Author’s journey confronts privilege

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It can be a shock to realize the advantages a person enjoys simply because of the socioeconomic and racial background from which she comes. While some people in today's volatile political climate hesitate to discuss these issues even with friends and family, this book invites readers to dare to examine the privileges they enjoy and to talk about them.

America's first black priest has lessons to teach us today

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Although he died over 120 years ago, Father Augustus Tolton is a man for our times and his story deserves telling. It is the story of America's first recognizably black Catholic priest and his faith, perseverance and holiness.

Joyce Duriga's recent volume on his life for Liturgical Press' "People of God" series is the latest contribution to the telling of his story.

Father Tolton's story has spread in recent years, mostly due to the opening of the cause for his canonization in 2010. The late Cardinal Francis E. George stated in 2014 that introducing Father Tolton's cause was "one of the most important, if not the most important" ecclesiastical actions he had taken in his nearly 17 years as archbishop of Chicago. 

Stories inspire with moral leadership

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"Moral Leadership for a Divided Age" is an inspiring read and provides food for thought on 14 recognizable leaders who have made an impact on the world stage.

Authors David P. Gushee and Colin Holtz follow a pattern where each chapter gives an overview of the historical context in which this leader lived and the early life of the individual, then describes the moral decisions that secured their place in history as leaders worthy of admiration.

Book recounts Notre Dame's fight against Ku Klux Klan

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This excellent book will engage Catholic readers with the history not only of University of Notre Dame but also of the anti-Catholicism that prevailed in much of America up to and even after the Second World War.

It centers on a violent clash between the students of the university and a much larger group of members of the infamous Ku Klux Klan in South Bend, Indiana, in 1924.

Books to give young readers

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Consider these books that teach the faith and worthwhile principles for Christmas giving.

"Paul Writes (a Letter)" by Chris Raschka. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers (Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2018). 40 pp., $17.

It's no surprise author and illustrator Chris Raschka is a two-time Caldecott Medal winner. The watercolor map of St. Paul's travels throughout the Roman empire immediately hooks readers and welcomes them into an ancient biblical world reinvigorated with contemporarily edited prose and gorgeous lettering. St. Paul is introduced to children as a friend, speaking tenderly in a common language. He calls to mind God's love, God's commandments and offers his own divinely inspired lessons. "You reap what you sow. If you begin something out of badness, badness will grow," he said, adding, "Please don't bother me if you don't like this letter." He gently reminds the "busybodies" out there to "please stop that and quietly get back to your own work" and introduces his friends Prisca, Luke and Aquila throughout his letters. Ages 6 and up.

New Bing Crosby bio paints picture of crooner and his priest alter-ego

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Affable fictional clergyman Father Charles "Chuck" O'Malley was the principal figure in two well-received World War II-era movies, 1944's "Going My Way" and its 1945 sequel, "The Bells of St. Mary's."

These gentle portrayals of faith in action not only resonated with Catholic viewers across generations but also changed the life of the famous actor who portrayed O’Malley.

So concludes Gary Giddins in "Bing Crosby: Swinging on a Star" (Little, Brown), the second volume of his biography of the versatile entertainer, which was to be published Oct. 30. The first volume, subtitled "A Pocketful of Dreams," appeared in 2001.

Pope calls for alliance between young, old to change the world

By Carol Glatz
Catholic News Service

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With the launch of a new book, Pope Francis is calling for a new alliance -- between young and old -- to change the world.

In an effort to counteract today's "culture of waste" that too easily marginalizes or ignores the young and the elderly, the book by Loyola Press creates a model of storytelling, dialogue, connection and reflection to help inspire these two groups to come together and rediscover older people's lost "treasure of their wisdom."

Packed with large full-color photographs of the elder contributors, the coffee-table-style book, titled, "Sharing the Wisdom of Time," was released Oct. 23 at a book launch in Rome, with the pope scheduled to attend.