The Catholic Bookworm

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Terry Modica on her books My Soul Shall Be Healed, The Father’s Heart, & Knowing God’s Will and Doing it Well (August 10, 2026)

My Soul Shall Be Healed: A Study Guide on Ecclesia de Eucharistia (The Church of the Eucharist)by Terry Modica

This easy-to-understand study guide explains in ordinary language how to understand the very important Church document, Ecclesia de Eucharistia (The Church of the Eucharist) an encyclical by Pope Saint John Paul II. You’ll be able to apply it to your everyday life in today...

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Claudia McAdam on her book The Miracle of the August Snow.

It is a hot and humid August day in Rome, and competitive twin boys Ignatius and Paulus are arguing as only brothers can. The boys and their parents live and work in the home of a wealthy Christian couple, Master Giovanni and Mistress Julia. One afternoon, when the boys suffer an unfortunate mishap, a wedge is driven between them.

Meanwhile, in answer to a prayer from Giovanni and Julia, the Blessed Virgin Mary appears to...

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Paul Murano on his book What is Marriage?: Toward a Theology of One-Flesh Union as the Image of the Trinity (August 3, 2026)

What Is Marriage? offers a profound theological and philosophical exploration of marriage as a one-flesh union rooted in human nature and elevated by grace. Drawing on Scripture, natural law, historical analysis, and contemporary thought, Paul J. Murano presents marriage as an image of Trinitarian love. Addressing modern challenges to sex, family, and identity, this work proposes a compelling vision for renewing a culture of life grounded in t...

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Dcn. Tony Surozenski on his “Go in Peace”: May Our Lives Always Give Glory to God.

In Go in Peace: May Our Lives Always Give Glory to God, retired firefighter, deacon, chaplain, and teacher Tony Surozenski reflects on a lifetime of service shaped by faith, family, and courage. Through stories of firefighting, prayer, miracles of the Eucharist, and humble lessons learned, he reveals how God’s grace guided every chapter. A heartfelt testimony to finding peace, purpose, and gratitude in serving others for the greater glory of God.
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In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Pedro Gabriel on his book The Unknown Modern Side of St. Pius X.

Pope St. Pius X is often seen as the champion of anti-modernism, but this view overlooks his deep commitment to renewal and reform. The Unknown Modern Side of St. Pius X reveals how his liturgical, ecclesial, and pastoral initiatives anticipated key developments of Vatican II and even resonate with Pope Francis’ vision today. Far from being a reactionary, Pius X was a modern pope—one who sought not to resist change but to guide it, prov...

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Michael O'Neill on his book They Might be Saints: On the Path to Sainthood in America (July 27, 2026)

Fundamental to the rapid growth of the Church in America are these exceptionally inspired men and women, not yet canonized, who lived heroic virtue and thereby changed the face of our country. Author Michael O’Neill unveils 24 of America’s greatest “blesseds” and “venerables,” whose causes for canonization are already underway.You’ll meet young Europeans who gave up secure lives for the wilderness of America―knowing they would never see their families a...

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Roland Warren on his book The Alternative to Abortion: Why We Must be Pro-ABUNDANT Life (July 21, 2026)

After the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June of 2022, many pro-life Americans --- especially Christians – began asking, “Now what?” In the more than two years that have passed since that momentous Supreme Court decision, the pro-life movement has provided a variety of answers. But as these (sometimes conflicting) answers have been tested and debated, Americans, when given the option, have chosen more abortions and more pro-choice laws, not fewer.

Against...

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Joan Watson on her book Coached by Catherine of Siena: Lessons in Charity. (July 20, 2026)

What if one of the Church's most fiery mystics could mentor you in prayer, charity, and holiness, right where you are? Walk alongside St. Catherine of Siena as she teaches you how to grow in love of God, neighbor, and the Church. Drawing deeply from her letters and prayers, this book brings Catherine's bold wisdom into your daily life— not as a distant mystic to admire, but as a spiritual coach who meets you in...

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Kristi Dentinger on her book Be a Saint in the Making: The Family Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary through the Intercession of Saint Carlo Acutis (July 20, 2026)

Be a Saint in the Making is a 16-week family consecration journey to the Immaculate Heart of Mary with the intercession of Saint Carlo Acutis. Following the First Five Saturdays of Fatima, this guide offers Scripture, prayers, holy habits, and family activities designed to nurture holiness in the home. With inspiration from Our Lady, Saint Carlo, and the saints, families a...

