I hope everyone is off to a great start to their school year! We are slowly getting into the swing of things, and adjusting to new routines and schedules.
With 3 kids gone at school, I *should* have more time to read and write in theory. But I’ve been finding myself busier than ever! However, I have been wanting to share a quick list of books that I’ve read this year and have enjoyed.
Books I’ve Read So Far
- With All Her Mind: A Call to the Intellectual Life edited by Rachel Bulman- I really enjoyed this book because it is divided up by essays on various topics on Intellectual Life written by 17 different women, with a forward by Professor Tracey Rowland. I have to admit that I was a little nervous to read this because reading comprehension is not my strongest subject. But, I did not find it difficult to read and was actually very intrigued by the topics brought up by all the writers.
- The Art of Spiritual Writing: How to Craft Prose That Engages and Inspires Your Readers by Vinita Hampton Wright- This is a cute little orange book that is easy to carry around with you as you read. Recommended by Pauline Media Publishers, this book is for all the religious writers/bloggers and will challenge you to strengthen your skills as a writer to better connect with your audience.
- Reveal The Gift: Living the Feminine Genius by Lisa Cotter- My church group read this book in the Spring, and I liked how the author divides up the chapters into sections, making it easy to read a little bit and come back to it when you can (perfect for a busy mom!). Cotter introduces you to different saints throughout as well as gifts women possess.
- Vows for Life Book Series (The Love We Keep, The Love We Vow, The Hope We Vow)- Victoria Everleigh wrote such a great series and includes lots of problems that some might not talk about. I read all 3 of these books during Lent and was so sad when I was done with the last one because it meant there were no more books left to read. ***Her new book is coming out in September! I’m so excited for it!***
- Beautiful Holiness- This is a biography on Blessed Conchita that I reviewed for Catholic Mom. You can find that here.
Books I’ve Listened to on Audible
- My Sisters the Saints by Colleen Caroll Campbell- It took me a little bit to get into this book, but once I did I loved it! The author takes you into the lives of several saints who helped her throughout her journey as a speech writer for the President to her struggle with infertility.
- Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry- I am a big Friends fan and was excited to listen to his book. While it is very long, I admire his courage, honesty and vulnerability he shares with the readers on his struggles of addiction and abandonment issues he had since childhood. It also shares about his faith journey.
- Your Blue Flame by Jennifer Fulwiler- I am a Jen Fulwiler fan, I love listening to her podcast and read her other 2 books. This book is about finding your passion and the message will seem very similar if you listen to her podcast.
Books By Colleen Hoover
These are some fun books I’ve read this summer. If you enjoy books by Liane Moriarty, you’ll enjoy these books by Colleen Hoover.
- It Ends With Us (Book 1)
- It Starts With Us (Book 2)
- Layla- This one is a fun mystery!
Books I’m Currently Reading
- Calm the Chaos: A Fail-Proof Road Map for Parenting Even the Most Challenging Kids by Dayna Abraham- This book is a parenting book that is designed to help you as a parent create habits during chaotic moments that will allow you to be in control of your emotions so you can connect to your child and help them through their struggles. Dayna also hosts a podcast (also called Calm the Chaos) that I enjoy listening to, and she also discusses a lot of the tactics that are mentioned in the book.
- Divine Intimacy- This is a daily reflection book (I’m not great at reading it daily) but I have really enjoyed the reflections that I am able to read. It is a pricier book (I was able to get it on sale before the Holidays last year) but it is well worth the investment!
- Miracles by Father Stefan Starzynski- This is such an uplifting book that gives you hope for healing! The first part is written by Father Starzynski, who, through God, has healed many people, and the second part is filled with testimonies of those that he healed.
Books I’m referencing
- A Garden Catechism by Margaret Rose Realy- I got this book before the summer in the hopes that I’ll be able to figure out what I wanted to plant in my garden. This book provides many ideas and historical context for plants to help you create a religious garden (whether rosary, prayer, Marian, etc.). It has been so much fun to look up a plant and read it’s symbolism in for our faith.
- Story Of A Soul- I am working on a project right now that includes St. Therese, and each time I read a passage in this book, I am reminded of why I chose her as my Confirmation saint.
Books on My “To Read” List
- Diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
- Becoming Wife by Rachel Bulman
- The Nemechek Protocol
- In Full Bloom: Finding The Grace And Grit To Thrive Wherever You’re Planted by Claire Swinarski
- Theology of Style
- Theology of the Home IV
There are probably more books that I’ve started to read and then didn’t have time to continue/got busy/lack time for, and there are so many I want to read. But creating this list really shows me how much I have read this year.
What have you been reading?
