Renewed

I found myself frustrated reading this book that I don't have a physical copy of it (yet!) because this is the kind of book that makes you want to scribble notes in the margins and highlight the particularly good bits.

I have read many similar books, but this one stands out in its genre for several reasons. The author uses two examples of role models (mostly saints) per thematic chapter and unlike other books with that structure he uses some unusual pairings which keeps it interesting. For example, I rarely see Joan of Arc and St. Augustine in the same thought. And, while each chapter is thoroughly thought out, he didn't drag out the biographic and thematic information to the detriment of the other sections.

I also really appreciated that each chapter was followed by several different kinds of activities so one could move from thought to action easily. There was a really nice balance between more contemplative activities and more concrete ones. I liked how he supplied the Biblical passages to which he refers rather than just listing the chapter and verse. That way people can enjoy the reference even if they don't have a Bible handy (also it saves looking it up.)

I really enjoyed that he addressed the use of technology in a non-Luddite way. It was so refreshing to see a book on faith that acknowledges the connected world we live in.

The point of view is (obviously) Catholic as are the examples, but there are only a few references to exclusively Catholic doctrine so I think open-minded Christians of other denominations could enjoy this work and get a lot out of it. Much of what Reed addresses are Christian universals and let's face it, we could all use a deeper faith.

I highly recommend this book for Catholics, especially anyone with a missionary call. (As I read I kept thinking of people I know who would enjoy this book and the list got long...)

This book makes you deepen your faith through the lives of the saints. Its wonderful how the author is able to give examples of the lives of two saints at each chapter and link it to our days, our struggles. It´s a great book for meditation, for those who really wants to renew the world we live in. The questions posed at each chapter and the word of the Gospel really make us want to be a better person, a person that can change the world!

The book entitled Renewed and written by Robert P. Reed is a beautiful one that can be described as a small treasure meant to show us, first, how saints have had (and have) different gifts, talents and even weaknesses, and so shows a variety that implies how everyone has her or his own calling. Apart from this, it indicated how saints are human beings after all, and that everyone is called to be one and can be one.
In each section the book examines different aspects, such as steadfastness, courage, innovation, or joy, among others, and examines the lives of two saints that represent or lived (in a similar or different way, for instance externally or inwardly) those values and gifts. Afterwards, it prompts the reader to examine Scripture regarding them and prompts her or him to ask whether one can improve one's life and that of others, and come closer towards God, in light of those values.
Interestingly, the book presents saints of old and recent ones, and (to my mind, brilliantly and in a welcome way) presents the joy that pope Francis calls us to have, reflected in his work. On the other hand, the book shows how categories can be artificial and saints as St. Francis of Assisi lived and gave many blessings in different aspects; and yet, as I said at the outset, transmits that everyone has his or her own vocation and must answer in love to it. A truly recommended book, as have been all of the publisher I have read.