Against the Grain

Praised as “masterful” and “excellent” by Bishop Athanasius Schneider, “Against The Grain” isn’t just another collection of saints’ lives—it’s a radical call to heroic virtue in an age of moral compromise. Through twenty-one carefully chosen stories spanning twenty-one centuries, Doug Grane presents a revolutionary roadmap for those ready to challenge our culture’s spiritual drift.

Each saint’s story is masterfully woven into its historical context, illuminating not just individual acts of courage but the entire tapestry of Christian civilization. Grane connects each century to a specific heroic virtue, creating a practical guide for modern-day saints-in-training. From the early Church to our current era, these stories demonstrate how swimming against society’s current has always been the path to true holiness.

But this isn’t your grandmother’s book of saints. Grane’s unconventional approach incorporates contemporary cultural touchstones—movies, music, and modern events—to bring these ancient stories vividly to life. His fresh perspective makes the pursuit of heroic virtue feel not just possible but urgent for today’s readers.

Written for culture-warrior Catholics and truth-seekers of all faiths, this book asks the challenging question: “Why not me?” It’s a battle cry for those tired of playing spiritual defense, offering instead a bold strategy for moral and cultural renewal. Whether you’re a devoted Catholic or simply someone interested in lives of extraordinary virtue, “Against The Grain” provides both inspiration and practical guidance for swimming upstream in our turbulent times.

Editorial Review ★★★★★

In this innovative exploration of hagiography, Doug Grane presents a fresh approach to examining saints’ lives through historical context and contemporary relevance. Earning praise from Bishop Athanasius Schneider, Grane’s work creates a unique framework for understanding how heroic virtue manifests across different historical periods.

What sets this work apart is its sophisticated integration of historical and contemporary elements. Rather than presenting traditional hagiographies, Grane connects each century’s exemplars to specific virtues while incorporating modern cultural references. His ability to bridge ancient stories with contemporary touchstones demonstrates particular skill in making historical material relevant to modern readers.

The book’s greatest strength lies in its organizational structure. By examining twenty-one saints across twenty-one centuries, Grane creates a comprehensive exploration of virtue development through history. His attention to historical context helps readers understand how each figure’s choices reflected responses to their particular cultural challenges.

Particularly impressive is the author’s handling of complex historical material. Through careful attention to both historical detail and narrative engagement, Grane makes ancient stories accessible without sacrificing depth. His incorporation of movies, music, and modern events provides helpful reference points for contemporary readers while maintaining historical accuracy.

The writing effectively balances scholarly content with practical application. Grane’s ability to present historical figures as relatable models for modern behavior demonstrates significant skill in biographical writing. His examination of how different virtues manifested in various historical contexts provides readers with practical frameworks for personal development.

“Against the Grain” stands as a significant contribution to contemporary hagiography, offering readers both historical insight and practical guidance for moral development.