Logan's Storm: A Novel

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Ken Wells does it again.

Logan's Storm is a Whole lot of Fun!

feisty everyman serves as fitting capstone to Cajun trilogy

It's not Meely LaBauve, but it's good, good, good.

Dwelling place for the Soul

Logan's Storm: A Novel
Ken Wells
Manufacturer: Random House Trade Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Junior's Leg: A Novel

Meely LaBauve

Water for Elephants: A Novel

ASIN: 0375760679
Release Date: 2003-07-08

Book Description

The capstone of Ken Wells’s acclaimed Catahoula Bayou trilogy, Logan’s Storm tracks the epic journey of Logan LaBauve as he flees corrupt cops while trying to lead Chilly Cox—the teenager whose “crime” was rescuing Logan’s son, Meely, from a racist bully—to safety. But dodging two-footed predators deep in the Cajun backwaters turns out to be the easy part. As Logan, accompanied by a newfound love interest, heads to Florida to lie low, a killer hurricane springs from the Gulf—and lives are suddenly on the line. Wells writes with Twain’s flair for adventure and Welty’s sense of place, making Logan’s Storm a trip through the heart and soul of a singular American character.

Customer Reviews:

Ken Wells does it again........2005-12-09

"Logan's Storm," the last in the Wells' bayou trilogy delivers on a scale that its predecessor, "Meely LaBauve" doesn't. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the first novel about Logan's self-reliant little boy, but "Storm" and the piece before it, "Junior's Leg" are far more interesting. Perhaps I just prefer to read more adult literature.

Wells does a strange thing here. He tells the story of Meely LaBauve with the first book, leaving it open for a sequel. Then he jumps fifteen years into the future with the ongoing adventures of Meely's high school adversary, the reprehensible Junior Guidry. Now, we have an exemplary road movie starring Meely's rolling stone daddy, Logan, which takes place during the middle of the first book. Sound strange? Yeah, I thought so.

The book picks up right as Logan and his young "partner in crime," Chilly Cox have to leave an injured Meely by the side of the rode to deal with the police, while they escape into the night swamp. It's a precarious situation. They decided that Meely would probably get off easy, but Logan and his running mate would no doubt fry. The cops despise Logan anyway and Chilly is a giant black kid who dared to defend himself against the racist white cop, Junior's uncle. Logan tells us his side of the story and we understand, even if we didn't read "Meely," that they were framed.

That was tough to explain. Hope you got it all.

The first hundred pages or so, Logan is really, really an impressive swamprat. A natural hunter and trapper, Logan navigates swampland and fills us in on important nuances about the wildlife, why he does what he's is doing while cohabitating with them, and what he's going to do next. It's like a super-exciting episode of "Wild Discovery," and "Crocodile Hunter." Logan and Chilly spent most of the book crusing around in their canoe and trying to find something to eat.

They meet some interesting characters along the way, like Annie Ancelet, the only woman Logan has really taken to since his wife died years before. And Harris the cabbage salesman is a real hoot to read about and a good friend to our two boys.

Eventually, Logan and Chilly make it up to Mississippi and shack up with Chilly's black relatives. It's a nice existence for awhile, but Logan wants to see his son again before going down and taking a job in Florida. He takes off after a few months with Chilly's family and heads back to the bayou.

There is a scene in "Meely LaBauve" where Logan and his boy find each other for a short time and catch up a bit. It's a great scene, almost exactly played out in both novels, but from the title character's point of view. Very clever.

On his way to Florida, Logan looks up Annie one more time. She offers to take him to his new job when they get news of a terrible storm on the way. They get caught up in it and it almost never ends. Together, they face tornados, hurricanes and a small tsunami. Riveting reading that has its ups and downs in the last 100 pages. That's why it doesn't get five stars. That, and the strange opening that connects the first book. It can confuse some people.

If I were to cast this film, Billy Bob Thornton as Logan and Rob Brown as Chilly. Maybe Gina Gershon as Annie. Lucas Till from "Walk the Line" would be a great Meely.

