20th century Biographies

Blessed Miguel Pro

20th Century Martyr
Book cover: 'Blessed Miguel Pro: 20th Century Martyr'
Author(s): 
Ann Ball
Number of pages: 
117 pages
Copyright: 
1996
Publisher: 
TAN Books
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Review: 

Miguel Pro (1891-1927) was a young priest in Mexico during the persecution of the Church in the 1920s. He used interesting disguises to slip past authorities in order to celebrate Mass in secret and otherwise minister to his people. He fearlessly continued such dangerous missions despite health problems and eventually was arrested and martyred for his faith.The reader will learn a lot about the politics, culture and religion of his time. Also included in the book are a number of black and white photos of Blessed Miguel Pro - including several of him in disguise and those taken at his execution and his funeral. The government allowed photographers to be present at the execution in order to make an example of the martyr, but later tried to prevent their release. The appendix includes prayers and poems written by Blessed Miguel Pro, a novena and chaplet composed in his honor, and ideas for a celebration for his Feast Day, November 23.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
Review Date: 
1999

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, Missionary of Charity

Book cover: 'Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, Missionary of Charity'
Author(s): 
Mary Kathleen Glavich, S.N.D.
Number of pages: 
131 pages
Publisher: 
Pauline Books and Media
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta is the story of her life simply told for children. Although it is a children's book, it covers enough material for even an adult to have a greater appreciation of her life. Written as a short chapter book with a few illustrations sprinkled throughout the book, it begins with her childhood in Albania and follows her decision to become a missionary and join the Loreto sisters, and continues after her dramatic step to serve the poorest of the poor without any financial backer. This is a true lesson in trusting in God's Divine Providence.

This book includes all the elements of a good story: an exciting plot, wonderful hero, and well written. Best of all, the story is true. Interwoven throughout the story are quotes from Mother Teresa. There is also a prayer to Mother Teresa and a glossary. (Intermediate reading level - recommended for ages 9-12).

Reviewed by: 
Review Date: 
4-2-04

J.R.R. Tolkien

The Man Who Created the Lord of the Rings
Book cover: 'J.R.R. Tolkien: The Man Who Created the Lord of the Rings'
Author(s): 
Michael Coren
Number of pages: 
82 pages
Copyright: 
2001
Publisher: 
Scholastic
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Setting: 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

This is a surprisingly good, very readable biography of one of the most popular authors of all time. J.R.R. Tolkien was born in South Africa, the son of an English banker. After her return to England and the death of her husband, Tolkien's mother, Mabel, converted to Catholicism. Shunned by relatives after this, she was assisted by a kind parish priest who took care of her two sons after she died at age 34.

Michael Coren skillfully recounts Tolkien's life - growing up as an orphan, his lasting interest in language and learning and his battle experience in World War I. All the way through he includes interesting and enlightening details - especially ones that we will recognize as relevant to Tolkien's stories. Despite the secular publisher, Tolkien's faith is discussed in some detail (and quite fairly) with Joseph Pearce's book, Tolkien: Man and Myth, (Ignatius Press) featured as a prominent source. Coren does include brief summaries of the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings which include some real plot-spoilers for those who haven't yet read them (they also aren't the most accurate book summaries I've ever read). I would suggest reading this biography after already having read The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings. Although intended for youth reading, the story is delightful and interesting for adults (as well as a nice quick read).

Reviewed by: 
Review Date: 
2-27-2002

Katie: The Young Life of Mother Katherine Drexel

Book cover: 'Katie: The Young Life of Mother Katherine Drexel'
Author(s): 
Claire Jordan Mohan
Number of pages: 
71 pages
Copyright: 
2001
Publisher: 
Young Sparrow Press
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

In this, her latest book in the "Young Life" series, Mrs. Mohan introduces young readers to Mother Katherine Drexel (canonized in October 2000), the first American born, Catholic born saint.

Katherine Mary Drexel (Katie) was born to a wealthy Catholic family of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1858. As a child she had everything she could wish for - a beautiful playhouse with "carpets, child-size furniture and even a full kitchen." Her parents and her teachers (the sisters from the convent nearby) instilled in her a love for Jesus, and especially the Blessed Sacrament. She struggled with many things familiar to families today - such as trying to understand why she had three sets of grandparents (her own mother died just after Katie was born and her father remarried). The story (which is the style of a first-person narrative - i.e. from the viewpoint of Katie herself) provides warm and personal details about the developing spiritual life of a child which provide an excellent example for young readers in counting their blessings and using their talents for good.

