If you’re like me and you love to read books, when do you find the time?
Between the demands of my job, home responsibilities to my wife and four kids between the ages of 19 and 6, and watching the Red Sox go down the tubes yet again, the best time to crack open some brain food always seems to be between 11:30pm and 2am. Yes, that 7am alarm is often an uninvited guest.
Always perusing our bookshelves for the next piece of literature I can spend the next couple of weeks with, I embark on the new read, put that down (not because it’s not a good book but because you can pick it up again anytime, right?), grab another book, start it up, put it down for later, open another, and … before I know it, I’ve got the Tower of Terror looming over my bed; one slip and it’s curtains.
What follows is a sampling. Disclaimer: Prior to my reversion, I read a lot of science fiction and fantasy. I also read a lot of history of all eras. These days, my primary (though not exclusive) focus is Catholic non-fiction for their formative properties. There’s always a lot of catching up to do.
With varying degrees of progress, these books are occupying precious space on my nightstand (along with my Bible):
To Know Christ Jesus by Frank Sheed, which I read all the way through last Lent and plan on reading again. I’m still feeling the beautiful repercussions of that one. Status: second read-through.
Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters by Meg Meeker. I’ve got three daughters on earth. I need all the help I can get. Status: started.
By What Authority: An Evangelical Discovers Catholic Tradition by Register blogger Mark Shea. I read it previously, and was prompted to pick it up again after a memorable road trip with Shea from Philadelphia to Boston. Status: second read-through.
Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose. This stirring adventure through the untouched American wilderness with the Lewis and Clark Expedition satisfies my hankering for history in a big way. Status: second read-through. (I say second because I count listening to the unabridged CD series as the first.)
Supremacy and Survival: How Catholics Endured the English Reformation by Stephanie A. Mann. I was doing some preparation for the Holy Father’s upcoming visit to Great Britain, and I was fascinated by the lives of the martyrs who endured that difficult period. Status: almost finished.
Hideaway by Dean Koontz. I admit it: I’m a sucker for his stuff. Status: second read-through.
The Public Life of Our Lord Jesus Christ by Archbishop Alban Goodier, S.J. Recommended to me by a colleague who knew I enjoyed the Sheed book. It looks really promising so far. Status: started.
So what books are on your nightstand? And when do you find time to read? And lastly, bring on the recommendations. It’s about time I started something new.
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The Loser Letters was excellent—-I plan to read that a few times over. Also Edith Stein and Companions, Fatherless (not done reading this) by Brian Gail, The Rage against God by Peter Hitchens. There are no Accidents by Fr. Benedict Groeshel.and the World’s First Love by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.
I might add these are all “E” books, some purchased for very little on Amazon. I am retired and have arthritis, and during these bouts of arthritis, I tend to read more. I also try and read the religious books on Sunday.
But there are so many to choose from! Peter Hitchen’s book is particularly good as he is a convert to the Christian faith, and is a good contrast to his brother Christopher’s atheism. His story on how he converted from atheism is fascinating.
I don’t technically have a nightstand, and I just finished my last book yesterday, so my brutally honest answer is, nothing. But what am I planning to read?
Ngaio Marsh mysteries—better than Agatha Christie in writing although not always in plotting
“What’s Wrong with the World”, by G. K. Chesterton—second read, but so pleasurable and so right on even for now.
“O Pioneers” Willa Cather—I have loved her other books, but this one I’ve not read, and just struck me as strange that this would be so. Am looking for it at the library.
“The Two Towers,” JRR Tolkien—we’re reading this aloud with my 9- and 7-year-old.
And lately I’ve really been on a kitchen memoir kick—but I’ve not read “Kitchen Confidential” by whatsisname. So maybe that. Oh, and “The Napoleon of Notting Hill,” for a second time because I need to read Chesterton every six months or so.
If I were to recommend something I guess I’d say that Michael O’Brien’s “Sophia House” was good as a description of a wounded but triumphant Christian soul. Also, every Catholic should read “The End of the Affair,” by Graham Greene (but for heaven’s sake don’t see the movie, which completely guts the entire meaning, not to mention the plot)—and I highly recommend Walker Percy’s “Lost in the Cosmos”—very highly recommend it!—but warn that it does have a fair amount of profanity, although it seems perfectly appropriate in the context. For non-Catholic but just a really funny biting novel, try “Lucky Jim,” by—Waugh? Maugham? can’t remember. Anyway it’s hysterical.