Logan's Storm is a Whole lot of Fun!.......2004-01-20

I read Logan's Storm on a long plane ride last week and enjoyed it very much. This book continues where the other two of Ken Wells' Cajun books leave off, but it is the story of the dad this time, and his adventures.
For anyone who has never read anything by Ken Wells, I think you have a treat in store for you. My brother first discovered this writer about a year ago when he read Meely Labauve. He passed the book on to me; I loved it, gave it to my wife and she loved it too. We then bought and read the next one, Junior's Leg, a real hoot! Tons of fun, some serious laughs in Junior's Leg.
I'm a writer myself (Allergy-free Gardening, Safe Sex in the Garden, etc.) and I love to find new authors whose material is terrific. This is how I feel about Ken Wells and his writing. It is fresh, lively, different, touching, sometimes profound, never preachy, and completely colorful. I keep waiting to see his books make it to the bestseller lists....they deserve to be there, and I think it is just a matter of time. Too good to pass up. Check this book out!

feisty everyman serves as fitting capstone to Cajun trilogy.......2003-12-17

We have long enjoyed defining the American character through our literary heroes. We prefer rough-hewn men, resolute in their own vision of the world, often at odds stuffy conformity, comfortable with their reprobate attitude. Huck Finn exemplifies this allegiance to the rebellious, misunderstood, action-based hero. It matters little if this figure has stretched or broken the law; his illegal behavior usually results from altercations with ignorant, small-minded or prejudiced authority figures. Beneath an exterior of illiteracy or deceptively simple manners reside an elemental decency, a profound dignity and an abiding optimism about the human condition.

The perceptive author Ken Wells understands our perpetual hunger for these larger-than-life heroes, and his final installment of the Catahoula Bayou trilogy, "Logan's Storm," satisfies our appetite. Logan LaBauve, already erroneously pronounced dead as a result of avenging his son's abuse at the hands of a racist cop, confronts nature, faces down bad guys and even finds room in his broken heart to open himself up to the possibilities of love. Logan, through dialogue and action, reminds us of the best aspects of our quest to become genuinely self-made. His unceasing and unflinching confrontation with life's exigencies, messes and hopes serves as a cock-eyed model for even polished urbanites. This man lives large, loves life and doesn't hesitate to squeeze living for all that it's worth.

"Logan's Storm" is actually less a novel than it is three extended vignettes. Each vignette serves as a means through which Logan's character is tested, fortified and sublimely altered. What results is a bayou character who is a loyal friend, savvy con-artist, expert storyteller and redoubtable champion of little old ladies and stricken children in distress. This swamp superman throws out Cajun metaphors with the same grace he demonstrates when he teases a meal out of bayou critters. He knows exactly how much bilge he can safely swallow from adversaries and precisely when to strike back. Though Ken Wells moves his story with breathtaking confidence, he never forgets why the reader will rapidly turn each page.

Unfortunately, the last two vignettes don't carry the power and promise of the first. We first meet Logan during his sojourn in a dangerous swamp, on the lam from prejudiced officers who'd like nothing better than to lay their hands on not only Logan, but his son's African-American friend Chilly. The author paints a lush and absorbing physical and emotional protrait of two men struggling for survival under extreme circumstances. The second vignette borrows heavily from Mark Twain, in both style and content. Here Logan outwits a professorial villain, whose flowery elocution masks a pathetically craven heart. This melodramatic chestnut of outlaws outfoxing other outlaws is saved only by Wells' love of his characters, his engaging use of Cajun patois and his keen sense of irony. The final vignette, featuring an overpowering hurricane, blows itself out from predictablility. It is as if the author himself became exhuasted from the excesses of his own writing.

"Logan's Storm" is cause, however, for rejoicing. Its author, Ken Wells relishes spinning a good tale and is a marvelous scene setter. Logan LeBauve, podnah, will happily find his own niche in our national pantheon of authentic American heroes.

It's not Meely LaBauve, but it's good, good, good........2003-09-02

Logan's Storm is the third and final book in the Meely LaBauve trilogy. It is set in the time immediately after the original offering ended, and it opens with his hilarious and ne'er-do-well father , Logan, on the run (duh - to readers of the original, this will require no explanation) from the law with a black teenager. Love is in the offing when Logan meets up with Annie Ancelet, who has all sorts of ideas for evading the lawmen.
Logan's storm is an affectionate and endearing character study, full of humor and adventure.

Dwelling place for the Soul.......2003-01-29

An unexpected surprise and joy, well scripted and paced, this book has got to be made into a movie. A Cajun adventure of the heart, with unsophisticated but never crude characters, and a story about not giving up on love. These characters are real people, middle-aged (like me), who love, sweat, fear, laugh, and connive. Logan is a 40 something widower, and single father, who has turned to the swamp for solace and escape, only to find deliverance of a kind he never expected, nor will you. He is a swamp fox, both agile and deliberate, depending on whether he is dealing with insane, depraved, or violent situations, as the need arises. I loved this book.

