Are There Still Bookworms in the World?

By Msgr. Robert Aucoin
HERALD Columnist
(From the issue of 2/28/02)

Throughout my life, I have very seldom come across a bookstore that I did not want to go in. "I brake for all bookstores" should be a bumper sticker. When tax time comes around, once again "professional book" is a frequent entry in my checkbook. I almost feel guilty about using my love for reading for tax purposes. Of course, there are many other entries under "Leisure: books;" no tax benefit there. Some people are surprised about my love for books because they see me more as a computer nut rather than book person. Here’s the secret. Actually, the Internet has given me greater access to more books than I ever thought possible.

The first Barnes and Noble superstores were quite the phenomena and seem to remain that way even today. What a great way to lose several hours and feel good about it! Well, the Internet has its own way of making available row after row, shelf after shelf of books, not real books, but rather electronic access to a bottomless pit of titles.

Just about everyone has heard of Internet booksellers like amazon.com. These electronic bookstores are great, especially for recent books. You can even get a feel for the book thanks to digital images of the book’s own pages. In addition, there are often reviews by people who have spent time with the book. Because of the indexing system on the Internet site, Amazon will often suggest similar titles as equally attractive as the title being researched. This is definitely a marketing ploy designed to entice viewers into more purchases.

There is another way to do bookworming on the Internet. Simply go to the site of the book publisher. Obviously, since the publisher hopes to sell it, only the positives of the book will be presented. Using this method I came across some interesting titles that I had only seen advertised. In fact, some advertisements now contain Web sites where readers can find more information about the book.

Here are some interesting titles that I came across. I do not necessarily recommend the books, but believe that these Web sites can help us better discern how to select a good book.

In looking for some information about natural family planning, I came across the Web site of the Couple to Couple League at www.ccli.org. Of course, their books are highlighted on these pages. Instead of just a book, I found a cornucopia of printed resources, some online and some that could be ordered.  CCL is an excellent organization. Their publications and the ones that they recommend are top notch.

Dr. Richard Wetzel authored Sexual Wisdom. Finding authoritative and accurate information about sexuality and sexual morality is difficult. This Web site (www.sexualwisdom.com) treats the topics very comprehensively. In fact, readers could spend quite a bit of time perusing these pages just as they would the actual book. This Web site gives potential readers an excellent overview of the book and also has extended summaries of all the chapters. In fact, several chapters are posted in their entirety giving readers the chance to enjoy the author’s work before possibly buying the book.

Do you know what flashcards are? Hopefully, you do because it means that you have been exposed to a time-honored method of studying and learning. Ascension Press (www.ascensionpress.com) has some interesting publications among which are flashcards entitled "Friendly Defenders" for young learners. Two of their other titles are The Rapture Trap and Did Adam and Eve Really Have Belly Buttons? That latter title should make a reader curious enough to run to the computer and check out what this is all about. Both books have a very impressive list of recommendations from noted Catholic scholars and leaders.

There are also some gem publications that don’t have a place on the Internet yet. One of them is The Carnival Priest, the story of Msgr. Robert J. McCarthy, who is often referred to as "The Carnival Priest." This excellent volume by Tom Powell chronicles the many years of faithful and faith-filled ministry of "Father Mac" to the carnival people who spend their lives bringing joy to their audiences. This book is from the Showmen’s Chapel, 400 Pratt St., Watertown, NY 13601 (315-788-1669). This is a marvelous read, as well as inspirational.

Not sure what to read next? Check out the Internet – a haven for bookworms.

Msgr. Aucoin is a priest of the Diocese of Ogdensburg, N.Y., and rector of Wadhams Hall Seminary–College in Ogdensburg.

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