That other fabulous giveaway for the beautiful devotional Sacred Art Gospels of St. Luke and St. John is still going, so don't forget to enter!
But in that Christmas shopping spirit (if your shopping spirit tends towards books at this point), I'm trying to get some things out for you so you can tick some lucky recipients off your list!
As soon as I read Tony Esolen's Reclaiming Catholic Social Teaching, I knew I wanted to tell you about it. (That awesome cover: painted by Deirdre's Artist husband, John Folley!)
Do you remember when we talked about Casti Connubii? That old church document that explains marriage? When we were done with that one, I really wanted to write about Catholic social teaching. It's always struck me that economists and political philosophers start with the wrong end of the stick. They act as if man springs forth into society all grown up, ready to make his own decisions and create a life for himself out of nothing.
The questions they ask seem pointless to me, because no one can do that! You're born as a baby into a certain family, place, nation, religion — you have to deal.
And most of your decisions are based more on how to pay your bills, what your talents and shortcomings are, and how to make a good life for your family than according to some ideal you thought of while gazing out of your ivory tower.
But the truth is, I'm not an economist or political philosopher, so I was waiting for the Spirit to move me to know how to approach this topic, other than in my own oblique way.
Well, lo! the Spirit has prompted Anthony Esolen to tackle the writings of Pope Leo XIII, a man who saw things whole.
Again with the dusty old documents that happen to contain a lot of wisdom and the proper perspective!
And this book would make an utterly fabulous reason to get together with the couples in your St. Gregory Pocket and have a wonderful discussion in the New Year — don't worry, we'll come back to this!
For now, wouldn't this book make a great gift for You Know Who? That person in your life who likes to read and who already has a tie?
You know?
The one I mean?
Like all Esolen's work, Reclaiming Catholic Social Teaching is readable and enjoyable. Every chapter is compelling. No one will be bored. Yet — you will think! You will understand.
Above all, this book will help convince you that your little family has a tremendous role to play for the good of the world.
Sophia Press is generously offering 15% off your purchase of this book in the next week (use this code: LMLD15), and you can get it from them by Christmas if you choose UPS shipping. Don't forget that they have a flat-rate shipping of $5 on all your orders (but it might not be there until Little Christmas, January 6). And of course, you can order Reclaiming Catholic Social Teaching from Amazon.
But — there's more! If you order this book from Sophia, you will receive this one as well, free! (Just mention in the notes section as you place your order that you are receiving Reflections as well — for free.)
I know that you will appreciate the “little way” Esolen reveals in Reflections on the Christian Life, through storytelling, in that inimitable style of his, so steeped in classical reading and Scripture.
So, without further eloquence, enter!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
(FYI, you are asked for your email *only* so that you can be contacted if you win! So do not fear the “registration.” If you are entering the drawing with a comment, don’t forget to come back up here and click on the Rafflecopter thingy to get your entries!)
Don't forget — you get both books in this giveaway and/or if you order from Sophia Institute Press in the next week.
Don't forget the code for this book: LMLD15 for 15% off!
More tomorrow, so check back! MWAH!
Kathy@9peas says
I am praying that raffle-copter smiles on me this time, I would LOVE to win these!
Molly says
Ooh! I don’t need to enter because I just picked this up at our Catholic Bookstore a few days ago!
Ruth Anne says
More great books to add to the reading list!
Sue K says
I love Anthony Esolen’s writings!
Cathy says
another great book! This is so much fun. Thanks, Cathy
Melina says
Ooh, I’d love to win/read this!
Catherine says
Ooh my husband and I love Anthony Esolen! He’s such a fabulous writer.
Holly says
I just put this on my to-read list for next year!
Susan says
We love Anthony Esolen but don’t have either of these books. Thanks for the giveaway!
Rose says
I really love Anthony Esolen’s writing and this would make a great gift for my husband!
Heather says
I love his writing and would appreciate the chance to read this book in the new year.
Katie King says
This would be perfect for my husband (and me)!
Jamie says
I’d be interested in reading these!
Laurel says
My husband would love this book!
