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**Cross Word Books**

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**Welcome to** ***Cross Word Books,*** **the podcast where we delve into compelling conversations with authors who illuminate history, politics, culture, faith, and art.**

Each episode uncovers intriguing insights and untold stories that shape our understanding of today’s world and the rich tapestry of ideas that define it. Whether you’re passionate about the cultural impact of art or curious about how history informs our political landscape, *Crossword* invites you to explore the diverse forces that influence human experience.

Join our community of curious minds and subscribe now to embark on a journey of discovery, thoughtful reflection, and deeper connection with the world around us.

Latest Episodes:

St Gallen Mafia Nov 26, 2021

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Many were surprised by the election of Pope Francis.
Author Julia Melonia, in her meticulously researched and well written book, ST Gallen Mafia; Exploring the Secret Reformist Group in the Church, published by Tan Books, shows how the papacy of Pope Francis was not a haphazard chance but the result of many years of planning and scheming by some of the most radical leaders in the Church. Ms. Melonia traces how an obscure Latin American cardinal was elevated to the Papacy and why this elaborate scheme should concern all faithful Catholics. Pope Francis is 84 years old . As his papacy and life draws to an end many of the radical transformations that the ST Gallen group hoped to achieve will now happen at a quickening pace. The destruction of the Latin mass and a World wide synod are only the beginning of what a progressive group of cardinals who called themselves the ST Gallen Mafia hoped to achieve.
You can find Tan books https://tanbooks.com/
Julia Melonia's website https://www.juliameloni.com/

400 years of Thanksgiving! Nov 18, 2021

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Looking for a great hostess gift for Thanksgiving? Thanksgiving; the Holiday at the Heart of the American Experience is a fun, fact filled, well written, and beautifully illustrated book that would make a perfect gift.
Did you know America will celebrate the 400th anniversary of the original Thanksgiving dinner this year? Join me in a great conversation with Melanie Kirkpatrick, author of Thanksgiving; the Holiday at the Heart of the American Experience published by the fabulous Encounter Books. Mrs. Kirkpatrick, a Senior Fellow at the prestigious Hudson Institute, traces the origins of Thanksgiving and what this most American holiday has come to mean to our national identity. In separating myth from fact, she very adroitly shows why Thanksgiving is an important day of national unity for all American citizens. History, politics, religion, economics. food and football are interwoven in the story of a holiday four centuries in the making. The book is filled with tidbits of historical facts and anecdotes about our most cherished holiday. Be sure to check out the recipes in the back. I am going to try the Indian pudding!!
The Hudson Institute can be found at https://www.hudsoninstitute.org Encounter Books can be found at https://www.encounterbooks.com Melanie Kirkpatrick can be found at https://www.melaniekirkpatrick.com
find Michele on twitter @michelemcaloon1
let me know what is your favorite Thanksgiving dish. Mine is cranberries and corn bread sausage stuffing!!!

Scandal, Media, and The Roman Catholic Church Nov 12, 2021

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This episode is not for the faint of heart..but is worthwhile in considering where the truth may stand in media reporting. Bill Donahue author of The Truth about Clergy Sexual Abuse; Clarifying the Facts and the Causes published by Ignatius Press challenges many of the media allegations in the reporting of the Clergy Sexual Abuse Crisis in the Roman Catholic Church. He presents a well documented presentation about the two scandals that have occurred in the Church ; the actual clergy abuse scandal and the reporting of the clergy abuse scandal. Mr. Donahue questions the media in their accuracy of reporting while never downplaying or dismissing the actual abuse that did occur in the Church. Both Catholics and non Catholics will benefit from considering his research and presentation of the facts and the agenda of a powerful and liberal media.
The Catholic League of which Mr. Donahue is president can be found at https://www.catholicleague.org/
Ignatius Press can be found at https://www.ignatius.com/

Dare to be a REACTIONARY! Nov 05, 2021

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What is happiness? Michael Warren Davis author of The Reactionary Mind; When Conservative isn't Enough publishedby Regnery Gateway answers this question by imagining a better past in order to imagine a better future. Since it's release at the end of October, this book is flying off the shelves. Join me in conversation with Mr. Davis as we talk about Kings, Medieval Man, blissful ignorance, smart phones and dating as a pathway toward revolt of the modern world. Rejecting the forces that purport to make us happy may be in the end what truly makes us happy.
When you buy the book be sure to study the appendices....the reactionary's guide to cocktails and dogs.
You can find Michael Warren Davis's writing on his blog site..https://northofboston.blog/
BE REACTIONARY!!!!!! Your happiness depends on it!!!
Drop me a line on twitter Michele McAloon!

DRACULA!! Oct 29, 2021

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Because you can never get enough Dracula this time of year. This is a repeat performance! Dracula..the Motherlode of all horror stories just in time for all hallows eve and all souls day .
Join me in conversation with Dr Doug Mitchell, my friend with a PhD in literature, as we talk about Brahm Stoker"s 1897 classic Dracula. Redemption. purity, bats and werewolves all rolled into this towering gothic novel. We discuss the Catholic and literary themes that have long held a fascination for a classic Halloween tale
Ignatius Press Critical Edition of Dracula
https://www.ignatius.com/promotions/ignatiuscriticaleditions/stoker-dracula.htm

Meet the Minds behind the Dracula Edition

Eleanor Bourg Nicholson is the assistant executive editor for Dappled Things and assistant editor for the Saint Austin Review (StAR). She is editor of several Ignatius Critical Editions volumes, and has collaborated with other editors to provide footnotes for numerous others.
Looking for a fabulous faithful Catholic High School try:
https://stmichaelchs.org/
St Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama
ST Michael Pray for US!!!

