The Catholic Bookworm

The Better Part is the first printed intellectual journal of its kind—where Catholic women engage the world with reason, beauty, and boldness.Standing at the intersection of faith, intellect, and womanhood — a place where Catholic women gather in spirit to seek truth and speak it boldly.https://www.thebetterpartjournal.com/Grace is also the author of The Stag with Crystal Horns and Other Tales.A collection of wonderful fairy tales which tell stories in the imaginary kingdom of the Lady Dora and the Knight King. "What the boy needs is a quest" decides the wise Lady Dora when her son has made a grave error. And a quest is just what can be found in these tales, between a knight giving chase to a magical stag, a giant who won’t stop throwing things, a fool who must seek his fortune, and the talking beast that despises him. There are noble heroes as well as silly ones, and heroines that are as brave as they are good. There are secrets in ancient woods, dragons in the mountains, and babies with large, knowing eyes. And, of course, a little red mushroom that is a little too full of itself. This book is a delightful romp to the time when wishes were granted and there was always some magic in the air. Some stories are playful, others are grave, but all of them rejoice in the abundance of grace that comes from good conquering evil and the deepest Love washing over all. They provide a source of delight for all ages, adults and children. https://www.amazon.com/Stag-Crystal-Horns-Other-Tales/dp/1621648435/Art: https://www.gracefitzpatrick.artFairytales: The Stag with the Crystal Horns and Other Tales — Ignatius Press, Fall 2026 — https://ignatius.com/the-stag-with-crystal-horns-and-other-tales-stagp/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latiemr interviews Fr. Shane Deman on his book The Pastoral Tip of the Day (November 10, 2026)What does faithful, practical priestly ministry look like every day?This collection of 365 concise reflections unites Sacred Scripture, pastoral wisdom, and years of priestly experience to offer practical guidance for the daily work of ministry. Written especially for seminarians and priests—but equally valuable for deacons, religious, and lay leaders—these reflections address preaching, leadership, evangelization, administration, prayer, and pastoral care.Rather than presenting abstract theories, these daily meditations draw on the lived experience of parish ministry, seminary formation, and mentoring future priests. Each reflection begins with a passage from Scripture and offers a practical pastoral insight designed to strengthen ministry, deepen prayer, and foster lifelong growth in holiness.Whether read one day at a time, consulted for encouragement, or incorporated into ongoing formation, this volume is a trusted companion for all who seek to shepherd God’s people with wisdom, charity, and joyful fidelity.Pastoral Tip of the Day: 365 Daily Reflections for Newly Ordained Priests by Rev. Shane Deman, S.T.D. | En Route Books and Media

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Micha Boyett on her book Advent Unhurried: Daily Devotions for a Season of Wonder and Stillness (A 28-Day Devotional to Rediscover Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love This Christmas)Rediscover a More Contemplative Path Toward ChristmasFrom Sarah Bessey, New York Times bestselling author of A Rhythm of Prayer, on Micha Boyett's previous book: "I absolutely love this book." Now Boyett brings that same tender, unflinching honesty to Advent Unhurried, a collection of twenty-eight daily reflections offering rest, hope, and a slower path to Christmas. It's no secret that the holiday season arrives overscheduled and oversentimental, pressuring us toward a manufactured cheer long before we're ready for it. Advent has always resisted that pace--a season built for waiting, not rushing, for sitting with longing before we arrive at joy. Honoring that older, slower tradition in daily form, this devotional● integrates poems, prayers, practices, and prose;● goes beyond the easy sentimentality of the holiday season; and● features a beautiful design and custom illustrations throughout.If you feel caught between sorrow and joy, doubt and faith, this book gives you permission: carrying more questions than certainty is still a faithful way to wait. With warmth and honesty, Boyett explores the witness of Mary, who models what it means to say yes to love even when faith is hard to come by. Encompassing the full four weeks of Advent--hope, peace, joy, and love--these tender, unhurried reflections invite individuals, small groups, and gift-givers alike into a more contemplative path toward Christmas. https://www.amazon.com/Advent-Unhurried-Devotions-Devotional-Rediscover/dp/1587436108/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Neal Flesher on his book The Wonderful Wizard of Lies.The Wonderful Wizard of Lies is a dystopian allegory, reimagining The Wizard of Oz in a world ruled by economic illusion. Dorothy and her companions navigate a surreal financial landscape dominated by debt cycles, automation, and hollow leadership. Through satire and symbolism, the story critiques fiat currency, bureaucratic oppression, and the loss of human dignity in a hyper-optimized society.https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/wonderfulwizard/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Edward Schallert on his book My Restless Heart Finds Rest in You.My Restless Heart Finds Rest in You by Edward Schallert is a reflective exploration inspired by St. Augustine’s Confessions. Schallert, a retired professor and Cursillo participant, revisits the spiritual journey of Augustine, aligning his personal struggles with Augustine’s reflections. Central to the book is the interplay between faith, reason, and the human inclination toward idolatry.Schallert discusses themes like idolatry of intellect, materialism, and worldly pursuits, using Augustine’s experiences as a framework. He highlights how Augustine’s journey—marked by intellectual pride, lust, and misplaced devotion—parallels contemporary struggles. Drawing on Augustine’s insights, Schallert emphasizes the transformative power of grace and the necessity of reconciling faith with reason to attain spiritual growth.The author shares his own moments of spiritual transformation, particularly through the Cursillo experience, which reignited his engagement with Augustine’s work. Schallert underscores the importance of surrendering to God’s will, recognizing that true happiness lies in aligning oneself with divine purpose rather than worldly attachments.Using Augustine’s meditations, Schallert offers daily reflections, encouraging readers to deepen their relationship with God through prayer, contemplation, and the embrace of grace. This book serves as both a personal testimony and a guide for others seeking spiritual renewal, emphasizing that human restlessness finds peace only in God.https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/myrestlessheart/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Dominic X. Pichotta on his novel Never Alone.When Thomas Nansen loses his brother, parents, livelihood, and faith, grief drives him down a dangerous path of bitterness and crime. Pursued by a determined police chief whose conversion was inspired by Thomas’s brother, Thomas must confront the consequences of his choices—and the mercy he believes he no longer deserves. Never Alone is a Catholic story of suffering, conversion, justice, and grace, revealing that even in life’s darkest moments, God never abandons His children.https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/neveralone/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Joseph Pearce on his book Great Books for Good Men: Reflections on Literature and Manhood (October 20, 2026)Originally commissioned by Exodus 90, the pioneering men’s app, these brief but stirring reflections by acclaimed writer Joseph Pearce show how great literature―including poetry―can help every Catholic man striving for virtue and holiness. Drawing on luminaries such as Homer, Dante, St. John Henry Newman, Chesterton, Tolkien, and C. S. Lewis, Pearce shows that literature, far from being a dead relic of the past, tackles crucial questions which are directly relevant to modern men. Among the many great books he reflects on for the benefit of men include The Odyssey, The Aeneid, Beowulf, The Divine Comedy, Hamlet, Brideshead Revisited, The Hobbit, Chronicles of Narnia, The Ball and Cross. Some of the classic works of poetry he comments on for men's inspiration include The Hound of Heaven, God's Grandeur, Twelfth Night, The Tiger and If.What does Shakespeare say about the dangers of lust? How does God pursue the sinner like a “Hound of Heaven”? What does it mean to be soldiers of Christ on active duty in the Church Militant? What sort of men do we want our sons to become? What does a great poet-saint teach us about the power of the sign of the cross to exorcise demons? How can we nurture a faith which is fearless? In a culture that fosters toxic masculinity on the one hand and effeminacy on the other, the literary giants of the past offer an inspiring alternative vision of true manhood, one that Catholic men are called to embrace as they “work out [their] salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil 2:12).Great Books for Good Men

