Before I’d even started reading this book, I thumbed through the back pages at Mr. Gail’s fabulous bibliography. I was delighted to see a number of works and/or authors with which I am very familiar:
* Archbishop Chaput’s “Render unto Caesar”
* Dr. Chris Kahlenborn’s “Breast Cancer : Its Link to Abortion and the Birth Control Pill”
* Bogomir Kuhar, Pharm.D. – executive director of Pharmacists for Life
* William E. May, Ph.D.
* Leslie Woodcock Tentler’s “Catholics and Contraception: An American History”
* George Weigel’s “Witness to Hope”
* Christopher West (He has written and spoken extensively about Pope John Paul II’s “The Theology of the Body.” An updated translation of the late Holy Father’s teaching has been released as “Man and Woman He Created Them.”)

“Fatherless” is the tale of three Catholic families from a suburban Philadelphia parish, who turn to Father John Sweeney for spiritual guidance. While they do not use this terminology, they are each struggling with how to live out their “universal call to holiness.” Though the novel’s set in the first decade of the magnificent pontificate of John Paul the Great, Father Sweeney is initially unable to respond to his parishioners with the wisdom of spiritual treasures, such as Veritatis Splendor or Christifideles Laici. He tries to offer a “Catholicism Lite,” when what is needed is the Truth which will set them free! We assume that he has failed to challenge himself and his congregation with such “hard sayings,” as the evils of
* contraception,
* divorce/remarriage (without annullment),
* exploitation of workers,
* failing to bring the Truth into the political sphere,
* failing to treat nutrition/hydration as ordinary care,
* IVF,
* missing Sunday Mass,
* misuse of our sexuality (outside or inside marriage), and
* receiving Holy Communion outside the state of grace.

I would like to offer a teenie, tiny, minor criticism about a Church history, which is offered by “Father McManus” toward the latter part of this masterpiece. I think that this section would have been better served by using Thomas Woods, Ph.D.’s “How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization” as its primary reference (Though it is a difficult work, Eamon Duffy’s “The Stripping Of The Altars” raises enormous questions about our assumptions about pre-Reformation Catholicism.).

Without question, this was one of the best books which I have EVER read!!!

Joseph P. Tevington (via Amazon.com)

This is an amazing book and I have and will be recommending it to everyone. The only problem was with amazon’s packaging. The book arrived worn and damaged. I would highly recommend this book, as well as recommend buying it elsewhere.

M. Mack (via Amazon.com)

Great book, teaches what’s wrong with the culture and the Catholic Church in a well written book.

Mary Pham (via Amazon.com)

I could write a few thousand words about why I like this book. I lost sleep because I couldn’t put it down. Here’s my recommendation: Christmas is coming soon so if you are leading a ministry team at your parish that doesn’t seem to have enough zeal, get them this book. If you know priests who are burned-out, get them this book. If you have family members who seem to be questioning, get them this book. If your kids are aged 15-35, get them this book. If you know anyone who is thinking about leaving the Church, get them this book. If you want to change someone’s opinion about the Catholic Church, get them this book. Finally, if you just want an exciting read that captures the state of the Catholic Church in the US over the last two generations, get this book!

Jeffery R. King (via Amazon.com)

If you’re an avid reader, you may find the author’s style a bit lacking, but if you can get past that, it’s definitely a good read (similar to others, I too stayed up a bit late just to read a few more chapters). I’m not in the habit of giving away movie or book plots. But I will say, the book has some nice apologetics (explanations) about the Catholic faith on several different fronts that I think (hope) can actually benefit people in the midst of a good plot. I enjoyed the book!

Fr. Tom Bush (via Amazon.com)

A real page turner!  This is an incredible book! Great reading and difficult to put down! Brian Gail knows his stuff!

“Catholic Mom” (via Amazon.com)

Brian,

Thank you for writing this book! I am a am a devout 64 year old Catholic, loyal to the teachings of our Church.  Your book has absolutely nailed it!! I read it in about ten hours over two days, I could not put it down, it was so full of truth. This was the most inspiring message I have experienced. It gives me hope that a ”New Springtime” is possible.

I am writing not only to thank you for your inspiration but to also suggest and encourage you to find some way to make a movie out of your book using good Catholics like Jim Caviezel or other notables.

I am going to promote your book and principles vigorously, starting with my own son who has lapsed in his faith.

Angelo (Colorado)

An outstanding read! I couldn’t put it down because I needed to know what was coming next. A truly great book, from a truly great person I have had the pleasure to know through our retreats with the Knights of the Immaculata. I have given copies of this book to friends and family who all agree, this is a book made for these times we live in. It’s made me a better father and grandfather.

James Dimino

What a treat to listen to the interview between Dr. Curran and the author of “Fatherless,” Brian Gail. In addition to exploring the themes of the book, it was delightful to hear two men discover a “kindred spirit” in each other. It was obvious that Brian had done several interviews regarding his book, but Tom GOT IT and he was so pleased. I eagerly await the arrival of my copy–this is a great book to read during Lent. AND Brian is working on TWO more. What a blessing. Thank you!

Cynthia