Category Archives: Books

Small Virtue

“We can do no great things. Only small things with great love.” And this book is an enchanting, coherent account of what that means for the leisure hours of the average Christian. It may not make you blow up your … Continue reading

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Moomins

Good children’s books give as much pleasure to the adults reading them as the children being read to. Which means Tove Jansson’s are phenomenal. Give these two a glance for starters, and see if you know a Hemulen, a Little … Continue reading

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Catholic Grandpa

Step one when you buy a Liber Usualis is to flip to the very end and ask “Doesn’t this thing have an index?” To which my grandfather used to answer: “It’s a Catholic book. Of course it’s got an Index.” … Continue reading

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The Imitation of Christ

Sometimes I tell people they should learn about Christianity, if for no other reason, then at least so they can understand their own cultural background. I still think that’s true, but I’ve just been reading St. Thomas a Kempis, and … Continue reading

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Capitalist Architecture

I grumble about Chapters, Starbuck’s and Walmart as much as the next guy, but that doesn’t prevent my appreciating a clever turn of physical marketing when I see one. For example, when you enter the Barnes & Noble on Broadway … Continue reading

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While we’re on the topic:

After two months of arduous labour, I have finished writing my second MCAT, and I just discovered that the Bard himself once wrote the same exam. Here’s what he did with his prep materials: “I’ll break my staff, Bury it certain fathoms … Continue reading

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Popular Fiction (A Post with an Obvious Conclusion)

     Still not impressed with the DC? Visit an airport bookstore! When I was on hold-over in Minneapolis, not only was the book itself on the front table and under “Famous Authors” and “Best Sellers”, but most of the other … Continue reading

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Conclusion

     In a way, it’s fitting that The Da Vinci Code should have come out. The lines between those for Christ and those against seem to be sharpening these days, and the sides are asserting themselves. The Christ camp briefly uncovered its usually … Continue reading

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The Da Vinci Code

     OK folks, here’s the rundown: The whole novel is summed up on page 288: Yes, the clergy in Rome are blessed with potent faith, and because of this, their beliefs can weather any storm, including documents that contradict everything they hold … Continue reading

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Airport Bookstore

“Excuse me, my plane doesn’t leave for an hour. Do you mind if I just look around for a while?” “Certainly sir. Would that be blasphemy or non?”

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