April 6, 2010 // Local

New books for spring

The following are recently published books that have been sent to Today’s Catholic that can touch the fancy of Catholic and non-Catholic readers alike. Each book is reviewed using publishing house press releases and includes publisher name and ISBN number for ease of purchase.

“And God Said: How translations Conceal the Bible’s Original Meaning,” by linguistics and translation expert Dr. Joel M. Hoffman, is an easy, enjoyable read that conveys ancient meanings of the Scripture to English and some mistaken approaches to translation that have led to common but inaccurate translations. The author provides some correct translations for several familiar quotations. Thomas Dunne, ISBN: 978-0-312-56558-9

“The Bread of Angels,” by Stephanie Saldana is the story of the author’s journey of faith and love. In this riveting read, Saldana, through her poetic style, takes the reader on her journey of self discovery, in one unlikely year, through war-torn regions of the Middle East, then to a monastery where she discovers love. Doubleday, ISBN: 97-0-385-52200-7

“Bible Babel: Making Sense of the Most Talked About Book of All Time,” by religious studies scholar Kristen Swenson is a lively and accessible source that provides readers with basic Bible literacy, including what is in the Bible, where it comes from and how it is used in culture today. Harper, ISBN: 978-0-06-172829-7

“The Catholic Spirit: An Anthology for Discovering Faith Through Literature, Art, Film and Music,” by Michel Bettigole, OSF, and James D. Childs complementary text, organized in four units that follow the four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, is a resource for high school students as they explore their faith. Contemporary use of arts with reflection questions and activities covers topics that include Christ, the Church, and the importance of sacraments, prayer and mortality. Ave Maria Press, ISBN: 1-59471-182-8

“Paul Among the People: The Apostle Reinterpreted and Reimagined in His Own Time,” by Sarah Ruden is an interesting read that uncovers the Greek-speaking early Christian evangelist’s message of human freedom and love for others. Paul, who considered himself the “Apostle to the Gentiles,” was the first to teach how Jesus’ life, death and resurrection fit into the larger scheme of salvation. Ruden translates passages from ancient Greek and Roman literature and writes about others’ interpretations of Paul’s teaching to clarify this apostle’s ethics as humane and responsible. Pantheon Books, ISBN: 978-0-375-42501-1

“Praying From the Heart of Holy Cross Spirituality,” by Joel Giallanza, CSC, is a 30-day prayer companion resource that offers inspiring meditations and reflections with excerpts from the writings of Holy Cross founder Blessed Basil Moreau. Each of the 30 days offers three sections to provide a road map for wisdom, daily living and closing prayer. Ave Maria Press, ISBN: 978-1-59471-232-6

“The Love Story of Creation: Book One,” by retired priest and founding member of Earthworks, an Indiana ecological community since 1988, Edward Ruetz, is a dramatization of the story of the creation of the universe. The author tells the story of 12 atom characters, Quarkie, Photie and their atomic friends who create and evolve the universe and the planet Earth over 15 million years. iUniverse, ISBN: 978-1-4401-8838-1

“A Priest Forever: Nine Signs of Renewal and Hope,” by Alfred McBride is a personal reflection on the meaning of being a priest and includes quotes, Scripture and personal stories from the author. The chapters include an exploration of a priest’s commitment to his vocation from the Eucharist to prayer to chastity. The book holds encouragement and nourishment for every priest. St. Anthony Messenger Press, ISBN: 978-0-86716-954-6

“What I Wish Someone Had Told Me About the First Five Years of marriage,” by professional counselor Roy Petitfils is filled with stories from clients, friends and his own marriage that offer practical advice for marriage preparation or those already married. The chapters, from Can You Hear Me Now? Communicating as Husband and Wife to In Sickness and in Health, in Good Times and in Bad, close with a Scripture verse and reflection questions. St. Anthony Messenger Press, ISBN: 978-0-86716-853-2

“Wisdom for Everyday Life From the Book of Revelation,” by Father Richard Veras offers an in-depth look at the symbolic language and imagery of the Book of Revelation and how it can affect everyday life choices. The chapters follow the Bible’s revelation mystery and integrates New Testament Scripture for clarity. Servant Books, ISBN: 978-0-86716-905-8

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