Recently finished two “easy”, quick, and inspiring books by bishops - Effective Faith by Bishop Tobin of Rhode Island and Doers of the Word by Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York.
I’m on my second reading of Brian Gail’s Fatherless since he will be a guest speaker at our church in Vero Beach. It is a truly insightful book.
Just started Theodore Dalrymple’s book - Our Culture, What’s Left of It. It’s a series of essays he’s done over time. Also rereading Michael O’Brien’s book of essays: Remembrance of the Future = Reflections on our Times. These two books are really thought-provoking.
And, speaking of history, a friend just loaned me: Historic Bristol - Tales From an Old Rhode Island Seaport.
No lack of reading material…
Warts and all, even at 48 I still read Judie Blume-today’s classical literature. Only now, I can read it from the adult characters’ perspective.
I like reading about end times, the “rapture” and prophecy. Even if it’s anti-Catholic like the Left Behind series it’s fascinating and even though there will be no “rapture” it’s always good to know what others believe. And I know there’s at least ONE part that’s true even if the details are distorted.
Historical bios on English royalty, specifically Mary of Scots and Elizabeth I (after all my ancestors were still over there…in the mucky field).
Archie Comics, actually Betty and Veronica because I can relate more to the story lines as a female. Some of the outfits are less than modest but after all it’s only a drawing. And sometimes I have to be reminded that my last name is not “Lodge” because I shop so much. This is MY comic relief.
I admit I am a bathroom reader…the tub is the BEST place to read (bubble bath optional)...no distractions.
I’m checking out a different translation of “Imitation of Christ” - boy, do I hate having my faults made so clear. Lifeline by James Stenson on religious upbringing of children. Two books I read and reread - the Catholic - Miracle of the Bells by Janney (another don’t watch the movie). I love the writing which comes from an earlier time/place. And the newer (secular) Recipe for a Perfect Marriage by Morag Prunty. It is a modern telling of a marriage woven with a telling of her grandmother’s Irish marriage. It is a poignant telling of a marriages ups and downs in a modern world.
Enjoy Meg Meeker both my husband and I did - I’ve got her Boys will be Boys waiting.
Liberal Fascism by Jonah Goldberg—started, in chapter 2 or 3
L. M. Montgomery—books of her short stories, Emily of New Moon series (avoid the movies except for the Anne of Green Gables series with Megan Fallows)—re-re-re-re-reading—great for young girls as well
Kristin Lavransdattar by Sigrid Undset—amazing book, she won the Nobel Prize for literature back in the day
David Weber’s Honor Harrington series—I am a major fantasy/sci fi geek and love these books
gardening books by Lee Reich, including Weedless Gardening and The Pruning Book, also Northeast Gardner’s Year—borrowed from the library so they have to go back soon, but I want them all for my own
The Universe in a Handkerchief: Lewis Carroll’s Mathematical Recreations, Games, Puzzles, and Word Plays, by Martin Gardner—great stuff to go along with my ninth grader’s upcoming geometry coursework
Finished Reading:
“Father Elijah”, Michael D.O’Brien
“The Belly of Paris”, Emile Zola
“The Nasty Bits”, Anthony Bourdain
“Wyatt Earp Speaks”, Edit Richard Stephens
“Signature in the Cell”, Stephen C. Meyer
“There Is A God”, Anthony Flew, with Roy Abraham Varghese
“Rules for Radicals” Saul D. Alinsky
“The Hockey Stick Illusion”, A.W. Montford
Currently reading:
“Einstein, his Life and Universe”, Walter Isaacson
My “bookstand:
Imitation of Christ, Thomas a Kempis
Introduction to a Devout Life, Francis de Sales
Collected works of John of the Cross
Mariette in Ecstasy, Ron Hansen
Works of Gilbert Keith Chesterton
The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus
The Way of Perfection, St Theresa ofJesus
St. Augustine Confessions
Mein Kampf, Adolph Hitler
(yea, I know…weird to be reading that,
but historically fascinating…)
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (just finished it)
One suggestion. You have a dangerous pile of books?
