theological difficulties, in addition to problems of understanding the way in which things are to be applied.

Johnson moves from the difficulties to looking at actual decisions, largely drawing on material from the Acts of the Apostles. These include the selection of Matthias to take Judas' place as one of the twelve, the acceptance of Paul as an Apostle, the conversion of Cornelius and Gentiles generally, and the Jerusalem Council (among others). These models are shown in their contexts, with general principles drawn for further theological emphasis in decision making.

The final section looks at discernment briefly, a topic greatly expanded in Johnson's later text. Discernment is tricky business, often used in manipulative and destructive ways, Johnson states. However, it is a most valuable tool when used appropriately. Johnson looks at three topics -- the role of women in the church, the status of divorce and remarriage in the church, and homosexuality -- as three areas where discernment is necessary in the church, and three areas where discernment is susceptible to all manner of outside influences and distortions.

This small text (a mere 100 pages) covers a lot of ground, and does so with an accessible and engaging style, as is Johnson's form in writing and public speaking.