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Katolici su hipsteri
Katolici su hipsteri je knjiga koja te vraća osnovama: dubokom, izvornom, craft katoličanstvu. Hipstere ćeš prepoznati po protivljenju trendovima i odmicanju od mainstreama. Isto je i s katolicima.
U ovoj knjizi upoznat ćeš prave katoličke hipstere:
osobe koje svjedoče svoju vjeru humorom
svećenike koji proizvode vlastito craft pivo
roditelje koji u katakombama pronalaze imena za svoju djecu
... i mnoge druge
Knjiga će ti otkriti ljepotu katoličanstva kroz primjere mnogih kul svetaca koji su išli protiv struje. I ne samo to! Pronaći ćeš i zagonetan katolički žargon, molitve koje nigdje drugdje ne ćeš pronaći i različite vježbe na kraju svakog poglavlja koje će ti pomoći da postaneš istinski katolik. I hipster.
Ako želiš ići protiv struje, Katolici su hipsteri je prava knjiga za tebe!
U ovoj knjizi upoznat ćeš prave katoličke hipstere:
osobe koje svjedoče svoju vjeru humorom
svećenike koji proizvode vlastito craft pivo
roditelje koji u katakombama pronalaze imena za svoju djecu
... i mnoge druge
Knjiga će ti otkriti ljepotu katoličanstva kroz primjere mnogih kul svetaca koji su išli protiv struje. I ne samo to! Pronaći ćeš i zagonetan katolički žargon, molitve koje nigdje drugdje ne ćeš pronaći i različite vježbe na kraju svakog poglavlja koje će ti pomoći da postaneš istinski katolik. I hipster.
Ako želiš ići protiv struje, Katolici su hipsteri je prava knjiga za tebe!
344 pages, Paperback
First published September 22, 2017
60 people are currently reading
440 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
September 17, 2017
I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley for an unbiased opinion.
Let's face it...there's no good way to give a completely unbiased opinion about religion or hipsters. I went into this book with a disgruntled opinion based on childhood experiences regarding those I saw within places of power in the Catholic church abusing their power, and when I think "hipster"...I just cringe.
So how did I walk away giving it a four out of five star review? Well, honestly, because it jolted a lot of things into place for me:
1) It reminded me that what drove me from Catholicism was the actions of a few select people, not the religion as a whole. As the only Christian religion to recognize saints, there's a lot of great people in the religion, too. I loved the stories of the different saints as a child, and this book helped remind me of some of those.
2) Each section of the book includes a "forgotten prayer". Some of them were absolutely beautiful to me and touched things I should be saying to God on a regular basis, even as a Christian who isn't Catholic.
3) Each section also included an activity to further a reader's understanding of the chapter. Some of them were easier to accomplish than others, but it was engaging to follow those along.
4) The book made it incredibly easy to see links between Christianity, and Catholicism, and many of the "hipster traits". From sandaled feet to scraggly beards, the reasons behind them are actually in the BIBLE, and it's a conversation starter right there before you.
Let's face it...there's no good way to give a completely unbiased opinion about religion or hipsters. I went into this book with a disgruntled opinion based on childhood experiences regarding those I saw within places of power in the Catholic church abusing their power, and when I think "hipster"...I just cringe.
So how did I walk away giving it a four out of five star review? Well, honestly, because it jolted a lot of things into place for me:
1) It reminded me that what drove me from Catholicism was the actions of a few select people, not the religion as a whole. As the only Christian religion to recognize saints, there's a lot of great people in the religion, too. I loved the stories of the different saints as a child, and this book helped remind me of some of those.
2) Each section of the book includes a "forgotten prayer". Some of them were absolutely beautiful to me and touched things I should be saying to God on a regular basis, even as a Christian who isn't Catholic.
3) Each section also included an activity to further a reader's understanding of the chapter. Some of them were easier to accomplish than others, but it was engaging to follow those along.
