Book Review: Fatherless

I recently read the book Fatherless by Brian J Gail.  This book just left me with a wow kind of feeling.  I was actually in the middle of reading a different book when this one arrived in the mail.  I thought I would just skim a few pages to get a feel for the book and was instantly sucked in.  Yup, the book I was reading before is still sitting on my desk unfinished while I quickly devoured Fatherless.

Fatherless chronicles the lives of several fictional Catholic families during the 1980's.  It shows how the rapid changes in the Church impacted each family in ways none of them expected.  This book is full of real characters and true to life experiences.  These families could be your neighbors and friends.  The folks you see in church each Sunday and the folks you don't.

Even though this book is a work of fiction, it seemed to me to be a very real book dealing with the real issues facing many members of the Catholic Church in America today.  In a strange way is has helped me to understand in some way the disconnect I often feel between those in my parents generation and our own family when it comes to matters of faith.  An atmosphere of such confusion had to have an impact.

My favorite quote from this book is "Father, we love love.  We really do.  But. . .you don't feed us.  We're hungry.  We've had a taste of the whole truth, and we want more."  This line spoke rather loudly to me when I read it.

I encourage you to add this book to your summer reading list.  It packs a very powerful punch and you won't be disappointed.

This review was written as part of the Catholic books reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Fatherless.