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"Battleground"

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Wolverine Annual 2000
Frank Tieri
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Comic

General | Comic Strips | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: B000R912EW

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"Wolverine in Family"

Book Description

White Wolf marks a return to the bestselling Drenai series and David Gemmell’s most popular hero of all, Druss the Legend.

Skilgannon the Damned had vanished from the pages of history. No-one knew where he had gone, following the terrible triumph at Perapolis, and the assasins sent by the Witch Queen could find no trace of his passing. Three years later, a murderous mob gathers outside a monastery, faced by a single, unarmed priest. In a few terrifying seconds their world is changed for ever, and word spreads across the lands of the East -- Skilgannon is back.

Now he must travel across a perilous, demon-haunted realm seeking a mysterious temple and the ageless goddess who rules it. With assassins on his trail and an army of murderous foes ahead, the Damned sets off on a quest to bring the dead to life. But he does not travel alone. The man beside him is Druss the Legend.

In this tale of love, betrayal and treachery, in a world torn by war, White Wolf examines the nature of heroism and friendship and the narrow lines dividing good and evil.

From the Trade Paperback edition.

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White Wolf marks a return to the bestselling Drenai series and David Gemmell's most popular hero of all, Druss the Legend.

Skilgannon the Damned had vanished from the pages of history. Noone knew where he had gone, following the terrible triumph at Perapolis, and the assasins sent by the Witch Queen could find no trace of his passing. Three years later, a murderous mob gathers outside a monastery, faced by a single, unarmed priest. In a few terrifying seconds their world is changed forever, and word spreads across the lands of the East—Skilgannon is back.

Now he must travel across a perilous, demon-haunted realm seeking a mysterious temple and the ageless goddess who rules it. With assassins on his trail and an army of murderous foes ahead, the Damned sets off on a quest to bring the dead to life. But he does not travel alone. The man beside him is Druss the Legend.

In this tale of love, betrayal and treachery, in a world torn by war, White Wolf examines the nature of heroism and friendship and the narrow lines dividing good and evil.

"Has everything a fan of heroic fantasy could desire."
   STEPHEN DONALDSON

"Gemmell's a brand: an assurance of passionate, cleanly written prose, imaginative plots and, above all, terrific storytelling."
   TIME OUT

Customer Reviews:

Super Reader.......2007-08-26

A group of criminals trying to prey on the people of a monastery and a town surrounding it make a big mistake when they antagonise Brother Lantern, for Brother Lantern is Skilgannon the Damned.

This means the bad guys are mincemeat and Skilgannon is back in the world, and the Swords of Night and Day will again be seen.

Set a few years after the battle of Skeln, Skilgannon's commander and lover the Witch Queen wants him back, but he undertakes a journey to see if it is possible to bring his wife back to life, and gains companions on the way.

The Captain of the Axe, Druss, also sets out on a mission, to rescue a young girl. The paths of both men cross and they join forces.

Throw in a fortress, a temple, and those hunting the two heroes may just have bitten off more than they can chew as Skilgannon finally fances his old enemy.

