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The Catholic Bookworm

The Catholic Bookworm

Written by: WCAT Radio
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 Kiki Latimer interviews Catholic authors who speak about theology, philosophy, spirituality, and literary works.Copyright WCAT Radio Art
Episodes
  • Episode 274: Phil Lawler on his novel Ghost Runner (May 12, 2026)

    Episode 274: Phil Lawler on his novel Ghost Runner (May 12, 2026)
    May 14 2026
    In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Phil Lawler on his novel Ghost Runner.

    Philip Lawler, one of America’s most respected Catholic writers and cultural critics, bursts onto the fiction scene with a riveting debut novel that plunges readers into the hidden battles of the Church in the 1980s. Lawler exposes beneath the surface of parish life and chancery politics a world of secrets, compromises, and spiritual warfare — where the faithful struggle to survive and a young priest discovers that he has a special mission — and powerful enemies.

    At the center is Fr. Andy Miller, freshly ordained and already under fire. Forced into sessions with a psychologist, Miller finds that his candid inner voice collides with the stark realities of an archdiocese in which corruption festers and power eclipses truth. Yet through humor, humility, and flashes of startling grace, he fights to shepherd his flock and live out a priesthood that may come at great personal cost.

    The story races from Boston’s parishes to the danger zones of war-torn El Salvador, where Miller’s quest thrusts him into peril and political intrigue. Shadowing his path is his brother Peter, a high-ranking official in the Reagan administration, whose own battles in Washington entwine with Andy’s in ways neither could predict. With every turn, the tension mounts — lives hang in the balance, faith is tested, and the line between betrayal and redemption blurs.

    More than a thriller, this is a profound spiritual journey. Lawler pulls readers into the struggle to discern spirits, to cling to God in the face of corruption, and to discover peace through surrender to His will. Along the way, the true beauty of the Church and the essence of the priestly vocation come alive.

    This is not just a novel. It is a heart-pounding, soul-stirring plunge into faith under fire. Once you enter Fr. Miller’s world, you won’t be able to put the book down.

    Ghost Runner: Phil Lawler: 9798889116028: Amazon.com: Books
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    47 mins
  • Episode 273: Monica Tanner on her book Bad Marriage Advice (May 11, 2026)

    Episode 273: Monica Tanner on her book Bad Marriage Advice (May 11, 2026)
    May 14 2026
    In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Monica Tanner on her book Bad Marriage Advice: Debunking Myths That Will Make You Miserable and What To Do Instead.

    What if the marriage advice you’ve been following is quietly sabotaging your relationship?

    From “never go to bed angry” to “happy wife, happy life,” couples are bombarded with clichés that sound wise but often leave them feeling disconnected, resentful, or questioning whether lasting love is even possible.

    In Bad Marriage Advice, relationship and intimacy coach Monica Tanner debunks the myths that hold couples back and replaces them with clear, compassionate strategies for real communication, lasting connection, and renewed intimacy. Drawing on over two decades of lived experience, a thriving coaching practice, and a faith-centered perspective, Tanner offers a refreshingly honest roadmap to creating the kind of marriage that feels safe, passionate, and built to last. Whether days or decades into your relationship, you’ll learn how to:

    • Communicate without mind-reading or walking on eggshells
    • Rekindle emotional and physical intimacy
    • Navigate conflict with confidence and compassion
    • Grow together instead of growing apart


    Based on the fifteen most common pieces of advice couples are given, this book offers practical alternatives that work in the real world, not just in theory. This is more than advice -- it’s a lifeline. With warmth, clarity, and a coach’s insight, Monica Tanner helps couples move from frustration and survival to connection, joy, and a deeply fulfilling marriage. Happily Ever After isn’t a myth; it’s a choice. And it starts now.

    https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Marriage-Advice-Debunking-Miserable/dp/B0FQ46HG3S/
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Episode 272: Fr. Ed Maristany on Heaven Can't Wait: A Glimpse of the Eternal in the Present (May 9, 2026)

    Episode 272: Fr. Ed Maristany on Heaven Can't Wait: A Glimpse of the Eternal in the Present (May 9, 2026)
    May 9 2026
    In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Fr. Ed Maristany on Heaven Can't Wait: A Glimpse of the Eternal in the Present

    "What if heaven isn't just our destination, and happiness isn't something we wait for, but realities we can begin to live now?" In this warm, accessible guide to Christian joy, Fr. Edward Maristany invites readers into a refreshing and deeply hopeful vision of the Chistian life—one where joy is not postponed until the next world, but encountered right here in the present. With wisdom rooted in Scripture, the saints, and the lived experience of the Church, Fr. Maristany guides us through the spiritual logic of happiness: God's plan for us, the tragedy of sin, the healing power of Christ, and the grace-filled path to sanctity in ordinary life. Along the way, he answers the questions every believer faces: How can I be happy despite suffering? How do I live faithfully in a broken world? What does God want from me—today, now? This book is a heartfelt call to live as beloved sons and daughters of God, to find meaning in the moment, and to walk the daily road of faith with confidence, peace, and purpose. If you've ever longed or more than momentary pleasure—if you want lasting joy and a life that bears eternal fruit—this book is for you. Because for the Christian, heaven can't wait.

    https://scepterpublishers.org/products/heaven-cant-wait-a-glimpse-of-the-eternal-in-the-present?variant=46653359128753
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    43 mins
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