Saint The Books

This is another of the "can't put it down" books by William W. Johnstone. How that man can write!

In this story, Preacher is on his way back to St. Louis, where Dog has been guarding Jennie. He arrives to learn that Jennie was killed to keep her from talking about the swindle which Epson did to her. The killer Epson hired was named Caviness.

Preacher (Art) sets out to find Epson, who has moved to Philadelphia where he has an excellent position with a much-larger bank than had employed him in St. Louis. On the way, he stops at his family's farm, to learn his father has a mortgage which must be paid very soon and there is no money to pay it. We learn Art's last name is Coopersmith.

He pays the mortgage, in the process teaching the banker and his thugs a harsh lesson, and tells his father that the farm should go to his brother, Morgan, who stayed home and worked hard while Art "went to see the Creature". He tells his father that he believes he did see it, and that he is happy with his life out West.

Tracking down Epson and Coopersmith in Philadelphia, Art kills Caviness after the criminal kills Epson.

A very-engrossing tale, and almost every page has excitement and intrigue.

The service in receiving this book was as promised. The book itself was excellent, although later in the series it is changed some what. All in all it was an excellent book.

A great story with lots of events and a great mix of characters. Hard to put down but there is enough seperate events to make up a series in a single volume.

This book is brimful of God's presence. It weaves
His shining light between the sentences,
dancing with the words. The real-life vignettes are wonderful!

I was enthralled, inspired and tickled by the range
of potent, poetic images, intimate and
fascinating life details and real insight into
the nature, direction and synchronicities of
following a God-Realized Master in today's world.

Along with the inspirational material, superb
metaphors, and wisdom, I think the book
fills a significant niche. [Special appreciation
by the way for the material on Repeating God's
Name, tidbits like VP Gore's contact with
Meher Baba, and the light touch in much of the
poetry.] We've never before had published
biographical material about American followers
of Meher Baba that readers can identify with.
I admire the home-movie quality the author
brings to this volume.

Allan Y. Cohen, Ph.D., clinical psychologist;
author of Mastery of Consciousness (Harper),
co-author, Understanding Drug Use:
an Adult's Guide to Drugs and the Young. (Harper)

The story starts in 1969 when, at the age of 44, Bill Stephens went
through a near-death experience that changed him instantaneously
from an agnostic to a spiritual seeker, erased his lifelong fear of death
and eradicated his crippling addictions. He "...exploded into a brilliance
beyond anything I could imagine, and I was immersed in the warmth
and joy of a Living Presence that loved me and accepted me totally."

During the experience, Stephens saw a face in the light that he later
identified as the great 20th century spiritual master, Avatar Meher Baba.
That was the beginning of the author's love affair with God. His
compelling book includes many personal and graphic stories
of the ups and downs of treading the Path of Love by following
the divine footsteps of the Master.

The author has written many previous books about science and the
oceans, marine animals, and undersea research. But this
is his finest work because it comes straight from the heart.

If you want to know what it means to "Love" as the Gospel of Christ tells us, read this book. Faith, Hope and Love are lived in Saint Kolbe's life like no other. I have a new role model in Saint Kolbe.

Maximilian Kolbe was one of the 20th century's greatest witnesses to truth and what it means to be fully human, an extraordinarily courageous man, and yet so humble that few will have heard of him. This book is superb in conveying his greatness, and what it means to say that someone is a great saint. Suffering from chronic tuberculosis and with less than one full lung's capacity, he went as a missionary to Japan where he published his first newspaper within a month, in Japanese. During the war, his monastery gave shelter to 1,500 Jews. When the Gestapo were taking him and other Franciscan brothers to Aushwitz, he managed to stay cheerful saying that for once, their mission was paid for by someone else. What mission? Survivors of all beliefs remember his constant smile, his kindness in the dark of the night (he would go to the side of the dying to comfort them). In the end, he volunteered to die of starvation in the place of a young father so he might live to see his family again. When it comes to witnessing Christ, Kolbe was simply awesome. Inspiring yet sober. In one word, moving.

