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

On Heaven’s Doorstep by Andrea Jo Rodgers

When you’re on the front lines of life and death, it’s hard to avoid seeing real miracles.

Unrepeatable: Cultivating the Unique Calling of Every Person By Luke Burgis and Joshua Miller, PhD

Every person is gifted with a primary vocation from birth based on motivational patterns.

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

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

Help from Heaven by Andrea Jo Rodgers

In this year of tragedy, Rodgers reminds us of the miracle of human kindness.

The Christbearer – Exploring the Connection Between the Mandalorian and Christian Saints

Was the Mandalorian divinely inspired? A little child shall lead them. (Isaiah 11:6)

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.

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.

Calling All Booklovers! – Editor Positions Open

Do you love reading books and getting other people to read them? Join our team and make your mark on today’s Catholic literary revival.

August & September New Book Releases

Step into Fall with a Good Book

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.

Navigating Deep Waters: Meditations for Caregivers Jeannie Ewing and Eileen Benthal

If you’re a care-giver for a chronically sick family member or friend, this book is for you and your healing.

Three Reformers: Luther, Descartes, Rousseau by Jacques Maritain

Reaching back to a forgotten era of integrated Christian philosophy, Maritain retrieves concepts that could solve the dissolution of postmodern society.

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.

How to Nourish Your Marriage by M.C. So

Steps to improve your marriage with the sacraments.

Wanderings of an Ordinary Pilgrim by Tim Bete

Poetry that will take you deeper into Scripture and help you see the extraordinary in the simple.

Zeal & Zest: Where to Begin with Hillaire Belloc

Belloc was known as a Catholic polemicist with a vicious talent for skewering his opponents. Anyone struggling to persevere as a Christian in the fields of journalism or media should read him. His children’s books have an acerbic humor that will appeal to bored veterans of political correctness, especially teens.

Girl Arise by By Claire Swinarski

A Catholic take on feminism, going beyond the political talking points and approaching women on a personal level.

An Exorcist Tells His Story by Fr. Gabriele Amorth

Do not be afraid. The Vatican’s top exorcist shares stories of his day job that prove God’s power over evil.