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Jennifer Ristine on her book Becoming Magdalene The Transforming Journey of a Disciple. (July 14, 2026)

Jennifer Ristine’s extensive contact with sacred scriptures, research into multiple historical sources, personal prayer, and first-hand ministry in the Holy Land, particularly Ancient Magdala, give credibility and foundation to creative license as Mary Magdalene’s transforming journey unfolds.
 
Hear the echo of your own heart as you encounter this enigmatic saint. Witness existential tensions in the search for identity and belonging. See her struggles with relationships as she overcomes wounds, defense mecha...

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Derek Rotty on his book Prophet of Hope (July 14, 2026)

Amid the pervasive cultural upheaval and moral uncertainty of the mid-twentieth century, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen emerged as a prophet of hope, always giving people a reason to believe that life is worth living. For decades, "America's bishop" wrote, taught, and preached about the major questions and issues that were shaping American culture.Prophet of Hope places Sheen in dialogue with eight of the leading thinkers of his day -- John Dewey, H. L. Mencken, Henry Luce, Margaret Mead, B...

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Ken Ogorek on his book series with Scott Hahn entitled Breaking the Bread: A Biblical Devotional for Catholics (July 13, 2026)

As Catholics, we draw meaning and purpose from the celebration of the Mass each Sunday. But what if we could enhance our experience of the Mass with a better grasp on the readings we hear?In Breaking the Bread, a beautiful, full-color, clothbound companion for the Sunday Mass, beloved Scripture scholar Scott Hahn reflects on the Sunday Mass readings, providing insightful context for all Catholics to better understand what we...

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Carmel Duca on his book Life at the Margins: Reflections on a Missionaries of Charity Brother’s Journey with the Poor.

Life at the Margins invites readers into the extraordinary, hidden world of the poor as seen through the eyes of Missionaries of Charity Brother Carmel Duca. Drawing on decades spent in prisons, shelters, and forgotten communities across Latin America, India, and the United States, Duca reveals stories of resilience, suffering, humor, and grace. His vivid encounters illuminate how the marginalized become unexpected teachers of gratitude, compassion, and th...

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews A.R.K. Watson on her book The Vines of Mars: Murder in the First Colony.

Tomás thought he had accepted the tragic loss of his sister to the natural calamities of the Martian frontier, until the day a mysterious stranger emerges from the desolate landscape-- on a planet where everyone knows everyone and newcomers only come by rocket. No one is supposed to survive outside the colony and yet this strange half-feral boy has. What's more, he knows what really happened to Tomás' sister. Everything To...

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Stephen Gabriel on his book Love Finds a Way: Building a Friendship with Christ in the Midst of Life (July 2, 2026)

Are you a Catholic striving to live your faith more deeply, but sensing that God is asking more of you? In Love Finds a Way, Stephen Gabriel shares a deeply personal and practical guide for cultivating a richer interior life. Drawing on the wisdom of St. Josemaria and the spiritual tradition of the Church, Gabriel offers encouragement, structure, and specific devotions to help lay Catholics grow in friendship...

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Fr. Gregory Cleveland, OMV, on his book My Seal on His Heart: Eucharistic Intimacy in the Song of Songs (June 17, 2026)

In My Seal on His Heart, Fr. Cleveland unveils the Song of Songs as the key that unlocks the deepest mystery of the Eucharist: God’s desire to unite Himself to His people in a covenant of love.From ancient Israel’s Passover to Christ’s New Passover, the Scriptures reveal a divine love story unfolding through history. The rabbis saw the Song as...

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Claudia McAdam on her book St. Paul's Nephew to the Rescue.

Saint Paul is imprisoned, and angry men are plotting to kill him. Saint Paul's nephew overhears their evil plan, and even though he's small and afraid, he knows he needs to do something to stop them. In this exciting, illustrated story, based on true events from Saint Paul's life as recounted in the Acts of the Apostles, children will learn about heroism in the face of danger and what it means to be a Christian witness. St...

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Melanie Cox on her book You Have To Know: What I've lived. What He's shown. What you need to know. (June 16, 2026)

What if your mess was the very place God wanted to meet you? In You Have to Know, Melanie Cox invites you into twenty raw, real-life stories where grace collided with chaos—and God’s love rewrote the ending. Through personal moments of struggle, humor, and breakthrough, this devotional journey offers more than inspiration. It’s a guided path into deep healing, restored identity, and powerful encounters with G...