Get Thee a Kindle!!! All the above books are on my
Amazon Kindle. And it will hold thousands more. I can
take it wherever I go and have a whole library with me.
And I can get a new book from Amazon instantly. Really a
very useful cool device. I have the Bible on it too
as well as access to the Liturgy of the Hours. With
the recently extremely lowered price, it’s a must-have
for voracious readers. (no, I don’t work for Amazon!!)
Books I try to read once a year:
The Power and the Glory, Graham Greene
Atticus, Ron Hansen
The End of the Affair, Graham Greene
Space Trilogy by C. S. Lewis
Recently read and recommended:
Revere Beach Boulevar, Rolland Merullo
In Revere, In Those Days, Rolland Merullo
Basic Economics, Thomas Sowell
The Remains of the Day, Kazuo Ishiguro
Snow Falling on Cedars (A Mystery, History and Love Story all in one!), David Guterson
Father Elijah, Michael O’brien
Star of the Sea, Joseph O’Connor
Flag of Our Fathers, James Bradley
By the way, did I mention Atticus by Ron Hansen. Every father should read this. Writing does not get any better than this.
Anything by Graham Greene. They are all good.
Life of St. Teresa of Avila
Theology for Beginners, Frank Sheed
Abandonment to Divine Providence, Fr. DeCussade
A collection of SciFi short stories from Analog Magazine
I just got a bigger nightstand—-and am getting some bigger book shelves——I love it, so much more room to hold all the books I am reading, and re-reading:
Imitation of Christ, Thomas a Kempis, Introduction to a Devout Life, Francis de Sales, Collected works of John of the Cross
The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus, The Way of Perfection, St Theresa ofJesus
St. Augustine Confessions, Abandonment to Divine Providence, Fr. DeCussade, World’s First Love by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, Dialogues St. Catherine of Sienna, Excorism and the Church Militant Fr. Tom Eutenuer, 12 steps to Holiness, St Alphonsus Liguori, Preparation for Death, St. Alphonsus Liguori, and a Saint a night, mostly out of Modern Saints , Anne Ball, and the list goes on—-I’m so hooked!
Thanks Mia, I just put the St. Teresa of Avilla you suggested on order.
I also started A Tour of the Summa Msgr Paul Glenn, The Four Cardianl Vitures Joseph Pieper, Civilzation of Love Carl Anderson, Rediscoverign Catholicism Matthew Kelly, and can’t wait to start Three Conversions in the Spiritual Life Garriou-Lagrange OP, St. Francis of DeSales, Biography of the Gentle Saint Stacpoole-Kenny,Sin and it’s Consequnences Cardinal Manning, The Spirit of the Liturgy Ratzinger, The Differnce God Makes Cardinal George, A Key to the Doctrine of the Eucharist Abbot Vonier. And so many more. I wish there was a book club that would be interested in the same books as I am. I also have been studying through ENDOW the Church documents, Letter to Women, Humanae Vitae, Mulliaruis Dignitatum, Summa for Beginners, etc…
I love to hear more suggestions of your favorites.
Mia, I just goolge and Amazon came up with one of their vendors. There also were other places that had it like Catholic Company and Catholic Free Shipping to name a few more. I’m looking forward to reading it.
It’s sad that most Catholics do not have, or know they need, a copy of the “CATECHISM of the CATHOLIC CHURCH, Second Edition” which was first printed in the US in March 2000.
It contains all our REQUIRED beliefs on Faith and Morals.
After reading the CCC from cover to cover, I am convinced that if we lived our lives according to the Bible and the CCC, we would get to Heaven for eternity.
What is more important than saving our own souls, saving the souls of our loved ones, and saving the souls of our Neighbors?
CCCs make great gifts for anyone over age 15.
A Catholic Bible and CCC are absolute musts. There is no better reading, with no better benefits for the time spent reading.
My Visit to Hell, by Paul Thigpen. I never read Dante’s Inferno, but this is a modern day adaptation (so says the dust jacket…)
Currently on my nightstand:
“A Severe Mercy” by Sheldon Vanauken (second read through- and it won’t be the last!)