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Mike Aquilina on his book St. Michael and His World (October 20, 2026)The great wings of the Archangel Michael overshadow all human history. He is mentioned in three books of the Bible, but the Church Fathers and ancient rabbis saw him in many other places, unnamed, hidden in plain sight. In St. Michael and His World, Mike Aquilina explores the biblical record alongside its interpretations from antiquity, unveiling a history - from creation to the end - in which St. Michael is a constant and active presence.But this is not a book about mythology or pious legend. Drawing on Scripture, rabbinic texts, the Dead Sea Scrolls, patristic writings, Coptic tradition, and Islamic sources, Aquilina traces how the Church's greatest archangel has captured the imagination of believers across two millennia. From Daniel's visions to the vision that inspired Pope Leo XIII to revive his devotion in the modern age, St. Michael emerges not as a distant heavenly abstraction, but as a figure central to how Christians have understood spiritual warfare, divine providence, and the cosmic struggle between good and evil.For those seeking to understand the invisible warfare that shapes human history, or for those simply curious about one of the Bible's most enigmatic figures, St. Michael and His World offers both scholarly depth and the kind of compelling storytelling that makes history come alive. It is a book for anyone who has ever prayed "St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle" – and wants to know the full measure of the one they were calling upon.Mike Aquilina is a popular author of Church history, especially the study of the early Church Fathers. He is co-founder, with Scott and Kimberly Hahn, of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, a research center based in Steubenville, OH. He is a contributing editor of Angelus News. Aquilina is the author or editor of more than seventy books, including St. Joseph and His World, St. Patrick and His World, and Rhymes’ Reasons, also published by Scepter.https://scepterpublishers.org/products/st-michael-and-his-world

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Dr. Matthew DuBroy, founder of the Aquinas Institute for Christian Perfection (October 19, 2026)Priests and religious have their own houses of formation that prepare them for their own vocations but the laity do not have such houses. The Aquinas Institute for Christian Perfection seeks to begin to remedy this problem so that they may answer the universal call to holiness and become true disciples of Jesus Christ since “formation is not a privilege of a few, but a right and duty of all.”[i] [i] John Paul II, Christifideles Laici, 63.Aquinas Institute for Christian Perfection: An Online House of Formation for the Laity | Aquinas Institute for Christian Perfection

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Fr. Peter Grover, OMV, on his book Making the Impossible Possible: It Is All About Who Is With You (October 13, 2026)This book explores the transformative power of divine partnership, showing how God works through human imperfections to achieve extraordinary results. Drawing from scripture, personal anecdotes, and life lessons, the book demonstrates that collaboration with God is not limited to saints or the gifted—it is accessible to everyone. The central theme is that faith and trust in God allow ordinary individuals to participate in extraordinary accomplishments while finding fulfillment and simplicity. The book is structured in three parts: God, You, and Both, guiding readers to understand divine power, personal responsibility, and mutual partnership. Grover illustrates these themes with vivid stories, such as David’s triumph over Goliath, personal encounters with faith, and everyday interactions showcasing divine providence. Each chapter emphasizes practical lessons: relying on God, overcoming fear and failure, and discovering joy in service.Fr. Grover draws from his experiences as a priest and scholar, blending humor, wisdom, and biblical insights. He encourages readers to align their talents with God’s will, emphasizing that imperfections do not diminish value or potential. Ultimately, the book inspires readers to trust in God’s plan, embrace their unique roles, and strive for a life of purpose and gratitude.Making the Impossible Possible: It Is All About Who Is With You by Fr. Peter Grover, OMV | En Route Books and Media