Readerware Book Catalog

Angels and Demons (Random House Large Print (Hardcover)) [LARGE PRINT]

Angels and Demons (Random House Large Print (Hardcover)) [LARGE PRINT]
Author: Brown, Dan

ISBN: 0-375-43318-X
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Category: Thrillers
User Rating: 4.0 Stars
Pages: 768

Hardcover Random House Large Print

Amazon.com It takes guts to write a novel that combines an ancient secret brotherhood, the Swiss Conseil Europen pour la Recherche Nuclaire, a papal conclave, mysterious ambigrams, a plot against the Vatican, a mad scientist in a wheelchair, particles of antimatter, jets that can travel 15,000 miles per hour, crafty assassins, a beautiful Italian physicist, and a Harvard professor of religious iconology. It takes talent to make that novel anything but ridiculous. Kudos to Dan Brown (Digital Fortress) for achieving the nearly impossible. Angels & Demons is a no-holds-barred, pull-out-all-the-stops, breathless tangle of a thriller--think Katherine Neville's The Eight (but cleverer) or Umberto Eco's Foucault's Pendulum (but more accessible). Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is shocked to find proof that the legendary secret society, the Illuminati--dedicated since the time of Galileo to promoting the interests of science and condemning the blind faith of Catholicism--is alive, well, and murderously active. Brilliant physicist Leonardo Vetra has been murdered, his eyes plucked out, and the society's ancient symbol branded upon his chest. His final discovery, antimatter, the most powerful and dangerous energy source known to man, has disappeared--only to be hidden somewhere beneath Vatican City on the eve of the election of a new pope. Langdon and Vittoria, Vetra's daughter and colleague, embark on a frantic hunt through the streets, churches, and catacombs of Rome, following a 400-year-old trail to the lair of the Illuminati, to prevent the incineration of civilization. Brown seems as much juggler as author--there are lots and lots of balls in the air in this novel, yet Brown manages to hurl the reader headlong into an almost surreal suspension of disbelief. While the reader might wish for a little more sardonic humor from Langdon, and a little less bombastic philosophizing on the eternal conflict between religion and science, these are less fatal flaws than niggling annoyances--readers should have no trouble skimming past them and immersing themselves in a heck of a good read. "Brain candy" it may be, but my! It's tasty. --Kelly Flynn --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. From Publishers Weekly Pitting scientific terrorists against the cardinals of Vatican City, this well-plotted if over-the-top thriller is crammed with Vatican intrigue and high-tech drama. Robert Langdon, a Harvard specialist on religious symbolism, is called in by a Swiss research lab when Dr. Vetra, the scientist who discovered antimatter, is found murdered with the cryptic word "Illuminati" branded on his chest. These Iluminati were a group of Renaissance scientists, including Galileo, who met secretly in Rome to discuss new ideas in safety from papal threat; what the long-defunct association has to do with Dr. Vetra's death is far from clear. Vetra's daughter, Vittoria, makes a frightening discovery: a lethal amount of antimatter, sealed in a vacuum flask that will explode in six hours unless its batteries are recharged, is missing. Almost immediately, the Swiss Guard discover that the flask is hidden beneath Vatican City, where the conclave to elect a new pope has just begun. Vittoria and Langdon rush to recover the canister, but they aren't allowed into the Vatican until it is discovered that the four principal papal candidates are missing. The terrorists who are holding the cardinals call in regarding their pending murders, offering clues tied to ancient Illuminati meeting sites and runes. Meanwhile, it becomes clear that a sinister Vatican entity with messianic delusions is in league with the terrorists. Packing the novel with sinister figures worthy of a Medici, Brown (Digital Fortress) sets an explosive pace as Langdon and Vittoria race through a Michelin-perfect Rome to try to save the cardinals and find the antimatter before it explodes. Though its premises strain credulity, Brown's tale is laced with twists and shocks that keep the reader wired right up to the last revelation. (May) Copyright 20

Conceived Without Sin

Conceived Without Sin
Author: Macfarlane Jr., Bud

ISBN: 0-9646316-1-X
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Category: General
User Rating: 4.5 Stars
Pages: 486

