In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Dr. Paul Fox on his book A Boy-Sized Cross: St. Louis Ibaraki, the Youngest of Nagasaki's Twenty-Six Martyrs.

In a time when being Catholic in Japan could cost you everything, ten-year-old Louis Ibaraki has more questions than answers. Orphaned, proud, and struggling to trust, Louis is thrown into a world of strange Latin prayers, secret Masses, and quiet heroism. Then he meets Maxium Tayeka—a swordsmith's son with a steady heart and a quiet strength—and everything begins to change.

As the two grow in faith and friendship, so does the danger around them. When Japan's rulers turn against the Church, Louis and Maximus must decide what they believe—and how far they are willing to go to stand for it.

Based on the true story of St. Louis Ibaraki, the youngest of the Twenty-Six Martyrs of Nagasaki, A Boy-Sized Cross is a gripping historical novel of courage, sacrifice, and the surprising power of childlike faith.

This is not just a story about dying for Christ. It's a story about living for him—even when the world tells you not to. 

https://www.amazon.com/Boy-Sized-Cross-Paul-Fox/dp/1594175640

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Francis Etheredge and Elizabeth Rex on The Zygote of Christ & The Mystery of Man.

A profound exploration of human ensoulment and personhood at the moment of conception, this bioethical and theological work reveals how the mystery of Christ’s incarnation as a one-cell zygote, from the first instant of His conception, can advance and illuminate the mystery of man. Drawing from Scripture, Tradition, Church documents, science, philosophy, and theology, The Zygote of Christ & The Mystery of Man defends human conception and embryonic life as an icon of the Mystery of God’s Creation and the Mystery of the Incarnation of Christ, emphasizing man’s (male and female) personal and relational identity with the Blessed Trinity as well as the mysterious co-participation of man (male and female) in God’s creative love at the conception of every human person.

https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/zygoteofchrist/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Dr. Ray Guarendi on his book Drama-Free Discipline: Dr. Ray Coaches You to Parenting Success.

Parenting can wear you down — but it doesn’t have to. Popular media personality Dr. Ray Guarendi, father of ten and experienced clinical psychologist, applies his trademark humor, common sense, and no-nonsense wisdom to the task of helping parents cut through the cultural confusion and reclaim their rightful roles as calm, confident leaders in the home.

With practical strategies tested in the cauldron of real day-to-day family life, Dr. Ray shows you how to stop overtalking, avoid endless frustration, and dial down discipline through more effective communication. No psychobabble. No gimmicks. Just clear communication and other proven methods that work with kids of every age, from toddlers to teens.

Inside, you’ll discover how to:

Diffuse sibling rivalries and settle incessant bickering
Use “blackout” discipline to calmly establish authority
Build bedtime routines that bring peace and actually stick
Replace “countdowns” with more effective tools for obedience
Teach honesty as a habit and safeguard your child’s integrity
Decide wisely when to allow smartphones, driving, and other privileges

You’ll also receive Dr. Ray’s playbook for handling real-life situations, from family car trips to school-morning routines, snitching to technology use, parenting disagreements to disrespect from a child. He even provides ready-to-use scripts for talking to your kids with clarity and authority so you can argue less, laugh more, and raise children who know what respect looks like and who love you, their siblings, and themselves.

This isn’t theory. It is battle-tested wisdom from a father who’s lived it and a psychologist who has counseled families for decades. With Dr. Ray’s help, you’ll become the parent your kids need: steady, clear-sighted, and ready to shape them into the strong, respectful adults they are meant to be. 

https://sophiainstitute.com/?product=drama-free-discipline

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Paul List & Ali Ghaffari on their book Mount Doom: The Prophecy of Tolkien Revealed.

HAVE YOU NOTICED THAT THE WORLD IS MORE CONNECTED BUT LESS HUMAN THAN EVER BEFORE?

Technology connects the entire world but people are more lonely than ever before, while artificial intelligence threatens to replace human intellect and reason.

But the human person needs authentic connection and freedom.

Western civilization teeters on the verge of losing its freedom to AI. Tolkien saw it coming. He gave us the key. Now all we have to do is unlock the mystery.

https://www.readmountdoom.com/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Anthony DeStefano on his book The Sparrow Who Fell to the Ground.

A little bird with a broken wing. A storm-swept valley. A journey of courage.

This unforgettable, heartwarming adventure from bestselling author Anthony DeStefano features a tiny sparrow born in the “Valley of Tears” — a place where light and darkness, joy and hardship exist side by side. Afraid to fly because of his damaged wing, he watches the world from below, longing for the sky but fearing the inevitable fall. Yet one day, despite his fears, he spreads his wings and takes flight — setting off on a journey that will change him forever.

