A bit of background: At a meeting of Catholic Writers of St. Louis last summer, I met Mary Brockgreitens, Publicist for Liguori Publications. Mary talked to Catholic Writers of St. Louis about pitching ideas for books to Liguori and also mentioned a few books in their catalog.
During the same meeting I met Maury Prater, Advancement Director for the Missionaries of the Holy Family. Maury spoke about a book Liguori is publishing from his organization. The book is the Holy Family Prayer Book: Prayers for Every Family. The purse-size Holy Family Prayer Book is just over 100 pages, and includes a Foreward by St. Louis native, Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, the Archbishop of New York.
The description of the book on the Liguori website is: "This simple prayer book, devoted to the Holy Family, offers traditional and original prayers dedicated to helping families today."
The book is dedicated to all families in the world and includes prayers to the Holy Family, traditional Catholic prayers, and other prayers. In his foreword, Archbishop Dolan endorses the book as deserving "a place in every family home." My copy sits on my reading table so I can pick it up and read when I need inspiration or to feel peace.
Velasquez is a remarkable woman, and one of only three known people in the world with a medical syndrome that doesn't allow her to gain weight or create muscle. After an Internt video calling her "The World's Ugliest Woman" went viral, she set out to discover what truly makes us beautiful.
Her inspiring book encourages readers to recognize their own unique gifts and blessings. Each chapter includes prayers and reflections. The back cover describes her story as one that "will inspire anyone who has ever felt singled out, misunderstood, or afraid . . ."
If you would like to receive a copy of Be Beautiful, Be You, just leave a comment here between now and Tuesday, March 26th. I will select one name at random from everyone who leaves a comment and announce the name of the winner next week.
Do you have a book that inspires you?
Lizzie's book sounds really inspirational, Donna! Thanks for the recommendation.
ReplyDeleteDonna, reading an inspirational book always makes me grateful for my life and reminds me to be thankful for what I have, not what I don't have. By the way, I'm grateful for people like you who take the time to spread the word about writing contests, etc.
ReplyDeleteWe can all use some inspiration in our lives, regardless of what we struggle with.
ReplyDeleteHi Dianna,
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome. Thanks for stopping by.
Hi Alice,
You are an inspiration! And thanks for your kind words.
Hi Mary,
You are so correct! Thanks for stopping by.
This sounds like a great book. Three teens in last three have committed or tried to commit suicide in our area. One was supposedly bullied and the other two were in Catholic School. So sad how we all feel sometimes...help seeing ourselves as beautiful is so needed.
ReplyDeleteAlso, thank you for the lovely comments on my blog today.
Hi Donna,
ReplyDeleteA few months ago I was flipping through the channels on TV and came across a show on National Geographic about people with strange diseases and Ms. Velasquez was on it. I didn't realize she had written a book until I read your blog. I can't even begin to know what a day in this courageous woman's life is like. Bravo to her for writing a book that is sure to inspire all of us to finally realize that our beauty lies within us not outside of us.
The book sounds terrific. Kudos to the author for standing up and having her say. Now I have to Google her to read more about the book and her personal story. Thanks for highlighting this.
ReplyDeleteSuch a courageous and honorable young woman! I remember you mentioning the Liguori publications--seems like I used to read a booklet of theirs. Hmmm...Anyway, wanted to mention Mother Teresa's books. There are several slender volumes, but they are packed with inspiring words!
ReplyDeleteIt's always a good thing to be inspired, no matter what! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBoth of these books sound fascinating. My interest has been peaked. My stack of to-reads is getting out of control and I still have a couple months until summer break.
ReplyDeleteDonna--My interest has been piqued as well.
ReplyDelete"A Thousand Splendid Suns" is an inspiring book, in my opinion. So is "Freeman" by Louis Pitts, Jr.
I agree with everyone, Donna. I, too, love inspirational books, and many times even the shortest of quotes can bring such joy or hope.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Hi Claudia,
ReplyDeleteWhen I read something like that I think about the families. It is so sad. Thanks for being such a faithful follower; your blog is one of my favorites.
Hi Rebeca,
I didn't know about the NG special. And you are so right; Ms. Vasquez is such a brave young woman. Think how many lives she's touched in a positive way.
Hi Lisa,
You are welcome. She is very courageous to share her story.
Hi Cathy,
You are right; Mother Teresa was n inspiration. It pains me to hear stories about people who bash her good name to diminish her goodness.
Hi Lynn,
You are welcome. Thanks for stopping by.
Hi Karen,
My stack of books runneth over too. And talk about courage and inspiration--those words describe you!
Hi Sioux,
Thanks for the book suggestions. I hadn't heard of either.
Hi Becky,
You are so correct about quotes, even brief ones, being inspirational. Some times one or two words can make the difference in my day.
Donna
I would love this book. Thanks for sharing it, Donna. I hope I win. Off to find out more about the author now. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Margo,
DeleteHer story is amazing.
Donna
This is the very first Prayer Book which expresses feelings I have been unable to put into words. I heartily recommend the Holy Family Prayer Book for everyone, especially for whole family, who wishes to speak with Our Lord.
ReplyDeleteThe Equation game
Thanks for sharing info on these books, Donna. Both sound like reading I would love!
ReplyDeleteHi Henry,
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it.
Hi Theresa,
You are welcome. Thanks for stopping by.
Donna
Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my review of Sweet Salt Air.
ReplyDeleteLet me know what you think after you have read it.
Have a great day!!
Elizabeth
Silver's Reviews