Mass Market Paperback Saint Jude Media

Book Description Characters who jump off the page. A story that will grab you and surprise you. Hilarious dialogue and thoughtful discussion. A novel about the true meaning of friendship in modern America. A book about your life. For Sam Fisk, the quiet, driven owner of a computer company, the day began like any other day--until a big, sleepy-eyed man slams into him on the basketball court... ...Donna Beck found herself drifting after college, watching videos, living at home, wondering if she would ever find any excitement or meaning in her boring suburb of Rocky River, Ohio... ...Mark Johnson was a tough guy, used to getting his way, but now his marriage is on the rocks, his wife has kicked him out of his house, and is threatening to call her lawyer... ...Ellie James is beautiful, blond, and rich--in total control of her life. She is accustomed to attracting any man she desires. Now she falls in love with a man who might not want her... From the raging summer waters of the New Jersey shore to the peaceful solitude of cold winter nights on Lake Erie, Conceived Without Sin plunges you deep into the hearts and lives of people so real you'll swear you know them. From the Inside Flap Conceived Without Sin From the Author of the Spectacular Nationwide Bestseller Pierced by a Sword. "I liked this book very much because it is about real people. I loved the humor. It explores the hidden battles in the war that is waged over every soul. It's a great read, and I believe it will change the lives of many, many readers." Michael O'Brien, Father & Author "This book grabbed me and held me faster and more powerfully than the author's first book. The characters are fascinating and funny, yet gritty and real. I can't recommend this book more! A great story!" Patricia Noble, Mother & Homemaker "I really liked Donna. She was genuine. She reminded me of a few girls I know--or would like to get to know. And the ending was a big surprise." Marie Ames, College Student "The scene where the Kemps and Mark Johnson deal with their marriage problems was an eye-opener. It changed my outlook on marriage, my wife, and fatherhood. It helped me a lot." Bill McNeil, Businessman & Father "These are characters I can relate to! I simply couldn't put this book down. You'll laugh, too--really laugh. This story will stay with you for a long, long time." Vin David, Computer Analyst & Father "Movies! Basketball! Marriage! Friendship--all weaved together like nothing I've ever read before. This book is unique!" Eileen Burns, UPS Driver

House of Gold

House of Gold
Author: Macfarlane Jr., Bud

ISBN: 0-9646316-3-6
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User Rating: 4.5 Stars
Pages: 528

Mass Market Paperback Saint Jude Media

Book Description Soul and body. Water and blood. Death and life. Evil and goodness. A story about courage and suffering. A novel about our times. A vision for all time. From the Back Cover The world has come to a screeching halt. The lights are out. And a desperate father is a long, long way from home. Buzz Woodward. Alcoholism. Divorce. Attempted suicide. Buzz had been through it all and has lived to tell. Now he is married with children, pushing forty, out of shape, living hand-to-mouth, and finds himself beginning an impossible journey against impossible odds. Sam and Ellie Fisk. Ten years earlier, when Buzz's best friends fell in love, they also discovered a greater love--their love for the Catholic Church. To outsiders, Sam and Ellie had it all: a perfect marriage, a talented son, friends, faith, wealth, status, success. But now, an unrelenting force of darkness threatens to tear them apart forever. Mark Johnson. He's a big, strong, brave FBI agent, the ultimate tough guy cruising through middle age while enjoying his adoring family. Mark and his wife Maggie are already looking forward to a satisfying retirement when he detects a dangerous technological storm on the horizon. But that is okay...Mark is ready for anything. Or is he? With House of Gold, America's favorite Catholic novelist returns to the riveting, apocalyptic storytelling which captured the hearts of countless readers in his explosive classic, Pierced By A Sword, while retainging the intimate, realistic characters who charmed, surprised, and ultimately swept readers away in his second novel, Conceived Without Sin. Join Bud Macfarlane as he takes you on a gripping spiritual odyssey that will reverberate through your soul long after you turn the final page. Discover a new world. Change your life forever.

Pierced By A Sword

Pierced By A Sword
Author: MacFarlane Jr., Bud

ISBN: 0-9646316-0-1
LCCN: 95068985
Dewey: 813/.54 20
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Category: Fiction
User Rating: 4.0 Stars
Pages: 568