Emily D. says
I love Anthony’s stuff. 🙂 Yay!!!!
Kristi says
I would love to read this (oops, are we only supposed to be thinking of this as a gift? Can we re-gift after we read it ourselves? haha 😉 ). It’s good to know it would be a good read for husbands/fathers, too. I read “How to Destroy the Imagination of Your Child” earlier this year and found it thought-provoking and fascinating. Thank you for holding the giveaway!
Nanci says
This would be a wonderful double gift- meaning I could read it and pass it on!!
Emily M says
Thanks for the giveaway!
Heather says
I just love Esolen! I’d be so happy to win these.
Rain says
I heard Mr. Esolen on Catholic Answers last week. I would love to read both of these books!
Celeste says
Anything Anthony Esolen writes is golden, so I’m sure this book is no exception!
Amy says
Good gracious. Yet another awesome giveaway. Esolen is awesome. Thank you!
Rosie says
One of my favorite authors!!!!! Oh my, how exciting. He writes about such important topics so beautifully it feels like I am reading poetry. I love his work!
Erin says
I am just in the middle of reading Ten Ways to Destroy the Imagination of Your Child. I am enjoying it and would love to read Esolen’s work on Catholic Social Teaching.
Mandy says
They sound like great reads to kick off a new year. Thank you for hosting the giveaway.
Mary says
I took a Catholic social teaching course in college and I remember it was fascinating. I would love to win this! Thank you!
Ruthie says
thankful for the giveaways!
Sarah C says
Thanks for the chance to win! I love learning about different aspects of catholic faith (small c intended. As a protestant mama, I feel that there are so many things that my church has missed in their understanding of faith)
Cassandra Brungardt says
I would love to win this for our home school!
Sue Dow says
Just started listening to his talks…would love to win this book.
Evelyn says
Interested in this…could you tell me where I could find them?
Cristina says
I’ve never read anything from Dr. Esolen that I haven’t loved. I’m sure my husband (and I!) would love this as well!
mandamum says
I like Esolen’s writing, and am fascinated by the theme. Thanks for highlighting it (and all your library project posts – right up my thought-alley).
Jennifer says
I would love to win this book. Thank you for the opportunity!
Betsy M says
I am a huge fan of Mr. Ensolen and would love to win this. Thanks!
Clara says
This would be wonderful to win. 🙂
Heather says
I would love to be told how important my little family is!
Melissa Diskin says
I would love these!
Maxine says
This looks like a great book! Thanks for the recommendation.
Erica Saint says
Great giveaway! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Teresa says
Anthony Esolen – just the BEST
Thanks for a great great giveaway
Woman of the House says
I really enjoy Esolen’s writing even though I’m not Catholic. So much of what he says is true for Christians of all stripes. Thanks for offering this giveaway!
Sarah D says
I love Anthony Esolen! And so does my husband!
Great giveaway!
Amanda L. says
My husband (and myself) would love to read this!
Ivy says
Would love to read this! The cover is beautiful, too.
mary v. says
Would love to win! Thanks.
Stephanie says
I enjoy Anthony’s writing very much! Thank you for the giveaway!
Brit says
I have been eyeing this book for a while now. I have really enjoyed anything of his that I have read and look forward to reading this one too.
Lori Richmond says
This looks like an interesting read to add to the others you have recommended!
Jen Thomason says
Thank you for your wisdom, for your great practical ideas, recipes, and most of all: for your heart of Love for Jesus! I find this website to be a mini retreat, each and every time I come visit!
CMerie says
You’re right, this would make a perfect gift for my you-know-who. 🙂
Annalisa says
Yes, please! Sounds great!
Wendy J says
Oh gosh, I love anything Anthony Esolen writes- my current favorite is Ten Ways To Destroy the Imagination of Your Child. Thanks for the giveaway!
Julie says
I am in the middle of Ten Ways to Destroy the Imagination of Your Child and I hadn’t realized he was Catholic. I’d love to read these other books by him.
KB says
I would love to win his books! 😀
Kiera says
Looks wonderful! Thank you for the opportunity to win this.
