The Saint Nicholas Society

by Ben Bongers

REVIEWS

Reader Views Book Review (June 17, 2022), click here to read. To download the PDF, click here. 

TESTIMONIALS

“A MUST READ for any person striving for happiness and peace. The Saint Nicholas Society is thought provoking, riveting and a true story of redemption which weaves a crossover of modern and ancient stories of inspiration enjoining tough adversity – something we all need today. As a cradle Catholic, I found this book reawakened my appreciation for all Christians in the faith as I journeyed with the characters. I am inspired to live my faith, not simply follow the rules. If you are looking for a moral compass, a way to understand trust in a way we are all meant to live, this is the book for you. The author has a masterful easy to read writing style. Note: this book is rated ‘R’ for reality, for language and lifelike torture scenes (i.e., in Roman prisons). Again, a MUST READ ~ you will not be disappointed.” – Shawn Sylvie

“Inspiring, Informative, Heartwarming! Whether a person is looking for a good read, a spiritual text, or something to lift their spirits this book covers all those bases. Firstly, Ben has a great flow and style to his writing. He allows the characters to tell the story as he gently guides the reader forward. From a spiritual perspective, this book should be required reading for anyone trying to understand the Holy Trinity. Unfortunately, I don’t want to give it away, but suffice it to say, it was the clearest explanation I have ever run across. Finally, the book is infused with love. The characters and motivation for this book come straight from Ben’s heart. Ultimately, it is hard to put this book down without walking away with a sense of goodness in the world and faith in humankind.” —Erik Christianson, EdD

“With The Saint Nicholas Society, author Benjamin Bongers weaves two engaging narratives into one enlightening yarn. Finding inspiration in Saint Nicholas of Myra, Bongers’ empathetic yet alienated people find the spirit of giving as they rise above the struggles of everyday existence as well as accepting the inevitability of mortality. This narrative delightfully explores the origins of St. Nicholas; starting as a humble son of a fisherman, young Nikki grows from rambunctious youth into a pillar of selfless giving and an icon for Faith; he becomes—first resisting the responsibility—Nicholas, Epískopos to a growing flock, in a landscape where such faith could be perilous. Likewise, he is the symbol for Bongers’ modern day ‘players’ striving to make their lives and world a far better place. So, curl up in a comfortable chair, with a cup of coffee by your side; bond over, say, a nice Chinese Custard bun and enjoy an epic ride into ‘offering and acceptance,’ a pleasant glide into spirituality. In homage to the Marx Brothers, Saint Nicholas might be a ‘sanity clause’ after all.” —Les Epstein, Author, Sleep Cinematic: A Golem’s Quartet, Kip Divided

“The Saint Nicholas Society is a brilliant and beautiful testimony to true Christianity as told through two very moving storylines. It shows that every person is a loving light to his brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. Amen, it is never too late to strike that spark of holiness, and through humility, be a living witness to our Lord. I can’t think of a better way to show who and what a real Christian is.” —Timothy Jeffries, KM, Chancellor, Order of Malta Western Association USA

“A story about the enduring power of one’s belief in God to change lives for the better, The Saint Nicholas Society has a heart as big as its author’s; it is a book that will restore your faith in humanity’s basic goodness.” —Heidi L. Waterman, author

“The Saint Nicholas Society is a touching and charming novel. In its pages, I was reminded once again that The Divine is revealed throughout history in ways that are deeply personal and fresh. May the eyes of our hearts be enlightened to see Divine Presence everywhere we turn.” —Rev. Brian David Morse, MDiv, BCC, MS.  Director of Chaplain Services for University Health Lakewood Medical Center

“I loved reading The St. Nicholas Society! This book is exceptional! It weaves a historically accurate story with the storyline of a current day common person. The characters are incredibly engaging. The story draws you in and makes you turn the page! As a catechist I have been able to use the thoroughly researched text in my classes. The book is a wonderful way to teach faith, hope, and community.” — Mary Orth, Educator and Catechist, All Saints Academy, St. Cloud MN

