Books

Currently Reading
Christ Stopped at Eboli, a memoir by Carlo Levi. It was written in 1947 by Levi, an Italian anti-Fascist, about his time spent exiled in southern Italy for opposing Mussolini. It's a fascinating historical insight into Italy pre-WWII and Levi gives an in-depth look at what life was like for a rural Italian peasant.

The Cost of Discipleship, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. This book was mentioned in one of my history classes in college, and it sounded interesting. Bonhoeffer writes about "costly grace", and our need to take our faith seriously, even when practicing is unpopular.

Forming Intentional Disciples: The Path to Knowing and Following Jesus, by Sherry A. Weddell. We're reading this book as a FOCUS team, and it is awesome! So far, Weddell has made some interesting observations about parish life in America, and offered some great advice about what we can work on changing to create dynamic Catholic communities.

Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux. I'm reading this book with one of my disciples, and so far we've been absolutely loving it! St. Therese has so many great spiritual insights, and makes saintliness seem like something attainable!

The World's First Love by Fulton Sheen, on Mary and her place and importance in Catholic thought.

Finished Reading
The Catechism of the Catholic Church is an especially good read during this Year of Faith. The Catechism  is fairly dense, but lays out the most important tenets of the Church is a clear and concise manner.

Persuasion by Jane Austen. My favorite Austen novel! I love the the themes of redemption and second chances.

Prayer for Beginners, by Peter Kreeft. I'm reading this with two of my disciples, and it's a great introduction to prayer for those who are unsure of how to start. Full of practical tips and useful advice, it also provides a great refresher for a prayer life that has gone a little stale.

The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene. One priest's response to the persecution of clergymen during the Mexican Revolution. I love how realistically Greene portrays his characters, exposing their flaws without making excuses for human nature.

Searching for and Maintaining Peace: A Small Treatise on Peace of Heart by Father Jacques Philippe, on what it means to have peace in one's life and the importance of having peace.

The Way of Trust and Love: A Retreat Guided by St. Therese of Lisieux by Father Jacques Philippe. A short and approachable introduction to the work of St. Therese that introduces many of the key themes of her life.