What kinds of books do I like to read, and what makes a good Christmas present?
I like keepsake kinds of books, I like spiritual classics, and I like a good story…
I’m offering this list to see if there’s something on it that might be of interest for your Christmas shopping needs.
(I also mention this with full disclosure, as stated in my sidebar, that any purchases made via the links on my blog will directly benefit this apostolate and keep Among Women up and running.)
Keepsake books
The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: New Testament
Great Bible Study aids in this volume… love it!
Divine Intimacy: Meditations on the Interior Life
A book to pray with. Powerful meditations.
Another good book to pray with, great prayers from the saints in here alongside classic prayers.
Jesus, Present Before Me – Fr Peter James Cameron, OP
The perfect companion to bring to adoration, or to use before or after Mass.
Benedictus – Day by day Meditations by Pope Benedict XVI
A good primer on the mind and heart of this Pope.
Spiritual Classics
The Reed of God -Caryll Houselander
One of the best books on Mary, ever!
Introduction to the Devout Life – St Francis de Sales
If you’ve never read a spiritual classic, De Sales is the place to start!
Story of a Soul – St Thérèse of Lisieux (study edition)
Here’s the book that turned a young 24 year old woman into a Doctor of the Church.
It didn’t hurt that she was a saint either!
Divine Mercy in My Soul – The Diary of St Maria Faustian Kowalski
Get to know the Divine Mercy in the Year of Mercy!
God Alone – A collection of the writing of St Louis de Montfort.
(This includes The Love of Eternal Wisdom, True Devotion to Mary, and Secrets of the Rosary, among others.)
Good Stories
The Screwtape Letters – by C.S. Lewis
Many have heard of this book, but how many have read it. Anything by C.S. Lewis is a gift!
Witness to Hope – The autobiography of John Paul II – By George Weigel
Powerful chronicle of the life of this new saint!
The Greatest Salesman in the World – Og Mandino
I read this when I was a teenager. I still love it. There are tangential Christmas themes too!
In This House of Brede – Rumer Godden
A great novel. Timeless.
The Well – by Stephanie Landsem
One of the newer writers out there, with a great read that gets behind the eyes of the Samaritan woman.
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BONUS: Books that I have contribute to (mostly for women readers), plus a link to my book, Blessed, Beautiful, & Bodacious.
BONUS 2: My favorite journals are the larger sized (7 1/4″ x 9″) hardcover bound journals by Peter Pauper Press
BONUS 3: I recommend Catholic Digest Magazine – yes I write for them, but a great periodical for the home!
BONUS 4: I recommend the Magnificat – this daily devotional for Mass, plus meditations, articles, and morning and evening prayer.
