Excerpts from Two Reviews from the March 13 Issue of Publishers Weekly

by Staff, Religion BookLine -- Publishers Weekly, 3/8/2006

The Grail Code: Revelations of an Ancient Mystery
Mike Aquilina and Christopher Bailey. Loyola, $19.95 (256p) ISBN 0-8294-2159-9

The Nazis wanted it; Indiana Jones risked his life for it; and it plays a substantial role in the legendary stories of King Arthur. What is so intriguing about the Holy Grail, the cup that, according to Christian Gospel accounts, Jesus used at the Last Supper? From medieval Christian piety to contemporary popular culture, Aquilina and Bailey provide an intriguing historical study of the lore that arose around the Grail. They present a traditionalist perspective, which at times comes across as judgmental and even outright rude, using phrases like "coarse and ignorant louts," "hack writers" and "the wacky fringe" for ad hominem attacks on people they do not appreciate. The work would be stronger if Aquilina and Bailey had avoided such tactics and stuck to their historical pursuits. Still, readers looking for a conservative historical treatment of the Holy Grail will find much to appreciate. (May 15)

Ceremonies for Spiritual Healing and Growth
Henry Close. Haworth, $29.95 cloth (155p) ISBN 0-7890-2904-9; $19.95 paper ISBN 0-7890-2905-7

Religious rituals can be powerful balm during painful or challenging times in life. Close, a retired pastoral counseling professor at Columbia Theological Seminary, draws on his life experience to create this handbook of rituals, including guided meditations, prayers, litanies and suggested activities to help mark a change in a person's life. This is no "one size fits all" book of rituals. There are more than 25 ceremonies for specific situations like adoption, divorce, support for a rape survivor, commitment to stop smoking, and job loss. He also includes innovative rituals for the big ceremonies ministers are usually present for—marriage, baptism and funerals. Pastors, chaplains, spiritual directors and others who minister to people in need will appreciate this guidebook of eloquent words and meaningful actions to highlight the sacredness of life's transitions. (May)