“Imagine Jan Karon’s Mitford series characters have slightly grittier neighbors from the city. Despair turning to hope, a sense of community, action and adventure – it’s all there. Alternate that story with a thrilling historical tale worthy of a spin-off from The Chosen. Ben Bongers has done his research! Balancing history with accessible characterization, I’ll never think of “Santa” in the same way again. Taken together, the two stories inspire us to find the spirit of St. Nick in ourselves. This is a perfect addition for any book club looking for something of substance to discuss. And with its vivid imagery, I’d love to see it become a movie, or, better yet, a mini-series!” —Linda Ade Brand, Stage Director

“Mr Bongers has crafted a remarkable combination of snapshots of contemporary San Francisco with historical fiction of the early Christian church that has much to say to readers everywhere. He creates a bevy of memorable characters that will live on in your imagination. He describes a witty, likable Nicholas of Myra that embraces his legend without over-sentimentalizing his life, and in so doing confects a remarkable evocation of the early church caught between coexistence with pagans and persecution by imperial Rome. Bongers cleverly juxtaposes Nicholas’s adventures with the very relatable problems encountered by Fred and his companion Catholics. Inspired by the architecture and atmosphere of the very real San Francisco parish of St Dominic’s, Mr Bongers brings us into conversation with the ways we might take the saints out of the icons and put them into the center of our lives and actions.” —Timothy Pursell, holds a PhD in Modern History from Indiana University. He has taught courses on Jewish civilization and early Christianity.

“I am proud of my friend, Ben Bongers, for writing such an engaging novel. It’s a pleasure to read.” – Brian Morse, friend of author

From Amazon’s website!

Andy

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book that hits you in the gut and the heart

Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2022

Verified Purchase

A very good read. It was long but I still wanted even more. I was sad when it ended. Very well-written and good stories that really hit you in your gut and in your heart. I am going to be looking for more from this author.

 

SS

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST READ for any person striving for happiness and peace ~ easy read

Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2022

 

The Saint Nicholas Society is thought provoking, riveting and a true story of redemption which weaves a crossover of modern and ancient stories of inspiration enjoining tough adversity – something we all need today. As a cradle Catholic this book reawakened my appreciation for all Christians in the faith as I journeyed with the characters. I am inspired to live my faith, not simply follow the rules. If you are looking for a moral compass, a way to understand trust in a way we are all meant to live, this is the book for you. The author has a masterful easy to read writing style. Note: this book is rated “R’ for reality, for language and lifelike torture scenes (ie. in Roman prisons). Again, a MUST READ ~ you will not be disappointed.

 

Sullivan

5.0 out of 5 stars I loved this book!

Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2022

 

I couldn’t put this book down. There were uncomfortable moments, to be sure, but they served the overall meaning. What I loved most was that the story telling was nudging me toward a point of view of true Christianity, true faith, while not being “preachy.” It just takes one in, and delivers.

Sullivan

5.0 out of 5 stars I loved this book!

Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2022

 

I couldn’t put this book down. There were uncomfortable moments, to be sure, but they served the overall meaning. What I loved most was that the story telling was nudging me toward a point of view of true Christianity, true faith, while not being “preachy.” It just takes one in, and delivers.

wastuckey

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple Acts of Faith…

Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2022

 

The Saint Nicholas Society delivers not one, but two compelling, parallel yarns. Both filled with relatable characters and compelling examples of how Faith impacts lives in real, but often overlooked ways. Small acts of kindness, when done in humility, matter. Something that we all need to be reminded of and this book does so in an entertaining and poignant manner.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ben Bongers was an international operatic tenor and sommelier for 30 years based in San Francisco, CA, and Germany and is now a Gerontologist. He has written for trade magazines in wine, singing, and is published in eldercare textbooks. Ben is currently studying for the Permanent Diaconate in Kansas City, MO, and is a Knight of Magisterial Grace in the Order of Malta.

