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Rating: 
Summary: Clear, Simple, and Enjoyable
Review: Anyone who has heard Archbishop Charles speak on any topic in the sphere of faith knows what an enjoyable experience it is. This slim volume is based on a series of talks given by the Archbishop during the Jubilee Year. It covers most of the hot topics that form the basis of discussion within the Church and between the various faith communities; but, it does so in the language of the average person. Make no mistake, he makes no excuses or apologies; rather he states the Catholic viewpoint in a clear readable fashion using easy to follow stories as a vehicle. The end result is an easy to understand expression of the Catholic Church's teaching on some of the key issures of the day. I heartily recommend this volume and urge the author to continue with more of the same.
Rating:
Summary: Catholic living in plain English
Review: Archbishop Chaput explains not only what Catholics believe, but how to live according to those beliefs. He is straightforward and clear, but unfailingly positive. This book is valuable for anyone interested in the Catholic Church, even cradle Catholics.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Presentation of the Catholic Faith
Review: Bishop Chaput's presentation of the Catholic faith is done in a style that makes this a very enjoyable and quick read. I picked the book up and read if from cover to cover in one sitting. It is light but packed with great material.
Rating:
Summary: A Bishop for All Seasons
Review: If we had more bishops who present the faith with such fervor, fullness, and fidelity, the Church would not be mired in the scandals that plague it: the sexual abuse scandals, the scandals of pro-abortion politicians who publicly claim to be Catholic, and the scandals of liturgical abuse and doctrinal dissent. Archbishop Chaput fully presents the challenge of Catholic moral teaching. For example, unlike many others, he does not shrink from vigorously presenting the Church's teaching on contraception. Catholics who read this book will be reinvigorated in the practice of their faith. Non-Catholics will see the attractiveness of the fullness of Catholic teaching.
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Summary: Caritas for the times
Review: In this short, well-titled book Archbishop Chaput manages to forgo tendentiousness and yet emphasizes the praxeological imperatives of Faith and honest membership in the Church. The book receives 4 stars based on the rarity of its message alone, and an additional one for its tone. Solidly orthodox while avoiding cloying pietism, the book's gently avuncular delivery is engaging, and those whose faith has been diluted over many years in dioceses shepherded by less serious men than the author will benefit from a renewed awareness of the central notion of this book: the true Faith makes demands that must be met with our actions. And too, it is not enough, if it is anything, to be nominally Catholic. Socrates, in Plato's Meno, attempts to demonstrate that things we already know, but don't know we know, must be teased out of us by a skilled interlocutor. Catholicism in America today, it might be said, is in dire need of more and better interlocutors, as many Catholics find themselves poorly catechized and unable to contend with real and never-ending wordly impediments to eternal life. Chaput is the best of a new (old) breed of Catholic bishops, succeeding in conveying the truth of the Catholic faith in its fullness, undiluted. He does so with magnetism and sympathy.
Rating: 
Summary: Archbishop Challenges the Faithful
Review: Non-Catholics or those in RCIA may be a little discouraged by his words at first. The title refers to the basics, yet he implores his readers to continue farther into lengthier volumes of Catholic doctrine. I've met the man. He's a wonderful speaker and he shows a genuine interest in those he meets. He packs the church. I would have rated it 5 except that I feel that the book is really geared for those who have taken more than the basic steps toward a deeper relationship with the church. For those people, myself included, this book only reinforces the need to be supportive of the motives and identity of the Catholic Church. Chaput's writing style is engaging and he manages to involve his readers in his points without resorting to the obfuscation of high bow theology. The price point is quite nice and this book works well for many types of readers who enjoy spiritual challenges. I'm buying more copies to give to my friends.
Rating: 
Summary: Impractical
Review: This book is completely out of touch with every day life. It's not worth your time.
Rating:
Summary: Thoughtful and Well Written
Review: This is a fine book which explains the essential beliefs of Catholicism and living the life of faith. The book is written with clarity and focus in language that is at once both simple and eloquent. The book is only 159 pages in length, yet it masterfully covers the basics of our faith in an engaging style. It is easy to read, yet it is not simplistic. It conveys the information in a straighforward manner. For those who want to better understand the faith, this book is invaluable.
Rating:
Summary: A powerful book, one to share with others.
Review: This is an easy to read book that is packed full of great principles, ideas, and instruction on meanings of the Catholic faith. I think that it would be treasured by anyone who read it. The chapters are broken down into clear thoughts and the author has you agreeing throughout each chapter. The subject matter is very important and the message is real. It taught me much about my faith. The book was given to me as a gift and I am now passing it on as one. This is definitely one of the best books on religion and the Catholic faith.
Rating:
Summary: THE TUG OF TRUTH
Review: Words cannot express my gratitude to Archbishop Charles Chaput for this beautiful book. He writes with clarity, incite, knowledge and humility. I read the book in two days (the first time) but can foresee returning to it again and again for a lifetime. From first becoming a Christian to the work of living as a Christian, the Archbishop lovingly explains the Basics of our Faith. This book is not for the faint of heart, however! You start the journey with a trip over Niagara Falls that is electrifying. Next, Chapter 2, Living in Christ, embraces the unsuspecting reader and holds so tight through the glorious drama in the synagogue of Nazareth it is hard to breathe. And it just gets better. I would highly recommend this book (only 159 pages!) for RCIA classes, Adult Faith Formation, Confirmation Classes and for anyone who wants to understand the Church to better follow Jesus.
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