Book Marks: New releases on King Herod, suffering, and spiritual transformation

Here are some interesting new book releases for May:

May 2013

Fleeing Herod: A Journey Through Coptic Egypt with the Holy Family

By James Cowan

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem, he was taken by his parents, Mary and Joseph, into Egypt to escape King Herod who wanted Jesus killed. James Cowan’s book Fleeing Herod (Paraclete Press, 2013) takes readers on the holy journey that happened 2,000 years ago. With the help of an ancient 4^th-century text written by Patriarch Theophilius of Alexandria and monks, health workers, desert mystics, and visionaries that he met along the way, Cowan follows the Holy Family’s path along the Nile during their three year stay in Egypt. His trip mirrors the relevant story of current day Egypt and its spiritual revelation it is experiencing.
 

Totally Catholic!: A Catechism for Kids and Their Parents and Teachers

By Mary Kathleen Glavich, SND

Sister Mary Kathleen Glavich firmly believes that the Catholic faith is a wonderful gift to all who are fortunate enough to share in it. Her book, Totally Catholic! (Pauline Books & Media, 2013), uses an engaging writing style for audiences of all ages. She uses fun facts, saints’ stories, scripture connections, prayers, and questions to learn more about Catholicism. This interactive and hands-on approach shows how faith enriches the believer’s life and how it is a great tool to accompany the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
 

My Soul Feels Lean: Poems of Loss and Restoration

By Joyce Rupp

This collection of 106 meditative poems beautifully accompanies those who are suffering through their time of pain and suffering. Joyce Rupp has broken her poetry into the categories of loss and restoration to help in the healing process. Glimpses of hope, gratitude, patience, and joy can be seen within the pages that speak of loneliness, sorrow, and fear. My Soul Feels Lean (Sorin Books, 2013) is deeply moving and brings solace through peaceful imagery.
 

The End of Suffering

By Joseph F. Girzone

Everyone has suffered at some point in his or her life. Joseph Girzone strives to alleviate the pain, loss, and guilt with his book The End of Suffering (Orbis Books, 2013). Through stories of personal tragedy and social distress, Girzone’s chapters work with suffering in all forms: in childhood, in the workplace, from natural disasters, and many more. He provides practical wisdom and compassion to all who suffer.
 

Catching Fire, Becoming Flame: A Guide for Spiritual Transformation

By Albert Haase, O.F.M.

As a spiritual director, storyteller, and preacher in many Catholic and Protestant churches, Franciscan Father Albert Haase ignites the passion for God in all hearts. His book, Catching Fire, Becoming Flame (Paraclete Press, 2013), is a must-read for all who want to kindle that flame and live in the fire of God. Vibrant and down-to-earth, this book and the DVD series that accompanies it will fan the embers of your spiritual life and guide you through a personal, spiritual retreat.

Illustration by Angela Cox