My Road Goes Ever On Amazon Link
“An excellent series of reflections.” ~McEvoy
Turning Points
Characters in books and movies aren’t the only ones who have turning points. You. Me. The guy in line ahead of you at the store. The cafeteria lady at school. The UPS delivery person. You know what I’m talking about. Those moments that catch our eye—and our heart—and make us pause. Make us think. Make us feel…
Eight Kids and Grateful
I’m not sure what exactly she thought I should do—renumber my kids or simply never mention them, but her tone suggested I had made an indelicate mistake in even admitting I had eight children—under any circumstances.
In some kind of perverse reaction, rather than crumbling into a heap of repentant grief, I further distanced myself from decent society by proclaiming that I also homeschool my kids, and I really enjoy being around them.
Her response: “Whatever!”
I was clearly beyond all hope…
In the Souls Of Those I Love
Like a child, I noticed each action, almost as if it were in slow motion. Perhaps I was just tired. Perhaps I was in a state of grace. I became drawn away from the madness of the daily grind and the need to hurry through whatever, toward a consideration of the people that I love. Smeared windows, mud on the floor, spills on the counter, crumbs across the table, dust everywhere, illness, and cranky moods are temporary. But each soul is unique and eternal, in growth—changing and developing—but alive beyond the lifetime of the stars…
The Road Goes Ever On Amazon Link
 Great prose. September 14, 2020This book reminded me of the spiritual battle raging all around us. It inspired me to pray for the church to stand strong and be brave.
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New! Steven R. McEvoy reviewed The Road Goes Ever On: A Christian Journey Through The Lord of the Rings
Wow, what an amazing book that I strongly encourage you to read. |
This book is n excellent volume. It is great for those who are fans of the Lord of the Rings. But even if you are not a fan, or have only seen the movies, the book can still have a huge impact on your life. This is a journey through the Christian virtues with LOTR as a framework of examples both good and bad. I am not sure what I was expecting when I began this volume, other than I expected it to be good because it came from the pen of Frailey. But it far exceeded my high expectations. I would love to see this book used in youth or college and career groups at church. I would love to see it on courses that look at faith and film, or religious faction. But most of all I would love for you to pick it up and for the spirit to use it as a tool to challenge, encourage, and motivate you on to more. To become a better version of yourself.
An amazing book that I strongly encourage you to read.
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Brilliant Reading! July 16, 2020 A. K. Frailty is one incredibly smart and very astute woman. She takes passages from the Rings trilogy and weaves an almost ethereal beauty into our lives as Christians by comparing the journey of the Fellowship and their struggles to challenge us in our daily walk. Our daily struggles. I had no idea how beautiful this book would turn out to be and almost passed it. Don’t make that mistake! I was really challenged and uplifted by this book. You will be too!
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Ann gives us a glimpse into the Christian ethos that was fundamental to Tolkien’s life and work. Do yourself and your children a favor. Buy, read and soak in this book. John LaBriola, Author of Onward Catholic Soldier
Tolkien’s story, The Lord of the Rings, touches the soul in a profound way. Why is that? What makes the heroes so attractive? Can we ever become like them? The power to be strong and valiant is not limited to Middle-earth. We have been given the same tools and gifts that they are offered if we but recognize them. The rings of power in our society tempt us and our children as well. We would be wise if we awakened to that which tries our souls. Take a look at this classic from a Christian perspective, and you might bring Middle-earth a little bit closer to home.
…a distinctive journey through tenets of the Christian faith as seen through the lens of The Lord of the Rings. It was a treat for someone like me who loves this story so much. Brent King
…the journey into The Lord of the Rings spirals ever deeper with each new lens. By providing several angles through which to gaze on Tolkien’s masterpiece, Frailey brings new color and life to Tolkien’s perennial classic. Brandon Vogt
I love how Ann compares the characters of The Lord of the Rings to various Saints. Phillip Uro rated it 5 of 5 stars on Goodreads
Excerpt from a review by Fr. Daren Zehnle:
The primary tools employed in her mining are the three theological virtues (faith, hope, and charity) the four cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance) and the seven gifts of the Spirit (wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord). These virtues and gifts have, sadly, been much neglected in recent decades and her reflections serve as a clarion call to take them up again, to grow them and to use them each day of our lives.
Frailey sees each of these virtues reflected in the various characters of The Lord of the Rings and likewise finds their opposites, the seven capital sins (pride, covetousness, lust, anger, gluttony, envy, and sloth) in these characters. Her considerations of these virtues and vices present in the heroes and villains of Middle-earth can help us increase these same virtues and decrease these same vices within us because as she says, “In each character of The Lord of the Rings it is as if we can see the various struggles each person on this earth must grapple with in order to advance to that state of perfection which our Lord calls us to be as his sons and daughters.”
We have come from God…
~J. R. R. Tolkien
