Catholic Philosopher Chick Makes Her Début

     Catholic Philosopher Chick makes a noteworthy début as a grad student at Dominican University of Houston who’s not afraid to flex her academic muscles in a high-level class that’s made up of all males, and some pretty antagonistic ones at that.  She has some interesting, very colorful issues, with her college roommate that reminded me all too well of ones that some of my friends and I had with our first semester roommates. 

     Catelyn Frank, a former fashion writer from New York turned philosopher, is struck by the hot weather, hot topics, and hot guys she encounters in her quest for “Truth, Beauty, and the Perfect Guy.”  Truth be told, Cate isn’t the type of woman who thinks that there is some absolutely flawless guy out there waiting to sweep her off her feet and ride off into the sunset to live happily ever after.  She does believe and hope that
there is a man that is perfect for her who happens to be attracted to women who don’t look like Barbie or think they have to play dumb to get a guy to notice them.   
     The first person perspective used in the book keeps it very real and believable in terms of the college/grad school mindset, problems that arise, and solutions.  Cate is a smart and determined main character who’s thoughts, observations, and musings are, at times, quite hilarious.  She certainly finds herself in some very unusual, embarrassing situations. 
     Cate’s not some stereotypical cradle Catholic goodie-two-shoes who’s perfect in the looks department, possesses a saintly amount of religious/spiritual wisdom, and practices unfallible self-discipline.  She’s actually a convert from Judiasm who’s got a bit of a past and has to make conscious decisions to live a more moral life in the future.
     The Catholic presence in the novel is treated in a way that examines aspects of the faith and people who are at different levels of comfort with it and a range of successfulness in living it out, alongside those who spend every minute criticizing every thing they can about the Church.  The elements included about the Catholic faith are informative and thought-provoking, without being preachy. 
     The novel’s definitely a lighter read than Thomas Aquinas’ tome entitled Summa Theologica, but it also has some intriguing points, quotable quotes, and varied perspectives on some age-old questions. 
     For more information about Catholic Philosopher Chick, or to purchase your copy, click here.