I like to say that I read in growth spurts. I will go weeks without picking up a book at all, and then I’ll read an entire book or two or three in a short period of time. For example, I read most of The Restless Flame in a deer stand recently.
I am not the most well-read person on the planet, but here are some books I have enjoyed over the last few years that I do think some of you would get a lot out of. And I’d love, love, love to have some good suggestions for books of any kind I can put on my Future Readin’ wish list. I happen to know personally a few readers who are much better read than I am (*Cough, cough* Nicole, Staci, Mary Lou, Kate, Katie, Lucy…)
Books Currently on My Nightstand
Part of me hopes that I’ll just absorb what’s in these books by osmosis. Ah…the classic pick-up and put-down and never-finish habit.
Part of me hopes that I’ll just absorb what’s in these books by osmosis. Ah…the classic pick-up and put-down and never-finish habit.
The Practice of the Presence of God, by Brother Lawrence
The Little Oratory, by David Clayton and Leila Marie Lawlor
Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence, by Father Jean Baptiste Saint-Jure and Blessed Claude de la Colombiere – I think this book will just stay on my nightstand for life.
Beyond the Birds and the Bees, by Dr. Gregory and Lisa Popcak
The Catechism of the Catholic Church – a surprisingly good read
The Domestic Church, by Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle
Under the Mantle, by Father Donald Calloway
Consoling the Heart of Jesus, by Father Michael Gaitley
The Way, by St. Josemaria Escriva
Good and Angry: Exchanging Frustration for Character in You and Your Kids, by Scott Turansky
Good and Angry: Exchanging Frustration for Character in You and Your Kids, by Scott Turansky
Books I Have Read in the Last Couple of Years
The Last Crusader, by Louis de Wohl
Momnipotent, by Danielle Bean
The Spear, by Louis de Wohl – My friend Mary Lou lent me this novel based on the life of St. Longinus, the Roman soldier who speared Jesus in the side at the Crucifixion. It was an incredible read. I am thinking of re-reading it during Lent.
The Restless Flame, by Louis de Wohl
Style, Sex and Substance, by Hallie Lord
Outlander, by Diana Gabaldon – A fantastic story. I was surprised at a neat part in the first novel with the main character spending time in adoration with a holy priest at a monastery in France. (It’s so hard to find good portrayals of Catholicism and priests in general!) However, I’m not finishing the series. It’s one of those books that is a fantastic story that is spoiled for me by multiple explicit sex scenes. A drop of poison spoils the cup for me, especially when it’s a little more than a drop in this case.
Loving the Little Years, by Rachel Jankovic
Old Favorites
Father Elijah, by Michael O’Brien
Story of a Soul, St. Therese of Lisieux
The Mark of the Lion Series, by Francine Rivers
33 Days to Morning Glory, by Father Michael Gaitley
Friends of God, by St. Josemaria Escriva
Rome Sweet Home, by Scott and Kimberley Hahn
Good News About Sex and Marriage, by Christopher West
Future Readin’
G.K. Chesterton – I know, I know. Where have I been?! He’s supposed to be amazing.
Louis de Wohl – His novels based on the lives of the saints are so good. I feel like a finish his books a better person spiritually.
C.S. Louis – I haven’t been far beyond Narnia…except for The Screwtape Letters.
Teaching from Rest, by Sarah Mackenzie
By the Downward Way, by Dan Lord
Pope Awesome and Other Stories, by Cari Donaldson
Life-giving Love, by Kimberly Hahn
The Temperament God Gave Your Kids, by Art and Laraine Bennett
Pope Awesome and Other Stories, by Cari Donaldson
Life-giving Love, by Kimberly Hahn
The Temperament God Gave Your Kids, by Art and Laraine Bennett
What I’m Listening To
Read Aloud Revival, by Sarah Mackenzie – I am really, really enjoying this podcast about making books an integral part of your family culture.
Fountains of Carrots, by Haley Stewart and Christy Isinger – They are adorable and down-to-earth. I would be friends with these ladies if I didn’t live in Louisiana, and if they didn’t live in Florida and Canada. You know what I mean? 🙂
The Rosary
The Rosary
What I’m Watching
Downton Abbey – Will Lady Edith ever be happy? Will Mary choose Blake after all? Will Carson and Mrs. Hughes ever get together?
And…I watch pretty much nothing else at the moment. I’d rather sleep, blog, or read if I have free time in the evenings…in that order. Oh, and hang out with my husband sometimes of course.:)
It is not lost on me that my reading list is a little heavy on spiritual reading and parenting books, and not-so-heavy on Good Novels. I need some good book ideas to make me use my fancy-schmancy Kindle PaperWhite and stay up too late having “me time” stuck in a book…or something like that.
I recently got a few ideas from Haley and Christy’s podcast, but I’d truly love to hear book ideas from any of you. Shoot me an email, leave a note on my Facebook page, or post a comment!
Leave a Reply