4) The book made it incredibly easy to see links between Christianity, and Catholicism, and many of the "hipster traits". From sandaled feet to scraggly beards, the reasons behind them are actually in the BIBLE, and it's a conversation starter right there before you.
October 1, 2017
This book was such a joy. I learned some new (old) things and LOLed several times.
I will definitely reread and recommend to others!
I will definitely reread and recommend to others!
August 17, 2019
The acknowledgements say that 'this book started out as a simple joke on Twitter' and it really should have stayed there. It's a collection of often embarrassing and mainly poorly written blog posts by Tighe and his mates that not only abuses the word 'hipster' but is jaw-droppingly tin eared about Catholicism. This is the actual conclusion of the book:
Hipster culture is based on going against the trend, turning away from the mainstream; it's about the coolness of being part of the ultimate counterculture. All of these things could also be said about Catholicism. For two thousand years Catholics have been going against the trend, standing up in the face of the popular cultural beliefs of the day, and we've been epically cool, if I do say so myself. We've overcome every single culture that has come up against us, every single adversary who has tried to work on our demise.)
Just...no.
Hipster culture is based on going against the trend, turning away from the mainstream; it's about the coolness of being part of the ultimate counterculture. All of these things could also be said about Catholicism. For two thousand years Catholics have been going against the trend, standing up in the face of the popular cultural beliefs of the day, and we've been epically cool, if I do say so myself. We've overcome every single culture that has come up against us, every single adversary who has tried to work on our demise.)
Just...no.
October 16, 2018
This book was not exactly what I was expecting. I had seen it mentioned by so many people that I was certain it would be something I would like and purchased it without realizing that it is an anthology with 12 contributors when you included Tommy. Sort of a modern-day group of apostles.
The contributors are:
Leticia Ochoa Adams
Sr. Brittany Harrison
Lisa M. Hendey
Steven Lewis
Anna Mitchell
Mary Rezac
Fr. Kyle Schnippel
Arleen Spenceley
Katherine Morna Towne
Sarah Vabulas
Tiffany Walsh
And the sections in this book are:
Foreword by Jeannie Gaffigan
Introduction
Part One: Rediscover the Attitude
Part Two: Rediscover the Stuff
Part Three: Rediscover the Life
Part Four: Rediscover the Attraction
Conclusion
Acknowledgments
Notes
About the Contributors
Each chapter follows the same format, the main article, cool saint, forgotten prayer, and activity. When I first started reading this book I could not tell if it was satire, sarcastic, or real devotion. My wife often comments that sarcasm is lost on me so it took me a few chapters to figure it out. In the end I found I really enjoyed the book at took it at face value. I give it a solid 4/5 stars. And it took a few days to settle on that rating. I read fairly widely, and I read a lot, but I was unfamiliar with most of the contributors prior to reading this book. I have started following a few of the contributors on social media because of their contributions to this book.
I have known a few Catholic Hipsters, going back to a college and Careers group at Saint Mary's Cathedral in Kingston Ontario in the late 80's and early 90's. Hipsters before being a hipster was cool. What I loved most about this book was that it comments on several trends in the Catholic community today, some that are growing and others with longer standing. I really appreciated the section 'Forgotten Prayer' and also 'Cool Saint' the activity sections are good also.
This book comes across for the most part as a fun playful read. It pokes a little fun at certain traditions or practices but not in an irreverent manner. It has some interesting activities to try, either personally or in a group. It would be really intriguing to work through this book with a group of friends and find where it really connects with readers and where it misses the mark.
This is an easy read and very accessible. I would say it is even accessible for teens and tweens. So, could be a good study for a youth group. What I loved most were the prayers and saints presented. Overall a very refreshing read, particularly during this time of conflict within the church. So give it a read and figure out where you end up on the hipsters scale or tribes.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!
