I have been reading another dystopian novels by James Wesley Rawles, Founders. (The first in the series is Patriots, the next is Survivors.)
I was pretty surprised to read this paragraph, about a couple who wind up being part of a principle vector of the plot as they escape from Chicago when the global economic collapse destroys our way of life.
The Laytons attended St. John Cantius Parish church in Chicago, three miles from their home. The trip to church was a straight shot up West Ogden Boulevard that took less than ten minutes. They had chosen to worship there because they celebrated Mass in Latin. The church’s brochure and website read: “St. John Cantius Parish is also privileged to offer daily the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, commonly referred to as the Tridentine Latin Mass.” The Latin Mass meant a lot to Ken because that was his parents’ preference, and he had grown up hearing it. His parents were part of what was then a “renegade” church— back when the Latin Mass was banned. Terry was also raised Catholic, but had never attended a Latin Mass until just before she married Ken. She grew to love it. They decided that when they had children, they would give them a classical homeschooling, and include Latin in their curriculum.
The books give you a lot to think about. Those links, above, will take you to a page where you can buy them.
I’m wondering if you’ve read Fatherless, Motherless, and Childless? How would they compare to what you are reading now?
I had read all three of the books – this one seems much more evangelical than the prior two. While staunchly Protestant, Mr. Rawles seems to treat the individual Catholics in his stories very charitably. (I’ll not say more to avoid spoilers, though I think they might be fictionalized personas of his friends.)
I’ve also read the blog he curates (survivalblog.com) for several years, and overall I’d say it’s been well worth my time. The various articles favor learning practical skills which have all but vanished. I’ll be honest, though, I never expected to see the book posted on this blog.
Well, I am happy to say that I have cousins named Layton in Chicago! They are the James Bond types too! Maybe this is not fiction!!!
don Jeffry says: Maybe this is not fiction!!!
Let us pray that it is!
I am a parishioner at St. John Cantius. It is actually off of Ogden Avenue not West Ogden Boulevard.
Fr. Z, Did you read “The Pulse” yet? What did you think of it?
Nice detail from a raging Calvinist. But in my experience, Rawles is a just man.
I read the first 50 pages of “The Pulse”. Those girls wouldn’t have survived ten miles without a girl or guy with military combat experience, and an assault weapon. You think you’re just going to drive-through a marauding crowd!
If people will trample you for gizmos on Black Friday, imagine what they would do if they didn’t have food!
I laughed when I read this. I was reading Patriots by him just last night. But first I had to dig my old tactical headlamp out of my army gear since we had lost power due to the storm.