I haven't read it yet, but I'd like to dig into the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Ironically, the condensed version has a much longer title.
Jimmy Akin has read the Compendium, and likes it. I happen to like Jimmy Akin, as we once sat and smoked together in a San Diego tobacco store, so you can trust his judgment.
One reason I'm anxious to get my hands on this volume is so I'll have better answers for my kids when they ask questions. Explaining justification is quite easy. Explaining the Trinity is not.
I have ordered it from Amazon.com, but it hasn't arrived yet.
I teach RCIA and have used Fr. Lukefahr's "We Believe", in conjunction with the Catechism, to provide a condensed overview of Catholic beliefs (the Catechism can be pretty intimidating in its size and rather dry prose). Even though Fr. Lukefahr's book is very good, I'm hoping that the Compendium can be used instead.
If the Compendium proves readable I may order a bunch for next year's class.
The Compendium is very readable and also very reliable. The art that is included is a great touch, but would have been better if carefully printed on glossy inserts. But we have to accept USCCB sour grapes somewhere, I suppose. ;) The text appears fine. It was translated in Rome.
just picked it up today
will probably read it next week on my long plane trip (coast to coast)