Book Review - Sinner by Lino Rulli

First, the title really caught my attention. Second, it was written by a man. Third, it is the life story of an Italian. I figured, I'm a sinner and Italian and I know men, so what the heck, I'll choose this book to review. Okay, maybe those are not the exact reasons, but they certainly played a small part. I choose it because I wanted something different from what I usually read.

In Sinner, Rulli tells about his life the way you would hear it from your friend over a drink. Is being a Catholic always easy? No. But, as you read through the chapters you realize that to Rulli, it is worth it. He is funny, very funny and honest about who he is. HIs chapters on Confession combined with the chapter on his doctor visit while in grad school is enough to recommend the book.

In my head, I want to write things as honestly and humorously as he does. Through all the jokes and one-liners though, Rulli is a man after God's heart, trying to serve him and share Jesus' Gospel in his down to earth, easy to understand way.

This book is perfect for anyone who thinks people who write Catholic books must be oh so holy and perfect or for the person who needs to laugh a little.

I appreciate simplicity; Rulli speaks the truth about our faith and his life simply so that it is accessible to many people. Personally, I think it is more difficult to convey faith simply. Rulli does a great job. Get yourself a copy of the book and then share it with a friend.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Sinner. They are also a great source for a Catechism of the Catholic Church or a Catholic Bible.

PS: I totally related to people not saying his name right:)

7 Quick Takes

1.  I'm sure many of you have seen those big, blow up Christmas decoration for your lawn.
Well, I walk at times when these huge decorations are not inflated, so they look like nylon fabric puddles.  Very sad.  The other morning, as I walked and pondered life I realized that I am like an inflatable as well.  When I am filled with God and the Holy Spirit I have a certain appearance and attitude.  When I am empty, I am flat, just a puddle without any shape or purpose; not even recognizable as a child of God. 





2.  My mother's knee surgery went well.  It is her right knee though, so no telling when they will be able to drive down here to Florida from New York.  Next week she'll go back to the doctor and find out.  She promises she'll be down here when I get back from Australia.

3. I have reservations for Canberra and Melbourne. We are stying in a hostel in Melbourne, I figured I should experience a hostel stay once.  I also thought it would be better with Elisa than with my husband!  It is a private room just for the two of us and has a bathroom, so I will avoid the dorm experience; I may be a bit old for that.

4.  Speaking of old, my birthday is next week.  I am trying to avoid it.  Then I think I should be embracing life and enjoying the fact that I am still pretty young, just a few gray hairs, and good physical health.  Mental, well, who knows.  I'll let you know what I decide.

5.  Busy weekend.  Tonight I have some baking and prepping to do for our party tomorrow night.  Then, Saturday get ready for the party, which is shaping up quite nicely.  Sunday we are going to see Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat at our local theater, Maltz Jupiter Theater.  I saw the show years ago in Chicago with Donny Osmond as Joseph; I don't remember much, except that Joseph was very buff.

6.  Two surprises in one day on Tuesday.  First my son showed up at my office to visit for a bit.  Considering he lives two hours away, it was a big surprise.  Then we went to the supermarket and my husband spied an old friend at the check-out line next to us.  She was in my youth ministry program back in the day, among many other things we did together.  It was great to see her. 

7.  Tuesday night is the annual seminary Christmas party.  last year it was quite cold and outdoor heaters were set up.  This year we may need outdoor cool air misters instead.  The party is fun, with good food and seminarian bartenders.  The skits are the best though, especially when they cut up the ties of the men who will soon become transitional deacons.

7 Quick Takes

More Quick Takes over here, go, it's fun!

1.  I love the way the church smells where I work.  When you walk in, no matter which door, you smell wax candles.  Yes, we have "real" candles.  I think it makes the church smell holy!                                           

2.  Although Pinterest does take up valuable time I spent on Facebook reading edifying books, I have made quite a few projects I found on the site.  So, I'm glad I am over there.  You can follow me if you'd like by clicking on the link at the left.

3.  This weekend is our monthly Faith & Fun.  We will decorate Gingerbread Houses and make candy gift bags for our healing Mass next week.  In preparation, the parish administrator and I spent a few hours constructing the houses so they would be ready to decorate on Sunday.  Let's just say it's a good thing we don't build houses for a living.  As always, icing covers a multitude of issues.

4.  I am behind in my plans for Australia and I had better get moving on places to sleep while we are there or we'll be sleeping in the car.  I think hotels and tickets to the opera are on my to-do list for tonight.

5.  Going dancing tomorrow night.  Can't wait.

6.  I dislike waking up and going walking in the morning.  Alot.  I set my alarm, have my clothes ready and find all sorts of reasons to not go.  I like to walk after work; however, most evenings it is dark and I don;t like walking in the dark either.  It is a bit scary.  So, I need to make a decision, suck it up and go int he morning or walk in the dark and be scared?  Decisions, decisions...

7.  My parents are not coming for Christmas since my mom has to have surgery on her torn meniscus.  My dad had his repaired a few weeks ago, they could have had it done together but alas, mom's didn't bother her until a few days ago.  And when she says excruciating pain, she means it.  I'm bummed, but glad it isn't anything too serious.  She said they will stay through to Easter now.  We'll see what happens.