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Sister Mary Catherine Blanding, IHM on her book St. John Henry Newman: A Doctor of the Church for Our Time – Spiritual Guide for the Catholic Heart. (June 15, 2026)

Sister Mary Catherine Blanding’s St. John Henry Newman: A Doctor of the Church for Our Time presents a compelling and deeply pastoral introduction to one of the most influential Catholic thinkers of the modern era. Drawing from Newman’s sermons, spiritual writings, and personal journey of conversion, Blanding reveals why Newman continues to speak powerfully to contemporary believers confronting doubt, secula...

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Leslea Wahl on her book The Ultimate Blindside (June 9, 2026)

This follow-up to The Perfect Blindside and The eXtreme Blindside by Leslea Wahl continues the story of Jake Taylor, an international snowboarding icon, and his girlfriend, Sophie. In The Ultimate Blindside, a movie about Jake’s life is in the works, but even as their past is being replayed for the screen, their current lives are full of intrigue and excitement.Jake rescues a woman and her daughter, who were trapped in a car in an icy pond, but the wom...

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Regina Civiletti on her memoir Journey to Forgiveness (June 8, 2026)

When tragedy struck and Regina Civiletti lost her husband to a drunk driver, her world shattered. Journey to Forgiveness is her raw, heartfelt account of grief, faith, resilience, and the long road toward healing. Through harrowing memories, courtroom battles, and the daily struggle of raising three children alone, Regina discovers strength in love, community, and Christ. This moving memoir offers hope to anyone facing loss and searching for peace beyond unimaginable pain.

Journey to Forgiveness by Regina...

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Christina Weigand on her book Palace of the Twelve Pillars (June 8, 2026)

The Peace Summit was in shambles, the prince kidnapped. When the rival king realizes he kidnapped the wrong prince, hostilities escalate. Loyalties to each other and country are tested for the twin princes of Crato, Joachim and Brandan. Joachim, captive of King Waldrom, faces deception and betrayal as he struggles to find his way home. Brandan, at home with a father focused on rescuing Joachim, wrestles with his own demons as he searches for his place in...

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Steve Hemler on his book The Busy Parent's Guide to the Catholic Faith. (June 2, 2026)

What do you say when your child asks, "How do we know God exists?" or "Why do Catholics believe in the Eucharist?" or "Isn't science enough?"
  
For decades, Catholic educator and parent Steven R. Hemler has been writing summaries to help answer the big faith questions young people ask, and this book is the fruit of that work.
  
A practical, easy-to-use resource, anyone entrusted with nurturing the faith of the next...

In this episode of Help Me, Ronda!, Ronda Chervin talks about her book The Battle for the 20th-Century Mind.

In The Battle for the 20th Century Mind, philosopher Ronda Chervin examines the defining ideological struggles that shaped modern thought, contrasting influential secular thinkers with Christian defenders of truth and human dignity. Through compelling intellectual pairings—including Russell vs. Gilson, Sartre vs. John Paul II, and Freud vs. Frankl—Chervin explores faith, atheism, morality, education, psychology, and culture. This engaging work offers readers a sweeping introduction to twentieth-century philosophy and a powerful defense of Christian realism in an age of s...

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Fr. Sebastian White, OP, on his Life and Ministry.

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Joan Elizabeth Bauer on her novel The Bicycle Messenger. (June 1, 2026)

In the 1970s, when a distant cousin dies unexpectedly, Mary Ellen and Charles Hawley agree to take his seven-year-old son Steven into their home. Steven’s birth mother, a Polish immigrant, has schizophrenia and can’t assume custody. But in a last traumatic visit, she convinces her son that a mysterious presence called the bicycle messenger has followed him into his new life.

Years later, Steven, a recovering alcoholic with a history of bipolar disorder, is work...

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Fr. Dennis Billy, CSsR, on his book My Journey’s End (May 26, 2026)

This volume offers a contemplative collection of spiritual reflections and poetic meditations, tracing the human journey toward meaning, surrender, and hope. Written with simplicity and depth, these brief pieces invite readers to pause, listen, and walk honestly through longing, doubt, faith, and grace. Rooted in Christian spirituality yet universally human, this book accompanies readers as they take life one step at a time toward rest in God.

My Journey’s End by Fr. Dennis J. B...

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Fr. Dennis Billy, CSsR, on his book Going Forth: St. Alphonsus de Liguori and the Spirituality of Mission (May 26, 2026)

This book completes Fr. Dennis J. Billy’s acclaimed trilogy on Alphonsian spirituality. Drawing on theology, history, and pastoral insight, Fr. Billy explores how mission flows from God’s own life of love and finds concrete expression in preaching, sacrament, community, and service to the poor and most abandoned. Rooted in tradition yet attentive to today’s Church, this work invites readers to rediscover missionary discipleship as a lived spirit...

