REVIEWS FOR JESUS OUT TO SEA

[jamesleeburke]

Hello, Roroma,

Thanks for your fine letter. Your statements about New Orleans are beautiful.

Best,

Jim

[roroma]

First, to Mr. Burke: thank you for what you said. I think I'm ready to read The Tin Roof Blowdown now.

Jackie: You're right - we've talked about these things before. I guess I talk too much about New Orleans, New York, and my dogs!!

I re-read my post. I didn't mean to imply that the sexual abuse of children did not happen in our church, just that it did not happen to anyone I knew. My brother was an altar boy (little girls were not allowed anywhere near the altar then; the Sisters told us that little girls were "dirty") and would have told me about it by now if any of his friends were so victimized. We are very, very close. I read Sleepers, and was riveted and horrified, but towards the end of the book, the story started to wear thin. My bulls___ meter was going off. I feel that the Church has a lot of explaining to do, but I also hope that every accusation does not automatically become a conviction.

My goodness, are you right-on about the situation and status of women in those "good old days." I grew up in a violent home. My father was a bully and a tyrant. The only peaceful times I remember were when he stayed at his job in Hoboken for days at a time. He loved us - I always knew that- and I don't hate him, but even though he passed away in 1987, I haven't forgiven him. I grew up to marry a kind, quiet man who never raises his voice, and won't kill a mouse if he can trap it and take it ouside. Our children are loving, nuturing, gentle parents. End of cycle - how 'bout that ??

This is what I meant earlier when I wrote that there are things I don't want to share. Oh, well. Peace, y'all. . . roroma

[Jackie]

And peace to you roroma. I am ready to read the Tin Roof Blowdown too. Boy am I ready. I am more than ready for Jesus Out to Sea too. Plan to add my note about my favorite story in the book as everyone else has. Can not wait. But guess I have to. Love JLB books soo much I can't imagine life without them.

[siderussianlegsweep]

Buying the book via Amazon this week.

Not released in Australia which was a pity.

I wonder if the new Dave will be released here?

[poo-yie]

First, to Mr. Burke: thank you for what you said. I think I'm ready to read The Tin Roof Blowdown now.

Jackie: You're right - we've talked about these things before. I guess I talk too much about New Orleans, New York, and my dogs!!

I re-read my post. I didn't mean to imply that the sexual abuse of children did not happen in our church, just that it did not happen to anyone I knew. My brother was an altar boy (little girls were not allowed anywhere near the altar then; the Sisters told us that little girls were "dirty") and would have told me about it by now if any of his friends were so victimized. We are very, very close. I read Sleepers, and was riveted and horrified, but towards the end of the book, the story started to wear thin. My bulls___ meter was going off. I feel that the Church has a lot of explaining to do, but I also hope that every accusation does not automatically become a conviction.

My goodness, are you right-on about the situation and status of women in those "good old days." I grew up in a violent home. My father was a bully and a tyrant. The only peaceful times I remember were when he stayed at his job in Hoboken for days at a time. He loved us - I always knew that- and I don't hate him, but even though he passed away in 1987, I haven't forgiven him. I grew up to marry a kind, quiet man who never raises his voice, and won't kill a mouse if he can trap it and take it ouside. Our children are loving, nuturing, gentle parents. End of cycle - how 'bout that ??

This is what I meant earlier when I wrote that there are things I don't want to share. Oh, well. Peace, y'all. . . roroma

Good morning, ro

Interesting life, eh? I'm glad to know that yours has a happy outcome. Too often, the result of such an upbringing is for the daughters to marry someone "like Dad", and the cycle repeats itself. Your hubby sounds like "someone up there" intervened and sent you an angel.

Your description of the altar boys and the way Church policy once dealt with questions of girls serving at Mass, was so true. Things have changed a lot, in that regard, I hope.

Perhaps it is timely to point out the news from Los Angeles, relating to the issue of abuse (or alleged abuse, for those who want to keep the option open). Six hundred thousand large! That sure put a crimp in the collection basket!

Last night, at Mass in my local parish, there was a brief presentation about the much-needed roof repairs, upgrades and modifications, totaling about 10 million USD. There was concern about how the parish could raise that amount of money. Just imagine how much good that settlement in Los Angeles could have done if those accused priests and clergy had had better zippers - and better training, at home and in the seminary, and ongoing.

I don't condone any abusive behavior, not one iota! Just imagine what Clete and Dave would do if a priest or nun (or anyone) had abused young Alf. I feel the same protective way about my children and grandchildren.

To bring things closer to home, I recently found out that one of my high school classmates, who became a priest and had worked his way up to a prestigious position in his order, was demoted or booted out based on two such incidents "up north". The written account made me sick. He has not returned to this area, nor have we any idea where he went after the final gavel sounded in his case. The order of priests had to pay a substantial sum to the victims.

And, for some icing on the cake, I felt shocked and betrayed when the news came out about the principal of a local parochial high school, where my son attended, being found guilty of child abuse. I remember several dinners in my home where he was an invited and honored guest forchrissakes! My son and my oldest daughter also saw that news and told me that there had always been rumors around the school about him. Apparently, the kids didn't pass this along to their parents. Something about power and authority, and fear and shame, I suppose.

The old adage about "a few rotten apples" (used here in reference to the relatively few abusive priests and nuns) was well-founded and well-stated.

Well, it's a rainy Sunday morning here, along the bayou. I'm glad that I went to Mass last night. I'm even more glad to read about you and your husband. You sound like good people, individually and to one another.

The world needs more people like you.

pax vobiscum,

poo-yie
(who grew up in the Latin tradition and hasn't forgotten everything)

[roroma]

Poo-yie: Oh, my - I just read your post to me. We've been on vacation in central PA and Pittsburgh for the past 8 - 9 days, or I would have come across it sooner.

Thank you so much for the things you said. How kind and generous of you! Yes, my husband is a good man. Spending a week with his very large family reminded me how he became that way - their love for each other is both obvious and unconditional.

Again, thanks for your words.

peace & love to all . . . roroma

[poo-yie]

Hi ro,

Glad you enjoyed the vacation and the note. Keep it in they right key, chere.

poo-yie

[panjandrum]

I thought I had discovered JLB's depth when I read his Dave R and the lawyer stories, but I see I have a LONG way to go.

I think everyone on this board will agree that JBL has paid his dues and deserves the tribute he is now getting.

JBL is a national treasure.

And I've not even skimmed the surface of Alafair's writing! Woe is me! Oy veh!


Panjandrum

[panjandrum]

Please edit last post to read "JLB" sted "JBL."

JBL makes hi-fi speakers. J.B.L. stereo components. BIG studio grade loudspeakers. Had one once.

Panjandrum

[muggle not]

I recently got registered and this is my first post.

I have finished reading both Jesus Out To Sea and Tin Roof Blowdown. My expectations were high for both books and I was not dissapointed, excellent reading. My only problem was with Tin Roof Blowdown, I was furious with what happened in N.O. during hurricane Katrina and the lack of response by our Government. After reading Tin Roof I was even more upset. Thank you JLB for giving us great writing.

Jesus Out To Sea was also great reading. I thoroughly enjoyed all the stories and especially the Johnny Ace one. I could relate very well to it and one of my favorite songs is still, to this day, Pledging My Love.