Something about winter makes my To Be Read list grow by leaps and bounds. Despite being an avid hiker, I was unwilling to go outside during a recent record-setting cold snap. I used the time to dive into some of the books that have been waiting patiently for me.
At last year’s Catholic Writers Guild conference, I had the chance to meet Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers and pick up his book Father Augustus Tolton: the Slave Who Became the First African-American Priest. Designated “Venerable” by Pope Francis a couple of years ago, Fr. Tolton’s is a story of persistence and faith against obstacles higher than anything I’ve ever faced. The book contains biographical information, but is not strictly a biography. Its story is of faith, applied faith, and it challenges me as a Catholic reader to question how I’m nurturing and applying my own faith.
Walking is my exercise, discipline, and delight. I love being on a trail pretty much anytime of year. I like reading about other walkers’ adventures. But how to walk? Don’t I know that already? Annabel Sheets wrote 52 Ways to Walk as if to say “here. Learn something.” She invites readers to use their senses along the way, listen to the sounds of each environment, sing while walking, walk a “ley line” (a new term for me). She calls her book “my love letter to walking.” It’s fun and it gives me new ideas.
I’m taking the time for a hefty biography of The Revolutionary Samuel Adams by Stacy Schiff. It’s time I learned more about this man’s role in our nation’s founding.
My own book, my first one, came out a few weeks ago: Pro-Life Journeys. It’s a weird feeling to be the author rather than the reader! I like hearing readers’ reactions to the book. We’ve had some good conversations, and I hope many more are ahead.
Open Book is a blog roundup hosted by My Scribbler’s Heart and Catholic Mom.
Ellen Kolb 