Do you read more than one book at a time? I like to keep a mix of serious and lighthearted, so there’s always something to fit my mood. My husband prefers to focus on one book at a time, so he can see how much progress he’s making. There’s no right way to read.
Today I’m participating in An Open Book, a link up with Catholic author, Carolyn Astfalk. Here are the books I’m currently reading.
The Family That Overtook Christ
“It profits a man little to follow Christ, if he fails to overtake him.” St. Bernard of Clairvaux.
Most hagiographies (bios of saints) are written as historical chronicles, and focus on the supernatural events that set the Saints apart. The Family That Overtook Christ breaks the mold in two ways. It’s written in a narrative form, like a cozy family novel. It also focuses on the family life of this family of Saints and Blesseds. This is a great answer to the question so many of us have about great Saints, “What were they like as children?”
The Benedict Option: A Strategy for Christians in a Post-Christian Nation
One of the most talked about new releases in Christian living. I’m only 75 pages through, but so far I’d recommend it. The book is worth reading for the history of Western thought alone.
Rod Dreher can come across very hardened and blunt on his website. The book is gentler and slow. This article in the New Yorker digs into his emotional journey, and the why behind his reasoning.
33 Days to Morning Glory: A Do-It-Yourself Retreat In Preparation for Marian Consecration
33 days of short (2-3 page) readings on Mary’s example through the writings of Saints who love her. The first four weeks cover a Saint each: Louis de Montfort, Maximilian Kolbe, Mother Teresa, and Pope John Paul II. The last 5 days are a synthesis and preparation for consecrating yourself to Jesus through Mary.
Last time I read this, I fell woefully behind and threw in the towel. Thanks to a Facebook book club I’m hosting, I’m actually staying on track this time.
Read Alouds
James Herriot’s Treasury for Children
Herriot was a country vet, who wrote adorable stories based on his experiences with the animals and villagers of the Yorkshire countryside. Sometimes I narrate in a Yorkshire accent, ala my one true love: Downton Abbey. This usually drives my son shrieking from the room though.
Catholic Children’s Treasure Box, Volume 11
Originally published as a 1950s serial magazine from the Maryknoll Sisters, these darling books are perfect cuddly reads. Each volume begins with a child’s story (the first 8 tell the story of little St. Therese of Lisieux), as well as missionary stories, games, poems, and activity ideas.
Confession: I have a hard time knowing where to start faith talks with my son. Particularly since he doesn’t answer back yet. The books in this series are great conversations starters for me.
What are you currently reading? Have any suggestions that a wiggly 3-year-old boy and his mama can both enjoy?
7 comments
Thank you for your reviews; the Herriot sounds perfect for a summer read-aloud!
I loved 33 Day to Morning Glory and all things by Fr. Gaitley. You must do 33 Days to Merciful Love as well. Happy reading!
I’ll poll the group on which book we’ll study next, and that one is the top of my list. Fr Gaitley is a treasure!
Thanks for linking up with An Open Book! I’m anxious to read Rod Dreher’s The Benedict Option as I’ve read so much about it. I enjoyed his other book, Cruncy Cons.
Just finished reading:
A Man Who Was Thursday – Chesterton (only a book discussion group would have me revisit it)
Chiara Corbella Petrillo: a witness to joy – Troisi (very preachy, and would’ve better held my interest if it had been more condensed)
Currently Reading:
Don Camillo Takes the Devil by the Tail (I loved the first book in the series and just got this from the library) – Guareschi
The Selected Letters of Laura Ingalls Wilder – (I loved the little house books growing up – particularly the Caroline years – and am always fascinated by the hardships endured by settlers).
Next to read:
The Moviegoer – Walker Percy
OH, I love Enrico & Chiara Petrillo’s story. It’s such a powerful testimony to love and suffering. How disappointing that the book is lacking.
I loved Herriot’s All Creatures Great and Small, and look forward to hearing your thoughts on The Family That Overtook Christ, too.