Episode 26: The BXC Review of ”Via Negativa” by Daniel Hornsby

Episode #26 delivers the third of an occasional series of in-depth reviews of books that have caught our attention (for whatever reason) and we feel are worth extended discussion and recommendation. This time, it's another debut novel, from Memphis-based (but Indiana-born) writer Daniel Hornsby. "Via Negativa" is a fascinating, spiritually rich hybrid of road novel, revenge tale and spiritual quest - steeped in Catholic history and tradition, but also in some of the strange, kitschy, roadside Americana that anyone who has traveled cross-country through this broad-shouldered land will recognize. As the homeless mendicant Fr. Dan wrestles with several morally complex, heart-breaking decisions and mistakes of his priesthood, he may also be bringing to light some of the most thorny and important questions that face the Catholic Church in the third millennium. Jude and I find a lot of quirky humor, pathos, and genuine spiritual insight to consider during this fascinating and fun discussion.

BOOKS DISCUSSED/MENTIONED/RECOMMENDED IN THIS EPISODE

What John is currently reading/plans to read next:

'The Labyrinth of Solitude,' Octavio Paz -

'The Drowned World,' J. G. Ballard -

What Jude is currently reading/plans to read next:

'The Life of Graham Green, Volume II: 1939-1955," Norman Sherry -

'The Hemingway Stories: As Featured in the Film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick on PBS,' Ernest Hemingway -

Books/Writers discussed in this episode:

'Via Negativa' by Daniel Hornsby

Planned next episode of the Book XChange podcast:

Examining the short stories of Ernest Hemingway, in conjunction with the forthcoming PBS documentary on Hemingway by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick (premiers April 5 in the U.S.)