Hard as Nails: A Mission to Awaken Youth to the Power of God’s Love

Fatica, cofounder of the Hard as Nails youth outreach, chronicles his progression from recalcitrant high school student to “unordained Catholic minister” in this account of his life and work with young people. Fatica’s in-your-face ministry, the subject of a 2007 HBO documentary, is known for such controversial methods as the “Cross Walk,” in which blindfolded participants “experience” Christ’s torture and death through a reenactment that uses music, shouted words and sounds to mimic the scourging and nailing of Christ to the cross. Hard as Nails Ministries grew out of Fatica’s work at a Catholic high school in New Jersey, and since has spread to other areas, including Barbados, reaching marginalized young people with a simple, unaffected message and methods borrowed from evangelical Protestants. Fatica writes simply and conversationally, complementing his words with moving stories and heartrending letters from young people. He also includes practical “Call to Action” steps for youth with particular problems and questions. Parents, youth workers and all adults who interact with young people will find this interesting and illuminating reading. (Feb.)