THE FACTS OF LIFE FOR TEENAGERS, by Evelyn Millis Duvall (Arco Publics lions, 7s. 6d.) NEW LIFE IN CHRIST, by P. Ludwig Each, Si. (Mercier Press, 21s.).
TH E. first-named book is I backed by the Y.M.C.A. of America, and "hundreds of clergy are finding it a valuable addition to their library" according to the Episcopal Churchnews. Half a million copies of it have already been sold, according to the back cover; and several millions of young people have read it. according to the Iront cover: but no Catholic. indeed, no Christian. need bother with it, for it has got the facts wrong, just But the second is a hook which gets all the facts right and does not fail to face up to all the problems. It is especially directed to modern youth, so deals with the ideal of chastity. the sexual development of young people, modesty, useful hints on sex, erassex-agape, masturbation, sinfulness of masturbation with a special consideration of the meaning of .'voluntary," " full consent," and reference to the "compulsive states "-ways to purity 'natural and • supernatural), homosexuality and virginity. So much for that burning question. but Fr. Esch's really valuable fresh and interesting book, the title of which he'says himself
implies the need for effort and search." deals also with other modern problems.
Among them is the vital need = oisoolososielice.1,11,11,1,1 3:111111,1 for the acceptance of science and art and technology. He deals also o ith the true Christian view of the body, moruticatioa and self-denial; the family, the youth club and friendship: all that goes to the new life in Christ which our Lord Himself promised us. A most valuable hook for priest Or youth club leader, and not least for the Catholic boy and girl approaching maturity. The translation is good.
The Evidence
MIRACLES STILL HAPPEN, by B. G. Sandhurst (Burns and Oates, 6s.), A S one would expect, this is -4-314an account of some well authenticated and accepted Lourdes miracles, taken from the records of the Medical
Bureau with all the circumstantial detail and official and medical evidence set out dispassionately, and scientifically.
It deals, too rather unusually, with cures of those ° without faith." The hook also includes an account of the Shrine of Our Lady of the Poor at Banneux in Belgium (1)33) about which as little is known in Britain as about the Shrine at Oostacker in Flanders (1870).
Crossword No. 468
Prizewinners. First prize. one guinea: A. Richards, Blackpool. Second prize, a book: Miss M. U. Burke, Tattenhall.