Book(s) I am currently reading

As it’s been a long time since I’ve posted on this blog, I thought it about time I write something before I lost my vast international readership.

So, for want of something better to write about (or for want of the eloquence to write about something better), I have decided to start another blogosphere ‘tag’ and ask fellow bloggers to write about the book, or books they are currently reading.

I’ve always considered that you can know a lot about someone by the books on their shelves and bedside tables. Indeed I have mine carefully arranged and displayed so that browsers will make of me just what I want them to make of me by my books. ;o). However, although mine mainly gather dust without ever really being read from cover to cover, I do, at least, desire to know their contents, and plan, one day, to get beyond chapter 5 (where I almost always give up to start something else).

So… the books I am currently reading are (in no particular order):

1. Three Religious Rebels, by Raymond.

About the founders of the Trappists – Robert of Molesme, Alberic the Rebel, and Stephen Harding. Fantastic book, put in novel-style. Easy to read. Very inspiring. And out of print, meaning the book I have is about 80 years old and has worn yellow pages and a hard, well-bound cover, making it all the more enjoyable to read. I always judge a book by its cover. Have been on the last chapter now for about 4 months, but really do want to finish it so I can start the next one in the trilogy, called ‘The Family who Overtook Christ’.

2. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by M. Hammond.

I am on chapter 3 of this and am eager to pursue it, though I put it down a month ago and haven’t picked it up again since. An interesting novel written from the perspective of a boy with Asperges Syndrome who finds a dead dog in his neighbour’s garden.

3. The Von Trapp Family Singers by Maria Von Trapp.

Yes, really. I am reading the true story of the Sound of Music. I read it first 7 years ago, but am now re-reading and on chapter 3. Though there is a distinct lack of Hollywood do-re-mi in the book version, this is the real thing, and it’s very inspiring and (dare I say it) much better than the film. Did you know that Maria went on to have several more children after marrying the captain? And that they toured around Europe and America, evangelising through their music which was all about giving glory to God? This is a real faith-builder and a must-read for Catholic families. I’m aspiring for my own von-Fitz family choir for the future. Without the whistles.


4. The Conjugal Act as Personal Act by Donald Asci.

A book about real sex! and great to read on the train during the daily commute. I met the author (a married father of 5) a couple of weeks ago when we were staying at the International Theological Institute in Gaming, Austria. He lectures there at the Steubenville college at the ITI on the meaning of the Conjugal Act in Catholic theology and morality, and I had a very interesting chat with him about it after Mass one day. His classes are all very well attended (no surprise). Have just started the book, and looking forward studying the subject in more detail as well as becoming an expert on the conjugal act. ;o)


5. The Fire Within by T Dubay

A book on contemplative prayer, drawing from the writings of St Teresa of Avila and St John of the Cross. Deep and life-giving and beautifully written. Like running water in a desert. Am reading this on and off as 'spiritual reading' to develop my practice of contemplative prayer, such as it is.


6. Autobiography of an Elizabethan by John Gerard.

A diamond of a book! John Gerard was a Jesuit priest in England in the 1600s where it was pretty much a crime to be a Catholic, let alone a priest. He escaped from the Tower of London where he was tortured and beaten for his Faith, and this is his true account of his life as he ministered around Elizabethan England, celebrating Mass in secret, and hiding in priest holes. Another reason I am enjoying this book is that it normally costs £14.95 and is hard to find in normal bookstores; I however, have just purchased it from Ebay for 99p. Bargain.




So there’s my few. I now hereby tag John, Eric, Stu and Katy, Erin and Kale to follow suit.
No showing-off now.