"Forget Not Love" is the story of St. Maximilian Kolbe, the Polish Franciscan who offered to die in the place of a married man at Auschwitz, yet this book is about so much more. It creates a portrait of Kolbe as a real human being, it tells of one man's zeal for his faith and country, and it is about what love really is. This book is one of the best I have read on St. Maximilian. Frossard's beautiful writing is an added plus. I HIGHLY reccomend this book to all!

I read this book as a child and loved it.
I am pleasantly surprised to see it still in print.
"Francis and Clare, Saints of Assisi" is immensely readable and entertaining enough for an elementary school reader.
Helen Walker Homan provides a nice introduction to two quite human saints: a nice Catholic primer in the development of faith.

The reading level of this book is challenging enough for my 10 year old son, and enjoyable for us to read aloud together. This book brings to life the story about St. Francis, and made us feel like we knew him personally. It showed my son that saints had real lives, they were children who played just like kids do now, and they chose to serve God. My son and I both enjoyed reading this book.

It is a delightful story of the saints of Assisi intented for the young people, written by Helen Walker Homan and illustratd by John Lawn. The oft-written story of these saints becomes alive in 12 short chapters in simple language, readable for young adults. I am sure that a lot of research and exploration have gone into this work. The early 12th century Assisi becomes alive with the castles, market places, taverns and churches. The saints become normal and real, like the everyday people we meet. At the same time their sanctity and uniqueness in history are well brought out. Indeed it is a well-written book for beginners.

Matthew B. Brown is a brilliant theologian. I cannot recommend this book highly enough for those wish to have a deeper understanding of the history of temples and their rites. You absolutely must read the notes at the end of every chapter, you will not only learn more than you can ever imagine, you will be enriched and utterly fascinated. The scriptures become clearer as you delve further into this book. A must have for the serious religious library.

This was the first of Matthew Brown's books that I purchased and studied. Now I anxiously await as each new book arrives.

This book is easy to read and well documented. It gives evidence of the historical underpinnings of the temple rites and symbols. I highly recommend it.

This book stands alone as an interesting account of temples and temple symbolism throughout all of history. For the Latter-day Saint, it provides a greater insight into the temple on a more spiritual level - the book becomes more meaningful once one is familiar with the modern ordinances of the temple. Highly recommended for those who want a profound, scholarly approach to their temple studies, and those who would enjoy a faith-building reading experience. This is an outstanding resource for anyone interested in understanding more about the temple.

The Saint and Patricia are in Innsbruck with their publisher friend Monty Hayward: in England there is rather more evidence against Simon than is good for him, and he resolves to behave himself and avoid any more trouble.

Until, strolling along the Rennweg, which runs beside the Inn, they come across a small harmless-looking man being assaulted by several toughs. They virtuously rescue the little man and throw the toughs into the river.

Unfortunately, it turns out that the toughs are policemen, and the little man is involved in a plot that leads the Saint into one of his best adventures, engulfing Monty in the process and careering around Austria and Germany at a breathless pace.

But most pleasurable of all is the return of the character who is Charteris's best villain, the one whom Simon previously crossed swords with in The Last Hero and again in Knight Templar - Crown Prince Rudolf.

It must be admitted that the means by which Rudolf's motives are finally revealed depends on a coincidence of mind-boggling proportions; but one which, after 307 pages of nonstop entertainment, I at least am willing to forgive. I've owned this book for over forty years, and I never tire of re-reading it.

(It no doubt also greatly pleased Charteris's publisher friend with whom he used to kick around plot ideas - one Monty Haydon.)

Variously published as "Getaway" and "The Saint's Getaway".

P.S. For a list of -- and discussion of -- all Charteris's Saint books, see my So You'd Like To... Guide.

This is the third and the final round of the Saint vs his arch-enemies, Rayt Marius and Prince Rudolf, although Marius doesn't appear on this book. The first is "The Last Hero" and the second is "Knight Templar". Also, this is just after "The Saint vs Scotland Yard" in which the Saint decided to leave England. He goes to Europe where he unexpectedly meets the Prince again.

It's a little pity that Rayt Marius doesn't appear on this book. That doesn't mean I prefer Marius to Rudolf. On the contrary, I like Prince Rudolf far better. He is the most attractive enemy; the man of velvet and steel, sleek as a sword-blade, always suave and inhumanly calm. Still, I wanted the Saint to settle not only with Rudolf, but also with Marius.

