Ministry Name

Peace and Justice

Books: (Short book reviews prepared by members of our committee

Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church (2004)     This is a basic reference volume for the serious student of the social doctrine of the Catholic Church. After an initial orientation, the various dimensions of the social doctrine of the Church are presented in a cogent manner. Then follow the principles of the Church's social doctrine. In part two of this volume will be found discussions on such topics as: the family, human work, economic life, the political community, the international community, safeguarding the environment, the promotion of peace. Part three covers such topics as: pastoral action and commitment of the lay faithful.     (This review was provided by Milt Honel, 2-21-08)     Bradley, Bill. The New American Story. (2007)     Doris Kearns Goodwin, noted historian and writer, is quoted on the back cover of this book: "Bill Bradley's new book is a powerful call to arms... a wise, passionate, insightful polemic that everyone who is serious about politics and our country will read and debate in the months and years ahead."     That statement was enough to get me to pick up this book and review it. Bradley proposes a new agenda for our country and for our government. He suggests that our leaders and our people need to take a deeper look at our economy, the use of oil on our environment, the responsibility we all have to provide for our elderly, the need to reconsider the way health care is provided, the need to provide a quality education for all of our children. Bradley appraises the political scene and makes some cogent observations.     (This book review was provided by Milt Honel, 5-11- 07)     Bruchac, Joseph. Navajo Long Walk: the tragic story of a proud people's forced march from their homeland. National Geographic Society (2002)     In January 1864 Kit Carson led a raid on Canyon de Chelly... the very heart of the Navajo nation.... destroying homes, crops, livestock. A few managed to escape. Those few managed to hide in the mountains. The captured were forced to make the forced march to Bosque Redondo, a desolate reservation. Of the thousands who marched, hundreds died of exposure or starvation or were killed by the soldiers. This is also the story of triumph... the eventual proud return of the survivors to the Navajo homeland.... and their growth into the largest Native American nation in the USA.     Rosalie and I read this book prior to our mission to the Navajo reservation June 3 to June 17, 2006.     (This book review was provided by Milt Honel, 5-11- 07)     Ehrenreich, Barbara. Nickel and Dimed: on (not) getting by in America (2001)     Recommended by our grandson, Michael Wilson, a high school student. The author was assigned by her editor of Harper's to research the work and lives of minimum wage workers in America. She found out that the poor have a REAL struggle to survive working for minimum wage. This book should be read by everyone who would like to learn more about the struggle of the working poor to survive.     (This book review was provided by Milt Honel, 5-11- 07)