Katie and her two sisters lost their parents when they were still young ladies. Left with a vast fortune, they had to make decisions about suporting charitable organizations. Katie became interested in Missions on American Indian Reservations. Eventually she founded an order of nuns - the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. During her lifetime she "opened, staffed, and directly supported nearly sixty schools and missions" and dedicated her life to helping Native and African Americans throughout the United States.

This book includes the story (along with a picture) of two children who prayed to Mother Katherine Drexel for a cure for their little sister. Her miraculous cure was accepted by the Vatican as a true miracle in the investigation process for her canonization. The book also includes many charming black and white photos of Katie and her family, a chronology of her life, and a glossary.

Besides the worthwhile story of a great American saint, the book gives us a glimpse of life in 19th century America. Although many particulars of a Catholic family life are familiar to us today, evidence of the Victorian era are present in instances such as how the nurse explains to the children that their new little sister was brought by angels who visited their mama and papa during the night. The story is charming and gives the reader the feeling that they are really getting to know Mother Drexel very personally. Although I was disappointed with previous writings of Mrs. Mohan (I believe it was because I found the stories too terse, too brief) I thought this story was quite nice and I also appreciate the numerous black and white photos which make for an attractive and appealing book.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
Review Date: 
11-28-2000

Life is a Blessing

A Biography of Jerome Lejeune: Geneticist, Doctor, Father
Book cover: 'Life is a Blessing'
Author(s): 
Clara Lejeune
Translator(s): 
Michael J. Miller
Number of pages: 
160 pages
Copyright: 
2000
ISBN: 
0898708125
Publisher: 
Ignatius Press
Binding: 
Sewn Softcover
Setting: 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

Written by his daughter, this book brings us a portrait of a great Christian, loving husband and father, and devoted son who was also one of the greatest scientists of the 20th century.

Seeking to help his beloved patients, Lejeune succeeded in tracing the cause of Down syndrome to an extra 21st chromosome. He could have named the syndrome after himself, but with his characteristic humility, he named the condition "Trisomy-21". While his work did succeed in removing the stigma from Downs (it had previously been thought that maternal syphilis caused it), Lejeune was heartbroken to see his discovery turned into a weapon against the ones he loved so much.

Further discoveries in the field of genetic medicine followed, including Trisomy-13 and monosomy-9. But despite his pioneering work, which opened up the field of genetically-based diseases, he was never awarded a Nobel Prize, likely due to his unwelcome pro-life views. There was worse to come. Because of his defense of the innocent and defenseless, Lejeune found himself increasingly sidelined. Nevertheless, he continued to bear a hope-filled Christian witness, forgetful of self, a shining example to us all.

Toward the end of his life, Dr. Lejeune worked to found the Pontifical Academy for Life and was (very briefly) its first president. He died on Easter Sunday, a circumstance in which his friend Pope John Paul II found a particular significance.

A beautiful book about a great man.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

Originally published in French by Criterion, Paris, 1997.

Reviewed by: 
Review Date: 
8-7-2008

Mama's Bank Account

Book cover: 'Mama's Bank Account'
Author(s): 
Kathryn Forbes
Number of pages: 
147 pages
Copyright: 
1971
ISBN: 
978-0156563772
Publisher: 
Harcourt (A Harvest Book)
Subject(s): 
Setting: 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

When I first proposed to read this story aloud to my children, my oldest, then perhaps 8 or 9 years old, protested loudly! She thought it was going to be a series of numbers and notes about expenditures that I was going to read to her. It only took a little persuading and a few pages before she was hooked. This is a true story - really a set of simple reminiscences - about a Norwegian immigrant family living in San Francisco in the early 1900s (somewhere between the 1906 earthquake and World War I). The stories center around the author's mother, "Mama" - a wonderful character who is difficult to describe with just a few quick adjectives. This is partly because the author reveals her mother's character through favorite family stories in a lovely, subtle way (with plenty of laugh-out-loud spots!). You come to see that Mama is shrewd but completely selfless; she has a wonderful grasp of human nature, but is easily misunderstood (by friends, relatives or readers of the book) because she so readily sees what is good in everyone; she is quiet, but oh, SO stubborn and certainly knows how to get things done in spite of insurmountable odds! Looking through Mama's eyes at the interesting characters that come into her life is a wonderful experience and one you shouldn't miss. Here's a little part of a story to give you a little sense of the book. A boarder, Mr. Hyde, has lived with their family for some time and enthralled all of them by reading classic novels aloud to them every night.