Anyway, I greatly enjoyed the story. It's a splendid tale of adventure and chase; thrilling, fast-paced, full of actions and wits. The showdown is so breath-taking! I'm terribly sorry this is really the final round.

Ever wonder what the bishop said to the actress? Or what happened to Prince Rudolf after The Last Hero? Or where the Saint and Patricia Holm went after the diamond hijack in The Saint vs. Scotland Yard? The Saint has been good for three whole weeks, until a gang of toughs starts beating up an old man on a Bavarian country road... but why is the old man so unpleasant about being rescued? And why is Prince Rudolf getting involved? The Saint takes it as a sign that his swashbuckling days are not over yet.

If possible, you should read the following Saint books in publication order first: The Last Hero (a.k.a. The Saint Closes the Case), The Avenging Saint (a.k.a. Knight Templar), and The Saint vs Scotland Yard. (All three of them were republished as part of The Saint: Five Complete Novels by Avenel Press in 1983, if you can find it.)

"On February the 14th, 1985, the winds whistle over an open pasture where the waters of Gros Islet Marina flow deep into the land. At the water's edge, a fishing vessel, manned by six youths, is quietly set afloat into the Marina. The captain and co-captain are no more than 20 years old, while the rest of the crew range in age from thirteen to nineteen."
Thus starts an epic voyage that will end in tragedy with only one survivor. This is a really wonderful story about a real life event. It follows in the tradition of great "cast-adrift" stories, but the navigators in question are all from the small fishing village of Gros Islet in St. Lucia. Some are young fishermen, three are school kids, kicked out of school for the day because of rowdy behavior. It is a tragic story, but one with light and optimistic moments, and by concentrating at the end on the survivor (whose troubles are far from over when he staggers ashore and collapses in Columbia), it is book that will affect you emotionally, but leave you on a high note. I have read quite a few "adrift" accounts, and none have left me with such a feel for the humanity and simple kindness of the characters as this.
The first part of this book paints a picture of Gros Islets as experienced by the author as a child. Some of the main preoccupations are school, church, and sports, especially cricket. During this section we meet and watch the main characters growing up.
This is a tragic tale of young men pushed into a situation for which they were totally unequipped in both knowledge and gear. What is even sadder is even today many fishermen loose their lives this way in the Caribbean every year (I heard about 4 boats that were lost from one island alone last year, one with six people on board). It has always amazes me that fishermen will go far offshore with a single outboard, no radio, no flares, and sometimes a cell phone (but often without bothering to make sure it is fully charged).
Given that fishermen may well end up at sea with little water, a broken outboard and no other means of propulsion, our Caribbean education and fishing traditions completely fail to provide them with the knowledge they need to survive, even though the methods have been known since 1952 when Bombard set off on a 62-day voyage across the Atlantic without food or water. He lived off what the sea provided, along with the rainwater he caught, just to show mariners that they could survive indefinitely at sea.
These young men had at most half a gallon of water with them, when that ran out they started drinking saltwater. Drinking saltwater alone, is a sure recipe for disaster causing dehydration and ultimately, sickness, hallucinations, madness and death. The behavior of the youths in this voyage who went crazy, attacked their mates and swam away from the boat, is the same as in other similar sea stories where salt water was drunk.
This young group also had the means to survive; they caught fish and dried them in the sun as a food source. They needed instead to eat the fish whole and raw, and to squeeze the blood and juices out of them and drink it. Such juices are not very salty and can provide the much needed fluids. It is sad that such simple knowledge is not part of our maritime culture.
Religion plays a role in this story, even the boat's name is "IN GOD WE TRUST", and Therold himself regards the emergence of Kennedy Phillip (the survivor) as a miracle. I find this attitude interesting in light of Therolds early attitude towards the church.
"Father "H" may not know this but those marble steps are from the contributions of many who have since died in extreme poverty, after donating all their land and money to the Church. In fact, I have sometimes wished that someone would tell him about the sacrifices that were made, and about the many lives that were affected, instead of feeding him the gossip about the private lives of fellow parishioners. Maybe they can begin by telling him the story of Mr. Styles, and how his mother had left her only son to languish as a pauper, after giving her property and all her money to the efforts of constructing the church".
Therold himself, who had received communion, was thrown out of the Catholic Church, because his mother left the Catholics to join the Seventh Day Adventists, and this angered the priest who was apparently intent on passing the sins he perceived in the mother onto the son. At some points Therold sees with clarity that the role of the church, and that of the English colonial administration were often far from benign. Yet at the same time the Catholic tradition was such a dominant force in his youth it colors all his perceptions:
"Among "the wise (meaning communicants) is a very old woman who stands with a pink and purple mushware (head-band) over her head. She is barefoot and seems to walk in a state of absolute absorbtion. By this time I am not the only one who is distracted; so are George, Kennedy, Ronnie, and countless other children who know her quite well. In fact the whole church knows about her and what we know is not pretty at all. Today in the house of the Lord, and in broad daylight, the proxy of the devil is at work."
Therold and his friends think that is that this is an evil women working obeah with religious sacraments, a charge that could easily be based on nothing more than that she is very strange, possibly the result of a psychiatric problem. We have burnt witches for less.
Ultimately Therold comes to terms with the Catholic Church and sees the newer priests as being more in touch and community minded. If he has given thought to, and struggled with, such issues as: the subservient role of women in the church, and how they face the same kind of lack of opportunities as did black people in the earlier colonial times, or to the effect the ban on contraception has on the fight against aids, he does not mention it here.
Was Therold right in considering Kennedy's survival a miracle? If God wanted a miracle, why not save all - a little change in the currents or winds would have done it. Giving God the credit for anything good and never the blame for anything bad lacks logic. It is a bit like having a tailor in town, and every time he sews a wonderful suit that fits perfectly, praise the tailor. Every-time he produces an ill-fitting or badly sewn garment; blame the thread or the sewing machine.
Therold's book is a great tribute to Kennedy and his crew, and by extension to all the other Caribbean fishermen who have been lost at sea, whose life and death struggles have gone unregistered except by a small story in the local paper. Walcott's Omerous is a tribute to St. Lucia fishermen at the poetic and mythical level, this book does it in a down-to-earth simple story.

