Below is a list of books that I have read for theological studies as well as for personal spiritual insight. These writings, in no particular order, offer a unique perspective on Christianity to guide the reader to a closer relationship with God. As we move through our lives, may we open our hearts and minds to the peaceful, joyful and loving Mystery of God.

The #1 book for everyone, of course, is The Holy Bible but specifically, start with the Gospels, and then read them again, and again. The beauty of Scripture is that the same passage unveils it’s meaning in layers each time it’s read by the reader. There is a treasure within each Scripture. The more you read, the more that is uncovered.

1. The Holy Bible, New American Bible, Catholic Study Bible 2nd Edition.
2. The Gospel of Matthew, New Testament
3. The Gospel of Mark, New Testament
4. The Gospel of Luke, New Testament
5. The Gospel of John, New Testament
6. The Book of Acts, New Testament
7. The Book of Revelation, New Testament
8. The Book of Romans, New Testament
9. The Book of Isaiah, Old Testament
10. The Book of Wisdom, Old Testament
11. The Book of Ezekial, Old Testament
12. The Book of Psalms, Old Testament
13. The Book of Proverbs, Old Testament
14. Song of Solomon, Old Testament
15. Book of Job, Old Testament

Of course, the whole Bible is fascinating but these were my favorite as they were most intriguing and revealing to me. We will see the New Testament prophesied in the Old Testament and the prophecies fulfilled in the New Testament. I enjoy listening to the conversations between God and Man. The depth of God’s Hesed is immeasurable.

Additional Selections:

1. Rediscover Catholicism, Matthew Kelly

2. A Call to Joy, Matthew Kelly

3. Surrender! The Life-Changing Power of Doing God’s Will, Fr. Larry Richards

4. Rediscover Jesus, Matthew Kelly

5. The Seven Story Mountain, Thomas Merton

6. United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

7. The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho

8. Be A Man!, Fr. Larry Richards

9. Finding True Happiness, Fulton Sheen

10. The Return of the Prodigal Son, Henri Nouwen

11. The Hiding Room, Corrie ten Booms

12. The 4 Signs of a Dynamic Catholic, Matthew Kelly

13. Resisting Happiness, Matthew Kelly

14. Why Catholics are Right, Michael Coren

15. Perfectly Yourself, Matthew Kelly

16. The Rhythm of Life, Matthew Kelly

17. Lumen Gentium, Vatican II Document

18. Unitatis Redintegratio, Vatican II Document

19. Mary, God Bearer to a World in Need, Maura Hearden and Virginia Kimball

20. Quran, specifically chapter on Virgin Mary. The Quran refers to Mary more often than the New Testament

21. Kisses from Katy, Katie Davis Majors and Beth Clark

22. Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis

23. Orthodoxy, G.K. Chesterton

24. Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible, Dietrich Bonhoeffer

25. Mustard Seeds, Matthew Kelly

26. The Essential Writings of Christian Mysticism, Bernard McGinn

27. The Life of the Virgin Mary, The Theotokos, Printed with the blessing of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Genuine Orthodox Church of America, published by Holy Apostles Convent and Dormition Skete

28. The Way of Discernment – Spiritual Practices for Decision Making, Elizabeth Liebert

29. What’s So Amazing About Grace, Philip Yancey

30.  Stay Connected Series Journals for Catholic Women

31. Arguing Religion, Bishop Robert Barron

32. Catholicism, Bishop Robert Barron

33.  The Case for Christ, Lee Strobel

34.  Letter to a Suffering Church, Bishop Robert Barron

35.  Arguing Religion, Bishop Robert Barron

36.  Catechesi Tradendae, Pope John Paul II