A Single Day of Peace - Book Review

Stephen D’Angelo, author of A Single Day of Peace, has a strong spiritual message to share with everyone.  The author elucidates his beliefs and teachings by using a unique writing method to help make clear his philosophical musings and distinctive road map for living. D’Angelo uses a fictional plot to illustrate his self-realization principles and live a happier and more successful life.

Sub-titled An Inspirational Novel Revealing 50 Principals that can Transform Your Life, D’Angelo’s writing fulfills his purpose through his well-thought-out character, Father Mark Tossi. Father Mark has an unusual past for a Catholic priest.  Like the author, he has a background as a business executive and experiences in the secular world that influence his career in the church.  Father Mark upsets the status quo during an Easter Mass by deviating from the rote service to challenge the congregation to search their hearts for the true meaning of Christian principles and not just to follow the rules and rituals.

Through his homily, Father Mark gently attacks the Catholic church’s thousand years old traditions. Instead, he speaks to the need for the church to address society's current problems. Although the author uses the Catholic Church in his narrative, his philosophy is intended to apply to all religions.

With a few flashbacks, the plot reveals how Father Mark discovered his unconventional spirituality and his desire to inspire change. He desires that people don’t just follow religious obligations but experience enlightenment. Using examples of positive thinking, such as Steve Job’s long, hard work creating the iPhone, Father Mark emphasizes that individuals can control their destiny by changing thought patterns.

Although unconventional and often uncomfortable, Father Mark’s controversial remarks held my interest and I believe will do the same to most readers. He states that through visualization, setting positive goals, and applying self-discipline, people can cause change and live happier lives. Some readers may compare his ideas with The Power of Positive Thinking, by Norman Vincent Peale, but D’Angelo’s book is very different.

Father Mark attacks the Catholic Church (and implies all organized religions) with statements that God doesn’t want people to “play church” but to truly worship by loving others. “…follow loving principles, provide positive inspiration to others, help others have a day, week, or life of peace, THAT is what’s important.” Within Father Mark’s fifty principles for living a happy, productive life are five keys to setting successful goals.

The author, through the voice of Father Mark, has fulfilled his desire to express his beliefs despite the controversy it may cause. This book belongs on the self-help shelves of those readers searching to better themselves, their situations, and the world.  Weaving together research, unforgettable examples, and D’Angelo’s brilliant insight, A Single Day of Peace is a force for real change.  It certainly lives up to its title, read it, live it and experience a better you.