At first glance, this is a delightful and humorous children’s tale. But beneath the surface, it is much more. Inspired by the Gospel of Matthew, this book — magnificently illustrated by New York Times bestselling artist Richard Cowdrey — echoes the great themes of classic literature: perseverance through suffering, the paradox of strength in weakness, and the universal longing for redemption.

In this stirring story, the little sparrow struggles, stumbles, and falls before he can soar. His falls are not failures but necessary steps along the path to victory — just as, in life, the road to growth, sanctity, and even Heaven itself requires first confronting our own brokenness.

And this is the great truth at the heart of this book: like the sparrow, we are all born wounded. Just as gravity pulls him down, so too are we drawn toward failure, fear, and hopelessness. Yet the sparrow’s story reminds us that grace is always at work — even in our falls and despite our weaknesses. But through perseverance and trust, we can always rise from the ashes.

With its engaging pace, profound message, and combination of humor and thrilling moments, The Sparrow Who Fell to the Ground is destined to become a modern classic — one that children will love, parents will cherish, and readers of all ages will never forget. 

https://sophiainstitute.com/?product=the-sparrow-who-fell-to-the-ground

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Susan Joy Bellavance on her book This Little Light of Thine: Stories of the Sanctuary Lamp.

This Little Light of Thine shines the light of the sanctuary lamp into your heart and calls everyone to an astonishing act of faith rooted in joy: the Risen Jesus is truly present — Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity — in each tabernacle in every Catholic church in the world. Extraordinary faith! Extraordinary book!

https://sophiainstitute.com/product/this-little-light-of-thine/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Derek Rotty on his book Praying with Sacred Art: Pondering the Mystery of Redemption through Visio Divina

One of the most powerful ways of encountering God is through our senses, especially through our perception of beauty. The good, the true, and the beautiful are inseparable, and beauty, rightly considered, always leads to the Creator.

In this rich journey through sacred art, author Derek Rotty accompanies readers through the mysteries of salvation history, highlighting some of the Church’s most moving and celebrated works of visual art. He embraces the concept of visio divina, in which contemplation of sacred art becomes a prayer in much the same way as lectio divina makes a prayer out of Scripture reading.

The Church has always known that images possess the power to communicate truths in a special way. She speaks of sacred art as “a freely given superabundance of the human being’s inner riches.” Thus, the God-given talents of the artist, from ancient iconographers to Caravaggio and beyond, are gifts for the whole Church to bring the faithful closer to the divine.

Rotty reflects on powerful pieces of art and contextualizes them both in Church history and in the practice of visio divina. He explains: 

• The classical definition of beauty and why transcendence matters in sacred art How sacred art aids contemplative prayer
• The importance of beauty within the walls of the church
• How artists use symbology to communicate eternal truths

In the book, Rotty dissects specific pieces of art, such as the Isenheim Altarpiece and Raphael’s Transfiguration, to aid readers in contemplation of the life of Christ and the divine mysteries. He also includes reflection questions to allow readers to begin their own practice of visio divina.

Praying with Sacred Art takes readers on a sweeping pilgrimage through the movements of the liturgical year, equipping the faithful to “read” great pieces of sacred art and go deeper in their encounter with Our Lord.

https://sophiainstitute.com/product/praying-with-sacred-art/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Scott Smith on his book with Fr. Don Calloway entitled 33 Days to the Holy Family: Consecration to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

The Holy Family serves as the pattern and model for marriage and family, demonstrating what these are, as well as the correct understanding of masculinity and fatherhood, femininity and motherhood, babies and children. God knew the great confusion and diabolical social messiness that would occur in modern times. Now is the time to be consecrated to the Holy Family! This is why we need another 33 Day consecration book to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, the Holy Family. They're the blueprint and model for happiness and holiness. With their guidance, and by consecrating ourselves to them, we can help restore order and common sense to a straying civilization. 33 Days to the Holy Family follows a pattern similar to all the other 33 Day consecration books. It's a book for everyone -- individuals, families, parishes, prayer groups, etc. It's not an academic book but presents an easy formula for you to follow daily. Once you pick a start date, simply follow the instructions for each day until you reach Day 33 and consecrate yourself to the Holy Family. As you embark on this 33-day journey, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and inspire you to always live under the watchful care of the Holy Family. Let the journey begin!

https://www.amazon.com/33-Days-Holy-Family-Consecration/dp/1596146605/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Fr. Jerome Magat on his books Honoring the Covenant: Daily Mass Gospel Meditations for Busy Married Couples and Honoring the Covenant: Sunday, Solemnity, and Feast Day Mass Meditations for Busy Married Couples.