“Empty Nest” and Other Stories

by Angelyn Spignesi Kopylec Arden

TESTIMONIALS

“These stories take you to the inner world of the mind and soul through people, images, and symbols that are at once unique and universal. The people come from everyday life. They are old, young, rich, poor, married, divorced, and yes, empty nesters. Angelyn Arden writes about human conflicts everyone encounters at some point–abandonment, isolation, loneliness, anxiety, inter-generational trauma, and simple human pettiness—but her message is not one of despair. These are stories of hope. Arden’s characters have the courage to explore their conscious and subconscious realms of being, embracing the colorful images they find there, and in the process, they experience healing. If you dare to join them, you may emerge with greater insight into your own psyche. And for those who are open to it, Arden’s stories can transform the reader through faith—not the rigidity of religious dogma, but the freedom and fluidity of a spirit who seeks to liberate, guiding the fictional characters, and the astute reader, to a higher plane of being. There are many layers of meaning here, and what begins as a pleasant escape into a fictional world may end in a deep discovery of the soul.” – Christine Marchetti, Professor of World Religions, CT State Community College

“Spectacular depth!” – Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, author of The Narrative Spirituality of Dante’s Divine Comedy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Angelyn Arden holds a doctorate in cognitive psychology from the University of New Hampshire and did postdoctoral work in depth psychology, literature, and phenomenology. She has written books and articles on the interface of these areas.  She had a depth psychology practice for 25+ years. She currently serves as Professor of Humanities and Psychologist at Holy Apostles College and Seminary where she has been, since 2006, teaching courses in literature and psychology to undergraduates and Human Formation to seminarians.

Obsidian Mirth

The characters in Thom Brucie’s Obsidian Mirth fall into a dilemma where loss and betrayal entangle the need for forgiveness and love. Their choices reveal what distinctions lie between knowing one’s self and knowing another, choices that expose that small moment tottering between life-affirming hope and the despair of meaninglessness. This is a heart-rending and beautiful story, and these characters will hover at the outskirts of your thoughts like whispering ghosts of past kinships.

Paperback: $14.95 | Hardback: $19.95 | Kindle/Nook: $9.99

The Prairies Book Review

Obsidian Mirth by Thom Brucie – The Prairies Book Review (November 19, 2022)

Deep, absorbing, and poignant…A many-layered story told with an authentic touch.

Sharply observed relationships, deft exploration of mental illness, authentic characters, and a touch of painful reality make Brucie’s nuanced novel a sure bet. While working as a dishwasher at a California bistro, college sophomore Daniel Reed falls deeply in love with the beautiful Charlene. A sudden unexpected incident forces the couple to marry in haste. When Charlene gets pregnant, Daniel accepts his boss’s offer of partnership and kick starts his own business. But things take an unexpected turn; Charlene begins to experience frequent episodes of paranoid schizophrenia, and Daniel’s business faces bankruptcy. With Charlene’s worsening condition, Daniel has no choice but to make a difficult decision. Brucie delves into the intricacies of love, marriage, and relationships and creates a remarkably original story with authentic young adult friendships, realistic dialogue, and complex underlying questions: can love really conquer all? Even if you don’t always have the best of everything, can you still have a near-perfect life? Smooth, affecting first-person narration in Daniel’s voice, allows readers to both identify with the young man’s self-doubts, fears, and insecurities and recognize his naivety and easy trust of people. Daniel’s love story is complicated by grief spirals. His emotional arc is all the more powerful for how much he fights for his love. His life’s other complications come from his unsavory business decisions and Charlene’s gradual descent into a dark web of mental illness. In the end, though, he realizes he has to learn to tackle hard truths head-on. Overall, the story moves subtly and at a measured pace, creating a rich emotional landscape and letting small changes—Charlene’s gradually occurring psychotic episodes, Daniel’s deepening financial woes—ripple out gently. The spark between the couple and their authentic individual bonds with Mark and Odette deepen this dense story, which delves into complex issues—the residual effects of one person’s mental illness on family and friends, acceptance of imperfect partners, and what it means to love truly and wholly. This nuanced story offers new perspectives about mental illness while emphasizing the value and complexity of love, acceptance, understanding, and forgiveness. Even though Charlene and Daniels’ love story ends on a tragic note readers will enjoy every minute they spend with the couple. Brucie is an author to watch.

