Genre

Nonfiction, Self Help

Audience

Adult

Author’s Worldview

Catholic

Year Published

2021

Themes

Parenting, abuse, trauma, confession, forgiveness, boundaries, mental health

Reviewed by

A.R.K. Watson

I rarely buy a book twice, but after reading the eBook version of All Things New I got myself a paperback as well, because I knew that I wanted to have this book on hand to reference as my children get older and the challenges of parenting change. That is how powerful All Things New is.

Following the structure of the Beatitudes, Cupp leads the reader through a deep examination of conscience that reveals how the wounds of childhood abuse can be healed and turned to offer a better guide to parenting than was given through example. Cupp also pointedly but compassionately calls out ways that survivors of abuse are tempted to methods that only numb their trauma and lead them to reenact the abuse they received on their own children. For anyone trying to break a cycle of abuse in their family, keep this book by your bed at night and take it with you to the confessional. Even if you were not directly abused—if you are the grandchild of abuse seeking to understand why your parent reacts the way they do, or perhaps you just have your own personally acquired trauma that you worry you’ll pass onto your kids—this book is a great resource for self-awareness and healing.

It also needs to be said that in an age where it seems like every nonfiction book is just a poorly written bid for the author to get a speaking engagement or sell the reader on their pay funnel, it is refreshing to read a book where the author’s ego doesn’t infringe on every other page. Cupp wisely realizes that she doesn’t need to give us her life story and make this book about her in order to help people. In her own wise words, she says,

“I don’t need to go into much detail to express that the way I was parented left me with few positive memories of growing up. I only need the shadow of language to express that my childhood was a time of helplessness…If you’ve picked this book up, you probably don’t need too many details from me. You too, know what it feels like to hurt the most at the hands of the people God meant to love you the most. (pg11)”

It should also be apparent that in addition to a refreshing humility, Cupp has given us a beautifully written nonfiction book. Nonfiction is a genre that prizes clarity over beauty of prose but Cupp proves that you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. I hope more nonfiction books take her cue.

Get Catholic Books & eBooks for as little as $1 to FREE

Paul’s Prayers by Susan Anderson

A mother reveals with honesty and authenticity the difficulties of raising a child with autism and the struggles that child faces every minute of every day.

Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation By Fr. Josh Johnson

Fr. Josh addresses some of the common misconceptions people have about God and what getting to actually know him actually means.

Abolishing Abortion by Fr. Frank Pavone

An invaluable handbook for pro-life religious non-profits that want to protect life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—without risking their tax-exempt status.

How Can You Still Be Catholic? By Christopher Sparks

There are many good apologetics books out there but this book teaches you how to speak to the heart as much as the head.

Seeking Allah Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi

When a Muslim man asks God to show him who he is, he is unprepared for the answer.

August & September New Book Releases

Step into Fall with a Good Book

Books for Lent

Deepen your Lenten reflection with these stories of repentance and forgiveness

Theology In the Bottle: Where Cana Meets the Cross By A. P. Schreck

Prayerful meditations to pair with your journal and a glass of wine.

Best of 2020

Yes some good things DID happen this year- Catholic creators have not let turmoil stop their mission.

Do Not Be Afraid: A Review of Shane Leslie’s Ghost Book

A real-life paranormal investigation in light of Church teaching and tradition

The Mission of Joan Of Arc by Philip Kosloski, Alexandre Nascimento, and Jesse Hansen

Voyage Comics’ dynamic interpretation of the Life of Joan of Arc is based on the play written by St. Thérèse of Lisieux.

When We Were Eve: Uncovering the Woman God Created You to be By Colleen C. Mitchell

Remember Eve before the fall, remember the good inside you. A book for those who have forgotten, or are tempted to forget.

Lord of the Rings & the Eucharist by Scott L. Smith

What do trees have to do with Bread & Wine?

Consecration to St. Joseph by Donald H. Calloway, MIC

Fatherly protection of St. Joseph, first with the Holy Family and then in the Universal Church, is needed now more then ever to protect and lead us.

Me, Ruby & God; A Journal of Spiritual Growth by Linda Crowley

A beautiful memoir about the love of God and the love of a good dog.

Secrets of Successful Financial Planning by Dan Gallagher

“Where the heart is, there will your treasure be.” Uncover what is most important to you regarding your money.

Revelations Of Divine Love by Julian of Norwich, read by Sr. Wendy Beckett, Edited by Donna K. Triggs

A 14th century account of visions exploring the meaning of love, and God as love.

Finding God Anew by Barbara Kudwa

After multiple divorces, a suicide, and a murder, Barbara Kudwa shares how she found peace through her faith in God.