The Catholic Book Club discussion

The author of this month's book, Toward the Gleam, has kindly provided us with an introduction, a number of discussion questions and has agreed to participate in "Ask the Author."

I am quite excited as this makes my job this month really quite easy.

From Tom (T.M. Doran):

A few thoughts from the author, if I may. It has been over 10 years since I was actively composing Toward the Gleam, over 20 years since the idea first came to me and I began scheming the story and filling notebooks. Hard work AND an unforgettable experience. I published the sequel to Toward the Gleam (The Lucifer Ego) in 2018 and am currently composing the 3rd and last book (Kataklusmos). Several weeks ago, I read a fascinating screenplay for Toward the Gleam, with the screenwriters intending to pitch it as a 9-episode streaming series. I hope you enjoy the book and look forward to your insights and questions. By the way, Ignatius Press offers an audiobook version of the story, if you prefer.

The Goodreads summary:

Between the two world wars, on a hike in the English countryside, Professor John Hill takes refuge from a violent storm in a cave. There he nearly loses his life, but he also makes an astonishing discovery - an ancient manuscript housed in a cunningly crafted metal box. Though a philologist by profession, Hill cannot identify the language used in the manuscript and the time period in which it is was made, but he knows enough to make an educated guess - that the book and its case are the fruits of a long-lost, but advanced civilization.
The translation of the manuscript and the search for its origins become a life-long quest for Hill. As he uncovers an epic that both enchants and inspires him, he tracks down scholars from Oxford to Paris who can give him clues. Along the way, he meets several intriguing characters, including a man keenly interested in obtaining artifacts from a long-lost civilization that he believes was the creation of a superior race, and will help him fulfill his ambition to rule other men. Concluding that Hill must have found something that may help him in this quest, but knowing not what it is and where it is hidden, he has Hill, his friends at Oxford, and his family shadowed and threatened until finally he and Hill face off in a final, climatic confrontation.

A story that features a giant pirate and slaver, a human chameleon on a perilous metaphysical journey, a mysterious hermit, and creatures both deadly and beautiful, this is a novel that explores the consequences of the predominant ideas of the 20th Century.

Thanks for your introduction, your book realty sounds wonderful and interesting. I haven’t received my book yet from Amazon but it’s on the way. Can’t wait to read and explore it with you and everyone.

John wrote: "The author of this month's book, Toward the Gleam, has kindly provided us with an introduction, a number of discussion questions and has agreed to participate in "Ask the Author."

..."
This sounds like a very interesting read and I look forward to starting. I'm just waiting to see if I get the book for my birthday from my husband. I think it's wonderful that you've got sequels and a screenplay. I can't wait to begin!

God bless...

I started reading and I want to ditch everything else until I'm done ...if I could get away with it ;)

I agree, this is a page-turner. I couldn't wait and finished it before February arrived.

I just received my copy from my husband and I'm really looking forward to starting it.

God bless...

I've finally been able to start the book and am intrigued by it so far. I'm only a few pages in, but it is a quick read so far and I'm excited to get into the meat of the tale.

God bless...

Marlicia wrote: "I've finally been able to start the book and am intrigued by it so far. I'm only a few pages in, but it is a quick read so far and I'm excited to get into the meat of the tale.

God bless..."

Congratulations Marlicia, and i hope that you enjoy Reading it.

Fonch wrote: "Marlicia wrote: "I've finally been able to start the book and am intrigued by it so far. I'm only a few pages in, but it is a quick read so far and I'm excited to get into the meat of the tale.

Go..."

Thank you very much. So far, so good. :)

God bless...

Marlicia wrote: "Fonch wrote: "Marlicia wrote: "I've finally been able to start the book and am intrigued by it so far. I'm only a few pages in, but it is a quick read so far and I'm excited to get into the meat of..."
Thanks i wish the same.

Just checking in. :) I know I've been very quiet during this book, but I have been reading and enjoying it. It's just been a rather challenging month. :)

God bless...

Thank you, Marlicia. I've enjoyed the questions, insights, and conversation.

T.M. wrote: "Thank you, Marlicia. I've enjoyed the questions, insights, and conversation."

And thank you, Tom, both for giving us a wonderful book to read, and for participating in our discussions.

The Lucifer Ego: the sequel to Toward the Gleam brought forward to the present day, a thriller about a stolen ancient manuscript, an exploration of the Lucifer ego in the lives of characters in the story, a story with hints about a historical Atlantis, fresh reveals about characters in Toward the Gleam. As of yet, no one has explored why the first working title for The Lucifer Ego was Apparitions. If you have read the story and have ideas let me know.