Every great book is not for every person. Accepting that reality has been a journey.
I used to think that some books absolutely everyone must
read, and then they would love and cherish them as much as I did. This view was shaken some years back
when I proposed to our little parish book group that we read Thornton Wilder’s The Bridge of San Luis Rey. I was shocked that every member
but me so disliked reading (much less discussing) this classic.
And then there was the time last year I solemnly promised to
Sue, a Catholic workout buddy, that she would love The Loser Letters, but she must read and love The Screwtape Letters first.
And she really, really didn’t like either one. Sorry, Sue!
Those books are classic and deservedly loved by
millions. And they would make
great Christmas gift books . … . for me.
But, as I now admit freely, not
for everyone.
With those stories (and many others, trust me) in mind,
putting together my annual list of Christmas-worthy gift books became daunting. I receive tons of great Catholic
books, and learn about many others.
How to recommend ones that would be of interest to the wide range of
Catholic Post readers?
This year, I chose not just books I personally love, but well-written, nicely “done”
books that may be outside my comfort zone but that others would love and
enjoy. I sought out online
friends, church acquaintances, and even perfect strangers in trying to find out
what makes a great gift book. And
as always, I encourage you to seek out your local Catholic bookseller and explore the great
options out there.
Fiction for adults:
Ida Elizabeth: Ignatius Press has a new edition of
one of my favorite authors, Sigrid Undset, best known for her historical
fiction trilogy Kristin Lavransdatter. Ida Elizabeth is set in the 20th
century, but still conveys Undset’s characteristic Catholic style and deep
exploration of marriage and relationships.
Stealing Jenny (available
as both an e-book and paperback) by award-winning author Ellen Gable is a well-paced
and heart-pounding story with a very Catholic vision. I could not stop reading Stealing
Jenny on my Kindle App, neglecting household and family to find out what
would happen.
Fiction for kids:
*Who can resist Christmas puns? Not me. An Angel Named Herald by local author
Deacon Bruce Bradford is a charmingly goofy picture book with a sweet Christmas
message.
*The brand-new Betsy-Tacy
Treasury compiles in one handsome volume the first four classic Betsy-Tacy books; they are like the Little House books, except set in early
1900s small-town Minnesota. Tacy
is a Catholic girl, and faith is a normal element of the girls’ lives.
*Ranger’s Apprentice fans
rejoice, as author John Flanagan has begun a new series set in the fictional lands of Araluen
and Skandia —The Brotherband
Chronicles. Fans of adventure, friendship and
fun will enjoy The Outsiders—first in
this series about a group of young
sailors.
*For older readers (teens and up), The Song at the Scaffold by Gertrude von Le Fort, a classic
recently reprinted, is a fictionalized account of the true martyrdom of a group
of Carmelite sisters during the French “Reign of Terror
Non-fiction:
“A sad saint is a sorry saint, indeed,” goes the old
expression. Between Heaven and Mirth: Why Joy, Humor and Laughter Are at the Heart of the Spiritual Life by Father James Martin, S.J., explores how humor and
laughter are not just add-ons, but vital, to healthy spirituality. Like all Fr. Martin’s works, Mirth is easy to read without being
“lite.”
Surrender! The Life
Changing Power of Doing God’s Will by Father Larry Richards, mentioned to
me by several readers. Fr. Richard
challenges people to grow in the spiritual life by putting God and His will first, always.
I love well-designed and written books that feel good to
hold and read. Generous Faith: Stories to Inspire Abundant Living by Sister Bridget Haase is handsomely formatted and sized. In short, thoughtful stories, Sr.
Bridget invites readers to have “generous faith” by living in the moment,
accepting and trusting in divine care, and experiencing God’s presence in our
daily lives.
Welcome Baby Jesus! Advent
and Christmas Reflections for Families by Sarah Reinhard is a gentle, easy read
to help families “appreciate Advent” and the Christmas season through Scripture,
reflections and action ideas.
Hello. I am a huge fan of Tolkien and Lewis. Recently, I discover the book "Looking for the King: An Inklings Novel" and I will read it. Looking for some reviews, I find the interview you did with David Downing. I want your permisson to translate it and publish in my blog, cause I guess it's a good opportunity for us, brazilian fans of Tolkien and Lewis, to know more about the book and the author. Waiting fot you answer, thanks. Bye.
ReplyDeleteNatallie, I'd be honored for you to translate my interview with David Downing. Thanks for stopping by, and be sure to come back and let me know when it posts, and I will share it here.
ReplyDelete