Running into the Arms of God: Stories of Prayer, Prayer
as Story, by Patrick Hannon, CSC, '88M.Div.
(ACTA Publications). The Holy Cross priest here shares the experiences
that speak to him of prayer. In 21 stories of work, of love, of
pain and hope and family, he finds that each lived moment "holds
forth the possibility of our being found by the God of Creation
who because of His very nature searches us out." Each chapter
is organized around the liturgical hours of the monastic day.
The foreword is by Brian Doyle '78, editor of Portland Magazine.
Jacques and Raïssa Maritain: Beggars for Heaven,
Jean-Luc Barré, translated by Bernard E. Doering
(University of Notre Dame Press). A notable biography of Jacques,
the "young radical agnostic," and Raïssa, the "non-practicing
Jewish immigrant from Russia," who met at a demonstration for
human rights, converted to Catholicism in 1906, and began an intense
life of study, prayer, scholarly writing and pursuit of social
justice. First published in France in 1995, it is now available
in this English translation by Doering, an ND emeritus professor
of Romance Languages and Literatures.
Touchdown Jesus: Faith and Fandom at Notre Dame,
Scott Eden '97 (Simon & Schuster). The identity of
the University with football is investigated in this chronicle
of Notre Dame's 2004 football season, with its fans, fanaticism
and, of course, its famous firing. The author looks at the entwining
of religion and sport and at the politics played on and off the
field as he serves up in-depth profiles of University leaders
and the devoted fans who congregate to cheer and jeer, hope and
pray.
The CIA and Congress: The Untold Story from Truman to
Kennedy, David M. Barrett '73, '90Ph.D. (University
Press of Kansas). The politics of the Cold War come to life in
this detailed and colorful history. Thanks to newly declassified
documents, interviews with former officials and research at several
archives, the author was able to construct an unprecedented perspective
on the relationship between Congress and the CIA from the agency's
inception in 1947 to the planning of the Bay of Pigs invasion
in 1961.
What Would Satan Do? Cartoons about right, wrong, and
very, very wrong, Pat Byrnes '81 (Harry N. Abrams,
Inc.). An Entertainment Weekly "Must List" choice, this
devilish collection of cartoons pokes fun at the morals, ethics
and rationalizations of contemporary society. "It doesn't count
if it's in a salad," the snake tells Eve as she holds a bowl of
lettuce and apple slices. "What's our policy on honesty?" an executive
on speaker phone asks. A moral compass that always points south,
the author notes, "can help you find your way as surely as one
that points the other way." And can help you laugh, too.
How the Other Half Worships, Camilo Jose
Vergara '68 (Rutgers University Press). This oversized collection
of four-color photographs of 300 churches and the people who worship
at them presents a trenchant interpretation of Christianity in
the nation's blighted inner cities. The author, a renowned photographer
and sociologist and a recipient of a MacArthur Genius Grant, mixes
quotes from congregation members and church officials with his
own analysis, providing a rich tapestry of the lived life of the
religious poor.
Books in brief:
The Power of Less: Essays on Poetry & Public Speech,
Samuel Hazo '49 (Marquette University Press). The author
investigates the visionary nature of poems, their ability to "startle
us into the present and keep us there as long as we are in their
grip."
King James: Driven, Bill Rosemann '93, Scott
Eaton, Drew Hennessey (DC Comics). The latest adventure as
a globe-trotting secret agent of basketball superstar LeBron James.
For additional episodes of the comic see www.flava23.com/.
At First Sight, Nicholas Sparks '88
(Warner Books). The master of romance continues the story of a
couple introduced in True Believer, as Jeremy Marsh ponders
love and the relationship that changed his life.
Echoes of Notre Dame Football: The Greatest Stories Ever
Told, edited by John Heisler (Triumph Books).
A foreword by coach Charlie Weis '78 kicks off this collection
of accounts by sportswriters from Damon Runyon to David Haugh
to Rick Telander as they document memorable games, profile coaches
and players, and attempt to describe the ND mystique.
Jeannette Rankin: A Political Woman, James
J. Lopach '67M.A., '68M.A., '73Ph.D., and Jean A. Luckowski
(University Press of Colorado). This definitive biography of the
first woman elected to Congress explores her complexities and
accomplishments.
The Dodger Fan's Little Book of Wisdom, Kathleen
McKernan '89 (Taylor Trade Publishing). Facts, trivia and
amusing quotes for true-blue fans of the L.A. Dodgers.
Innovative Approaches to Undergraduate Mathematics Courses
Beyond Calculus, edited by Richard J. Maher '65
(The Mathematical Association of America). A look at new methods
for the mathematics instructor who wants to challenge, encourage
and captivate students.
The Naked Duke, Sallie MacKenzie '76
(Zebra Books). A Regency romance featuring a naive woman who travels
from Philadelphia to England to find her brother and instead finds
love and danger.
Between You and Me: A Memoir, Mike Wallace,
Gary Paul Gates '57 (Hyperion). This second memoir from
60 Minutes newsman Wallace again was co-written with Gates,
who once worked for CBS News. The book includes a 90-minute DVD
of some of Wallace's interviews.
The Phantom Letters: Motivation at Notre Dame in the
Parseghian Era, Tom Pagna (Hardwood Press).
A collection of the letters signed by "The Phantom" that appeared
in players' lockers on the Monday prior to a football game. Pagna
was an assistant coach under Ara Parseghian, who contributes the
preface for this book.
Sometimes Form Sometimes Vessel: A Collection of Poetry,
David Michael Belczyk '03 (Xlibris). The poems here explore
identity and celebrate the dignity of humanity. More information
is at www.davidbelczyk.com.
Captain John Smith: Jamestown and the Birth of the America
Dream, Dorothy Hoobler and Thomas Hoobler'64
(Wiley). The history and amazing adventures of the man who helped
found the Jamestown settlement. The authors examine the truth
behind the Pocahontas story.
The Irish in Toledo: History and Memory, edited
by Seamus Metress '55 and Molly Schiever (University of Toledo
Urban Affairs Center Press). The history of the Irish in the Toledo
area is detailed, followed by personal stories and memories of
the immigrants' lives in Ohio.
The Illustrated American Tourist Guide to English English,
Second Edition, J. Eric Smithburn (AuthorHouse).
The Notre Dame law professor here gives Yanks a peek at vocabulary
so they don't feel "two an' eight" (anxious) when they converse
with Brits.
Guadalupe and Her Faithful: Latino Catholics in San Antonio,
from Colonial Origins to the Present, Timothy Matovina
(Johns Hopkins University Press). A study of the tradition of
devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe as it is lived out by the parishioners
of San Fernando Cathedral in San Antonio. The author teaches theology
at Notre Dame, where he also directs the Cushaw Center for the
Study of America Catholicism.
Bridging the Gap Between Christianity & Mysticism,
Ann Albers '86 (lulu.com). A discussion of the role Jesus
plays in how to understand one's mystical nature.
The Bottom Line, Matt Welsh '04 (Satori
Group). This novel of a young man's search for a more fulfilling
existence also serves as a guide for those interested in questions
of spirituality.
(January 2006)