History laughs at human vanity !.......2007-08-08

It is fantasy for sure but without those strange Hobbits and peoples from another planet and yet on the earth. The characters are mostly human, but humans from different walks of life, different peoples, different areas and regions. But the most interesting element is that the author tries to center his approach onto those who apparently make history in a world dominated by war. These few men or women can change the future by only winning or losing a battle, which depends mostly on accidental elements. The book is very clear about the haphazard work of fate that keeps in store many possible outcomes to any present situation. Skilgannon wins two battles between himself and Boranius, aka Ironmask, only because of one element that de-concentrates the attention of Boranius. The first time a spear from some soldier of Skilgannon's and the second time a menacing move from a dying monstrous Joining, and Skilgannon is able to take advantage of this situation and lethally attack Boranius. At the same time, even if it is postmodern to state history is entirely open, the book is deeply inhabited with the belief that some forces are beyond human understanding and possibilities of control, which means history has its own pace and human beings can only eventually influence it within the limits it sets itself. And in this novel it is quite clear women are the central axis of history, either as a witch that influences the world along her own desires, or a descendant of that witch that manages, with the help of this very witch and Skilgannon, to escape her death when a teenager and to become the Witch Queen able to reunify the world under her ruthless authority when all the other actors will have been eliminated. Then two of the main warriors are moved into defeating the main opponent to this evolution when he destroys a father by making him a Joining (joining him just after death to a wolf), seducing the mother that he will eventually torture and kill and kidnapping the daughter as a defense against his eventual defeat. And this Boranius will fail and the girl will be saved. A long time before Skilgannon, known as the Damned, had been ordered to annihilate a defeated city by the Witch Qiueen. Only one girl survived and she becomes haunted. The witch we have spoken of already manages to capture her vengeful desire in order to turn it against Skilgannon. And yet that will fail. This girl Garianne will try to commit suicide instead of fulfilling the manipulation. She will be saved by Skilgannon himself with some help from Druss and Skilgannon will be saved in this predicament by the Witch Queen, though she will be unable to get him back into her military service. Furthermore a priestess of some mythical temple will actually help Skilgannon and his companions, another woman in the story, Ustarte. So David Gemmel's history seems to be pretty dominated by women and his history seems to have its own rules that have little to do with our desire to make history what we would like it to be. And beyond these dominating women we feel history is an unescapable, unavoidable battle between hostile forces with some kind of a promise to see the whole humanity reunify in a way or another: a trend to unity that can only progress through and beyond constant strife among hostile forces and peoples. Hence history is a unifying and pacifying trend that can be neared only through military battles and political struggles among the leaders of the world who are mostly haphazardly chosen by obscure forces that have little to do with reason and logic. And I can assure you the psychology of these warriors is nothing simple like in Hubbard's science-fiction, but extremely complex and contradictory, and that is the main charm of this book.

Dr Jacques COULARDEAU, University Paris Dauphine & University Paris 1 Pantheon Sorbonne

not bad.......2007-07-18

this book was pretty entertaining. the characters are very realistic and relatable. I felt the ended was rushed and somewhat unsettled. I guess that is why there is another book in the series. other than that I feel the ending could have been written differently. I enjoyed the book otherwise..

Gemmell at his best.......2007-06-13

White Wolf by David Gemmell is yet another book in the Drenai Tales. While this is billed as another book about Druss the Legend, however, the reader will quickly realize that while this book may have Druss in it a new character steals the show. This character is known as Skilgannon and became a favorite of mine from the first scene. For readers who are thinking of reading this book, I would strongly suggest going back and starting where this saga first started, that would be the novel simply titled Legend (Drenai Tales, Book 1). It's a great book and adds so much to this story in the long run. With that said, this book is a stand alone novel and previous books don't need to be read first, but if you want the full effect of the story and what Mr. Gemmell intended.

The plot of this book, at least on the immediate surface, is rather simplistic and linear. That being the need to rescue a child who is in the clutches of an evil omnipotent `bad guy'. It's a rather clichéd plot line, but Mr. Gemmell writes it in such a way that it seems new and fresh. The beauty of this book this book, and Mr. Gemmell's work as a whole, is how he weaves the numerous sub-plots into the novel. At times, the sub-plots, are written so well that they seem to be the main story arc. There are really numerous sub-plots in this book; there is one involving two brothers, there is one involving a past love interest of Skilgannon, there is also one involving finding a temple that has been lost (or hidden) for ages - all of this while still carrying on the main story. I have read at least 13 books penned by Mr. Gemmell, and I think this may be the strongest plot of any of his books, save the first two Rigante books, yet. I think most fans of the fantasy genre will enjoy this book.

No matter how good a plot is, the characters are what ultimately readers will identify with. This novel has no shortage of great characters. Characters such as Druss, Skilgannon, to the more minor characters. The draw I had to the characters in this book is several things. They all have shades of grey, they are not all good, all powerful, in nature. Also, they have flaws, they are not perfect. They don't have all the answers, and one thing I like the most, is there are not those `ah ha' moments where the characters finally realize what needs to happen and what they need to do. Mr. Gemmell has a real knack for bringing the human element to his characters. He mixes in pieces of the characters back stories just enough to flesh them out, without it being an information dumb and detract from the characters.

Mr. Gemmell's prose and flow of his writing really fits well with what I enjoy reading. He is descriptive in his writing just enough so the reader can begin to imagine the scene but not enough to where he tells the reader exactly what the scene looks like. That is one thing I enjoy about his writing, I am still able to visualize things how I want. His writing has a flow to it that I think will allow most readers to forget time and realize they have knocked off 100 (or more) pages at a time.

Overall, aside from the first two Rigante books, this is the best Gemmell book I have read thus far. He has come a long way in his writing. I will be sure to continue reading this saga. This is a novel, and a series really, that I would not hesitate to recommend to most fantasy fans. Gemmell has a way with writing stories that I think will touch many a reader. This book was truly a joy to read.