The contributors are:
Leticia Ochoa Adams
Sr. Brittany Harrison
Lisa M. Hendey
Steven Lewis
Anna Mitchell
Mary Rezac
Fr. Kyle Schnippel
Arleen Spenceley
Katherine Morna Towne
Sarah Vabulas
Tiffany Walsh
And the sections in this book are:
Foreword by Jeannie Gaffigan
Introduction
Part One: Rediscover the Attitude
Part Two: Rediscover the Stuff
Part Three: Rediscover the Life
Part Four: Rediscover the Attraction
Conclusion
Acknowledgments
Notes
About the Contributors
Each chapter follows the same format, the main article, cool saint, forgotten prayer, and activity. When I first started reading this book I could not tell if it was satire, sarcastic, or real devotion. My wife often comments that sarcasm is lost on me so it took me a few chapters to figure it out. In the end I found I really enjoyed the book at took it at face value. I give it a solid 4/5 stars. And it took a few days to settle on that rating. I read fairly widely, and I read a lot, but I was unfamiliar with most of the contributors prior to reading this book. I have started following a few of the contributors on social media because of their contributions to this book.
I have known a few Catholic Hipsters, going back to a college and Careers group at Saint Mary's Cathedral in Kingston Ontario in the late 80's and early 90's. Hipsters before being a hipster was cool. What I loved most about this book was that it comments on several trends in the Catholic community today, some that are growing and others with longer standing. I really appreciated the section 'Forgotten Prayer' and also 'Cool Saint' the activity sections are good also.
This book comes across for the most part as a fun playful read. It pokes a little fun at certain traditions or practices but not in an irreverent manner. It has some interesting activities to try, either personally or in a group. It would be really intriguing to work through this book with a group of friends and find where it really connects with readers and where it misses the mark.
This is an easy read and very accessible. I would say it is even accessible for teens and tweens. So, could be a good study for a youth group. What I loved most were the prayers and saints presented. Overall a very refreshing read, particularly during this time of conflict within the church. So give it a read and figure out where you end up on the hipsters scale or tribes.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!
October 7, 2017
I have friends that talk about having found their 'tribe' or 'people.' Reading this title has me realizing I AM a Catholic Hipster. And, several of my friends are too.
While the cover and title seems a bit carefree, what you will find inside is not. Everything is presented in a manner that has you wanting to dig deeper, especially when it comes to the 'cool' saints.
I enjoyed this so much that I was sharing on my FB wall to friends after just the first few chapters.
Note ~ I did get a copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
While the cover and title seems a bit carefree, what you will find inside is not. Everything is presented in a manner that has you wanting to dig deeper, especially when it comes to the 'cool' saints.
I enjoyed this so much that I was sharing on my FB wall to friends after just the first few chapters.
Note ~ I did get a copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
August 1, 2025
Probably more like 2.5, although there was enough good content to bump it up to 3.
August 29, 2023
I disagree with some of it, I don’t think the twitter universe is all he thinks it is cracked up to be, but I enjoyed the book and what I gleaned from it!
September 24, 2017
This is a fun compilation of what exactly makes one a Catholic Hipster.
Each 'chapter' is broken into 4 subsections: Random information from the author, a "Cool Saint," a forgotten prayer (typically related to the saint and/or topic), and an activity for the reader. For the authors whose voices I know (radio, podcasts, etc.), I could even hear them in my head as I read.
A few things jumped out to me:
- Saint Epaphras, whom I didn't think I'd ever heard of, is in the Bible.
- Sergio Bermudez's Catholic slang made me laugh.
- The Francis de Sales prayer
- Melissa Keating's tunes (which I need to look more into)
- Sarah Vabulas' info on scapulars
- Lisa Hende's must-have apps (some of which I have, and one I downloaded to replace another app)
- Anna Mitchell's info on the old calendar (which I didn't even know about...and a lot of the info was new to me)
- Arlene Spencey on being a Catholic in a Protestant private school (a story I freaking loved)
I've learned I'm not a Catholic hipster and yet I wouldn't feel out of place among them, standing off to the side and laughing along with the conversations.
And then leaning in to learn more about my faith.
