I remember bring assigned reading when I was younger and completely dismissing it. I would be gifted a book and know immediately that it would never be cracked open. How things change!
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Nowadays, my list of “to-read” just keeps growing and the most miraculous part is I actually know that I will read it all! It may take a while, especially in this season of toddlers and temper tantrums, but that is okay. All in stride.
I get asked often over on Instagram what my favorite books are or to recommend my favorite Catholic, fiction, or just plain ol’ good books titles. Today, I want to share my favorite Catholic books. This list will assuredly have a part 2 or 3 or more, one day, because this list is by no means exhaustive! For now, I want to get to the good stuff and share some of my favorites with you! Some are book books and some are daily devotionals so you have options 😉 I will also share the top couple on my stack to read. Drop a comment with your favorite Catholic book!
The Bible
This may feel obvious. There were many years in my life that the only Scripture I read was an occasional verse and what I heard at Mass. I am grateful to take real joy out of reading Scripture now! If you do not read it, you are missing out. This is my Bible right now and I love it! Tons of room for notes, prayers, or doodles and the footnotes are fantastic. It also has beautifully scripted verses ever 10 pages or so.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church
Perhaps another obvious choice. That is fine because this is another often forgotten resource. The CCC is a great source of information and one that should be read more casually by all Catholics as a way to fuel the fire of faith in our hearts. What a gift we have! This book, called The Essential Catholic Catechism was the first variation I just sat and read. It opened my eyes to the beauty of the Catechism when I still felt it was an intimidating work to read. I highly recommend it if you’re a little soul like me…speaking of little things…
The Story of a Soul
This book is such a delight. It is St. Therese’s autobiography and challenges you to evaluate your viewpoint on life, suffering, gratitude, and joy. The letters St. Therese of Lisiuex writes to her sisters at the end of the book struck me profoundly. The whole thing is absolutely worth a read! Learn about her “Little Way” of making the seemingly insignificant daily sacrifices count and lead us to Heaven!
Theology of the Body
Like the Catechism, this work can be really intimidating. St. John Paul II shared these words through a series of homilies and it is powerful. If you are ready to learn about Theology of the Body but not quite ready to dive into the full thing, check out this option by Christopher West, who is arguably the leading Western TOB influence today.
33 Days to Morning Glory
If you have followed our blog for even a few minutes, you know I am all about Marian Consecration! You can read about Consecration here or my journey with it here. I cannot speak to how the Consecration preparation changed my view on Mary. Scripture is rich with reinforcements, but if you are not sure where to start with Mary or have struggled with understanding (in mind, heart, or both) Marian theology, I highly recommend grabbing this book asap!! Just read the introduction. Another option for those looking for it is Total Consecration by St. Louis de Montfort; it is a more in-depth Consecration preparation.
Small Steps for Catholic Moms Daily Devotional
I love this simple, two-minute, daily read. It has a prayer and simple action prompt each day. Carpool lane, anyone?
A Mother’s Rule of Life
Holly Pierlot’s book on creating a Rule of life like many of our religious brothers and sisters is enlightening. I’m on round two of this book and gleaning all sorts out of it this time around versus last time. Wherever you are in your faith journey, I think this book is worth a read. You may not be at a place to create a strict Rule immediately, but I doubt anyone could walk away without have a few golden nuggets of knowledge. It is one that all of the laity can gain from.
Some on my list to read (and YES, I know I totally should have read these already! Sometimes, a quote here or there just has to sustain you):
- The Confessions by St. Augustine
- The Diary of Saint Faustina
- The Collected Works of Saint John of the Cross (includes the Spiritual Canticles, which is top of my list!)
- The Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Avila
- The Joy in Living Daily Devotional by Mother Thersea
- A Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion by Lisa Hendy and Sarah A. Reinhard (side note: I had the priviledge of attending a parish retreat led by Lisa Hendy and it was great. And speaking of Lisa Hendy…
- Her book The Grace of Yes is the next one on my list to read, actually!
Have you read any of these? Which was your favorite? What are some books I didn’t include here that you love? With so many fruitful options, we all need to help each other out in the comments! I’ll keep reading what you suggest and make a part 2 of this list soon!
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