A Collection of Essays by Soren Kierkegaard (first read, it has been taking me awhile to get through!)
“The Boy In the Striped Pajamas” by John Boyne (first read, watched the movie and am now faced with the necessity of completing the book.)
“Rerum Novarum” encyclical of Pope Leo XIII (first complete read - I want to understand more about Catholic Social Teaching)
I’ve been doing a lot of reading lately. I read The War Of the Worlds by H. G. Wells in one day. Other books I have read recently included an adaptation of Jim Henson’s TV series The Storyteller by Anthony Menghella and Emily Hurbert’s biography of Lady Gaga. (I know her act is sometimes beyond the pale but hey! She is Catholic.) Right now I am reading The Essential Pope Benedict XIV edited by John F. Thornton and Susan B. Varenne. It’s a collection of the present day Pope’s teachings and writings. Some date back to when he was just plain Joseph Ratzinger.
My nightstand books are also on my Kindle. The books include:
The Bible
The Shack
Imitation of Christ, Thomas a Kempis
God in America Part 2 by Newt Gingrich
Several books by Jane Austen
1022 Evergreen Place by Debbie Macomber
A Catholic Woman’s Book Of Days
I read daily in the a.m. as part of my prayer/journaling routine, and in the p.m. before bed. It may take me weeks to finish some of the larger books, but I find it really sinks in! Currently in my nightstand stack: Journey of a Soul by Pope John XXIII - 1st read (almost finished) Rediscovering Catholicism by Matthew Kelly - 1st read (almost finished) God Calling by AJ Russell - read conitually for last ten years
Divine Mercy in My Soul. by Maria Faustina - finished, plan to restart The Life of St. Gemma Galgani by Venerable Fr. Germanus C.P. - 1st read The Life and Revelations of St. Gertrude The Great by St. Gertrude For pure pleasure reading I love Historical Fiction and am currently reading The Red Queen, by Philippa Gregory. I read for pleasure when waiting for appointments, etc. Next up for the nightstand: Witness To Hope, The Biography of Pope John Paul II by George Weigel
I am currently reading an E book on my kindle, “Quo Vadis” which I downloaded only for .99! It is a little difficult reading (a lot of thees and thy’s) but it is about the early Christians during the reign of Nero and and has a lot of pages.
I don’t remember reading this book, but I do remember in the 50’s the network TV’s would show this movie, probably around Eastertime and I remember seeing this movie many times.
A highlight in the movie is Peter attempting to flee Rome and Christ appearing to him saying that if he did, he would go back to Rome to be crucified. Don’t know if this is really in the book, but will find out.
A Stay Against Confusion: Essays on Faith and Fiction, by Ron Hansen
The Girls Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest by Stieg Larsson
Brave New Family: GK Chesteron on Love, Sex, Divorce, Men & Women and Children
The Forge by St. Josemarie Escriva
Here’s another good one—-“Dimiter” by William Peter Blatty. It is a thriller and some takes place in Communist Albania where Catholics were persecuted.
It got an excellent review in “First Things”, and I have it on my Kindle as an E book.
I love reading everyone’s book lists!
I’m reading a few, but always looking for a few more!
Hail, Holy Queen by Scott Hahn
The Baby Book by Dr. Sears (I’m expecting #1 in three months!)
Women, Sex, and the Church by Ericka Bacchochi
I also loved Atticus and second that recommendation. Also, anything by Flannery O’Connor. :)
Right now I’m reading:
~The Red Horse by Eugenio Corti
~Rosary: Mysteries, Meditations, and the Telling of the Beads by Kevin Orlin Johnson
~Hitler’s Niece:A Novel by Roy Hansen
Recently finished:
~Mariette in Ecstasy by Roy Hansen (loved it)
~Milestones: Memoirs (1927-1977) by Joseph Ratzinger (great book)
~Theophilus by Michael D. O’Brien (really enjoyed this book)
~Meet Solanus Casey by Br Leo Wollenweber ofm (it was ok)
~The Story of Solanus Casey by Catherine Odell (good book)
~The Mystery of Things by Debra Murphy (page turner)
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