REVIEW FROM THE AMERICAN WRITING AWARDS

Obsidian Mirth, by Thom Brucie, is an intriguing love story unlike any other. Daniel Reed, a good-looking kind, poor college sophomore and loving dreamer working as a dishwasher at a California bistro falls deeply in love with Charlene, a flawlessly white-skinned red lipsticked newly hired waitress beauty. The main theme of the story is set early. As Brucie writes: 

Love is not 50/50, 60/40, or 80/20. It is not even 100/100. Love is 100/0. When a man loves, he gives everything he’s got, and he expects nothing in return. He loves unequivocally because he loves. Love is love. That’s it. And when a man loves a woman, he loves her. One hundred percent. Nothing less. Anything less is not love. It’s something else. It could be almost love; or maybe great like; or even something such as admiration. But real love is real love. It’s all the way. It’s indomitable. It’s life-long.

Act one of this unique piece of work details the honeymoon phase of Daniel and Charlene’s relationship—the first dates, nights out with friends, intimate moments, and their first night together as a married couple. The calm before the proverbial storm.

Brucie sets the final act with a much different tone. He introduces the reader to and focuses on Charlene’s troubles with mental health—adult onset paranoid schizophrenia—and the hapless business decisions of her loving husband which leave the young family teetering near total desperation. Over the course of nearly the entire story—which is only about five years, Daniel and Charlene, still only in their early twenties, endure a never-ending merry-go-round of setbacks and emotions as they struggle to deal with the ever-worsening Charlene.

Obsidian Mirth is truly a masterful piece of work as it puts on full display the level of love needed to persist through a hellish diagnosis. The story’s beautiful prose compliments Brucie’s meticulous attention to detail elevating each page and gripping the reader’s attention. He writes like a well-versed psychologist or spiritual leader taking the reader on a heart-wrenching quest through a plotline filled with a series of unexpected events centered around a compelling cast of unforgettable characters. Obsidian Mirth is a tortuous romance from an author at the top of his game.

TESTIMONIALS

“The novel Obsidian Mirth by Thom Brucie portrays the compelling story of Daniel Reed’s perduring love for his beloved Charlene. Despite his constant struggle against poverty, financial betrayal by a friend, and the death of Charlene’s and Daniel’s baby, Ella, Daniel’s Job-like afflictions are compounded by Charlene’s diagnosis of “paranoid schizophrenic,” an affliction accompanied by delusions and eventual death. It is Daniel’s heroic witness to his vow to love Charlene “for richer or poorer, or worse…” that leads the reader to elevate this novel above so many others of inferior inspiration.” –James Likoudis, President Emeritus, Catholics United for the Faith (CUF)

“Love is never as heartrending as it seems. It’s worse. Love is never as heavenly as it seems. It’s greater. Thom Brucie, in Obsidian Mirth, reveals these honest truths about love, commitment, hardship, loss, and unendurable enduring hope with his finely-tuned instruments: his heart and his pen.” –James M. Wilson, Chair, Department of English, Flagler College, Retired

“With his absorbing new novel Obsidian Mirth, Thom Brucie traverses both the highs and lows of human relationships. In exacting and compelling prose, Brucie shows that love—true love—just might be the biggest personal challenge anyone can take on. But, at the same time, it is the source of our greatest comfort; and it endures past every obstacle, mortal or immortal. There are profound lessons imparted in this book. Yet it might be hard to pause and appreciate them all, because Brucie’s story is as wrenching as it is unstoppable, his plot a brilliant series of unexpected events, his characters as unforgettable as any you will encounter. This is a novel you can’t set down. Not for a second. But please do linger over it, because you will want to savor every delicious if agonizing moment and every one of the story’s many soulful truths.” —John Vanderslice, Professor of Creative Writing, University of Central Arkansas; his novels include: The Last Days of Oscar Wilde, Island Fog, and Nous Nous.