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Fr. Dennis Billy, CSsR, on his book Paradise for God: St. Alphonsus de Liguori and the Spirituality of Heart. 

Paradise for God explores St. Alphonsus de Liguori’s “spirituality of heart,” examining his vision of conversion, prayer, and intimate friendship with God. Focusing on the human heart as the dwelling place of God, the book unpacks Alphonsian practices like mental prayer and the Way of the Cross, offering readers a path to deep personal transformation, grace-filled discipleship, and union with Christ’s heart in a life of mission and love...

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Ronda Chervin on her children's book The Girl Who Became a Cat. (May 19, 2026)

When Melinda’s family evacuates during a Los Angeles fire, she stays behind to save her beloved cats. Faced with danger, she prays for help–and, in a mysterious transformation, becomes like them to lead them to safety. Her courageous journey unfolds across land and sea, guided by faith and love. This imaginative tale becomes a gentle Christian parable of sacrifice, trust, and redemption, reflecting how divine love enters our world to rescue and restore us.<...

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Jon Harmon on his novel Scraps of Grace.

A single father grapples with the loss of self-identity in the wake of trauma, and begins to long for spiritual connection in this literary novel filled with wry humor and wit.

Twenty-six-year-old Tyler Manion is overwhelmed by the loss in his life. Six months ago, his wife died suddenly, and tomorrow will be his last day at General Motors. Raising his nearly two-year-old son alone, he puts up a brave front, pretending to have it all together. But...

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Ginny Kochis on her book Quirky Catholic Kids: Navigating Neurodivergence with Faith & Joy.

Quirky kids are more: more intense, more active, more emotive, and more sensitive - as much a parent's or educator's greatest challenge as they are their greatest joy. In Quirky Catholic Kids, Ginny Kochis explores the complex journey of parenting and educating "outside-the-box," neurodivergent children - that is, those whose brains receive, process, and express information in unconventional ways - sharing her authentic, often vulnerable, experience as a parent and educator alongside faith-filled strategies designed...

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. And...

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 bac...

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 ex...

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interview Ronda Chervin on her book Church of Love.

This book presents Catholic faith as a living encounter with divine love rather than a system of rules. Drawing on Scripture, sacramental theology, and personal insight, Ronda Chervin shows how God’s self-giving love is revealed through prayer, dogma, the sacraments, and daily Christian life. This enduring work invites readers to rediscover the Church as an intimate, transforming communion with Christ rooted in love.

https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/churchoflove/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Fr. Carter Griffin on his book Reclaimed: Win the War of Freedom, Self-Mastery, and Holy Purity (May 4, 2026)

You were made for greatness— but the culture around you is trying to convince you otherwise. The permissive sexual wisdom of our time has failed. In a world hijacked by half-truths about freedom, love, and masculinity, young men are caught in a battle for their hearts. The good news: You don’ t have to settle for addiction, shame, or mediocrity. You were made for more. This is your field manual for the fi...

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Ken Francis on his book Cities of the Absurd: Strange Tales from the Dark Metropolis (May 1, 2026)

This anthology of fictional short stories follows curious moments in the lives of alienated characters confronted in a moral maze of theological, technological, and existential angst in dark places where AI hologram ghosts malfunction, lucid dreams become nightmares, and murderous misfits attack the innocents. These journeys into the black-and-white nights that meander through suicide alleyways are set in and around the edge of the cities with nocturnal themes ranging from surrealism, black h...

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Fr. Michael Najim on his book Radical Surrender: Letters to Seminarians.

In Radical Surrender: Letters to Seminarians, Father Michael Najim offers a series of spiritual letters designed to accompany men discerning the priesthood. Written in the spirit of lectio divina, these reflections guide seminarians toward deeper prayer, trust in God’s providence, and wholehearted surrender to Christ. Addressing formation, spiritual struggle, and pastoral vocation, the book invites readers to encounter the Lord in the depths of the heart and to grow into joyful, faithful servants of the Church.

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Ian Mahood talks about his book Prince, Patron and Patriarch: The Litany of St. Joseph and the Dogma That Makes It Strong.

St. Joseph is often called the Silent Saint―but in this bold and beautifully structured meditation, his voice resounds loud and clear as a spiritual father, guardian, and intercessor for the whole Church. Ian Mahood leads readers through meditations on each title of the Litany of St. Joseph, grounding every reflection in Scripture and Church teaching. This is a doctrinally solid invitation to love the foster father of Jesus mo...