Mass Market Paperback Saint Jude Media

Book Description Characters so real you'll swear you know them. A plot that twists and turns so fast you'll lose sleep to find out what happens next. A riveting story that whisks you from Salt Lake City to Chicago to Rome to Notre Dame. A supernatural thriller that will rock your world. A savvy drug dealer from the meanest streets of Cleveland... A no-nonsense Irish Pope who drives his own car and travels in disguise... A beautiful, unmarried pregnant woman with a quick wit and quicker temper... A relentless, aging tycoon from Utah... A mysterious Dark Man who sees the future before it happens... A handsome, hard-drinking, hard-living securities broker... A soft-spoken, shy, gigantic former NFL football star from Louisiana... A fast-talking young priest from New Jersey with a penchant for causing trouble... ...And the Mother of God. From the Inside Flap Real People Love This Book... "It moved me so much that I wept. I was so excited I took it downstairs to read certain passages to my mom and dad! Then I urged my best friend to read it. The themes come right out of my own life. I love it!" Molly Winters, Lake Bluff, IL, College Student "I really got into Nathan Payne--he's such a great character that I couldn't wait to find out what happened to him next. I feel like I know the guy personally--Nathan and the others remind me of real people I know." Martin Maher, Tully, NY, Financial Professional "I don't read many novels and I had low expectations. All I can say now is that I couldn't put it down. It had me turning the pages. It really moves fast. It's great!" Tom Baugh, Akron, OH, Businessman & Father "The passage where Father Chet and Becky Macadam talk about celibacy is one of the most insightful that I've ever read on the subject--all this interwoven into a story with a great plot. I'm very excited about this book!" Eileen Biehl, Westlake, OH, Mother & Writer "The climax of the book was creative and mystical, and really gave me food for thought regarding my own life. Bud Macfarlane has a real gift for dialogue and characterization." John Madigan, Chicago, IL, Father & Lawyer

The Quiet Light: A Novel About Thomas Aquinas

The Quiet Light: A Novel About Thomas Aquinas
Author: Wohl, Louis De Wohl, Louis De

ISBN: 0-89870-595-9
LCCN: 96083641
Dewey: 823/.914 21
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Category: Religion & Beliefs
User Rating: 4.5 Stars
Pages: 377

Paperback Ignatius Press

From the Publisher The famous novelist Louis de Wohl presents a stimulating historical novel about the great St. Thomas Aquinas, set against the violent background of the Italy of the Crusades. He tells the intriguing story of St. Thomas who - by taking a vow of poverty and joining the Dominicans - defied his illustrious, prominent family's ambition for him to have great power in the Church. The battles and Crusades of the 13th century and the ruthlessness of the excommunicated Emperor Frederick II play a big part in the story, but it is Thomas of Aquino who dominates this book. De Wohl succeeds notably in portraying the exceptional quality of this man, a fusion of mighty intellect and childlike simplicity. A pupil of St. Albert the Great, the humble Thomas - through an intense life of study, writing, prayer, preaching and contemplation - ironically rose to become the influential figure of his age, and he later was proclaimed by the Church as the Angelic Doctor.

Joshua and the City

Joshua and the City
Author: Girzone, Joseph

ISBN: 0-385-47420-2
LCCN: 94041941
Dewey: 813/.54 20
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Category: Popular American Fiction
User Rating: 4.0 Stars
Pages: 288

Hardcover DoubleDay

From Publishers Weekly The effect of the eponymous hero on a New York inner-city neighborhood is the subject of this latest in Girzone's (Never Alone) inspirational series. Gentle, mysterious Joshua is propositioned by a young runaway turned prostitute. When her pimp muscles in, Joshua brings him to his knees, promising the young woman he'll never bother her again. He also heals the next person they encounter, a wealthy woman troubled by depression; Girzone would have us believe that this affluent woman is the prostitute's loyal friend and regular picnic companion! Then Joshua meets the woman's generous husband, some confused black youths and their single mother and several others, all of whom he impresses with his kindliness and charity. Obviously Jesus come again, he heals, ministers, inspires and even casts out devils. Because the message of his ministry is uplifting, it is all the more unfortunate that the vehicle is so flawed. Girzone's prose is devoid of imagination or drama, the style is clumsy, the dialogue pathetically false and the plot predictable. The cardboard characters simply represent society's ills. Though the flaws are almost enough to bury the lesson, the message does shine through the pedestrian telling. Drawings not seen by PW. Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Joshua In the Holy Land

Joshua In the Holy Land
Author: Girzone, Joseph

ISBN: 0-02-019909-0
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Category: Religious
User Rating: 4.0 Stars
Pages: 224