“In Thom Brucie’s novel, Obsidian Mirth, Daniel Reed’s wife develops adult-onset schizophrenia. Daniel’s personal perspective of this experience allows the reader to enter into the bewilderment of mental illness within a family, especially the difficult tensions between forgiveness and healing. It is a powerful story, and this book is going to help families not just to cope but also to heal.” –H. K. Morey, LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

“In this day and age of throw away marriages, Thom Brucie portrays a true love story. A man that remains faithful through all the turmoil and tragedy that life throws at him. A testament to true love and vows taken seriously; “What God has joined together, let no man separate.” It’s a sad yet wonderful story.” —Linda Blosser-Medley, author of A Sword Will Pierce

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Thom Brucie’s other works include the novels Children of Slate (En Route Books & Media, 2018), an exploration of God’s great joy in bringing miracles to this earthly journey we call life; Weapons of Cain, a Vietnam War tale of cultural discovery; a book of short stories, Still Waters: Five Stories, themed stories around the topic of death; and two chapbooks of poems, Moments Around The Campfire With A Vietnam Vet, poems of veteran’s experiences, and Apprentice Lessons, poems celebrating Brucie’s carpentry apprenticeship and some lessons learned. Dr. Brucie earned his PhD from Binghamton University and MA from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Brucie is Professor of English at South Georgia State College where he teaches English and Creative Writing. Find out more about Thom Brucie on his website at ThomBrucie.com. 

See Thom’s recent article entitled “Concerning Love” in Agape Review (August 23, 2021)

OTHER CATHOLIC LITERARY WORKS

Saynt Lachmi

A young street child named Lachmi is whisked into prostitution, rescued, and led by her spirit and providence through the use of her extraordinary gifts to the brink of sainthood. The body, she shows us, is a prism, revealing through its gradations the range between depravity and divinity. What the reader sees through Lachmi is a view of this prism through the side that reveals our divinity, that sees the body as a channel of grace in the manner in which St. John Paul II described in his Theology of the Body, a manner that sanctifies our sexuality, which we so often allow our lust to soil and obliterate.

Paperback: $19.95 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“Stunning!” – Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, author of The Narrative Spirituality of Dante’s Divine Comedy

“The story of Lachmi is deeply provocative. She even develops intuitive and healing powers or ‘siddhis’ which is not uncommon on the road to spiritual development. A prostitute once sings a song for Swami Vivekananda by the great poet Surdas. The meaning of the song was that a man great in virtue should never fear anything in the world. Then, while in the US, Swami Vivekananda once said, ‘Do not frown at the sight of a prostitute. In fact, they are acting as a shield, safeguarding the chastity of virtuous women. Hence, we should not hate them but be grateful towards them.’ These words ring true as Lachmi moves in her circle of supporters filled with nuns and to-be-nuns, while being exploited by a dubious couple who finally meet their fateful end. It is a story about evil and the fabled victory of good over evil. Our Ultimate Reality is beyond both good and evil says Vedanta. And one final lesson from the book is that Godliness is within everyone’s grasp. As Thomas Aquinas says, ‘God is not just the ideal goal of human longing; it is the ideal possibility for human completeness.'” – Prabhakur Mundkur, Facebook Reviewer

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ivan Arthur is the author of seven previous books:

1. The Fourteen Stations (Official book on Pope John Paul’s visit to India)
2. Pavement Prayers. Theological fiction. A prequel to Saynt Lachmi
3. A Village Dies. A novel about social change
4. Once More Upon a Time. Biography
5. Jossie. A biography
6. Brands Under Fire
7. The Chef Executive Officer

Arthur was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Communication Arts Guild, Mumbai, and is a three-times recipient of the WPP Atticus Award for original writing. He lives in Goa, India, with Ingrid, his wife.