Reviewed by Danielle Feliciano for Reader Views (1/06)

Glory Days and Tragedy is the true account of 6 young men who become lost at sea during a routine fishing trip. However, it is much more than that. It is a story of lifelong friendships, loyalty, and of the will to survive. And, it is ultimately the story of how to rebuild your life after tragedy has hit.

Mr. Prudent begins this tale by bringing the reader into his childhood in the St. Lucian town of Gros Islet. It is there that we get to know the author and his friends, and are treated to a small taste of island life. This book is so detailed and clearly written that it is easy to picture the town as you are reading the book. You become immersed in the lives of Mr. Prudent and his friends, which makes it all that much more heartbreaking to read about the tragedy that follows.

The second half of the book focuses on a routine fishing trip taken by 6 young men from the island. It tells the story not only of what happens on the boat, but also the story of what happens to those left behind. You are with the people of the town as they learn the young men are missing, as they attempt a rescue, and as they slowly come to grips with the reality of what must have happened. At the same time, you are with the men on the boat, suffering fear, illness, starvation, thirst, and hope. It is impossible not to mourn the loss of each of the young men as they succumb to the circumstances. It is also impossible not to celebrate when hope no longer seems false and rescue seems imminent.

In the end, this book runs the reader through a gamut of emotions, leaving you optimistic about the chances of the survivors, and the island, to go on with their lives in the wake of such tragedy.

Detailed and engaging. Therold Prudent subtly reveals man's search for meaning and the culture which helps create that meaning. One sees that the drama of youthful dreams begins the path to our destiny. A good source for literary analysis for the classroom.

I WAS 9 YRS OLD WHEN FRANK CAME TO TOWN. THE BIRDS WERE WINNING AND BALTIMORE WAS EXCITED. I CAN STILL REMEMBER GOING TO DAYTIME GAMES WITH THE SUN SHINING DOWN ON THE BLACK BATTING HELMETS AND BOUNCING OFF THE HOME WHITE UNIFORMS TRIMMED IN ORANGE WITH THE ORANGE LETTERING. 1966 WAS LIKE YOUR FIRST KISS WITH YOUR FAVORITE GIRL WHO YOU MARRIED AND LIVED WITH TILL THE DAY YOU DIE. IT WAS THE BEGINNING OF A LOVE AFFAIR AND FOR ORIOLE FANS OF BALTIMORE WHO LIVED THRU 1966-'83 WE WERE PRIVILEDGED TO SEE BASEBALL PLAYED LIKE IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN FOR MANY YRS. I FEEL PRETTY SPECIAL ABOUT THAT. GET THE BOOK AS I AM TURNING TO THE FIRST PAGE. SEE YOU AT 33RD ST FOR THE WORLD SERIS.