Concerning Honoring the Covenant: Daily Mass Gospel Meditations for Busy Married Couples: Couples are incredibly busy—so busy that there’s always a temptation to make spiritual growth an afterthought or a future project once the children have left or retirement sets in. And even for married persons who are open to spiritual growth, the tendency is to focus upon praying as individuals, not on praying as a couple. To remedy this gap, Honoring the Covenant contains meditations that are simple, direct, and practical. They are designed for couples who want to make time to pray together and are seeking brief and meaningful insights into the Gospel reading of the day vis à vis their married life. 

https://www.amazon.com/Honoring-Covenant-Meditations-Married-Couples/dp/B0CNNZHMTB/ 

Concerning Honoring the Covenant: Sunday, Solemnity, and Feast Day Mass Meditations for Busy Married Couples: Couples are incredibly busy—so busy that those who are growing with Honoring the Covenant: Daily Mass Gospel Meditations for Busy Married Couples requested a collection of meditations for the rest of the liturgical year! Honoring the Covenant: Sunday, Solemnity, and Feast Day Mass Meditations for Busy Married Couples complement the daily meditations (Fr. Magat’s first book) and are simple, direct, and practical. They provide brief and meaningful insights into the readings of these particularly sacred celebrations.

https://www.amazon.com/Honoring-Covenant-Solemnity-Meditations-Married/dp/B0DWLHCXHN/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Bo Bonner on his book A Very Little Office of Compline: Night Prayer for Children.

Visit we beseech thee Lord
This house in which we dwell,
Let Angels who abide herein
The devil’s snares dispel,
In peace, please keep our weary heads,
And your blessings always as well.
Through Christ our Lord,
Amen.

Teach your children the timeless rhythm of prayer with A Very Little Office of Compline. When praying the psalms and hymns of the Divine Office in the given hours of the day, we truly “pray without ceasing.” This gift of prayer that orients us always toward God can be enjoyed by even the littlest of souls. Compline, prayed in the last hour, is especially enriching for children because it sets a nighttime prayer routine. Compline includes psalms and hymns that ask God for His protection while we sleep. A Very Little Office of Compline can be used to pray the Liturgy of the Hours as well. These prayers, complete with elegant illustrations, were faithfully adapted by Bo Bonner so that your children are introduced to the beauty and depth of the Divine Office in an approachable way.

https://www.amazon.com/Very-Little-Office-Compline-Children/dp/1505135060/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Fr. Serafino M. Lanzetta on his book The Silent Witness of Nazareth: St. Joseph: Spouse of Mary, Powerful Intercessor, Guardian of the Church.

Where are you, dear fathers? Where are you, O man?

Sometimes the fatherless look for a father in the wrong places. As the temporal reflection of our Heavenly Father, St. Joseph, patron of fathers and the universal Church, offers us an antidote for the unprecedented crises of our times. His virtuous life serves as a model for those striving to live pure lives, whether as consecrated souls or as spouses, in an unchaste world.

As Mary leads us to Jesus, so Joseph leads us to Mary and, in the mystery of Mary, we see St. Joseph revealed. Through his heroic courage and charity, St. Joseph became a comforter of the afflicted and terror of demons, providing an indomitable model for Christ.

Fr. Serafino M. Lanzetta illuminates St. Joseph’s hidden life, drawing from Scripture and Tradition, to unveil his holiness and the splendor of his skill in guarding the heavenly treasures of Jesus and Mary. In these inspiring pages, you will discover fresh and fascinating insights about St. Joseph and grow in devotion to him as never before by learning:

• The crucial role he played in offering Christ to the world and reflecting triune love
• Four aspects of St. Joseph’s dignity, and his unique participation in Christ’s priesthood
• Ways that St. Joseph was Our Lady’s great protector—and is your protector too
• The power of St. Joseph’s silence and how he adored, in advance, the Bread of Life
• What the Church Fathers say about St. Joseph’s justice and faith in the divine mystery
• How experts in Josephology explain the great mysteries surrounding his life 

The volume features a new litany of praise to St. Joseph, reflections on the Seven Sorrows and the Seven Joys of St. Joseph, and traditional prayers from the saints. Next to Our Lady, St. Joseph is unparalleled in holiness and deserving of the highest degree of veneration. St. Joseph is the man who mirrors Mary’s virtues and valiantly intercedes for us.

