The Catholic Bookworm

WCAT Radio

Kiki Latimer interviews Catholic authors who speak about theology, philosophy, spirituality, and literary works.

  1. Oct 20

    Episode 334: Joseph Pearce on his book Great Books for Good Men: Reflections on Literature and Manhood (October 20, 2026)

    In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Joseph Pearce on his book Great Books for Good Men: Reflections on Literature and Manhood (October 20, 2026) Originally commissioned by Exodus 90, the pioneering men’s app, these brief but stirring reflections by acclaimed writer Joseph Pearce show how great literature―including poetry―can help every Catholic man striving for virtue and holiness.  Drawing on luminaries such as Homer, Dante, St. John Henry Newman, Chesterton, Tolkien, and C. S. Lewis, Pearce shows that literature, far from being a dead relic of the past, tackles crucial questions which are directly relevant to modern men. Among the many great books he reflects on for the benefit of men include The Odyssey, The Aeneid, Beowulf, The Divine Comedy, Hamlet, Brideshead Revisited, The Hobbit, Chronicles of Narnia, The Ball and Cross. Some of the classic works of poetry he comments on for men's inspiration include The Hound of Heaven, God's Grandeur, Twelfth Night, The Tiger and If. What does Shakespeare say about the dangers of lust? How does God pursue the sinner like a “Hound of Heaven”? What does it mean to be soldiers of Christ on active duty in the Church Militant? What sort of men do we want our sons to become? What does a great poet-saint teach us about the power of the sign of the cross to exorcise demons? How can we nurture a faith which is fearless? In a culture that fosters toxic masculinity on the one hand and effeminacy on the other, the literary giants of the past offer an inspiring alternative vision of true manhood, one that Catholic men are called to embrace as they “work out [their] salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil 2:12). Great Books for Good Men

  2. Oct 20

    Episode 333: Mike Aquilina on his book St. Michael and His World (October 20, 2026)

    In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Mike Aquilina on his book St. Michael and His World (October 20, 2026) The great wings of the Archangel Michael overshadow all human history. He is mentioned in three books of the Bible, but the Church Fathers and ancient rabbis saw him in many other places, unnamed, hidden in plain sight. In St. Michael and His World, Mike Aquilina explores the biblical record alongside its interpretations from antiquity, unveiling a history - from creation to the end - in which St. Michael is a constant and active presence. But this is not a book about mythology or pious legend. Drawing on Scripture, rabbinic texts, the Dead Sea Scrolls, patristic writings, Coptic tradition, and Islamic sources, Aquilina traces how the Church's greatest archangel has captured the imagination of believers across two millennia. From Daniel's visions to the vision that inspired Pope Leo XIII to revive his devotion in the modern age, St. Michael emerges not as a distant heavenly abstraction, but as a figure central to how Christians have understood spiritual warfare, divine providence, and the cosmic struggle between good and evil. For those seeking to understand the invisible warfare that shapes human history, or for those simply curious about one of the Bible's most enigmatic figures, St. Michael and His World offers both scholarly depth and the kind of compelling storytelling that makes history come alive. It is a book for anyone who has ever prayed "St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle" – and wants to know the full measure of the one they were calling upon. Mike Aquilina is a popular author of Church history, especially the study of the early Church Fathers. He is co-founder, with Scott and Kimberly Hahn, of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, a research center based in Steubenville, OH. He is a contributing editor of Angelus News. Aquilina is the author or editor of more than seventy books, including St. Joseph and His World, St. Patrick and His World, and Rhymes’ Reasons, also published by Scepter. https://scepterpublishers.org/products/st-michael-and-his-world

  3. Oct 14

    Episode 331: Fr. Peter Grover, OMV, on his book Making the Impossible Possible: It Is All About Who Is With You (October 13, 2026)

    In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Fr. Peter Grover, OMV, on his book Making the Impossible Possible: It Is All About Who Is With You (October 13, 2026) This book explores the transformative power of divine partnership, showing how God works through human imperfections to achieve extraordinary results. Drawing from scripture, personal anecdotes, and life lessons, the book demonstrates that collaboration with God is not limited to saints or the gifted—it is accessible to everyone. The central theme is that faith and trust in God allow ordinary individuals to participate in extraordinary accomplishments while finding fulfillment and simplicity.   The book is structured in three parts: God, You, and Both, guiding readers to understand divine power, personal responsibility, and mutual partnership. Grover illustrates these themes with vivid stories, such as David’s triumph over Goliath, personal encounters with faith, and everyday interactions showcasing divine providence. Each chapter emphasizes practical lessons: relying on God, overcoming fear and failure, and discovering joy in service.Fr. Grover draws from his experiences as a priest and scholar, blending humor, wisdom, and biblical insights. He encourages readers to align their talents with God’s will, emphasizing that imperfections do not diminish value or potential. Ultimately, the book inspires readers to trust in God’s plan, embrace their unique roles, and strive for a life of purpose and gratitude. Making the Impossible Possible: It Is All About Who Is With You by Fr. Peter Grover, OMV | En Route Books and Media

Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Kiki Latimer interviews Catholic authors who speak about theology, philosophy, spirituality, and literary works.

You Might Also Like