Each 'chapter' is broken into 4 subsections: Random information from the author, a "Cool Saint," a forgotten prayer (typically related to the saint and/or topic), and an activity for the reader. For the authors whose voices I know (radio, podcasts, etc.), I could even hear them in my head as I read.
A few things jumped out to me:
- Saint Epaphras, whom I didn't think I'd ever heard of, is in the Bible.
- Sergio Bermudez's Catholic slang made me laugh.
- The Francis de Sales prayer
- Melissa Keating's tunes (which I need to look more into)
- Sarah Vabulas' info on scapulars
- Lisa Hende's must-have apps (some of which I have, and one I downloaded to replace another app)
- Anna Mitchell's info on the old calendar (which I didn't even know about...and a lot of the info was new to me)
- Arlene Spencey on being a Catholic in a Protestant private school (a story I freaking loved)
I've learned I'm not a Catholic hipster and yet I wouldn't feel out of place among them, standing off to the side and laughing along with the conversations.
And then leaning in to learn more about my faith.
September 24, 2017
Do you know about all the coolest Catholic Twitterers, the best Catholic music, the loveliest prayers and the most interesting Catholic blogs? This handbook by Tommy Tighe will help you find all of these! It’s not just a frivolous guide, however. It also contains articles about important Catholic doctrines and history, and it’s worth keeping whether you are a cradle Catholic, a convert or even undecided! I greatly enjoyed it. I am not sure about going to a Tridentine Mass, however. Although it sounds interesting, it’s a hard idea to get used to. This section did remind me that my parents were shocked that the Mass was in Latin until recently, and I liked the thought of going to a service in Latin when I was a child!
I especially liked the fact that one of the authors reminded readers that the first duty of a Catholic (and, arguably all Christians) is to give.
I received this free ebook from Net Galley in return for an honest review.
Paperback
ISBN9781594717079
I especially liked the fact that one of the authors reminded readers that the first duty of a Catholic (and, arguably all Christians) is to give.
I received this free ebook from Net Galley in return for an honest review.
Paperback
ISBN9781594717079
November 23, 2018
It may not be a page turner as a whole (although it is within chapters), but that is because each chapter has a unique theme for its essay, and most of them seem to be made especially for us. Some of them can be really thoughtful. Others are more fun. Every and each of them is very informal, filled with life, and a very simples language, easy to understand and to extract some laughs.
I just realized that this book is also a prayer book and that each time I read it I would pray, because of the Forgotten Prayers, so, there's that, too.
Sometimes I just wish that the chapters would be longer and forward us to other books, movies, or websites, to let us explore more about its theme. I guess this is part of its concept, though. And I can't wait to share its essays with other people, in retreats, in Youth Groups, anything, really, because I think this is made for it, it's very good to introduce or rediscover some weird but sacred stuff!
PS: I wish they'd make a translation of this or at least export to Portuguese bookshops
I just realized that this book is also a prayer book and that each time I read it I would pray, because of the Forgotten Prayers, so, there's that, too.
Sometimes I just wish that the chapters would be longer and forward us to other books, movies, or websites, to let us explore more about its theme. I guess this is part of its concept, though. And I can't wait to share its essays with other people, in retreats, in Youth Groups, anything, really, because I think this is made for it, it's very good to introduce or rediscover some weird but sacred stuff!
PS: I wish they'd make a translation of this or at least export to Portuguese bookshops
January 19, 2018
I'm still trying to decide if I enjoyed this book or did not enjoy this book. The title is misleading as I certainly did not find this book to be anything close to a "handbook." I did find I spent a lot of time on the internet trying to learn more about the "weird but sacred stuff" and the "cool saints." The book touches upon the subjects but does not spend enough time developing those topics to teach or be considered a handbook. Each section has its own "Activity" associated with it that is sure to help me "rediscover everything awesome about the Catholic faith." Honestly, they are pretty cool and caused me to reflect. With all that being said, the book obviously intrigued me enough to want to learn more and opened a great discussion with my Catholic church book group.