Even when the warm weather came we children didn't beg to go out in the evenings to play one-foot-off-the-gutter. I think Mama was glad; she never liked us running the streets. Best of all, Nels went less and less to the street corner to hang around with the neighborhood boys. The night they got into trouble for breaking into Mr. Dillon's store Nels was home with us. He'd wanted to hear the last chapter of Dombey and Son. Mr. Hyde had taken us deep into Ivanhoe when he got the letter. "I must go," he told Mama. "I shall leave the books for Nels and the children. Here is my check for all I owe you, madam, and my profound thanks for your hospitality." We were sorry to see Mr. Hyde leave, but it was with great excitement that we brought his books out into the kitchen. There were so many of them! We read some of the titles: A Tale of Two Cities, Nicholas Nickleby, Vanity Fair, The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland, Oliver Twist, A Midsummer Night's Dream. Mama dusted them reverently. "So much we can learn," she said. Nels, she added, could read aloud to us each evening, just as Mr. Hyde had done, because Nels too had a fine voice. I could see that made him very proud. Mama showed Mr. Hyde's check to Aunt Jenny. "You see?" she said. "The warm coat I shall have after all." It was too bad that Aunt Jenny was still there when Mr. Kruper came. Mr. Kruper owned the restaurant and bakery down the street and he was angry. "That man Hyde was a crook!" he shouted. "Look at this check he gave me. It's no good! The bank people tell me he cashed them all over the neighborhood." Aunt Jenny's triumphant nod said as plainly as words - I told you so! "I'll bet he owes you folks plenty, too, eh?" Mr. Kruper asked. Mama looked around at all of us. Her eyes rested longest on Nels. "Read," she told him gently, "read to us from Ivanhoe." Then she walked to the stove and put the check into the flames. "No," she answered Mr. Kruper. "No. He owes us nothing."

I think this is best as a solo read for the 12 and up crowd, though it could be read aloud - perhaps with a little explanation or discussion along the way - to children much younger. If you've ever seen the movie I Remember Mama (1948) with Irene Dunne, you're already acquainted with the main characters of this lovely little book. If you haven't seen it yet, you're missing out on a real treasure that could be enjoyed before or after this book. But that's a matter for a separate review.

Additional notes: 

Copyrights 1943/1971

Reviewed by: 
Review Date: 
4-9-07

Mother to the Poor

The Story of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta
Author(s): 
Jung-wook Ko
Illustrator(s): 
Seung-bum Park
Translator(s): 
Mary W. Chung
Number of pages: 
140 pages
Copyright: 
2008
ISBN: 
0819848638
Publisher: 
Pauline Kids
Binding: 
Softcover
Setting: 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

Once in a while I am fortunate to review a book that is outstanding, and this is one of them! Mother to the Poor tells the story of the great modern saint of our time in a marvelous way: the beautiful illustrations, the quality of the paper, the language--loving, biographical, translated from Korean. It reads like a picture book, but a meaty picture book!

Everyone knows about Mother Teresa, but can most people tell where she was born? How was her family life? How did she begin the Missionaries of Charity? This book tells her whole story and readers of all ages will be delighted.

