Planet of Grace: Images and Words from Biosphere One [Paperback]

Bernadette McCarver Snyder (Author), James Stephen Behrens (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 2009

We live on a blessed, beautiful, but endangered planet. Despite the way God spreads his gifts--generously and freely--along this multi-splendored planet of ours, sometimes we are lazy stewards. Sometimes we take all that God has given us for granted.


A Planet of Grace pairs the meditative writing of Bernadette McCarver Snyder with gorgeous photographs from James Stephen Behrens and reminds to always revere God s mind-boggling creations. While it may seem audacious to think one person can really make a difference, that is exactly the way every invention, discovery, exploration and redemption has begun--with one person reaching out and taking responsibility for that which God has given.


Perambulate through the small and blessed corners of the earth in A Planet of Grace. Every day offers us enormous gifts, but each day we also face challenges for stewardship. The words and images in this book are sure to remind us what God has charged us with when it comes to the natural beauty that surrounds us on this, our abundant and blessed planet earth.


A Planet of Grace is the ideal gift book, a high-quality, immaculately-produced photographic volume that readers will want to display in their homes or offices.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: ACTA Publications (September 15, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879464011
• ISBN-13: 978-0879464011
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #559,668 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hope for saving planets, December 19, 2009

By 

Carol Blank (USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Planet of Grace: Images and Words from Biosphere One (Paperback)

Planet of Grace author Bernadette McCarver Snyder is a former columnist for Our Sunday Visitor and the author of thirty-two books. The book's photos are taken from the work of James Stephen Behrens, OCSO. Author of four books and a frequent contributor to National Catholic Reporter, Behrens served as a diocesan priest for 25 years before joining the Trappists in 2005. The Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, Georgia, is the setting for the photos in Planet of Grace.

Behrens describes "Planet" as a primer on how to "look about and see, find and do...the many ordinary ways you can heal our wounded Earth." Snyder, who says she used to be a lazy steward of the earth, learned in writing the book that one person can make a difference. "That's the way every invention, discovery, exploration and redemption has begun--with one person, seeing and reaching out."

The book includes more than 80 color photos and reflections, each ending with a prayer, and numerous short quotations from Benedict XVI, Emily Dickenson, Martin Luther King Jr., and Hildegard of Bingen and many others. It is a wonderful resource for personal use or for small groups hoping to increase their awareness and action on behalf of the environment.

A reflection on our "penny-pinching foremothers" is accompanied by a photo showing the corner of a porch containing a rustic bucket, some blown leaves, and a patchwork quilt draped over a wooden rocking chair. Snyder explains "cheapskating," as an old-fashioned way of getting through hard times. Earlier generations, she writes, sewed together scraps of fabric to make bed coverings. Today we face water shortages, non-biodegradable trash, and other environmental threats. Snyder is hopeful that our increasing awareness will lead to new, even cheap solutions. She closes with a prayer thanking God for "inventing people wiser than I will ever be who find ways to solve problems that may even save planets."

5.0 out of 5 stars A solid and very highly recommended read, February 13, 2010

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Planet of Grace: Images and Words from Biosphere One (Paperback)

The Earth has beauty that is truly magnificent. "A Planet of Grace: Images and Words from Biosphere One" looks into the status of Biosphere One, better known as Earth. Looking at the natural, cultural, and other beauties of the world through Christian eyes, and with plenty of reflections, Bernadette McCarcer Snyder gives readers a thought provoking and visual treat that is truly unique and sure to please. "A Planet of Grace" is a solid and very highly recommended read.