January 25, 2019
I enjoyed the brevity and variety of these selections as well as the format - topic, cool saint, forgotten prayer, and activity. It made for an easily digestible handbook!
Like many collections, this one was a mixed bag. Some contributions I loved, some I learned from, and a couple struck me as condescending/snobby (which I guess shouldn't surprise me if written from a self-identifying hipster ;-)).
I listened on audiobook, and while the narration was good, I think I would've have enjoyed having the paperback alongside so that I could refer to authors, prayers, and other details.
A good introduction to the sometimes-weird aspects of Catholicism, both for converts and reverts. Or anyone who wants to dig a little deeper in their faith.
Like many collections, this one was a mixed bag. Some contributions I loved, some I learned from, and a couple struck me as condescending/snobby (which I guess shouldn't surprise me if written from a self-identifying hipster ;-)).
I listened on audiobook, and while the narration was good, I think I would've have enjoyed having the paperback alongside so that I could refer to authors, prayers, and other details.
A good introduction to the sometimes-weird aspects of Catholicism, both for converts and reverts. Or anyone who wants to dig a little deeper in their faith.
December 3, 2017
Packed with plenty of Catholic inside baseball without making the reader feel unworthy, this book won’t teach you how to be a cool Catholic. Instead, it revels in what’s cool about being Catholic and invites the reader to revel in it too. Tommy Tighe gathered together 15 cool Catholics, many of whom you’ll find speaking and tweeting and writing and hosting Catholic radio shows, to help put this handbook together. Read my full review.
July 20, 2019
I've never been one to consider myself a "hipster" but this book makes me want to be a Catholic hipster.
September 13, 2017
(I received a free advance copy from Net Gallery in exchange for an honest review.)
This was an entertaining, funny and really accessible (which I appreciated, since I myself am not Catholic) read that I found much more relatable than I expected (having grown up in a religious household). I loved hearing from all the different perspectives that people had, and it left me really wanting to read more on Catholic Church history.
This was an entertaining, funny and really accessible (which I appreciated, since I myself am not Catholic) read that I found much more relatable than I expected (having grown up in a religious household). I loved hearing from all the different perspectives that people had, and it left me really wanting to read more on Catholic Church history.
September 28, 2017
This was a fun playful book about all things Catholic from confession to the blessed Mother to obscure saints and Catholic baby names. It was a fun read and I loved the format of the chapters - a short reflection on the topic, a relevant obscure saint, a related prayer, and a fun activity. I found this book clever and engaging for both Catholics and those who'd like to learn more about the Catholic faith.
I received a complimentary copy of the book to review from the publisher and NetGalley.
I received a complimentary copy of the book to review from the publisher and NetGalley.
January 2, 2018
This is an excellent collection for Catholics that want to deepen their faith, no mater what their age! The fact that it is written for young people encourages me in the future of our faith. There are things in this book that I am just now beginning to appreciate and I am far past being a twenty something. I just wish I had this book earlier in my life.
I highly recommend this to anyone in search of a deeper faith.
I highly recommend this to anyone in search of a deeper faith.
July 1, 2019
Lots of food for thought! Easily read in quick bites and lots of suggested actionable ideas. Definitely a book to return to as you implement the different activities into your own life. Some of the humor in the book veered more "dad jokes" than hipster cool, but maybe I'm not enough of a hipster to know what's cool? Overall a nice break from heavy theology tomes.
October 10, 2017
This is the book I've been looking for.
A great and informative read about being Catholic with a sense of humor in the modern world. Learned lots of new prayers, saints, and how to get out of the Catholic rut. Loved it from beginning to end!
A great and informative read about being Catholic with a sense of humor in the modern world. Learned lots of new prayers, saints, and how to get out of the Catholic rut. Loved it from beginning to end!
November 27, 2017
Some really wonderful Catholic insights into living our faith in today’s culture. My favorite part almost without fail were the saints and prayers highlighted at the end of the essays! Great read overall.