In glorious Holy Joseph did Our Lady see
The mirror image of the Holy Trinity.
In all humility, he served God faithfully,
So blessed may he be, for all eternity!

https://sophiainstitute.com/product/the-silent-witness-of-nazareth/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Fr. Eric Gilhooly, LC, on his book To a Younger Brother.

Father Eric Gilhooly, LC has written To a Younger Brother as a very practical and encouraging book for seminarians. The book uses contemporary book, movie, and song examples to offer insightful and realistic advice for those studying for the priesthood.

https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/youngerbrother/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Christina Brajkovich, Karen Anne Mahoney, and Roxane Salonen on their book Finding Flannery: A Travel Memoir Exploring the Mystique of Flannery O’Connor and the Legacy She Has Left Us All.

Follow the journey… During the fiftieth anniversary year of the death of Flannery O’Connor, three writers from the North embarked on a pilgrimage to Milledgeville, Georgia, to uncover the mystique of their heroine, whose stories have left as many shocked as in stitches.

What formed this famed literary artist, who, though her life was cut short by lupus, became one of America’s most celebrated fiction writers, and whose stories of grace, sin, and redemption–with their misfit characters and grotesque violence–still point us to the light of truth?

Get ready to be transported into the Deep South, where the world is best taken in from a front-porch rocking chair amid peaches and magnolias, and where Flannery penned her best works in the shadow of a dairy farm. Along the way of this vivid travelogue, you’ll peer into the places that educated and shaped Flannery’s imagination and fed her devout Catholic soul.

https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/findingflannery/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Paul Murano on his book What on Earth is Mortal Sin and Where the Hell Does it Lead You?: A look at sins that kill the soul.

Despite its title, this is a serious book. That’s because the road to eternity begins now. Although Scripture assures us that God wants all people to have fullness of joy in this life and forever in the next, each individual must choose his or her own eternal destiny. The aim of this book is to make clear the path to Heaven by serving as a ‘warning manual’ on how to avoid Hell.

Catholics have been taught that mortal sin kills the soul and leads to Hell, but have rarely been informed of which acts the Church considers objectively mortal sin. This leaves ambiguous the path that enables you to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil 2:12), as St. Paul exhorts.

As a remedy for this confusion, a list of acts that are gravely immoral is included to discern moral boundaries necessary for living the good life. It is extracted from the Catechism of the Catholic Church. With this, the basics of moral theology are provided to give context to Church teaching on the objective value of acts and subjective culpability of persons.

Since there is nothing more important than the salvation of our souls. It's imperative that we view life from an eternal perspective. As the Universal Prayer attributed to Pope Clement XI states succinctly and profoundly: Life on earth is short and the life to come, eternal. 

https://www.amazon.com/What-Earth-Mortal-Where-Hell/dp/B0FFN8VLPD/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Stephanie Landsem on her novel The Fault Between Us.

In this gripping new work of historical fiction from the award-winning author of Code Name Edelweiss, three sisters fight for their lives and for each other amid the danger of a cataclysmic earthquake that rips Yellowstone National Park asunder.

1959. Claire, Bridget, and Frannie Reilly were once as close as sisters can be. Though their mother left when they were young, their loving father raised them with everything they could want. But when Claire marries a handsome cowboy and settles out west, a thousand miles away, the sisters’ strong bond begins to unravel.

Claire struggles to adjust to a life utterly unlike her upbringing, and surprising revelations about her husband’s past make her wonder if she’s made a terrible mistake. With a new baby and a shoestring budget, the last thing she needs is her family’s interference.

Sensing something isn’t right, Bridget takes a temporary nursing assignment in Yellowstone, promising her father she’ll bring Claire home―with or without her husband. When Frannie, the rebellious youngest sister, is sent along in hopes it will corral her behavior, the Reilly sisters reunite on the eve of a seismic event that rips Yellowstone apart, tests their survival, and exposes the ever-widening rift in their relationship.

Based on real events of the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake and inspired by true stories, The Fault Between Us is a suspenseful exploration of the bonds of sisterhood, the depths of family drama, and how hidden wounds can only heal when they’re brought into the light.

https://www.amazon.com/Fault-Between-Us-Stephanie-Landsem/dp/B0DYYM2Q8F/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Fr. Joseph Fessio, SJ, and Very. Rev. Mark Doherty on Spiritual Fatherhood (November 12, 2025)

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Rebecca Wildsmith on her father's book The Road to Bethlehem.