The only minor criticism I have with this book is there are a couple fight scenes where Mr. Gemmell repeats things. While not wholly `bad' it does, at times, become redundant. It's not a huge deal and certainly does not taint the story at all, but it's something I noticed.

As I mentioned above, this is one of the best Gemmell books I have read. It ranks up there as one of my personal favorites in the fantasy genre as well. If you are even remotely considering this book, or series, do yourself a favor and check them out. You never know what you will find. For those that don't know, Mr. Gemmell passed away in November, 2006. He will truly be missed by the fantasy community.

My son loved it.......2007-03-26

This is the second time around to order all these books, my oldest took them to college with him, not my younger one reads them all. They love them.

Customer Reviews:

was a fan...still a fan.......2006-05-19

I was a fan when the show was on...and continue to be a fan...I have introduced the books to my 10 year old that loves them as well...way to go...keep them coming

A Perfect Follow-up to a great series.......2004-12-06

Hach is truly a man of the fans. He isn't some number-crunching executive who sits at a desk wondering the best way to make a particular bottom-line longer. Instead he worries about what the fans WANT. He understands everything that made the original "Battlestar Galactica" great, and what's more he didn't turn into a hate monger against the New Series, but instead choose to reach out and embrace it's fanbase as well. It was a campy joyride, that, much like "Star Wars," drew on archetypes that were universal and represented the paragon of humanity.

Beyond simply that, he makes them grow, but within their archetypes. Apollo goes from simply a hero to a man bordering between the Earthly and the devine. Adama goes on to join the Lords of Kobol. Starbuck is still Starbuck. Tigh takes on new responsibility, and we truly feel for him. Boomer remains a brave warrior. And, most importantly ZAC'S BACK! You have no idea how much it always bugged me that his death didn't tie into the series very well (unless I missed an episode). What's more, he helps to reveal a great deal of information about the Lords of Kobol.

To be honest if any continuation is made that does not follow this storyline I will be furious. Hatch is a man who knows how to write a story for the fans, not for the number-crunchers. I would love to see what he could do if he got to write for the new series.

this book started the series.......2004-10-14

i've read three books in this series: armageddon, warhawk, and destiny. i've enjoyed all three. i would love to see these as t.v. movies or films.

FRAK!!.......2004-07-03

I DID NOT HAVE HIGH HOPES FOR THESE GALACTICA BOOKS. I'M A BIG TIME BSG FAN FROM WAY BACK AND DIDN'T EXPECT ARMAGEDDON TO CAPTURE THE SPIRIT AND FUN OF THE SERIES... BUT IT DID! THE SPIRIT OF THE ORIGINAL IS ALIVE IN THIS NOVEL AND THEY'VE UPDATED THINGS TOO. THE ORIGINAL CHARACTERS HAVE GROWN OVER THE YEARS AND THERE'S NEW BLOOD ADDED WITH THE ADDITION OF NEW AND YOUNGER CHARACTERS. VERY IMPRESSIVE! ARMAGEDDON GIVE US THE BEST OF ALL POSSIBLE WORLDS.

five stars.......2004-06-30

Over the past few months I have begun watching the Battlestar Galactica televison program for the first time. I was never much of a science fiction fan and had limited access to televison while growing up. I didn't see the Battlestar Galactica televison series until my husband purchased the complete series on DVD.

I became an instant fan after Saga of a Star World. I then began reading my husbands collection of Battlestar Galactica books by Richard Hatch. Both the books and the series have flaws (what doesn't?), but they also have wonderful characters, heart, imagination, and warmth. There's a special charm to Battlestar Galactica. Watching the episodes and reading the books has been five star experience for me.

