Islam: A Short History by Karen Armstrong

This relatively short non-fiction book was published in 2000, so besides being a little old as regards current history, it also came out before the events of 9/11, which among other things was a watershed in relations between the Muslim World and the West. But I enjoyed reading this book, and it is a good reference book to have on one’s shelves.

Daily Update: Friday, June 21st, 2024

Today is the Memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, Religious (died 1591).

Daily Update: Thursday, June 20th, 2024

With no Saints to honor, today is the date of the Summer Solstice, marking either the Beginning or the Middle of Summer (you decide), West Virginia Day (1863), World Refugee Day, and the birthday of our former neighbor Pam, mother of several of the Assembled who are friends with our own kids (1959).

The Leper of Saint Giles by Ellis Peters

This is the fifth book in the Chronicles of Brother Cadfael, of the Benedictine Abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in Shrewsbury, in the England of the twelfth century. Cadfael lived a full life before becoming a monk, having been to the Crusades; he has now been a monk for some sixteen years, and is sincere about his faith, his obligations to the Benedictines, and his maintenance of the monastery herb gardens. However, his intellect is always piqued by mysteries, especially concerning young people. These are fun little mystery novels, and this one is a great introduction to the series. My first recorded reading of this book was in 2002, and the next in 2010.

Daily Update: Wednesday, June 19th, 2024

Today is the Optional Memorial of Saint Romuald, Abbot (died 1027). In the secular world, today is Juneteenth National Independence Day and Juneteenth National Independence Day (Observed).

Daily Update: Tuesday, June 18th, 2024

We have no Saints to honor today, but on this date in 1812 An Act Declaring War between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and the Dependencies Thereof and the United States of America and Their Territories was passed by the United States Congress and signed by United States President James Madison, thereby beginning the War of 1812. This was the first time of eleven times that the United States has formally declared war on another nation or nations. And today is the anniversary of the baptism of my Kaboodle (2020).

Daily Update: Monday, June 17th, 2024

Since sunset last night, and until sunset tonight, is Eid-ul Adha, one of the major feasts of the Islamic calendar. There are no Saints to honor today, but on this date in 1775 the Battle of Bunker Hill took place during the Siege of Boston early in the American Revolutionary War.