Reviewed by: 
Review Date: 
9-29-2008

My Heart Lies South

The Story of My Mexican Marriage (Young People's Edition)
Book cover: 'My Heart Lies South: The Story of My Mexican Marriage (Young People's Edition)'
Author(s): 
Elizabeth Borton de Trevino
Number of pages: 
228 pages
Copyright: 
1953
Publisher: 
Bethlehem Books
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

Elizabeth Borton de Trevino is best known as the author of children's stories, especially I, Juan de Pareja which won the Newbery Award in 1966). Long before all that, in the 1930s, she was simply Elizabeth Borton, a modern American lady, living in Boston and working as a journalist, when she was given an assignment in Monterrey, Mexico. There she met, was courted by and eventually married a native by the name of Luis Trevino. In this book she recounts the adventures her courtship and marriage and most particularly her adjustments to life in a completely different culture from her own. She paints a charming pictures of Mexican culture and faith and some of the stories about her mistakes and embarassments are hysterically funny. In moving to Mexico not only does she give up her old way of life (modern America of the 1930s was a significant contrast to life in Mexico), but she wholeheartedly embraced the Catholic faith and learned to truly love the hallmark of Mexican culture - the strength of the family and the essential role of mothers in the home and family.

This story is delightful for its own sake, but also gives tidbits of history (Mexican and Spanish), religion, and culture. It is also the sort of book that is useful and delightful for teenage girls to read as they begin to consider their future roles as mothers, wives and influences on their community. (The humorous incidents will probably keep it interesting enough for the guys as well.) There are some references to dating and courtship, the consequences of drinking too much and other subjects which would not be suitable for young children (although they are handled in a reasonable manner). Don't be turned off by the word "seduction" that shows up in the first few pages. It comes up in a fairly harmless context and is not an indication of shocking material to come.

I also found her discussions of parenting interesting because she was raising her children at a time when American doctors advocated bottle feeding and a sort of detached parenting . When she wrote the story, however, the doctors had begun to come around to a healthier and more natural parenting philosophy and the author expresses some of her regrets and frustrations at following the conventional wisdom which really went against her instincts.

Her arguments in favor of the Mexican view of the role of women is quite compelling. The Mexican role is, in many ways, very Catholic. Women are not inferior or subservient (as in the "Leave it to Beaver" American model of the 1950s) nor do they feel the need to fight for "equality" as in the American feminist model of today. The Mexican women have (or perhaps had) a very strong and dominant role within the family which was the center of society. They liked to make their husbands feel manly by allowing them to help them because it made them better husbands and companions. Although the author does not fully embrace every particular of the Mexican customs in this regard, she sees them generally as the women's way of cunningly "allowing" the men to feel superior in order to keep them happy while almost always having the final word.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
Review Date: 
10-04-2000

Pope John Paul II

Copyright: 
2005
Publisher: 
Ignatius Press
Binding: 
Other
Subject(s): 
Setting: 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

Pope John Paul II - Jon Voight
Karol Wojtyla up to his election as Pope John Paul II - Cary Elwes
Cardinal Adam Sapieha - James Cromwell
Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski - Christopher Lee
Stanislaw Dziwisz - Wenanty Nosul
Cardinal Agostino Casaroli (Vatican Secretary of State) - Ben Gazzara

directed by John Kent Harrison

This is a touching, detailed and very intimate portrayal of Pope John Paul II. Though produced for television, it has some very fine acting, and was filmed on location in Poland and Italy.

The pope's early life and work in Poland as a priest, bishop and cardinal are framed as a flashback at the time when the Holy Father was shot in St. Peter's Square (May 13, 1981). There are a few quick glimpses of his childhood before we are transported back to Krakow, Poland in 1939. Karol is a young man, interested in the theater, when the Nazis invade Poland. He and his friends struggle with how to respond to this invasion, which not only threatens their Jewish friends and neighbors (including some in Karol's close circle of friends), but seeks to destroy Poland as a people and a culture in its entirety. While searching for answers to these questions, he finds himself finally drawn to the priesthood.

There are many wonderful events and ideas woven into these scenes from his youth. We see him as a person with great depth, a fine mind, a deep faith and a great sense of humor. In the movie, his views on a number of issues are expressed (such as his philosophical and theological objections to Communism), but we are also able to see where they came from because the movie gives them some context.

Karol Wojtyla is a rather unconventional priest and bishop who leads camping trips with young people into the mountains for the purpose of recreation and formation. He speaks to them openly about sexuality (this scene is very beautifully done - I let my children watch this). He wiggles around the rules of the Communists in order to keep pressure on the anti-religious government and keep the people strong in their faith. One of the highlights of the film, for us, was a scene in which he simply removes the picture of Our Lady from a frame (in order to comply with rules about not displaying religious images in public) while still holding a traditional religious parade through the streets of Krakow with everyone dressed in their full regalia, the frame fully ornamented with flowers and ribbons and everyone singing with all their hearts.