The Road to Bethlehem, authored and illustrated by Brian Wildsmith, is a heartwarming journey of faith, friendship, and the joyous mystery of the Incarnation — told from the perspective of animals who long to be near the Christ Child.

When Mary and Joseph set out on their long journey to Bethlehem, they leave behind their loyal companions — a cat and a dog — with their neighbor. But love knows no bounds. Determined to find their beloved Mary, the two animals embark on an adventure across hills and valleys, encountering a colorful cast of creatures along the way: a fox, a goat, a bear, and three camels bound for a majestic mission of their own. 

Through enchanting prose and illustrations full of sweetness and charm, young readers will travel with this unlikely band of pilgrims as they help those in need, form lasting friendships, and ultimately arrive at the humble stable where Heaven meets Earth in the infant Jesus. With echoes of the Nativity story told in Luke’s Gospel and the joyful pilgrimage of the Magi in Matthew’s, this delightful tale draws children into the wonder of Christmas and the God who came to be with us. 

The Road to Bethlehem is a read-aloud treasure that highlights the Christian virtues of kindness, perseverance, friendship, and faith. This beautifully illustrated classic is ideal for family story time during Advent or as a Christmas gift that will inspire wonder in young hearts year after year. 

https://sophiainstitute.com/?product=the-road-to-bethlehem-2

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Carolyn McKinney on her two articles, "What I Hope My Sons will Learn from the Life of Charlie Kirk" (see https://catholicexchange.com/what-i-hope-my-sons-will-learn-from-the-life-of-charlie-kirk/ and https://becomewhoyouare.buzzsprout.com/791723/episodes/18126432-678-what-i-hope-my-sons-will-learn-from-the-life-of-charlie-kirk-with-carolyn-mckinney) and "Liberalism Died with Charlie Kirk" (see https://nhjournal.com/mckinney-liberalism-died-with-charlie-kirk/).

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Gregory Floyd on his book Unforgettable: How Remembering God’s Presence in Our Past Brings Hope to Our Future. (Nov 6, 2025)

From beloved spiritual writer and Catholic leader Gregory Floyd comes a moving meditation on the power of memory and how God is often more clearly seen when we look back. This is a book about memory, about what stays in the mind, and why. It is a book about the presence of God in our lives and the sights, sounds, words, and experiences that become unforgettable. Beginning with a single word he heard in the middle of the night—one that changed his life—this powerful memoir by Gregory Floyd asks the question: without memory, who are we? It is a meditation on beauty, marriage, family, and prayer, asking of the memories that each implants: what do they reveal? Where do they lead? —and witnessing to their potential to draw us to God.  

Unforgettable: How Remembering God’s Presence in Our Past Brings Hope to Our Future: Floyd, Gregory: 9781640605640: Amazon.com: Books

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Katie Gearns on her book Feast Faith Flourish: Holistic Wellness in Light of Eternity. (November 5, 2025)

Life is an endless succession of ebbs and flows, and as we journey through nature’s cycles, our human spirits yearn for the authentic integration of wellness and faith in our fast-paced world.Feast, Faith, and Flourish is bursting with practical and spiritual wisdom drawn from the traditions of the seasons, the rhythms of the liturgical year, and the authors’ deep understanding of creation, the human body, nutrition, movement, and how to live a more contemplative life while joyfully serving God. The reflections in this book were carefully selected from nearly four years’ worth of favorite entries in The Ember Journal, a beloved seasonal print magazine for women. In these exquisite pages, you will enjoy delicious recipes and be uplifted by beautiful full-color photos, original meditations on the great celebrations of the year, explorations on the mysteries of the Rosary, and inspiring quotes from the saints. You will discover:

• Ways to reduce stress, improve digestion, get quality sleep, and regulate blood sugar
• Methods for designing your own Potager garden for practical and spiritual purposes
• How embracing God’s will in daily living leads to healing and redemption
• Ideas for planning “dynamic celebrations” for great saints’ feasts and every season
• Scrumptious and nutritious holiday dinners, desserts, and homemade drink syrups
• Tips on cultivating life-giving hobbies, decorating, and much more

God desires that we tend to both our souls and our bodies to experience restoration through the many gifts He has placed within our grasp. Learning to integrate the two is not about arduously seeking balance but about peacefully discovering harmony. Feast, Faith, and Flourish was born out of Ember's simple mission: “To strive for truth. To be well. To follow Him.”

Feast Faith Flourish: Holistic Wellness in Light of Eternity: Katie Gearns, Samantha Worthing, Elissa Voss, Ember Collective: 9798889115243: Amazon.com: Books