Lately I feel like the biggest gap (of many that I am working on constantly because I am a saint on Earth, of course…) in my Catholic faith is my lack of knowledge of the Saints. I mean, I would love to be able to know their stories, tell my kids about them, celebrate their feast days, use that knowledge on Jeopardy to win fat cash. So, I was pretty excited when CatholicFamilyGifts.com asked me to review a copy of Lisa Hendey’s A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms.
Now I know what you’re thinking (or maybe not): “Jenna is a columnist for CatholicMom.com, Lisa Hendey’s brain child. She can’t do an honest review.” I assure you I can. Is that good enough?
Pros:
- This book is filled with biographies of 52 Saints – the most logical way I can imagine to read this would be to focus on one each week of the year
- Hendey includes her personal connection and lessons from this particular Saint
- Each Saint biography includes a Traditions and an Activities section where you can learn ideas to include the family in his or her feast day
- For each Saint, there is a section of wisdom Hendey learned from his or her life, a prayer that connects to the Saint, Scripture to read each day of that week, and a question to help you think more about how that Saint’s story can work in your life and family
Cons:
- I love the idea of 52 Saints – one for each week- although, I do hope Hendey comes out with additional volumes of this book so I can learn about more of their lives. There has to be, like, one or two more Saints, right?
- I appreciate Hendey’s insights about and lessons learned from the lives of each Saint, but, if I had to choose a part I connected with least, it may have been this part. I am usually all business when it comes to non-fiction. If you like a little more human-interest, then you will love this part.
Now, I received this book a couple of weeks back, so no, I have not read the entire thing yet. But, I started with the first Saint, Blessed Virgin Mary, and I am looking forward to reading about St. Monica, JPII, St. Isidore of Seville, and St. Clare of Assisi as the weeks go on.
If there is anything I love most about this book, it would have to be the fact that it motivates me to start my day with prayer. I have a hard time with that. In an ideal world, I would wake up before Ellen, spend some time with my cereal and devotions, and then peacefully and slowly shower and get ready while she slumbers and eventually wakes up with a sparkle in her eye and nary a whimper on her lips. But, you know, that probably won’t happen until we have #2. Har. Har. So, at the very least, this book breaks it down easy for me, is on a subject I have been wanting to read about, and has applicable information that I can use that very day. Can’t beat it.
So, would I suggest you getting a copy? Yes, yes I would. Wouldn’t your wife be super happy if you wrapped this up for her under the tree? She’d be all, “That is so thoughtful that he cares about my spiritual well-being!” Are there any guys reading this? Was that in vain?
And, as usual, all opinions are my own here.
Giveaway
If you want to hang on one second though, I am giving away a copy, and you might be the lucky one! To enter, follow the Rafflecopter directions. They are super easy. Swears. Giveaway ends 12:01am EST on 11/12.
Jenna, thanks for your honest review of my book — I hope the lucky reader who wins the copy being given away enjoys it!
I was so excited when I had a chance to review it. I have your first book, and I love that one too!
OK! As a catechist, this would be a real treat to have. Thanks, (lil ol’ me)
Good luck :)
I, too, love anything that helps me get my daily prayer a little more focused on things other than my “needs” list. Studying the saints with this book looks wonderful! Thanks!
I totally agree!
Awesome post. Hope to win the book. I know someone who this book would be great for.
A lovely lady, perhaps?
Yes, My mom or grandma which are both lovely ladies. I cant forget my wife either. :)
What a guy!
My favorite saint is St. Joseph. It would have been so hard living with 2 perfect people all the time :)
St. Therese of Lisieux is my favorite saint right now. She is the patron saint of our Little Flowers group and I truly believe she has helped me every step of the way.
She is a good one to be sure. She reminds me of my sister-in-law :)
ok is it bad that I don’t know enough about the saints lives to have a favorite?? I’m pretty ashamed of myself!! I have done some recent reading on different saints and St Ambrose has popped up as a pretty awesome guy being one of the original doctors of the church. This book would be great to share with the kids
oh my gosh! if I do not win the book, I am buying it!!
My favorite saints are St. teresa of Avila, St Faustina and St. Augustine….and of course. Mary.
Thanks for entering and good luck!!
pick me! this looks like a great book!
best of luck and thanks for entering!
St Joseph of cupertino is UP there in the list for me!;-) No pun intended!
love it! best of luck :)
Saint Monica
I remember growing up that my Mom had a wonderful little book about female saints. I was so fascinated by the beautiful pictures and tragic stories. My favorite was St. Agnes who stood up for her convictions and who unfortunately met a tragic death. She always stayed with me because it’s my Mom’s name and my middle name!
Oh, I’m in Canada, is that a problem?
nah! that’s fine :)
haha, thanks! ;)
I have wanted to read this for a long time! It is on my wish list but Christmas gifts are coming first right now. :) Thanks for the great giveaway!
Interesting – I like the idea of one a week – but there are so many saints! Saints are my fav of the Catholic Church, so I’m always looking for new ones to read about. I have a few that I talk to regularly, some I need to catch back up with, and others that I’m just waiting to meet!