What a pleasure it has been reading Mary DeTurris Poust's latest book, "Cravings". She asked me and I simply couldn't refuse reviewing yet another book from this fine Catholic author! I was given an advanced copy by the publishing company, Ave Marie Press to review for this blog tour. There is also a contest running through January 25th for a Williams-Sonoma gift card, so use the above link I provided to register for the contest!
Now for my review, the book is wonderful, I am still reading it and learning so much about myself though Mary's book. We are our own worst enemies when it comes to self-image and esteem, many times it does come through in our diets and lack of good choices in the food department.
Each chapter ends with some "Food for Thought," a "Practice" section to exercise or put into action our thoughts and a meditation. There is a deeper hunger in each of us, one that doesn't require food to fulfill. In Chapter one, Mary discusses this, "Because sometimes - often - the number on the scale has nothing to do with the depth of the struggle."
In chapter 3, Mirror, Mirror, Mary talks about our self-image. I love the prayer by St. Francis De Sales that she has on her bathroom mirror: "Do not look forward to fear to the changes in life; rather, look to them with full hope that as they arise, God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely through all things;....." I won't spoil the whole prayer!
In Chapter 6, Balancing Act, Cues from the Monastics," Mary talks about how they respect the goods of the earth, living simply and spiritually without breaking the bank. Brother Victor says in an interview with Mary, "We try to live healthy lives and we try to be frugal..." We can do that too!
All in all, "Cravings" is a great resource for those of us who just need to revisit some issues about our self-image and why we make food choices that many times sabotage our diets. Yes, as Mary quotes from Psalm 139, we are wonderfully made and yes, we can get to a place where food, self-image, and spirituality can be friends all in one amazingly amazing package: YOU!
Mary DeTurris Poust is an author,
columnist, journalist, speaker, and blogger who has written for dozens
of Catholic and secular publications. She is the author of Walking Together, Everyday Divine, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to the Catholic Catechism, and Parenting a Grieving Child. Poust was a senior correspondent and contributing editor for Our Sunday Visitor newspaper for fourteen years and her award-winning monthly column “Life Lines” has been published in Catholic New York since 2001. Poust also writes about family, faith, and the spiritual journey at her own blog, Not Strictly Spiritual.
She has worked for the dioceses of Metuchen, New Jersey, and Austin,
Texas, as well as the Archdiocese of New York, where she served as
managing editor of Catholic New York. She lives in upstate New York with her husband and three children.
In chapter 3, Mirror, Mirror, Mary talks about our self-image. I love the prayer by St. Francis De Sales that she has on her bathroom mirror: "Do not look forward to fear to the changes in life; rather, look to them with full hope that as they arise, God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely through all things;....." I won't spoil the whole prayer!
In Chapter 6, Balancing Act, Cues from the Monastics," Mary talks about how they respect the goods of the earth, living simply and spiritually without breaking the bank. Brother Victor says in an interview with Mary, "We try to live healthy lives and we try to be frugal..." We can do that too!
All in all, "Cravings" is a great resource for those of us who just need to revisit some issues about our self-image and why we make food choices that many times sabotage our diets. Yes, as Mary quotes from Psalm 139, we are wonderfully made and yes, we can get to a place where food, self-image, and spirituality can be friends all in one amazingly amazing package: YOU!
Mary DeTurris Poust is an author,
columnist, journalist, speaker, and blogger who has written for dozens
of Catholic and secular publications. She is the author of Walking Together, Everyday Divine, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to the Catholic Catechism, and Parenting a Grieving Child. Poust was a senior correspondent and contributing editor for Our Sunday Visitor newspaper for fourteen years and her award-winning monthly column “Life Lines” has been published in Catholic New York since 2001. Poust also writes about family, faith, and the spiritual journey at her own blog, Not Strictly Spiritual.
She has worked for the dioceses of Metuchen, New Jersey, and Austin,
Texas, as well as the Archdiocese of New York, where she served as
managing editor of Catholic New York. She lives in upstate New York with her husband and three children.
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