Books received.

Books received from Catholic publishers

From Ignatius Press, 2515 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA, 94118 U.S.A. 1-415-387-2324.

St. Thomas Aquinas (arranged by Josef Pieper), The Human Wisdom of St. Thomas: A Breviary of Philosophy, 2002, $10.95 U.S., sewn softcover, 110 pages. Philosopher Pieper has drawn brilliant and thought provoking maxims from the works of Thomas Aquinas. The form and design of the Thomistic system is presented in a simple, orderly format.

Fr. Gabriele Amorth, An Exorcist: More Stories, 2002, $14.95 U.S., sewn softcover, 204 pages. In this solidly written book, the renowned chief exorcist of Rome clarifies many questions pertaining to exorcisms and prayers of liberation, and presents the Church's views on astrology, occultism and fortunetelling. To be reviewed.

Yvonne Whiteman (compiler),A Treasury of Wisdom: The Words of Jesus, 2002, $15.95 U.S., sewn hardcover, 78 pages. Some of the most memorable sayings of Jesus are quoted amidst splendid Christian art works. The book presents over fourty full colour paintings including the works of Raphael, Caravaggio, Fra Angelico, Millett and others.

From Emmaus Road Publishing, Inc., 827 N. Fourth St., Steubenville, OH., 43952. U.S.A. 1-740-283-2484.

Peter Kreeft, Three Approaches to Abortion: A Thoughtful and Compassionate Guide to Today's Most Controversial Issue, 2002, $9.95 U.S., sewn softcover, 134 pages. This widely-read author and Professor of Philosophy tackles the abortion issue with reason and conviction. With objectivity, logic, compassion and the dialogical method he addresses both sides of the debate in the hope of saving the innocent human life from execution.

Elizabeth Matthews, Precious Treasure: The Story of Patrick, 2002, $11.95 U.S., quality softcover, 138 pages. This touching story about a boy diagnosed with autism teaches the meaning of love. The mother of ten describes her joys, struggles, humour, and heartaches raising this special child who became her "escalator to heaven."

From Novalis, 49 Front St. E., Second FL., Toronto, ON, M5E 1B3.

Jane Poulson, The Doctor will not see you now, 2002, $32.95 Cdn or $22.95 U.S., hardcover, 254 pages. This autobiography of a talented girl is a story of a struggle with diabetes, total blindness and other obstacles, and her unshaken determination to pursue a physician's career. Having overcome anger and self-doubt, the blind doctor succeeded in many ways. To be reviewed.

Books received from various publishers

From Winfield House Publishing, 2935 66 St., Edmonton, AB, T6K 4C1. Phone: [phone].

Stephen I. Genuis, M.D. and Shelagh K. Genuis, BScOT, Teen Sex: Reality Check, 2002, $17.95 Cdn, quality softcover, 148 pages. Medical research, stories and case presentations are used to address the issue of teen sex and STD's. The impacts of cyberspace and media in a book that captivates and informs parents, educators and teens alike. Available also in 2-cassette audiobook format ($19.95 Cdn) or 2-CD audiobook format ($24.95 Cdn). To be reviewed.

From McGill-Queen's University Press, 3430 McTavish St., Montreal, QC, H3A 1X9. Phone: [phone].

Terrence J. Fay, A History of Canadian Catholics, 2002, $27.95 Cdn (quality softcover) or $75 Cdn (cloth), 400 pages. A Toronto School of Theology faculty member presents the history of Catholicism in Canada. He analyses Gallicanism (control by France) in terms of missions and diplomacy, and defines nineteenth-century loyalty to the Pope as "ultramontane spirituality". Some valid and some bizarre views are presented on the failures and successes in achieving unity among Catholics and on the current state of Catholic "Canadianism" (secularization).

From LDF Publishing Inc., P.O. Box 45, Port Perry, ON, L9L 1A2.

Susan Schulman and Lisa Fraser, Parenting Letters, 2001, $18.95 Cdn or $12.95 U.S., quality softcover, 42 pages. This collection consists of 40 perforated letters which parents can easily tear out and give to their children in order to communicate their love in a simple, casual style. Some good thoughts are presented, but there is no recourse to faith or Divine assistance.

From Key Porter Books, 70 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON, M5E 1R2.

Robert Ward, Virgin Trails: A Secular Pilgrimage, 2002, $29.94 Cdn, hardcover, 286 pages. A lapsed Catholic and now atheist in search of the Virgin Mary describes his journey to Marian shrines and cathedrals in places such as Paris, Lourdes, Barcelona, Fatima and Rome. He examines the nature of belief and compares his own experience to that of believers.

From Harper Collins, 1995 Markham Rd, Scarborough, ON, M1B 5M8. Tel: [phone].

George Weigel, The Truth of Catholicism: Ten Controversies Explored, 2001, $36.50 Cdn, hardcover, 196 pages. A best-selling author explores Catholic teaching and thinking on all major aspects of the human condition: life, love and destiny. He encourages the reader to seek the greatness which is demanded of him by God. Though craggy and sometimes painful, the world of the saints is portrayed as definitely the better world.

Thomas H. Groome, What Makes Us Catholic, 2002, $36.50 Cdn, hardcover, 314 pages. The author outlines eight key elements which are common to all Catholics, whether devout or lapsed, whether conservative, liberal or confused.

From Random House of Canada Ltd./Doubleday, 2775 Matheson Blvd E., Mississauga, ON, L4W 4P7.

Alister McGrath, Knowing Christ, 2002, $19.95 Cdn or $12.95 U.S., softcover, 242 pages. A Protestant scholar engages the intellect, heart and imagination in meditating on Jesus Christ in the hope of establishing a greater relationship with him. The work draws on biblical texts as well as Christian literature and art.