Today, Drunks & Monks garnered its 44th review
Drunks and Monks was published on the auspicious day of Tuesday, July 7th, and today September 30th, feast of St Jerome, it garnered a total of 44 reviews. Here are a few tasters.
Scott Woltze, an early and enthusiastic reader has been spreading the word about Drunks and Monks in various places around the internet with apostolic zeal. Scott's review got to the heart of Drunks and Monks:
"Like the other reviewers, I couldn't put this book down. It's a raw and honest book that lays bare the confused and brittle life away from Christ, and the little workings of grace that lead to conversion...The mystery of God's grace and timing is evident as he slowly moves toward conversion while many around him unwittingly seem to sabotage the Lord's work. Demons seemed to be aware of the workings of grace, and took an unusual interest in trying to prevent his conversion...On a personal level, I could relate to his loss of faith (and that of nearly all his peers) after growing up Catholic in the 70s-80s, and his subsequent materialistic, secular creed. I could also relate to his wonderful discovery of the old Latin Mass. Since I'm writing my own book-length conversion story..."
On the contrary, one reviewer, TCannon felt that too much of the book was dedicated to the author's life before finding Christ, "I would recommend this book. It was pretty intense--so much time was spent on the super dark life prior to Christ (over half the book) and that was emotionally draining. I almost gave up the read because I was losing hope with/for the author. But it was still a valuable conversion story, as are all, and displays the power and grace in Christ."
Drunks and Monks may take a warts and all look at life which excludes Christ, but many of the reviewers are able to see mirror images of themselves in the former parts. Testament to the way so few enter by the narrow door, fewer people identify with the latter parts of the memoir that is devoted to being a Catholic convert. It's not surprising that the review voted the most helpful states: "After reading this book, I can say that it has brought questions to my mind about my own spiritual and sober state. This is a must read for people who are on the fence about their sobriety."
One reader echoed Jennifer Fulwiler, "Drunks and Monks is the spiritual autobiography of a 21st century Thomas Merton."
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| Scott Woltze |
"Like the other reviewers, I couldn't put this book down. It's a raw and honest book that lays bare the confused and brittle life away from Christ, and the little workings of grace that lead to conversion...The mystery of God's grace and timing is evident as he slowly moves toward conversion while many around him unwittingly seem to sabotage the Lord's work. Demons seemed to be aware of the workings of grace, and took an unusual interest in trying to prevent his conversion...On a personal level, I could relate to his loss of faith (and that of nearly all his peers) after growing up Catholic in the 70s-80s, and his subsequent materialistic, secular creed. I could also relate to his wonderful discovery of the old Latin Mass. Since I'm writing my own book-length conversion story..."
Drunks and Monks may take a warts and all look at life which excludes Christ, but many of the reviewers are able to see mirror images of themselves in the former parts. Testament to the way so few enter by the narrow door, fewer people identify with the latter parts of the memoir that is devoted to being a Catholic convert. It's not surprising that the review voted the most helpful states: "After reading this book, I can say that it has brought questions to my mind about my own spiritual and sober state. This is a must read for people who are on the fence about their sobriety."
One reader echoed Jennifer Fulwiler, "Drunks and Monks is the spiritual autobiography of a 21st century Thomas Merton."
Thanks for doing your part in bringing the book forward. I had to laugh when you wrote that I've been promoting the book "around the internet with apostolic zeal". I guess I have!
ReplyDeletePax Christi,
Scott
Hi, Scott,
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for the blog that you did here: http://urbanapostolate.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/something-worth-reading.html
I love this bit, 'The book resounds with the Holy Spirit, and is so much more worthy than what we typically read.'
How is your own conversion story going? John and I are very much looking forward to it.
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS
Mary
Hi Mary,
ReplyDeleteDon't expect my book any time soon. While I'm grateful that God seems to be stewarding the book, He also think it's much less important than the care of my wife and tiny children. Our God is a wise god! It will take at least two more years, maybe even four. I'm happy with it so far, but it could use some of that Irish humor that leavened Drunks and Monks.
Dear Scott,
DeleteGod bless you, your wife and little ones. Good plan to mix in some humour in your memoir.
Be assured of our prayers.
Mary