OTHER CATHOLIC LITERARY WORKS

La Redención de San Isidro: Una historia de misericordia y amor

by Padre Lorenzo Eduardo Tucker, SOLT

TESTIMONIOS

PREGUNTAS DE ESTUDIO PARA ESTUDIANTES

Mientras leen esta novela, los estudiantes católicos pueden reflexionar sobre las siguientes preguntas para debatir. Tenga en cuenta que las siguientes son solo algunas de las preguntas que se abordan en esta intrigante historia llena de acción que tiene lugar en el misterioso y vasto desierto de Chihuahua, al norte de México. Los estudiantes sacarán a la luz a otros mientras, se involucran en el libro:

• Cuando el hombre hace un mal uso de su libre albedrío y ocasiona graves daños al mundo que lo rodea, ¿responde Dios de otra manera que no sea el ejercicio de su voluntad permisiva?
• ¿No es Dios también libre de ejercer su amor en el mundo?
• ¿Es Dios pasivo ante las debilidades y sufrimientos de sus hijos?
• ¿Dios simplemente se sienta y ve al mundo “irse por un tubo” mientras su creación… la humanidad… contamina el medio ambiente humano y, en consecuencia, el medio ambiente natural al abrazar el mal moral?
• La libertad humana, y el respeto de Dios por esa libertad, es un reflejo de la gran profundidad y autenticidad del amor de Dios por sus hijos. Entonces, ¿por qué el hombre actúa como si estuviera “solo”?
• ¿Puede… debería… “hacerlo solo” para resolver el quebrantamiento dentro de sí mismo, el entorno humano y el entorno natural?
• ¿Hay alguna esperanza para el hombre y el mundo?

“Alzo mis ojos a las colinas, de donde vendrá mi ayuda. ¡Mi ayuda viene del Señor que hizo el cielo y la tierra! ” (Salmo 121 1-2)

Sobre el Autor

Padre Tucker nació el 26 de Mayo de 1955 en Manhattan, Nueva York. Es un sacerdote misionero bilingüe de la Sociedad de Nuestra Señora de la Santísima Trinidad y ha servido en México, Belize, Guatemala, Inglaterra, Texas y Nueva York.

Padre Tucker cuenta con un diplomado en los Artes Liberales de Colegio Comunitario de Nassau, Garden City, New York, una licenciatura en Relaciones Humanas de St Joseph’s College, Patchogue, New York, y una Maestría en Divinidad y también en Teología del Seminario de los Santos Apóstoles, Cromwell, CT.

A Quienes El Corazón Decidió Amar

by Padre Lorenzo Eduardo Tucker, SOLT

TESTIMONIALS

SOBRE EL AUTOR

Padre Tucker nació el 26 de Mayo de 1955 en Manhattan, Nueva York. Es un sacerdote misionero bilingüe de la Sociedad de Nuestra Señora de la Santísima Trinidad y ha servido en México, Belize, Guatemala, Inglaterra, Texas y Nueva York.

Padre Tucker cuenta con un diplomado en los Artes Liberales de Colegio Comunitario de Nassau, Garden City, New York, una licenciatura en Relaciones Humanas de St Joseph’s College, Patchogue, New York, y una Maestría en Divinidad y también en Teología del Seminario de los Santos Apóstoles, Cromwell, CT.

SOBRE EL TRADUCCIÓN

Cortesía de Adriana y Arturo Campbell — Adriana y Arturo, son Estadounidenses naturalizados nacidos en México, cuya crianza y experiencia de vida les ha permitido gozar de un dominio de los idiomas de Inglés y Español, y un aprecio profundo de ambas culturas.