Rating: 
Summary: It's about time Father Paul wrote a book!
Review: If you like Father Paul Keenan's radio show, As You Think, you're going to love his book, Good News For Bad Times! Father Paul's honesty and humor bring an additional dimension to the more traditional tomes of sprituality. Father Paul's writing makes you laugh....makes you cry....and most of all, makes you think about what you have to contribute to this world and then inspires you to get out and do it! His optimism and genuine love for the people he meets is contagious. His understanding of the human condition and its journey towards spirituality is real. I highly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent! Gives soul survival techniques in simple terms.
Review: In this world of stress and changing life situations, we are faced with struggles that we may not have had before. In addition, we are becoming more self aware of these struggles that we face. In response to that need, the bookshelves are stocked with a variety of self-help books ranging in complexity that address both the physical and mental states of mind.In Good News for Bad Days, Father Keenan is able to provide insights into that part of us that we so often forget-our soul. As I listened to the audio version of his book, he reminded me that the soul is a central axis that radiates throughout our being. His book is particularly appealing because it offers SIMPLE techniques and philosophies to awaken and nourish the soul. In addition, he couples it with a nice blend of faith principles which are either forgotten or lost in our focus. This is truly an uplifting book which I listen to as I begin my day. It gives me the necessary reminder to keep a soul perspective as I approach the life and work situations that may confront me. I enjoyed Thomas Moore's Care of the Soul and this book compliments the thoughts he presents wonderfully; however, Father Keenan adds his own unique slant. I highly recommend this book. It provides hope, inspiration and a positive outlook in simple and achievable terms.
Rating: 
Summary: Good News but not Great News
Review: Keenan explores the realm of the soul in this pleasant, enlightening discussion. A problem I had is that he never (that I can remember) defines the soul or discusses the spirit. So, much of the language about the soul is somewhat ambiguous. I think at times he referred to what I consider the spirit as the soul. I never grasped exactly what he means by "soul," which is frustrating when that is the focus of the book. Much of the book lacked the passion that really moves a reader to wake up to the sense of soul and spirituality and the need to address the unseen world. The book is told/read without much drama. Keenan does share insights about life that will probably cause you to examine your priorities and direction in life. He shares stories that are relevant but that didn't seem to strike a loud enough chord to me. I think he could have gone deeper into his spiritual well to offer the reader more living water that what is here. I think there is a lack of specificity about what he truly believes regarding the soul. He doesn't share much of his Catholic belief system but more of a watered down spirituality that ignores much of what one would expect a Catholic priest to believe. There were some nuggets that I can take with me such as looking for the miracle in everyday life, expecting gifts from God and from life, and trusting in the guidance of providence when least suspected. I would encourage him to be more earnest about what he believes in the future.
Rating:
Summary: Good News but not Great News
Review: Keenan explores the realm of the soul in this pleasant, enlightening discussion. A problem I had is that he never (that I can remember) defines the soul or discusses the spirit. So, much of the language about the soul is somewhat ambiguous. I think at times he referred to what I consider the spirit as the soul. I never grasped exactly what he means by "soul," which is frustrating when that is the focus of the book. Much of the book lacked the passion that really moves a reader to wake up to the sense of soul and spirituality and the need to address the unseen world. The book is told/read without much drama. Keenan does share insights about life that will probably cause you to examine your priorities and direction in life. He shares stories that are relevant but that didn't seem to strike a loud enough chord to me. I think he could have gone deeper into his spiritual well to offer the reader more living water that what is here. I think there is a lack of specificity about what he truly believes regarding the soul. He doesn't share much of his Catholic belief system but more of a watered down spirituality that ignores much of what one would expect a Catholic priest to believe. There were some nuggets that I can take with me such as looking for the miracle in everyday life, expecting gifts from God and from life, and trusting in the guidance of providence when least suspected. I would encourage him to be more earnest about what he believes in the future.
Rating: 
Summary: Review of Good News for Bad Days in The Pilot
Review: Kelly Feazelle, Reviewer, The Pilot (Southern Pines, NC), July 6, 1998 Remember those old homilies your parents always told you? "Don't hold a grudge. When the time is right it'll happen. Be polite." But they never could give you a reason to support these ideas. And besides, it was your parents telling you this, for pity's sake. No way could you take their word for it. This delightfully ecumenical little book of essays is stuffed full of these old sayings, and it offers reasonable explanations as to why we should at least try to follow them. Father Keenan gives lots of gentle wisdom, humor and plain old good sense along with his advice, too. "Good News for Bad Days" isn't just for those days when things are looking grim, either. In fact, most of the essays are best read in those in-between times in your life, when things aremoving along with relative ease and peace. Not only will you gain a better appreciation of those times, you'll ! remember what you've read here when things are a little rougher. Keenan's language is memorable in its earthiness and simplicity. Reading this book is a lot like sitting down and listening to a beloved older relative who has learned how to pass along his wisdom kindly. He quotes philosophies ranging from Sufi to Zen to Catholicism in support of his ideas very effectively. Even if you have no desire to peruse other philosophies, Keenan's written voice is a pure pleasure to read. A nicely written, homey little book.
