Did I mention the cover is a gas?

Throughout the book I was amazed to find that I couldn't pinpoint who was good and who was evil until nearly the very end. The subtle clues usually left me wondering if the clues were truly reality or just a bad nightmare. David Lynn Anderson has worked within a not-to-distant future and successfully brought the entire world to economic ruin in a very convincing manner.

I highly recommend this book for anyone that likes not only science fiction/fantasy, but to anyone who likes suspense and stories that mess with your mind. This novel left me wondering, "Where is God?!"

Although THE BREAKAWAY POPE is masquerading as fiction, it is much more than simply a story about a fictional pope.

John Cantwell Kiley is that rarity, a man who holds doctorates in both philosophy and medicine. He is the recipient and beneficiary of the finest educational resources available to a human being on the planet, and is the author of several books, including EINSTEIN AND AQUINAS: A RAPPROCHMENT; EQUILIBRIUM; HEART OF A SURGEON; and SELF RESCUE--the latter a best seller that was chosen book of the month by Psychology Today magazine in 1990. His books have boasted introductions by such luminaries as William F. Buckley, Jr., and M. Scott Peck, author of THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED.

First, last and always, Kiley is a metaphysician, and so this book is primarily a metaphysical discourse. Unlike most fiction, it boasts voluminous appendices, posing questions such as, "Why is Egoism true madness?", "What is Enlightenment?", "How is Eternity Entered?" and many others. Questions that are deep and strike at the heart of human existence.

There is also a Glossary at the end of the book, dealing with common terms and the author's sometimes uncommon definitions, which are based upon his own beliefs and understanding.

So, while the story line is important, involving the successor to the present pope, John Paul II--a successor named after the original Pope, the Apostle Peter--who is faced with a world unlike any that previous popes have encountered including the possibility of thermonuclear war, it serves primarily as a vehicle for Kiley's own philosophy, from which there is much to be learned by anyone with less understanding of the issues discussed--which includes most of us.

The church heirarchy, upon which the story is founded, is not an unfamiliar subject to the author, who is himself an ordained priest (of the Eastern Rite, although he was raised a Roman--a different apostolic succession--and Roman Catholic priests attended his ordination.)

This is probably not a story that will have wide appeal to those who simply wish to be entertained by a shallow love story, or murder mystery, but I predict that it will be greatly appreciated by thoughtful people with advanced education or interest in philosophy, ontology, and the great questions that have long mesmerized the philosophical minds among us.

The introduction is by William F. Buckley, Jr.

Joseph H. Pierre

...

Robert & Linda Easterbrooks

This story is told from two perspectives. The principal one is that of Andrea Aschenbrenner, the religion reporter for the St. Louis Lodestar. Aschenbrenner's deeply felt concerns about the role of women in the church are revealed during her discussions with other American reporters covering the conclave, in as well as in her quiet time thoughts. The other perspective is that of the fly on the wall at conversations of the cardinal electors prepatory to and during the conclave.

Father Faherty, professor Emeritus of history at St. Louis University, uses Andrea's interviews with her St. Louis University professors and others with whom she comes in contact to expound on his views of recent church history. The historical assessments of Twentieth Century Popes is very edifying. Highlights of Papal which history work their way into the dialogues force the readers rethink our own understandings of current institutions of the Church. The explanation of the significance of the name Octavian gives a hint to the reforms to be implemented by the new Pope who adopts that moniker. Father Faherty's views of some St. Louis institutions and personalities are clearly seen through the thin veil of this novel.

With his election, Pope Octavian immediately implements a series of reforms which alter the church structure as we know it. While based on sound Catholic doctrines and authoritative church documents, the reforms can be described, in essence, as the conquest of American inspired spirit of liberty over the faith in Rominata, the attitude that sees all wisdom in Rome, which has so long held sway over the Vatican.

One a personal basis, the repeated references to places and institutions with which I am familiar and persons who I know, or know of, adds to the enjoyment of this splendid book. The reference to one council father of a "physically unimpressive cardinal from some place along the Mississippi" is easily recognized as the bishop by whom I was confirmed.

Whether you are a St. Louisan or not, "The Call of Pope Octavian is an excellent read for anyone interested in the history and, more importantly, the future of the Church.

A priest read a page at a mass during a homily and I was hooked on the idea to make this a daily devotional part of my prayers. These short insights into the human condition allow me to pray for us all.