Book Description

From every corner of this country and from countires around the world, reports of sexual abuse, exploitation, and ongoing sexual misconduct by Catholic priests have appeared in every major newspaper, magazine, and TV and Radio talk show. What was first denied by church officials finally turned into a deluge of overwhelming evidence played out in legal settlements and courtrooms.
Richard Sipe startled the world in 1990 with his controversial book, A Secret World: Sexuality and the Search for Celibacy, which presented evidence of sexual activity by almost 50% of the Roman Catholic priesthood.
In this book, Richard Sipe examines the continuing sexual crisis facing the Catholicm Church today. Has the storm of publicity and controvery caused the church to acknowledge any of the accusations? Will the church accept statistical evidence or alter the way in which it trains its clergy? How has it come to grips with reforming or retraining abusers? Has it acknowledged the spread of AIDS among its ranks? Why does the church oppress women and react with hostility and fear towards them? Sex, Priests, and Power: Anatomy of a Crisis addresses these and other questions.
The book substantiates its conclusions with many vivid and chilling stories of sexual abuse by clergy against children, women, and members of its own ranks...
* Father James Porter victimized 200 children between 1960-1972 while an active parish priest.
* A 52-year-old priest, under the guise of family friend and tutor, sexually abused two sisters for two years. They were ages six and eight at the start of the abuse.
* A priest who teaches high school seeks out a sophomore student for a homosexual liaison. After two years he ends the relationship in favor of a new sophomore love interest. The priest has honed this continuing pattern of sexual exploitation to perfection.
Not simply satisified with exposing the epic crisis, Richard Sipe analyzes the structure underlying the church's celibate/sexual system andpoiints out unsolved problems with the current teachings. He calls for an honest, open discussion of sexuality and celibacy within the church and offers a refined description of the practice.
Sex, Priests, and Power is an invitation to exorcise the demons that threaten to engulf a mighty institution. Richard Sipe argues convincingly for an honest examination of the power structure of the Catholic Church and a thorough search for the factors that diminish and distort religion.

Customer Reviews:

Over My Head.......2006-03-26

This book contained some very interesting ideals. The philosophy in the book was way over my head. Much of it seemed redundant to me I'm sure because I didn't understand it. It certainly offerred insight into the priesthood from the local parish to Rome.

Interesting.......2003-05-30

It's not about sex. It's about power according to this author. He backs up his claim with historical evidence: the Church's mistreatment of women, and Jews, for example. Included are chilling quotes from the Malleus Malificarum used as a training book in seminaries for two centuries. The Malleus, used to train priests, sounds like the ravings of a madman, and it no doubt was...

A crucial study of problems afflcting Latin Rite Catholics.......1999-08-24

Sipe offers the first quantatative and qualatative look at the cancer on the American Latin Rite Catholic Church. He offers convincing evidence that 50% of the Latin Rite Priests and Bishops are sexually active, despite the Church's teaching that any and all sexual activity outside of marriage is mortally sinful. Anyone who has been affected by a sexually active priest or bishop needs to read this book to learn that they are not alone. Sipe's careful research is not an attack on celibacy: instead he reinforces the correct theological opinion that celibacy is a divine gift; not a command that must be followed at all times and in all circumstances. Unfortunately, the blurbs on the dust jacket of this book would lead one to conclude that this is a "Maria Monk" exposing lurid secret details of the priesthood for the prurient. Instead it is patient and kind to those seeking an understanding as to why a bishop would publicly defend his homoerotic liason with an embezzeling priest, as a "consensual arrangement between adults!" (Santa Rosa, 8/99) One would hope that either or both of his books would be mandatory reading for those enrolled in Latin Rite seminaries, as well as their mentors. This book deserves as much seminary attention as that presently given to penitentials. Sipe notes the failure of the Rite of Reconcilliation (Confession) for troubled priests and their victims. Perhaps this is because the Confessional as practiced today is inherently Manichean: it separates the sinful acts from the human creature's entire being. Many current 12th Step programs remedy this defect of ordinary practice, by requiring complete inventories, assets as well as liabilities. These programs also stress the necessity of being honest with oneself, and every anecdote related by Sipe can be condensed into the simple question: was the person able to be honest with themself? As Polonius, the worst hypocrite in Shakespeare, advised his son ["Do as I say, not as I've done!}: "To Thine Own Self Be True, and You Canst Not Be False to Any One." The successful celebates, who are true saints, are the ones that have chosen celibacy and integrated it into their whole being. Like rare perfect blue white diamonds, the true celebates remind us that human perfection is possible. But we must also remember that there is no sin in being less than perfect. Sin is turning away from God, and making self-deceit worthy of worship. True stupidity is deliberate ignorance, and Sipe's book counsels that the "Truth will make us free."

Sex, Priests, and Power: Anatomy of a Crisis (ISBN:0876307691)

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Sex, Priests, and Power: Anatomy of a Crisis (ISBN:0876307691)
A. W. Richard Sipe
Manufacturer: Brunner Mazel Publ.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NQIOHC

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Sex, Priests and Power Anatomy of a Crisis
A.W. RICHARD SIPE
Manufacturer: Brunner/Mazel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000K0863I

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