The New Men: Inside the Vatican's Elite School for American Priests

Though I am only a quarter of the way through this book, I cannot seem to put it down. It is a narrative style book, and follows these young men through the stripping down (metaphorically speaking) of themselves to conform to the standard of priesthood. This book already has given me a glimpse of what it might have been like for the priests that I know that went to the NAC. It does seem to center on the Landry twins and Chris Nalty above the others, though maybe that changes later in the book. It also gives a good look at (now) Archbishop Timothy Dolan.

Presenting many of the challenges and blessings of the experience of priestly formation, Murphy does a spectacular job presenting the day-to-day experience of six men and those that help shape their lives. With an empathetic appreciation for the discernment process that these men are going through (at the time of the book's writing), I can attest to the general legitimacy of the issues presented. What is also significant is the great skill that Murphy has in the area of writing, understandably so for a staff member of the Associated Press. He does a spectacular job of making what might otherwise appear to be a mundane relaying of professional training and spiritual discernment a very intriguing and page-turning experience. I would highly recommend this book for it is well written, appropriately researched and truly interesting.

This story gives the reader an intimate look into the struggles and triumphs of six seminarians studying at the North American College in Rome. Murphy allows us to see the "behind the scenes" formation of priests, and will totally change the way you look at priests today. This story will inspire anyone and everyone who reads it with the honesty, humility, and openness in which it is written. This book has truly helped me in discerning my own vocation, and has given me a better awareness of the men behind the black cassocks and Roman collars. Recommended to all, especially those who are discerning a vocation to the religious life.

As an agnostic --> athiest, I was intrigued by the question, "Why would anyone become a priest?" This book gives a brief glimpse into the possible answers, all of which are very personal and unique.

I found Murphy's book an interesting and in many ways inspiring read. The struggles of the individual seminarians who are profiled here are gripping. Even more compelling is the manner in which these men, of varied backgrounds, approached their prayer lives and developed their own approaches to the challenges of celibacy, the loss of their old lives, etc. I heartily recommend it.