John A. O'Brien (1) (1893–1980)

Excellent overviews of the lives of Paul the Apostle, St. Augustine Bishop of Hippo, Cardinal John Henry Newman, G. K. Chesterton, Orestes Brownson, and Isaac Hecker. Highlights their conversions, and how each of their lives were dramatically changed by conversion, then highlights their many and enduring contributions to the faith, most notably their writings. For those wanting a more in-depth look at any of the men covered in the book there are suggestions for further reading and study included at the back of the book.

This was one of our family's devotional read-alouds this spring. Our kids range from age 14 down to age 2, and the subject matter, as well as the terminology was a bit of a stretch for them, but this isn't the first "stretch" read-aloud they've experienced, nor will it be the last. It prompted several good discussions.… (mehr)

3600. Roads to Rome: The Intimate Personal Stories of Converts to the Catholic Faith, edited by John A. O'Brien (read July 12 2002) An article in the current Columbia magazine mentioned this book along with the very different book, While Rome Burns, by Alexander Woollcott (read 12 Sep 1998), so I thought I'd read this book. There are 16 accounts, each written by the person involved. Alexis Carrel's account was the most dramatic, whereas Anne Fremantle's is probably the most bizarre in view of her precocious youth and studies in various faiths. A pleasant to read book.… (mehr)