The Catholic Bookworm

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 them and to their friend Pope Liberius in a dream. She predicts a shocking miracle -- a snowfall in summer! She also makes a request that Ignatius and Paulus can help fulfill, but only if they put animosity behind them and work together.

The Miracle of the August Snow retells the legend of the miraculous snowfall that occurred overnight on August 5, 358 in Rome. This story allows young readers to enter into a fun, faith-building account of an apparition of the Blessed Mother, which led to the building of the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore (Saint Mary Major). 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1681927985

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 truth, unity, and divine purpose.

What is Marriage?: Toward a Theology of One-Flesh Union as the Image of the Trinity by Paul Murano | En Route Books and Media

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.

https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/goinpeace/

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, proving that continuity, not rupture, defines the Church’s path through history.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/9893372798

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 again. You’ll meet the husband and wife who, despite being slaves, showed remarkable charity to their so-called “owners.” You’ll explore the miraculously productive life of Knights of Columbus founder Fr. Michael McGivney, who died at the age of 38, as well as the 23-year-old explorer priest who covered 200,000 square miles, heard Confessions for up to 14 hours at a stretch, ate prairie rats when necessary―and founded 30 parishes.You’ll also enjoy the remarkable stories of:

• Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, America’s first TV evangelist
• Pierre Toussaint, once a slave, then an entrepreneur devoted to the poor
• Fr. Patrick Peyton, “The Rosary Priest,” whose reached hundreds of thousands with his rallies and radio crusades
• Henriette DeLille, the legendary “Saint of New Orleans”
• Fr. Augustus Tolton, the nation’s first black priest, himself a former slave
• Five foundresses of religious communities who produced thousands of teaching nuns
• Twelve holy souls who quietly devoted their lives to the poor

They Might Be Saints: On the Path to Sainthood in America: Michael O'Neill: 9781682782248: Amazon.com: Books

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 this backdrop, Roland C. Warren, president and CEO of Care Net, one of the nation’s largest and oldest pro-life ministries, lays out his unique vision for the future of the pro-life movement in this groundbreaking book, The Alternative to Abortion: Why We Must be Pro Abundant Life. In it, Warren weaves together his personal story, timeless Biblical truths, American history, and the latest social science to make a clear and compelling case for why being pro-life is no longer enough – and how a new pro abundant life approach is what has been needed all along to truly vanquish abortion.

Warren's journey towards this paradigm shift began during his Princeton University college years when he and his then-girlfriend, now wife of over four decades, faced the daunting decision of abortion or choosing life for their unborn child. They chose life, and that is when Roland’s 40-year journey to this book began. Upon joining Care Net in 2012, Warren challenged conventional pro-life strategies by recognizing the link between abortion rates and the erosion of marriage, father involvement, and discipleship. He realized, with a “download from God,” that the Bible itself held all of the answers on how the pro-life movement must move forward.

That is when the idea of becoming pro abundant life was born. As he read the words of John 10:10, Warren understood that Christians must be pro abundant life because Jesus himself was. And as he began to unpack how this revelation would play out in reality, God began revealing the not-so-secret pro-life strategies nested in some of the most popular Bible stories and verses.

In The Alternative to Abortion, readers will learn how the story of Christ’s birth, the story of the Good Samaritan, and Jesus’ teachings on the Great Commandment and the Great Commission tell us everything we need to know about how to win the fight against abortion. Most importantly, it acts as a clarion call to the Church to rethink how it views abortion – not as a political issue that must be avoided, but as a discipleship issue at the heart of the Church’s very purpose for existence.
The Alternative to Abortion will take readers through a compelling explanation of what it means to be pro abundant life, why it matters, and what it means for the future of pro-life ministry – all the way from the big picture vision down to the everyday tactics that can be employed to save unborn children from abortion, build strong families, and make disciples for Jesus Christ.

Every chapter of the book concludes with practical steps that Christians can take to turn their pro-life passion into pro abundant life action. The book also contains several frameworks and apologetics that pro-life people can use to have productive conversations with their pro-choice friends and family members, moving them closer to embracing a pro abundant life vision.

The Alternative to Abortion stands as the definitive response to the question on the minds of pro-life Americans, "What now?" It promises to revolutionize the course of the pro-life movement, heralding a new era where the fight against abortion is finally won.

Amazon.com: The Alternative to Abortion: Why We Must be Pro Abundant Life: 9798275518221: Warren, Roland C.: Books

See also https://youtu.be/oaZ_5_UbEOM?si=AV1Dqz5OkCr29yiT

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 your struggles and calls you to rise above them. Catherine doesn't ask you to levitate or to live on nothing but the Eucharist. She asks you to begin. Again and again. Through daily prayer, honest self-knowledge, and sacrificial love, she shows how every Christian, no matter how weak or ordinary, can become a saint. Whether you're battling distraction, discouragement, pride, or sloth, Catherine has been there— and she will not let you stay stuck. She speaks with authority, tenderness, and with a burning desire for your holiness. Let her coach you. And let God, through her and out of complete love for you, make you new.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/159417556X

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 are invited to discover their unique call to sanctity together.

Archbishop- Designate of Mobile Alabama gave the consecration an imprimatur on August 5th, 2025.

Be a Saint in the Making: The Family Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary through the Intercession of Saint Carlo Acutis by Kristi Dentinger | En Route Books and Media

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 mechanisms, and false perceptions of self and God. Step into the messiness of life that has potential to reconcile rifts and fulfill grand and noble desires. Listen for interior movements of the heart, indicative of multiple influences at play as she walks with her Rabboni.
 
Join Saint Mary Magdalene, the apostle to the Apostles, as she discovers God’s providential hand guiding her toward authentic freedom and love. It is a path to which we are all called. And it invites a continual response. Read it for fun, for inspiration, for spiritual reading, or make use of it as an ongoing personal retreat. Wherever you are on your journey of faith, you will find a companion here.

Becoming Magdalene: The Transforming Journey of a Disciple by Jennifer Ristine | En Route Books and Media

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. F. Skinner, Jack Kerouac, Betty Friedan, and Michael Harrington -- showing how he confronted the key philosophical, psychological, economic, and societal issues facing the world in his time. Drawing on his radio broadcasts, television show, and writings, this book presents Sheen grappling with the influences that shaped modern culture, including atheism, isolation, cynicism, anxiety, and despair. His prophetic voice of hope still resonates today.Nearly a century after he entered the public sphere, Sheen continues to offer sound guidance for living our Catholic Faith, showing us how to respond with charity, truth, and hope to the modern world.

Prophet of Hope: Fulton Sheen Responds to the Modern World: Rotty, Derek: 9781681929675: Amazon.com: Books

https://www.derekrotty.com