Paperback Simon Schuster Trade

From Publishers Weekly As this unsurprising installment in Girzone's bestselling Joshua series (following Joshua and the Children ) opens, the simple carpenter Joshua is wandering in the desert in the Middle East. Finding a lost lamb, he returns it to its owner, the prominent sheik Ibrahim Saud, then cures a little girl in the sheik's encampment of a deadly snakebite, thus gaining the Arab's eternal gratitude. Their ensuing friendship opens the possibility of success for Joshua's true mission, bringing peace to the Middle East. He unites like-minded Jews, Arabs and Christians as the Children of Peace, hoping to end strife by forming personal bonds between peoples. Under the guidance of the gentle, mysterious holy one, the movement increases and multiplies until it topples governments and creates the basis for lasting peace with justice. This accomplished, Joshua departs like a religious Lone Ranger, leaving those he touched asking, "Who was that Holy Man?" Talky and slow-moving, the narrative shows Joshua splitting his time between visiting the sites associated with his (i.e. Jesus's) previous life and preaching didactic sermons. Even the Children of Peace comes off like some odd 12-step program where participants do everything but say, "My name's Khalil, and I'm a hatemonger." For the millions who have found Girzone's previous efforts so enjoyable, however, Joshua's latest outing will provide more of the same. Literary Guild alternate. Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. From Kirkus Reviews Girzone's enormously popular Joshua series (The Shepherd, 1990, etc.) continues, now taking its charismatic, Christlike protagonist to present-day Israel, where his updated parables and common-sense approach to peace spread oil on historically troubled waters. Just exactly who is this fellow? Girzone never quite says he's Jesus of Nazareth back for another round with a screwed-up world, but he hints heavily. The young man always knows the names of people he meets for the first time; he never gets worried; he knows Israel like the back of his hand; and he never talks in contractions. On foot (sandaled), the friendly, well-tanned young man wanders into an Arab camp bearing a lost lamb belonging to the granddaughter of the local sheik. Hitting it off with the aged sheik (but not with the sheik's son), he stays to supper and later that night cures the granddaughter of snakebite. It's the first of a string of miracles for which Joshua takes no credit, pointing out that that sort of thing is God's work. The grateful chieftain provides the friendly Jew an entree into the Arab community, the first step of a nonpolitical peace process that actually works. Strolling around Israel, Joshua chats up Christians, Moslems, and Jews, making friends and followers wherever he goes, pointing out quite sensibly that things aren't going to be better until everybody stops indulging in vengeance and gets down to the work of getting along. There are numerous parallels to events of two thousand years ago, but the actors are new, and the results more upbeat. Affecting at times, and never smarmy. Still, not for the cynical. -- Copyright 1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Joshua

Joshua
Author: Girzone, Joseph F.

ISBN: 0-02-019890-6
LCCN: 87010274
Dewey: 813/.54 19
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Category: Religious
User Rating: 4.0 Stars
Pages: 271

Paperback Macmillan USA

From Library Journal A blessed event: Doubleday is issuing the first hardcover edition of Girzone's best-selling inspirational classic, which was self-published. Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition. Book Description

The Beloved Classic, Now a Major Motion Picture When Joshua moves to a small cabin on the edge of town, the local people are mystified by his presence. A quiet and simple man, Joshua appears to seek nothing for himself. He supports himself by working as a carpenter. He charges very little for his services, yet his craftsmanship is exquisite. The statue of Moses that he carves for the local synagogue prompts amazement as well as consternation. What are the townsfolk to make of this enigmatic stranger? Some people report having seen him carry a huge cherry log on his shoulders effortlessly. Still others talk about the child in a poor part of town who was dreadfully ill but, after Joshua's visit, recovered completely. Despite his benevolence and selfless work in the community, some remain suspicious. Finally, in an effort to address the community's doubts, the local religious leaders confront Joshua. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

The Shepherd

The Shepherd
Author: Girzone, Joseph F.

ISBN: 0-02-019908-2
LCCN: 91030346
Dewey: 813/.54 20
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Category: Religious
User Rating: 4.5 Stars
Pages: 256

Paperback Scribner Paper Fiction

From Publishers Weekly The Jesus figure, central to Girzone's earlier bestsellers, Joshua and Joshua and the Children , is once again introduced into a contemporary setting. This time he first appears as a young man dressed in baggy khakis, beckoning across a field, in the dream of a newly consecrated bishop, David Campbell. Bishop Campbell is known for his strict interpretation of church law, often at the cost of the human element. Profoundly changed by the dream and, soon after, by a meeting with "that friendly stranger," Joshua, Campbell embarks on a radical plan to implement the message of Jesus. He dismantles the chancery, joins forces with his peers in other sects and forms small communities bound by faith, acts that court the wrath of his clerical enemies. Events reach boiling point over Campbell's ingenious maneuver, with the compliance of the pope, to retain a married priest. Late-night calls to a friendly pope and advice from Joshua (who dwells in a compound for the homeless) are prelude to the imaginative conclusion of Campbell's spiritual campaign. Girzone's undemanding prose and nondidactic approach to the implementation of the Christian message in modern times is beguiling. Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. From Library Journal On the eve of David Campbell's consecration as a Catholic bishop, he has an all-night vision that changes him from a strict observer of church law to a radical reformer. Advised by the mysterious Joshua (featured in the author's Joshua , Richelieu, 1983, and Joshua and the Children , Macmillan, 1989), David challenges the traditions of the church in parochial education, social services, ordination, celibacy, and other areas. Because the novel's primary intent is to convey the author's views on the Catholic Church, its characters never come to life, the dialog is stilted and repetitious, and many plot devices are left hanging without resolution. Still, fans of Joshua will ensure this book an audience. - James E. Cook, Dayton & Montgomery Cty. P.L., Ohio Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

