MCT "This Saint's For You!" by Thomas J. Craughwell offers "300 heavenly allies for architects, athletes, brides, bachelors, babies, librarians, murderers, whales, widows and you."

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Is 2008 already bringing a feeling of, say, apprehension? Perhaps it would help to know there's someone Up There who's on your side.

Be you a soldier, sailor, tinker or spy, "This Saint's for You," according to a new book by Thomas Craughwell (Quirk Books; $19.95). The compendium collects 300 heavenly "allies" for nearly everyone, including architects, librarians and even contrite murderers.

The book describes the real-life history of the saints and why they are associated with certain people, places and things.

Among them:

- St. Barbara, patron saint of explosives and those who work with them

- St. Alexius, patron saint of panhandlers

- St. Matilda, patron saint of parents with disappointing children

- St. Felix of Nola, patron saint of lost animals