There are so many interesting and delightful elements to the story that I can only touch on a few here. I found the camraderie between the archbishops of Krakow (Sapieha and then Wojtyla) and Warsaw (Wyszynski) particularly interesting. Another beautiful scene is during the papal conclave when Wojtyla realizes that he may be a candidate for the papacy. He seeks guidance from Wyszynski who reminds him of the story of Quo Vadis. It is difficult to explain the beauty of this scene, but it is thoughtfully done and is subtly pivotal to the story.

When Karol Wojtyla is elected pope, Jon Voight takes over in the leading role. The latter half of the film portrays events that are more familiar to the American public. The director personally interviewed Pope John Paul II's longtime secretary, Archbishop Stanislaw Dziwisz and his spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls to uncover many beautiful and touching details about his papacy that were included in the film. The actors playing the Pope's personal secretary and the Vatican Secretary of State are exquisitely cast and wonderfully portrayed.

The movie doesn't attempt to record every event of his 26 year papacy. Rather, it paints a picture of his personality, of his faith and of his challenges and struggles - whether with Communism, materialism or painful injuries and illnesses. Particularly memorable are his visits to his homeland and his strong connection with the youth there.

On the whole, I would consider the movie suitable for family viewing with the exception of some shooting and other violence (when the Holy Father is shot in St. Peter's Square, during the Nazi occupation and, less so, during the Communist rule) that might be unsuitable for younger children. I would estimate that this would have received a PG rating if it had been shown in the theaters. This also would make a fine introduction to the life of this great pope for those who would like to go on to read more detailed biographies, such as Witness to Hope by George Wiegel.

The only down-side is relatively minor, but I believe bears mentioning for movie buffs out there. Though the filmmakers took excellent advantage of beautiful architecture in Rome and Poland, there are just a few crowd scenes, with dubbed-in backgrounds, that came out looking rather fake.

Available from johnpaul2movie.com

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
Review Date: 
11-15-06

Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI

Keepers of the Faith
Book cover
Author(s): 
Susan Provost Beller
Number of pages: 
111 pages
Publisher: 
Franklin Watts
Binding: 
Softcover
Setting: 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

There is a whole lot be liked in this book, beginning with the title! The author has researched numerous interesting anecdotes about the lives of these two holy men so dear in the heart of many Catholics and non-Catholics alike, and the result is a fresh, easy to read and captivating double-biography.

An attractive format, crisp, clean layout, this will be a good resource for any homeschooler needing an overview of the life of our beloved John Paul the Great and a glimpse into the contemporary pope Benedict XVI as well. Susan Provost Beller does a fine job telling of their childhoods, the world they grew up in, their family sorrows and of their personal temperaments.

About every other page, there are side blurbs in blue background, about one third to one half of the page: they may feature explanations of an interesting curiosities such as Benedict XVI's love of cats or all about the Popemobile; or they may be of historical content, such as a table of papal nationalities.

The volume is generously illustrated and they complement the text very well. A timeline, a list of available resources and an index make it very user-friendly.

I was very pleased with the way the author of Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI: Keepers of the Faith treats delicate issues of religious faith in her book. I did find, however, a few problematic points, listed below. Taking these into consideration, I would recommend this book.

I found these to be the most important reservations; watch for a few more minor ones:

  • Dominus Iesus is described as a document "which doesn't leave room for much compromising with other religions" (I am paraphrasing a bit). Compromising with other religions, of course, is not true Ecumenism.
  • A statement about how the Church needs to be "creative" in thinking about AIDS problems in Africa etc. As if the Church's changing teaching on contraception would eliminate AIDS. Indeed, the Church has been creative. Look at this article on the National Catholic Register to see that when abstinence is promoted AIDS cases sharply decline.
  • There is a picture of a consecration during a papal mass with a caption that says "here's the pope consecrating (or blessing) the wine". We know, as Catholics, that the moment of Consecration is light years beyond "blessing".
Reviewed by: 
Review Date: 
12-7-2007

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