January 5, 2018
Pretty much what it claims to be on the cover. A series of “blog post” style essays from a handful of Catholic contributors about what it means to be a faithful Catholic in the world today, with saint biographies, uncommon prayers, and actions to take with each essay.
May 16, 2018
If you want to know all the details about being Catholic, this is the book for you. Having attended Catholic school grades 1-8, I know most of the info in this book, even most of the little known saints. I loved all the prayers that were included.
September 19, 2018
This is a great book for Catholics looking to roll up their sleeves and dig into the quirkiness of the Catholic faith and history. Think of this more as a textbook, with activities and story to help support your faith.
October 26, 2017
Easy read. Fun to learn more about the faith. Very enjoyable. A book you’ll want to share.
January 30, 2018
An interesting little handbook. I'm not a hipster, though, and I already knew most of the info in the book.
July 4, 2018
i am rather conflicted about this book. this first section seemed rather cringe-y to me, but the last section was full of really insightful essays.
May 28, 2019
Audiobook: I think the print version would make more sense. This is a book to mark up and find a few things you really like in it, and it's hard to do that on audio.
July 17, 2021
Leaving aside my views on religion and what I got out of this book in that way, this was an interesting piece of writing. It provided a lot of different ways to engage with Catholicism outside of Mass, and the perspective was modern and earnest. Really, it was the earnestness that got me. These folks are so passionate that I found them charming despite their slightly off-putting zeal and truly embarrassing use of the phrase "hipster". The activities were interesting and covered a wide variety of things that included both more personal meditative practices and more social or evangelical projects.
Yes, the "hipster" element was predictably cringe-worthy, but it was easy for me to overlook. My complaint is mainly that the essays took up more space that I would have preferred to see devoted to lengthier descriptions of the saints and background information about the prayers provided. I had checked this book out to hear more about such forgotten lore and had been looking forward to learning some history. However, I found I learned a lot about things I had never encountered in my Catholic childhood, so I can't complain too much. It was educational in a way I hadn't been looking for.
One note I'll make that might seem obvious is that this book is for Catholics, not for people who are interested in checking out Catholicism. It's a more advanced look at the religion rather than an introduction, which I think is a great thing, but would it kill them to occasionally write out "Blessed" and "Venerable" and "Father" rather than always using the abbreviations? As someone who lapsed in the Church in my teen years, I had an exasperated moment or two at such a little in-group thing.
Overall, a worthwhile read if you've ever been a Catholic and want to check out something less academic about the faith. The personal nature of the essays might really appeal to some people, and I think there's a charm to this book if you can get past its corniness.
You know, I wasn't going to comment on the religious aspects of this book, but it's not like I gotta keep it professional or something, I'm just some girl on the internet who reads books and writes reviews I expect only my sister and college roommate to read, so here's what I got out of this book on a personal level:
I was a "cradle Catholic" who went to Catholic school and then started getting into Wicca around thirteen, and at some point my parents found out and were (as 13-year-old Caitlyn remembers) sneeringly dismissive. So I became an atheist instead. In college I had an awesome roommate who was into the occult and my life was changed by her copy of Margo Adler's Drawing Down the Moon. I had felt a lack in not having a spiritual life, and Wicca called me back.
For the last seven years or so I've been reading, researching, and intermittently practicing various magical/occult styles of spirituality. I've had some beautiful and meaningful experiences and enjoyed my reading, but it was a lonely path. I knew other people with the similar beliefs or interests, but I had no real community. The "alternative religion" umbrella covers quite a bit, and I found myself frustrated that I had no one to really share with.
A couple of years ago I found the rosary my grandmother gave me in a box, and I started to occasionally pick it up to pray a few Hail Marys. It felt nice to know the words to something, to not need to invent and/or memorize something new, just take comfort in a tradition. Then, in the last six months or so my boyfriend has taken an interest in religion. Growing up a non-practicing vaguely Protestant, he was curious about Catholicism. We've been going through a difficult time with our elderly dog and I felt compelled to get a Saint Francis medal. That got me interested in saints again, and that's how I picked up this book.