This is one of the best baseball books ever written. Mr. Millikin does a wonderful job recreating the excitement and drama throughout the entire season of the first Baltimore Oriole World Series Championship. It's a must read for anyone living in Baltimore in the 60s. In fact, anyone living in any sport champion city anywhere. The best parts of this book are the detailed personal stories of the fans, beginning even before the season started, with the signing of Frank Robinson. True sports fans will appreciate the importance of single acts that can be turning points for a team. I give this book Ten Thumbs Up!!!

For long-time Orioles fans, 1966 is an unforgettable year. Mark Millikin has brought that magic season to life with interviews from former players, sportswriters and fans as well as forgotten details from newspaper accounts. He tells the story of the 1966 season and World Series in a clear and concise style that keeps the reader moving to the next page and the next chapter. This book is a treat for long-time fans, but I think it would easily be enjoyed by younger fans, who never experienced the thrill of the Orioles winning the World Series in four straight.

This book is invaluable if you love the rosary. It contains all of his writings: Letters; The Love of Eternal Wisdom; Letter to the Friends of the Cross; The Secret of the Rosary; Methods for Saying the Rosary; The Secret of Mary; True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin; and much, much more. St. Louise Marie de Montfort had a spiritual depth that was awesome. Reading this book was a blessing beyond description.

St. Louis DeMontfort had alot of insight into the mysteries of our Catholic faith in regards to Mary our Mother. If you want to get to know Mary, read St. Louis' works. This book is a collection of all of his works - which means that this is the book for you!

I ordered this book and when I first got it I was struck to my knees and my love of Christ rose to levels I could only hope for. Sentances would bring me to tears, because of the powerful way they were written and what they said. I can say this with my entire heart, my faith grew by leaps and bounds because of this book and in particular the secrets of the rosary, which is included in this book. I hope you all buy this book either for yourself or for someone else . It is perfect for any and all Catholics, you will find that you will read this book for the rest of your life, and each time you read it you will learn something new

God Bless

At last there is a compilation of all the known written works of St. Louis Marie de Montfort in one volume! Not only is it important for those of us who seek to deepen our understanding of The Incarnation, one sees a side of the great saint that is normally not known. Many Catholics fail to see the importance of what St. Louis was all about, however, Pope John Paul II, who had read all of his works and took them to heart, is a true example of what will happen if we take the writings of this great saint to heart.

I love Tony's style of writing. It's easy to understand and uplifting, full of encouragement. He is terrific in taking verses out of the Bible and explaining them in everyday language.
Marty Wurtz
Author of Deceptions and Betrayals

Tony Evans is my all time favorite preacher. He is so in love with God and his word, and is so funny and uplifting. This book was very helpful to me when I went through a very difficult time due to illness. I especially loved the part about Joseph, the man in the old testament who was betrayed by his brothers and thrown into prison, but about a dozen years later became a powerful leader. What I learned most from this book is that God works in mysterious ways and makes all things beautiul in his time. With him all things are possible, and all things work together for good to those who love him and are called according to his purpose. God cannot forget about his children, even if he does allow pain. He does finish the good work he began in us. What I appreciate too about this book is that it is short and to the point. When you are in pain and tired physically and emotionally, is can be hard to read a long, heavy book. This encouraging and empathizing book is perfect.

I picked this book up by chance, randomly opened it and began to read and just could not put it down. Anytime I encounter a problem now instead of thinking the worst like I used to I realize that God is up to something great! I have had many hurts and betrayals in my life and this book helped me to understand these events from the proper perspective. I have already seen more victories in my life because of this new perspective and I am certain more will come. Mr. Evans, I will seek out more of your books in the future. God really has used you mightily through this work. Thank you!