Rating:
Summary: Beef stew for the soul!
Review: More than chicken soup, Fr. Keenan's book is beef stew for the soul... something substantial to sink your teeth into. As a midlife guy who sometimes feels trapped by life and the choices I've made, this book helps me see the good things and many blessings in my life and to set my sails to better use the gifts that God has given me. It also gives me a much-sought-after sense of love and peace. Easy-to-read, and not just for Catholics, it leaves you with much to think about. Even non-religious people must seek their soul. Let Fr. Keenan help you find yours. -Jon
Rating:
Summary: A Realistic Look at Pain and Life
Review: Sometimes, books like these can become too heavily optimistic and, therefore, alienate the reader that really needs comfort in a time of suffering. When I purchased this book, my older sister had just died at the age of 27 and I was desperate for some kind of comfort. My friends and family, though they tried, only seemed to make me feel worse. This book, however, was just what I needed. Good News for Bad Days takes a sober and uplifting look at life without making your problems seem mundane or unworthy of notice. It is a book that is full of empathy and not pride or guilt. Father Keenan does not push Christianity down your throat or even try to convert the reader, rather he uses modern day situations to show the different ways one can look at life and times of need. If you are looking for a friend to be compassionate and there is no one in sight, this book is just what you need.
Rating:
Summary: A Realistic Look at Pain and Life
Review: Sometimes, books like these can become too heavily optimistic and, therefore, alienate the reader that really needs comfort in a time of suffering. When I purchased this book, my older sister had just died at the age of 27 and I was desperate for some kind of comfort. My friends and family, though they tried, only seemed to make me feel worse. This book, however, was just what I needed. Good News for Bad Days takes a sober and uplifting look at life without making your problems seem mundane or unworthy of notice. It is a book that is full of empathy and not pride or guilt. Father Keenan does not push Christianity down your throat or even try to convert the reader, rather he uses modern day situations to show the different ways one can look at life and times of need. If you are looking for a friend to be compassionate and there is no one in sight, this book is just what you need.
Rating:
Summary: This Book Is GREAT News for ANY Day!!!!
Review: This is a truly helpful book. Father Keenan's compassion comes alive on these pages. You can feel his hand in yours as you read. It's been a fad for quite some time now to say that one is "into spirituality" or is "a spiritual person." But to completely understand spirituality, one must first realize the function of the soul in life. Soulfulness is the basis of all things spiritual, emotional, and physical. It is our very essence. And this guide will help you in your quest to make your life a soulful one. On a personal note: My family sustained the loss of my dear sister just weeks before the release of this book. It served as a comforting tool to all the members of my family during this difficult time. But whether you are hurting, searching, happy, or sad, Father Keenan's words will lead you to a better understanding of the very thing that gives us the vitality and strength that we so need to survive: the soul. Father Keenan taught me so much through this book that I have actually been able to use what I've learned to help others through loneliness, loss, and frustration. And it's been an absolute delight to share what I've learned with all of God's souls who have come into my life.
Rating:
Summary: This Book Is GREAT News for ANY Day!!!!
Review: This is a truly helpful book. Father Keenan's compassion comes alive on these pages. You can feel his hand in yours as you read. It's been a fad for quite some time now to say that one is "into spirituality" or is "a spiritual person." But to completely understand spirituality, one must first realize the function of the soul in life. Soulfulness is the basis of all things spiritual, emotional, and physical. It is our very essence. And this guide will help you in your quest to make your life a soulful one. On a personal note: My family sustained the loss of my dear sister just weeks before the release of this book. It served as a comforting tool to all the members of my family during this difficult time. But whether you are hurting, searching, happy, or sad, Father Keenan's words will lead you to a better understanding of the very thing that gives us the vitality and strength that we so need to survive: the soul. Father Keenan taught me so much through this book that I have actually been able to use what I've learned to help others through loneliness, loss, and frustration. And it's been an absolute delight to share what I've learned with all of God's souls who have come into my life.
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