I am a non-fiction book fanatic. Rarely do I read fiction but just finished and really liked a unique novel called Chasing Francis – A Pilgrim’s Tale by Ina Morgan Cron.
This is a story about a minister who faces a faith crisis, questioning everything he had promoted and believed. Taking a leave of absence he visits his cousin who is a Franciscan monk in Italy and embarks on a life changing pilgrimage.
The history of St Francis and the basic beliefs of that order is woven into the main character’s search for answers. What a unique way to introduce readers to St Francis and to showcase his relevance for Christians today.
Though the story obviously moves in such a way to give the reader all of the foundational information, it also gives us challenges to consider St Francis relevance in the 21st century church. Towards the end of the book, the main characters says,
When I left here, I wasn’t sure what a Christian looked like anymore. My idea of what it meant to follow Jesus had run out of gas. I started feeling less like a pastor and more like a salesman of a consumerized Jesus I didn’t believe in. Learning about Francis helped me fall in love with Jesus again – and with the church again, too.”
I wrote down several quotes in my journal from this book, some written by the author but many from other historical Christian figures. I want to pray and ponder those words. For example, he quotes Evelyn Underhill –
Mystics know that possessions dissipate the energy which they need for other and more real things; that they must give up ownership, the verb ‘to have.’ If they are to attain the freedom which they seek, and the fullness of the verb ‘to be.”
Ouch! I have a loooooong way to go with that!
I enjoy books that challenge and entertain and Chasing Francis satisfied both of these yearnings for me. I think it was also good for me to read something outside of my normal genres too.
What book, outside of your typical or favorite genre, have you read lately?
You know I’m a non-fiction fan just like you, but I’m halfway into Chasing Francis right now and really enjoying it. It’s kind of a blend between fiction and non-fiction to me. 🙂 Looking forward to finishing the back half soon!
I think I may have discovered this book from your list too. I really did like the book.
You’ve piqued my interest, Jean. Chasing Francis sounds like a worthwhile read–with a journal nearby! Right now I’m reading a historical account of the writing of the constitution. I think the book is titled, The Miracle of the Constitution. (Don’t have the book with me right now to give you the author. Sorry!) My favorite genre is historical fiction, not documentary history. But this author includes so many details, she draws delightful word-pictures of the setting and characters. I am enjoying the learning, and appreciating more the miracle that is our constitution.
yes with your journal nearby. The main character also journals in most chapters – another unique way to process the info about Francis. interesting approach to writing. That book you are reading sounds like something I would like. will look it up. Thanks for the suggestion, Nancy.
I’m home now–can give you the actual name of the book and author: Miracle at Philadelphia by Catherine Drinker Bowen.
Thanks. I tried looking it up at our library and now with the correct title bet I can order it. Will check it out.
Sounds like a wonderful read! Blessings!
I read Chasing Francis last fall & loved it. I found it to be very thought provoking. Like you, I hardly read fiction & found this to be a delightful way to learn more about St. Francis. It just might be time for me to pick up a fiction book again 🙂
So glad you liked the book too. I thought it was a such a unique way to learn about Francis – a little preachy at times or maybe he just had to get all the info in in some way but I enjoyed the story so well, it was worth it. Yes I do too need to pick up more fiction occasionally. Thanks!