Book Review – Page 8 – Daily Graces

Book Review: The Martian

Published on December 30, 2015December 11, 2015 by KateLeave a comment

It’s been a while since I stayed up late reading a really good book. I’ve read lots of good, quality books lately, but none of them have had me at the edge of my seat from page 1 to page end. That is what Andy Weir’s The Martian did to my life. I left it open on the counter, just so that I could skim a few sentences while putting together snacks. I actually let the commercials roll so that I could read and watch a recorded TV show one night – the others I didn’t even bother with the TV.

I have to put out there before going any further that this book is full of language – there is quite a bit of swearing and cursing, though since the premise is an astronaut got left behind, presumed dead, on Mars, I think he’s probably earned a few choice words.

At first glance, the book is a clear celebration of what science has achieved and the incredible things science can do when it is coupled with a creative, focused and determined mind. The protagonist, Mark Watney, is a unique blend of botanist, mechanical engineer and astronaut. He assesses the problems facing him and boldly concocts solutions, even when his solutions take a few tries to get right. He is placed in an impossible situation and manages to create a possible solution.

The most remarkable thing about the book, I believe, is how realistic Earth’s response is to this harrowing situation. This is one man, one single individual, stranded on Mars. Between NASA, other companies and even other countries, millions of dollars in research, overtime, products and plans go into bringing him home. All for one person. The value of human life is never discussed. Whether one person is worth the cost is not mentioned. As soon as they knew he was alive, all parties focused on how to get him home.

This book highlights our understanding of the uniqueness and preciousness of every life. It also shows the lengths the world could go to rescue that one life. Though this is fiction, I believe Weir created a reasonable response if it were to happen today.

Definitely make sure you have a long weekend or at least a few evenings clear when you start this one. It’s well worth it.

I haven’t seen the movie as of this posting but I hope to, and I hope that it lives up to the thrilling story that Andy Weir has crafted.

Book Review: The Woman who was Chesterton

Published on November 15, 2015November 16, 2015 by KateLeave a comment

The world is growing in knowledge and appreciation for the writings of G.K. Chesterton. As we expand our knowledge about this prolific man, Nancy Carpentier Brown adds a critical piece to the story: a biography of Chesterton’s wife, Frances, entitled The Woman who was Chesterton. Prior to Brown’s book, very little was known about Frances. However, Brown reveals that in order to truly know and appreciate G.K. Chesterton, we have to acquaint ourselves with the woman behind the man.

I found Brown’s depiction of Frances to be graceful, thorough and insightful. She brings Frances to life in a way that respects her memory while adding many missing pieces to her previously unknown life. As I read this biography, I grew in my fondness for Frances and by coming to know her, I desire to know more about her writings as well as her husband’s.

Frances was a devoted wife. Brown highlights her humility and her wisdom that we can see throughout her life. Though Frances was a literary talent, she recognize the genius her husband possessed. She was the one who made sure he made it to speaking engagements on time. She maintained nearly all of the couple’s correspondence. She was his sounding board, helping him clarify and hone in on his ideas.

Brown deftly shows us that Frances is a person in her own right, worth noticing and knowing. If anyone is interested in the work of G.K. Chesterton, their study is not complete until they have come to know the woman who made the man possible.

Book Review: Couples Advent Devotional

Published on November 13, 2015 by KateLeave a comment

The season of Advent is my favorite liturgical season. I love the mood, the tempo, the music and the insistence on slowing down while the world is telling us to speed up. Each Advent, I look forward to experiencing unique reflections and powerful homilies that will inspire me for the new liturgical year. And, as a military spouse, I am always on the lookout for ways my husband and I can connect, emotionally and spiritually, when he is away from home. I was so excited to discover Patricia Mackie’s Couples Advent Devotional.

Patricia has crafted a devotional for couples that is specific for our new liturgical year. Each day you are invited to read and reflect on the daily Gospel. Then, there is a brief reflection, followed by 2-3 reflection questions that also serve as discussion starters for you and your spouse. This devotional is intended to be prayed aloud, together.

The reflection questions are really where Patricia shines. She goes right to the heart of marriage, pulling out topics like communication, needs and desires, stress, forgiveness, support and compassion, prayer, and so many more. She also weaves into the devotional a number of traditional Catholic prayers, including the Our Father, Hail Mary, Mary, Undoer of Knots, the Prayer of St. Francis, the Act of Contrition, and a number of others. Each prayer was clearly specifically chosen and it’s placement reinforces the theme being discussed.

I think that one of my favorite things about this devotional is that when prayed to its fullest, it is a dynamic experience. First and foremost, Patricia challenges the couples to pray every single day together. Every day! For 4 whole weeks! For many couples, especially those with children, it is struggle to find time to pray with this kind of intentionality every day. Having a resource like Couples Advent Devotional would help couples prioritize their time together and hopefully deepen their spiritual bond. Also, because the reflections are brief, couples will spend the majority of their prayer time together talking to one another, perhaps discussing things they have never discussed before. Second, Patricia encourages couples from the very beginning to stretch themselves beyond the four walls of their own home. In the first week alone, coupes are asked to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation and to discern some type of service experience their family can participate in during the season. Third, because the devotional is based on this specific liturgical year, couples will be able to connect what they are hearing at Mass with what they are discussing in their home.

I am very excited for Advent to begin this year. Couples that are looking for a way to connect daily on a deeper level and nurture their marriage need look no further. I highly recommend Patricia Mackie’s devotional and I hope that she continues the project for subsequent liturgical years.