And this book got me jazzed up about Catholicism. It's such a beautifully occult religion, much more so than I even recall from childhood. It's old and baroque and magical, and I loved hearing about scapulars and the Extraordinary Form and so many other little treasures. I was moved by "Offering It Up" by Anna Mitchell, an essay about allowing suffering and pain to mean something by offering it to Jesus as our own cross we bear in pursuit of holiness. I was electrified by "The Good in Vocational Angst" when Melissa Keating describes a meditation that sounds very much like pagan invocation. I love how much everyone loves Mary.
All this amazing religious material right under my nose all these years and I'm finally coming home to it. I'm not just reconverting whole hog, but I'm inspired to explore my Catholic roots and faith more deeply in light of everything I've learned from grazing far and wide on other spiritual texts. Five stars.
Yes, the "hipster" element was predictably cringe-worthy, but it was easy for me to overlook. My complaint is mainly that the essays took up more space that I would have preferred to see devoted to lengthier descriptions of the saints and background information about the prayers provided. I had checked this book out to hear more about such forgotten lore and had been looking forward to learning some history. However, I found I learned a lot about things I had never encountered in my Catholic childhood, so I can't complain too much. It was educational in a way I hadn't been looking for.
One note I'll make that might seem obvious is that this book is for Catholics, not for people who are interested in checking out Catholicism. It's a more advanced look at the religion rather than an introduction, which I think is a great thing, but would it kill them to occasionally write out "Blessed" and "Venerable" and "Father" rather than always using the abbreviations? As someone who lapsed in the Church in my teen years, I had an exasperated moment or two at such a little in-group thing.
Overall, a worthwhile read if you've ever been a Catholic and want to check out something less academic about the faith. The personal nature of the essays might really appeal to some people, and I think there's a charm to this book if you can get past its corniness.
You know, I wasn't going to comment on the religious aspects of this book, but it's not like I gotta keep it professional or something, I'm just some girl on the internet who reads books and writes reviews I expect only my sister and college roommate to read, so here's what I got out of this book on a personal level:
I was a "cradle Catholic" who went to Catholic school and then started getting into Wicca around thirteen, and at some point my parents found out and were (as 13-year-old Caitlyn remembers) sneeringly dismissive. So I became an atheist instead. In college I had an awesome roommate who was into the occult and my life was changed by her copy of Margo Adler's Drawing Down the Moon. I had felt a lack in not having a spiritual life, and Wicca called me back.
For the last seven years or so I've been reading, researching, and intermittently practicing various magical/occult styles of spirituality. I've had some beautiful and meaningful experiences and enjoyed my reading, but it was a lonely path. I knew other people with the similar beliefs or interests, but I had no real community. The "alternative religion" umbrella covers quite a bit, and I found myself frustrated that I had no one to really share with.
A couple of years ago I found the rosary my grandmother gave me in a box, and I started to occasionally pick it up to pray a few Hail Marys. It felt nice to know the words to something, to not need to invent and/or memorize something new, just take comfort in a tradition. Then, in the last six months or so my boyfriend has taken an interest in religion. Growing up a non-practicing vaguely Protestant, he was curious about Catholicism. We've been going through a difficult time with our elderly dog and I felt compelled to get a Saint Francis medal. That got me interested in saints again, and that's how I picked up this book.
And this book got me jazzed up about Catholicism. It's such a beautifully occult religion, much more so than I even recall from childhood. It's old and baroque and magical, and I loved hearing about scapulars and the Extraordinary Form and so many other little treasures. I was moved by "Offering It Up" by Anna Mitchell, an essay about allowing suffering and pain to mean something by offering it to Jesus as our own cross we bear in pursuit of holiness. I was electrified by "The Good in Vocational Angst" when Melissa Keating describes a meditation that sounds very much like pagan invocation. I love how much everyone loves Mary.