Providence Blue Oct 22, 2021

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From HP Lovecraft, Edgar Allan Poe, and to Penitent Angels join me in with Dr David Pinault, author of Providence Blue; A Catholic Fantasy , published by Ignatius Press. Dr Pinault's book is a great example of the Catholic literary explosion occurring in the US today. A well written narrative, with great character development, Providence Blue is a rollicking read using historical and fictional characters to ultimately tell a story of redemption. Set in Providence, Rhode Island, Catholic author and professor of religious studies, Dr Pinault weaves a tale between the present day and 1936 when HP Lovecraft and Robert E Howard were creating out of the world characters. A great primer for Halloween
You can order Providence Blue and other great Catholic Books on https://www.ignatius.com/
You can follow Michele on Twitter @ MicheleMcAloon1

RACE CRAZY! Oct 15, 2021

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Race Crazy is a great book club read for lively conversation and perhaps the beginning of change. Do not buy what BLM and 1619 are selling. Black or White think for yourselves. Listen to this interview. Buy this book.
The most explosive issue in the United States today is race. How can we discuss race and liberty in a manner that is logical, and absent of excessive emotion? Mr. Charles Love, author of Race Crazy; BLM, 1619 and the Progressive Racism Movement published by Post Hill Press shreds the false claims made by both BLM and the 1619 project. While recognizing racism is present in our society, as with every human society, Mr. Love shows how the false logic and the out of context arguments of both these movements has hurt not only the Black population but all of American society. Admittedly, many will not agree because BLM and the 1619 project have been so dangerously effective in teaching Americans to unquestionably believe in their arguments of hatred and oppression. The most important point Mr. Love makes, is that all American must begin thinking for themselves, challenge the rhetoric and to start speaking the truth.

No so perfect people for liberty Oct 08, 2021

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Dr Robert Tracy McKenzie of Wheaton College, author of We The Fallen People ;The Founders and the Future of American Democracy , published by Inter Varsity Press discusses how the Founding Fathers constructed the US Constitution based on on a realistic understanding of human nature. When Alex de Tocqueville visited America he asked himself how liberty could reign amongst a group of greedy but yet industrious people. Dr McKenzie argues that our success as a democracy does not lie in a fairytale myth that we as Americans are morally good. Instead it lies in the Founding Fathers understanding of the true nature of sin and what was needed to govern a sinful people. Our true understanding of who are as Americans comes ultimately from an understanding of human nature. The US Constitution was created and more importantly imagined to fit the doubts of the Founders in the moral goodness of fallen man.
You can follow Dr McKenzie @https://faithandamericanhistory.wordpress.com/about/
Order the book from https://www.ivpress.com/
follow Michele on Twitter@ MicheleMcAloon1

As Earth Without Water Oct 02, 2021

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Many have said Catholic literature has produced nothing new since Tolkien and O'Connor. First time novelist, Katy Carl in her beautifully written new book "As Earth Without Water" published by Wiseblood Books shows Catholic writers are indeed producing new faithful creative masterpieces. Ms. Carl's book is truly astounding in her literary prose and masterful story telling. The story follows the lives of two artists as they come to know themselves and eventually come to know God. This weaving of a story between the reality of relationships and the journey toward faith is nothing short of beautiful. One of the rare times when a reader can realize that within a young artist, like Katy Carl a of literary genius is unfolding. Highly recommend for a book club reading and discussion.
Ms. Carl is part of the newly launched Masters of Fine Arts in Catholic and Creative writing at the University of St Thomas. You can find a link to the program here.
ttps://www.stthom.edu/Academics/School-of-Arts-and-Sciences/Division-of-Liberal-Studies/Graduate/Master-of-Fine-Arts-in-Creative-Writing/ This beautiful book can be ordered from Wiseblood.com @ https://www.wisebloodbooks.com/
Yu can follow me on twitter @michelemcaloon1

Putin's Plan Sep 24, 2021

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want to truly understand what happened in the 2016 election? Why it happened may be scarier than what happened. While the purported collusion between President Trump and the Russians was disproven with the findings of the Mueller Investigation and now the Durham Investigation, Russian malfeasance was still very much present in the 2016 election. Rebekah Koffler, author of Putin's Playbook; Russia's Secret Plan to Defeat America published Regnery Gateway talks about how President Putin's ultimate goal is to defeat America. Ms. Koffler, an immigrant from the former Soviet Union and now an American citizen worked as an intelligence analyst for the Defense Intelligence Analyst. She uses her incredible experience and knowledge to warn all US citizens about President Putin's true intentions and ambitions toward the United State. An absolute must read for all Americans.
You can follow me @MicheleMcAloon 1

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