Most of the time we think of the novel as a temporal art form Like music it begins and ends traversing the time between by way of a plot the plot determined to a degree by the characters whose fates are bound up with it But perhaps we can think of another kind of novel one that in emphasis at

ldquo It is obvious that the ecclesiastical ministry in today rsquo s church is in crisis the barque of Peter is in trouble at sea rdquo These words might remind readers of a Boston Globe editorial pronouncing smug judgment on the Catholic Church in the aftermath of the priest sexual abuse scanda

In this brief but compelling little book Joseph Kelly professor of religious studies at John Carroll University in Cleveland Ohio offers a thoughtful contemporary theodicy for young Christians Framed as a meditation on the events of Sept 11 2001 the book marshals Kelly rsquo s wide knowledge

In September 1943 after the downfall of Mussolini and the occupation of Italy by the Germans the Allies landed forces at Salerno 160 miles south of Rome opening the attack on Hitler rsquo s Fortress Europe In Rome everyone the Germans included expected the Allied forces to be in the city wit

An outspoken critic of the Bush administration and the Catholic Church James Carroll is a former priest who is becoming a redoubtable figure in contemporary letters Since 1974 besides writing a regular column for The Boston Globe he has published over a dozen books including novels memoirs a

Along with Francis of Assisi Th r se of Lisieux ranks among the most venerated and popular Catholic saints and commands an impressive following that includes those with no religious faith or affiliation Th r se rsquo s life writings and reputation have prompted countless works in print rangi