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Released April 2010

I finally finished reading “100 People Who Changed the World,” a new work by Life Books.

It by no means claims that those featured are the 100 people who changed the world and editors made no attempt to rank them either, but it was an enjoyable read nonetheless and one that might make you proud to be Catholic, especially at the onset.

The 128-page book takes readers from religious figures and philosophers to political figures, inventors and cultural icons whose work significantly advanced the world we live in today. The reasoning:

Mankind’s religious and philosophical development informs its political progress, which encourages (or stifles) entrepreneurial and artistic creativity.

Seven of the 13 key religious figures featured — in a brief two-column paragraph plus large photo nonetheless — are central to our Church’s history. A handful of other influential Catholics are sprinkled throughout the remaining sections. Take a sneak peek inside.

Each concise entry is very digestible and written in a conversational tone. Editors are quick to squander possible disagreements with featured figures too in a gentle, yet educational fashion.

I like to think this book would give you enough knowledge about historical figures to excel on a TV game show.

The book costs $29.95, but may be available at a local library. That’s where I heard about the book and obtained my copy.

On another note, the Kino Library at the Diocesan Pastoral Center recently sent out its “newly acquired” list. The three page, 80-some title list may not be as easy of a read as “100 People…”, but they’re 100 percent Catholic. Subjects range from the Gospels to ecumenism to social teaching to overcoming sorrow to the popes and beyond. Call the library Tue-Thu at (602) 354-2251 for details.