Book reviews
 Real
Love
Mary Beth Bonacci, 1996
Ignatius Press
This is the book that opened my eyes to the bigger picture of God's plan for our sexuality. It is an all-rounder book on human sexuality and chastity covering a broad spectrum of topics. It starts with the fundamentals on the dignity of the human person, love, marriage and then works its way through the nitty-gritty and dynamics of dating and living a happy, chaste life.
The book is structured in a question and answer format, including many of the typical questions that are frequently asked by young people. Her style is brilliant, with frequent examples and analogies that reveal and help us understand the truths of sexuality that the Catholic Church teaches.
It is easy reading, as the question and answer layout allows for bite-sized reading (though I was hooked for hours). She covers a lot of information, but it is not too heady, so younger people will be able to pick it up. Highly recommended for those new to this scene and are seeking answers. It's also a good gift for a friend who may not be sold on chastity yet.
 A
Case for Chasity
Heather Gallagher and Peter Vlahutin, 2003
Liguori Publishers
This is a watertight case indeed for both young and old. It's a positive book that aims to show a "better way". It shows chastity as "the approach to sex that leads to real love and true freedom". Its 156 pages are cleverly divided into chapters running A-Z, from "Attitudes and Approaches" to "Zero Regrets".
As a key to understanding chastity, this book explains what real love is… and what it isn't.
The co-authors Heather Gallagher and Peter Vlahutin, represent not only a balanced male/female perspective on chastity, but also a single and married perspective to chastity as well. Both are chastity educators, similar to insightful authors such as Mary Beth Bonacci.
This book stands out with crisp and clear explanation. Each point is backed up with a short story about a real person's experiences in this area the decisions they made and the consequences that followed. It is a reminder that our understanding of chastity is often shaped by real-life experiences.
Up-to-date examples and good analogies (how can sex be compared to a bowl of cereal?) also stand out in this book. I personally found I couldn't put this book down despite being familiar with many works from Chris West, Mary Beth and others. Its easy to get through and suits a busy reader.
 Theology
of the Body Made Simple
Anthony Percy, 2006
Pauline Books & Media
Written by Catholic priest Fr Anthony Percy, this book aims to simplify the topic of the Theology of the Body particularly through his writing style. It has the ability to engage and interact with the reader, featuring short sentences, examples and analogies to describe theological ideas. This makes it ideal for youth, to inspire them to live chaste lives and anyone who
wants to explain the teachings of the Church on sexuality to others.
It presents the meaning of our existence and the human body, explaining the Pope John Paul’s teaching on why we were made to be greatly relational, with the human desire for love within a relationship with each other and most importantly with God especially in single life, which was promised by Him from the beginning of human existence as revealed in the book of Genesis.
 The
Good News about Sex and Marriage
Christopher West, 2000
Charis Books
The Good News about Sex and Marriage is an introduction to Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body, a collection of 129 general audience addresses from September 1979 through November 1984. It is a great tool for those new to the writings and teachings of the Theology of the Body or those who want to increase their understanding of it.
It answers questions about the Catholic Church's teachings on marriage and human sexuality in a simple to read and well answered question/answer format and it can be used as a resource within RCIA and adult education classes.
 Theology
of the Body for Beginners
Christopher West, 2004
Ascension Press
Theology of the Body for Beginners is an introductory book makes the teachings John Paul II's Theology of the Body simple and accessible for any reader which is basically a condensation of his previous book Theology of the Body Explained. It highlights its most essential aspects by examining questions about human existence and its connection to human sexuality.
Furthermore it presents the idea of the body as a sacrament which helps to understand more about God and His unity with the Church. It features a valuable glossary to use as summary points for the chapters and a resource section to allow further study of the Theology of the Body.
 Men
and Women are from Eden
Mary Healy, 2005
Servant Publications
Written by Professor of Scripture at Christendom College and Ave Maria University, Dr. Mary Healy, this book is a study guide to the Theology of the Body focusing on the plan which God had for men and women before the fall, which consists of nine lessons and study tools including key concepts, scripture references, church teachings and questions for reflection and discussion.
The book commences with some background on the reflections used by Pope John Paul II as a priest and bishop to help in the counselling of married couples, it explains how the body is not just an object, but the visible expression of the person which reveals the inner person. The biblical story of the creation is used to explain the complimentary nature of man and woman and
their call to a relationship capable of producing another human being through the self giving gift to each other and to God in marriage.
 I
Kissed Dating Goodbye
Joshua Harris, 1997
Multnormah Publishers, Inc
In this book Joshua Harris makes the bold statement to "kiss dating goodbye". He suggests we should only date once we are physically, emotionally and spiritually ready for marriage.
Using inspiring examples from his life and those of others around him, Josh takes us through the heartbreak that is created by exclusive, serious relationships when we are not ready for them. Harris suggests that our time as a single is a time to grow in purity and in our relationship with God, and argues his points convincingly using lots of illustrations and biblical quotes.
I Kissed Dating Goodbye inspires you to enjoy your time being single, using it as a chance to deepen your love of God and concentrate on building friendships rather than exclusive relationships. This book calls us to learn to love rightly and not use another to fill your own need for intimacy and romance.
Though I enjoyed this book and agree with much of what it states about the hurt of serious exclusive dating, I believe you need to keep an open mind when reading. Harris takes a very "black and white" position to dating - either you don't or other wise you do and will get hurt. Harris never addresses the conundrum of what to do once you feel you are ready for marriage. How do you go from being friends to marrying someone without dating?
 Not
Even a Hint
Joshua Harris, 2003
Multnomah Publishers, Inc
This great little book deals with everyone's battle on lust. It has particular emphasis on how lust manifests itself in such ways as pornography, fantasising, masturbation, manipulation and other more subtle temptations. He discusses the anguish, guilt and shame as people fail to deal with lust when they try to use their own means.
Then he reveals the Gospel of a merciful God and Saviour who loves us and empowers us to overcome this sin with His grace. In practical detail, he discusses how we can pro-actively combat lust with prayerful self-awareness, diligence and a lifestyle of Christian holiness.
This book is easy to read. Joshua quickly builds rapport as he humbly shares many experiences and personal struggles. There are heaps of practical tips to take away and there is constant reference to Scripture. I also personally recommend that this book is read in conjunction with Catholic books on this subject including The Courage to be Chaste and any Theology of the Body based material.
 Wait
For Me
Rebecca St. James, 2002
Thomas Nelson Publishers
This book is an inspirational read on the joy that can be found in love and romance when sexual purity is at the foundation. Rebecca speaks as a friend. She speaks out of love for us and genuinely wants what's best for us.
She draws upon the joys from purity in her own life and shares her own personal views as a woman on traditional, high integrity romance. She also discusses the witness and experiences of those people in her life who have inspired her.
Through years of touring throughout the world with her band, she shares on how she has seen the "regretful tears" of others and is passionate about bringing hope and conviction for the highest ideals of sexual purity. With empathy, she encourages those who may have fallen to a second chance.
Rebecca's book includes lots of practical advice and constant reference to her Christian faith.
 Worth
the Wait
Jason Stevens, 2001
Gary Allen Pty Ltd
This book written by recently retired Australian rugby league international Jason Stevens, features his own personal stories and humour to aid in encouraging young people to realise their worth and make better choices in their life, particularly by remaining pure through methods such as avoiding provocative music and praying to God for strength.
The book is based on True Love Waits and is focused on considering saving sex for marriage by waiting for the right person, this is done by assessing opinions from both Christian and non-Christian points of view.
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