Lisa says
Anxious to read this. Thanks so much!
Ellen says
I read how to destroy your child’s imagination and learned so much. I’m sure if we won this one I would have to read it before giving it away.
Jennifer says
I love Anothony Esolen’s writings. I read him in Touchstone.
Christine says
This! Is the pinnacle of giveaways. I love reading Esolen!
Will Bloomfield says
This is already in my Amazon wishlist. All of Professor Esolen’s writings are excellent!
Mrs. B. says
Thank you, Leila and Sophia I. Press!
I usually read Esolen online, but have no real books yet, just the very good comment he wrote for Magnificat when we started the new translation at Mass.
Emily b says
I was introduced to Mr. Esolen’s writings via this blog and continue to love his work! Thank you!
Ashley Sue says
Love his books! Thank you for such a great giveaway.
Beth F says
What a great giveaway!
Allison says
Have read a number of articles by Anthony Esolen, would be interested in reading some of his books as well, I think.
Tracy says
So glad you turned me on to Esolen’s writing! Would love to read this one.
E.R. says
Would love to read this! He is a great writer!
Anna says
I would love to give these to my husband for Christmas. And then read them myself.
Nancy Starkey says
Would love to read both books!
cynthia merrill says
This is a great give away and one to inspire in the New Year!
Laura Jeanne says
This book looks quite interesting. I’m entering!
E.C.R. says
I totally need this book!
M'Lynn says
Having appreciated Ten Ways, I’m interested in what else Esolen is thinking about so this seems to be an opportunity not to be missed. My thanks for it, M’Lynn
Michelle says
You can never read enough Esolen. 😉
Thank you for having the giveaway!
Jessica says
I would love this for my husband! (And then myself!)
Rachel says
Thank you!
Catherine says
I need books to lay these teachings out for me, and it would also make a great gift. Thank you for the giveaway!
Christina K. says
I’m always looking for another reminder that our little family has an important role in bringing about good in the world! That is one reason I enjoy your blog so much. Here’s hoping we win!
Emma says
I’d love to read more from Anthony Esolen. Thanks.
Erica says
I love Anthony Esolen. I really enjoyed his book on how to destroy your child’s imagination.
Julie says
Esolen the prolific. Why yes I think I will.
Julie
Julie says
Esolen the prolific. Why yes I think I will.
Julie
Stephanie in Germany says
Thanks for this great opportunity ! (I do have an american address, just in case I win!)
Valerie says
More great books! Thank you for the giveaway, I would love this.
sibyl says
One of my favorite writers. I can’t wait to read it!
Theresa says
I’ll have to buy this book, unless I’m lucky and win it….it sounds like a very good read. Perhaps a good New Year’s resolution for all Catholics would be to get a better grasp on the Social Teaching of the church. Thanks for introducing us to this book!
Elizabeth R. says
Having read Esolen’s Dante translation I am particularly excited to read this!
Kelsey says
This sounds fantastic! I’d love to win!
Kelly says
I would be so delighted to win this giveaway. I enjoy all that Professor Esolen writes. Thank you!
jc-deogratias says
I have enjoyed everything I’ve read by Anthony Esolen—how did I miss a new one? I would love to win this, but have to admit that the giving it away part would be a major challenge. I’d probably have to read it first;-). To make sure it’s good, of course!
Shelley says
Would love to win the Anthony Esolen book!
Evelyn says
This looks good!
Donna L. says
I have been enjoying some of Professor Esolen’s thoughts lately…would love this book!
Mary Eileen says
Giveaway giveaway! I only hope that when I don’t win, I remember to come and purchase these on my own.
connie says
I am intrigued by
the description of this book. Would like to read it.
Jenny says
I’d love a copy!
Amy says
I saw this advertised in a recent Sophia Press catalogue and thought at the time it was a must-read. Thank you for the giveaway chance!
Veronica Guajardo says
I would love a copy, thanks for the chance.
Sheila says
I’m reading 10 Ways to Destroy the Imagination of Your Child and I keep thinking I need to read more of his stuff.
Jennifer M. says
Would love to win the book – thanks for the opportunity.