POCKET BOOKS TO PUBLISH "PARISH THE THOUGHT"

Hardcover edition nearly sold out, paperback edition available in the fall

ROSWELL, Ga. (April 20, 2008) –The hardcover edition of “Parish the Thought, An Inspirational Memoir of Growing Up Catholic in the 1960s,” has nearly sold out and Pocket Books, an imprint Simon & Schuster, has acquired the rights to publish the paperback edition, Roswell Press announced today. The official launch date for the paperback is Oct. 7.

In his memoir, author John Bernard Ruane shares the evolution of his faith with stories of his entry into a Catholic school, experiences as an altar boy, tales of good and bad teachers, as well as the priests and nuns who affected the lives of so many impressionable young Catholics.

Roswell Press, a small publisher located in the suburbs of Atlanta, printed 5,000 high quality hardcover copies and officially launched the book on June 4, 2007. The book of inspiration and faith quickly drew great praise from both critics and readers across the country and by Christmas only 200 copies remained.

“Sales of ‘Parish the Thought’ have gone very well, but have been driven purely by an extensive national publicity and advertising campaign that encouraged readers to order the book at local bookstores,” said Ruane. “With Simon & Schuster placing the book in stores across the country, the increased visibility and reduced paperback price will result in even greater sales.”

Ruane credits his book’s popularity to the universal appeal of an inspirational story of faith and family, receiving positive comments from readers of many faiths as well as from leaders of the Catholic Church.

Ruane received letters of gratitude and congratulations from the office of Pope Benedict XVI, Atlanta’s Archbishop Wilton Gregory and the Archbishop of Chicago, Cardinal Francis George, who also provided a glowing review, which is printed on the back cover of the book.

“Parish the Thought’ transports readers back to a simpler time in life, but the greatest value this book offers readers is the story of lost faith that is regained and strengthened,” said Ruane, referring to the time he stepped away from his Catholic beliefs. “My hope is that those who have lost their faith because of a tragedy that occurred in their lives, will find some hope through my experience.”

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