Non-Fiction Books on My Bookshelf

* What Went Wrong with Vatican II: The Catholic Crisis Explained
by Ralph McInerny
Vatican II was supposed to herald a Golden Age in the Catholic Church--yet in the thirty years since it ended, chaos and dissension continue to rock the pulpits and empty the pews. McInerny takes a look at what should have happened following Vatican II, and what actually occurred.
Rating: A -- My only wish is that this had been written in more depth. Too often, McInerny makes a statement that stands on its own, while I desire more...why, why, why? Still, an excellent introduction to the instigation of change that continues in the Church, leading, I believe, to a renaissance of faith.

* First Glance at Thomas Aquinas: A Handbook for Peeping Thomists
by Ralph McInerny
An impressive introduction into the philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas, by renowned philosopher and theologian Ralph McInerny.
Rating: A -- Fantastic. Exactly what I, a peeping Thomist, had hoped for. It's basic, but that's enough for me to chew on for years.

* The Uses of Art: Medieval Metaphor in the Michigan Law Quadrangle
by Ilene Forsythe
An impressive study of the history and design of the University of Michigan's Law Quadrangle.
Rating: A -- Who could have guessed that this would prove to be such an interesting book? Well written and unbelievably interesting!

The Lady & the Virgin: Image, Attitude, and Experience in Twelfth-Century France
by Penny Schine Gold
An analysis of key literary and artistic images of women in the Middle Ages and the relationship between these images and the actual experiences of the women.
Rating: --

Sweet Promised Land
by Robert Laxalt
First published in 1957, Laxalt tells the story of his father, an immigrant from the French Pyrenees, from his later life in Nevada to his childhood in the land of the Basques. Thought I would read a bit about my mother’s family’s homeland.
Rating: --

Nelson Mandela: A Critical Life
by Tom Lodge
Having just seen “Invictus,” a movie about one episode in Nelson Mandela’s life, I decided to read a biography of the man who brought about peaceful change in South Africa. Lodge used several other biographies and Mandela’s autobiography as a starting point, interwoven with his own understanding of South African history.
Rating: --

* City of Gold: Dubai and the Dream of Capitalism
by Jim Krane
Krane was an AP correspondent for the Middle East and knows a great deal about its history, both ancient and recent. This book is about the fastest-growing city in the world. Bizarrely captivating: a true-life horror story and morality play in one.
Rating: --

* G. K. Chesterton
by G. K. Chesterton
The life of G. K. Chesterton, whose insights and humility astound me. His “Manifesto of Wonder” is a guide for my life.
Rating: A -- Seldom have I enjoyed an autobiography more than I have this one.

* The Basque History of the World
by Mark Kurlansky
"The singular remarkable fact about the Basques is that they still exist," Kurlansky asserts. “They are a mythical people, almost an imagined people.” Darn right, we are. And this is a great history of my people. Read it and learn of their amazing, and unsung, contributions to the world.
Rating: A -- Excellent writing about a history too few people know.

* Run-Through
by John Houseman
First of two autobiographies by the world-renowned author, director, and actor. An excellent view of the development of legitimate (and illegitimate) theater in New York, starting around the time of the Great Depression.
Rating: A -- Excellent insights and episodes of the great and near-great.

* The Seven-Storey Mountain
by Thomas Merton
Merton's first book describes his early doubts, his conversion to a Catholic faith of extreme certainty, and his decision to take life vows as a Trappist.
Rating: A -- An amazing man and thinker, and an amazing story of conversion.

Alistair Cooke’s America
by Alistair Cooke
A contemporary view of the United States by British author Alistair Cooke, based on his television program of the 1970s.
Rating:

* Touched by a Nurse: Special Moments That Transform Lives
by Jim Kane and Carmen Germaine Warner
A compendium of vignettes that expresses the spirit and essence of nursing.
Rating: A -- A touching selection of stories that illustrates the grace and blessing of good nursing, a vocation that is far too often overlooked and undervalued. (I do have to admit, it is an unfortunate title.)

Mormon America
by Richard N. and Joan K. Ostling
History and current situation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon church).
Rating:

One Nation Under Gods
by Richard Abanes
An unvarnished history of Mormonism, giving a historical overview of Mormon teachings and development.
Rating:

* No Man Knows My History: The Biography of Joseph Smith
by Fawn Brodie
The classic biography of the founder of the Mormon church.
Rating: B+ -- Provides excellent biographical facts and insights into Joseph Smith, for anyone interested in who this fella was.

* The Everything Brain Strain Book
by Jake Olefsky
A book of puzzles, riddles, and mind benders. When I just need a break from work.
Rating: A -- Relaxing and challenging at the same time.