Book reviews

The second book in The Light Bringer Trilogy -- "The Fallen" -- hit store shelves and online listings earlier this month.

The book was written by two police officers who are members of Assumption Parish in O'Fallon: Chris DiGiuseppi, assistant police chief, and Mike Force, police chief, of the Lake St. Louis Police Department. Published by HCI Books, "The Fallen" is a supernatural thriller that expands on the concept of the first book and walks the reader beyond life, further invoking the question, "Why do people die?"

Benedictine Father Ralph Wright has penned a new book that he prays will help in the promotion of the "culture of life," that Pope John Paul II so often spoke about throughout his pontificate.

"The Eloquence of Truth" (Monograph Publishing, $14.95) uses a three-point approach to revealing the simple truth that all human life, from the moment of conception, has inherent dignity and value.

In western Kenya there are seven seasons, all named for their relation to farming activity. After harvest season in August and September comes second planting, then festival days of December, dry season of January, preparing the land in February, the rains of March and April, when seeds for the first harvest are planted, and then -- each year -- the hunger season.

It seems absurd that farmers who grow more food than they can consume must each year go hungry in May, June and July, as they wait for the first crop to grow, but so it goes in Kenya and much of Africa.

ATLANTA -- Because of a generous bequest from Joseph Mitchell, the late nephew of celebrated author Margaret Mitchell, the Atlanta Archdiocese now owns 50 percent of the literary rights to her Pulitzer prize-winning, best-selling novel, "Gone With the Wind."

But what does this mean for the Archdiocese of Atlanta? The short answer: continuing revenue from sales of books and merchandise and participation in protecting the copyright of Margaret Mitchell's legacy.

The "Infertility Companion for Catholics" boasts that it offers spiritual and practical support for couples. A quick turn through the pages of the book comprehensively shows how the Church serves as a support -- and not a hindrance -- to women and men who bear the cross of infertility.

Women who have experienced a miscarriage often feel alone. The grief can be devastating and seeking support can be overwhelming.