City of Joy

City of Joy
Author: Lapierre, Dominique

ISBN: 0-446-32386-1
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Category: Christianity - History - Catholic
User Rating: 4.0 Stars
Pages: 0

Paperback Not Avail

From Library Journal What irony that one of Calcutta's most devastating slums should be known as Anand Nagar, ``the City of Joy.'' By interweaving impressionistic glimpses from the lives of a French priest, a rickshaw driver, and an American doctor, Lapierre creates a searing vision of the struggle for survival, the flashing violence, and the social and cultural practices of the slum. His theme that from human misery can emerge joy might seem to some readers as a bogus acceptance of a terrible evil. Yet Lapierre's narrative slides skillfully in and out of both history and fiction to create an effective but horrible montage of disease, death, and destruction amid elements of charity, hope, and love. The City of Joy should elicit strong reactions from readers. BOMC and Quality Paperback Book Club alternates. John F. Riddick, Central Michigan Univ. Lib., Mt. Pleasant Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. Book Description This is the story of living saints and heroes-- those who abandoned affluent and middle-class lives to dedicate themselves to the poor. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

The Screwtape Letters

The Screwtape Letters
Author: Lewis, C. S. Lewis, C. S.

ISBN: 0-06-065293-4
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Category: General & Literary Fiction
User Rating: 4.5 Stars
Pages: 224

Paperback HarperSanFrancisco

Amazon.com Who among us has never wondered if there might not really be a tempter sitting on our shoulders or dogging our steps? C.S. Lewis dispels all doubts. In The Screwtape Letters, one of his bestselling works, we are made privy to the instructional correspondence between a senior demon, Screwtape, and his wannabe diabolical nephew Wormwood. As mentor, Screwtape coaches Wormwood in the finer points, tempting his "patient" away from God. Each letter is a masterpiece of reverse theology, giving the reader an inside look at the thinking and means of temptation. Tempters, according to Lewis, have two motives: the first is fear of punishment, the second a hunger to consume or dominate other beings. On the other hand, the goal of the Creator is to woo us unto himself or to transform us through his love from "tools into servants and servants into sons." It is the dichotomy between being consumed and subsumed completely into another's identity or being liberated to be utterly ourselves that Lewis explores with his razor-sharp insight and wit. The most brilliant feature of The Screwtape Letters may be likening hell to a bureaucracy in which "everyone is perpetually concerned about his own dignity and advancement, where everyone has a grievance, and where everyone lives the deadly serious passions of envy, self-importance, and resentment." We all understand bureaucracies, be it the Department of Motor Vehicles, the IRS, or one of our own making. So we each understand the temptations that slowly lure us into hell. If you've never read Lewis, The Screwtape Letters is a great place to start. And if you know Lewis, but haven't read this, you've missed one of his core writings. --Patricia Klein --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. Amazon.com Audiobook Review This adaptation of C.S. Lewis's biting satire received a 1999 Grammy nomination for best spoken-word performance, and it's easy to see why--the story fits the format perfectly. It's relatively brief (the unabridged reading takes a mere four hours), and contains only one character--the demon Screwtape, who writes letters to his novice nephew Wormwood, instructing him on how to best tempt his "patient" (a wayward soul on earth) into the bosom of "our Lord below." Obviously, the book wasn't written with former Monty Python John Cleese in mind, but it's hard to imagine a better Screwtape. Cleese's voice provides the perfect vehicle for Lewis's dry, razor-edged wit. His uncanny comic timing and ability to milk each phrase for maximum effect betray an infectious enthusiasm for the story. It's clear that he's having a great time reading, and it's impossible not to laugh along with him. This inspired pairing of two of the 20th century's greatest wits makes for a meditation on the dark side of spiritual guidance that's as relevant and funny today as it was in Lewis's war-torn England. (Running time: 4 hours, 3 cassettes) --Andrew Neiland --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Fiction

Anniversary: A Love Story

Angels and Demons (Random House Large Print (Hardcover)) [LARGE PRINT]

Conceived Without Sin

House of Gold

Pierced By A Sword

De-Coding Da Vinci: The Facts Behind the Fiction of The Da Vinci Code

The Quiet Light: A Novel About Thomas Aquinas

After the Darkness

Kara, the Lonely Falcon

Joshua and the City

Joshua In the Holy Land

Joshua

The Shepherd

City of Joy

The Screwtape Letters