All this amazing religious material right under my nose all these years and I'm finally coming home to it. I'm not just reconverting whole hog, but I'm inspired to explore my Catholic roots and faith more deeply in light of everything I've learned from grazing far and wide on other spiritual texts. Five stars.
February 23, 2023
So I learned that I am *not* a Catholic hipster.
I bought this book as the Pauline bookstore in Charleston was closing, along with a couple of others. This one looked interesting, or at the very least a bit entertaining, so why not? And this has a lot of cool things like little biographies of saints (some of whom are pretty obscure, others not so much), and lesser known prayers–more of which were obscure than the saints.
Still, I am very keenly NOT this book’s main demographic in many ways. For instance, no, I don’t think it’s a good idea to name your child “Chrysostom” or “Dafrosa” or “Canon” or “Vesper.” Please throw those ideas out. I’m also not a huge fan of how one chapter talks about Latin Mass–it feels very… uh, “This is BETTER!” without recognizing that vernacular Mass IS legitimate, that Christian worship existed before the organ did.
That doesn’t negate some of the cool stuff you’ll find in this book! I liked the discussion about farmer’s markets, and I think there are cool recommendations for music and apps and other neat little nick nacks. But I am very much not someone who identifies as a hipster. The end of the book concludes that authentic Catholicism is, by its nature (especially in this day and age) counter-cultural; I like that thought, but it makes me think in a different direction–admittedly, that NY Times article that claimed “the future of Christianity is punk.”
[Also, hey! Steve the Missionary wrote one of the chapters in this book!]
I bought this book as the Pauline bookstore in Charleston was closing, along with a couple of others. This one looked interesting, or at the very least a bit entertaining, so why not? And this has a lot of cool things like little biographies of saints (some of whom are pretty obscure, others not so much), and lesser known prayers–more of which were obscure than the saints.
Still, I am very keenly NOT this book’s main demographic in many ways. For instance, no, I don’t think it’s a good idea to name your child “Chrysostom” or “Dafrosa” or “Canon” or “Vesper.” Please throw those ideas out. I’m also not a huge fan of how one chapter talks about Latin Mass–it feels very… uh, “This is BETTER!” without recognizing that vernacular Mass IS legitimate, that Christian worship existed before the organ did.
That doesn’t negate some of the cool stuff you’ll find in this book! I liked the discussion about farmer’s markets, and I think there are cool recommendations for music and apps and other neat little nick nacks. But I am very much not someone who identifies as a hipster. The end of the book concludes that authentic Catholicism is, by its nature (especially in this day and age) counter-cultural; I like that thought, but it makes me think in a different direction–admittedly, that NY Times article that claimed “the future of Christianity is punk.”
[Also, hey! Steve the Missionary wrote one of the chapters in this book!]
July 7, 2023
Are you a cradle Catholic who wants 'get back in touch' with your faith? Are you wondering why young parents have started to name their children with names from long-forgotten saints? Are you just curious why everyone seems to be wearing Birkenstocks to Mass, including the priest? Or are you looking for a book to help you learn more about the Catholic Church while enjoying a laugh or two?
Then this is the book for you! Tighe and other contributors write on a variety of subjects that explain in an easy-to-understand way. There is nothing too deeply theological in the book that will bog any reader, but just enough to give the reader understanding. And a giggle or two, especially if you have ever experienced any of the traditions that they discuss.
Each 'essay' is no more than 5 minutes in length (most are shorter), with information about a Saint, a 'Forgotten Prayer', and an Activity to do, if desired.
Then this is the book for you! Tighe and other contributors write on a variety of subjects that explain in an easy-to-understand way. There is nothing too deeply theological in the book that will bog any reader, but just enough to give the reader understanding. And a giggle or two, especially if you have ever experienced any of the traditions that they discuss.
Each 'essay' is no more than 5 minutes in length (most are shorter), with information about a Saint, a 'Forgotten Prayer', and an Activity to do, if desired.
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