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Here is your list of parishioner-recommended books for summer (or anytime) reading. The selections cover a range of topics and, while we can neither recommend nor disavow any particular book, we hope this list will give you food for thought and entertainment. You can also submit your reading recommendations for consideration in a future version of this list.

Latest Additions

Anita Diamant - The Red Tent

• This is the story of Dinah, daughter of Jacob, from the book of Genesis. It is a fictional story about her life, and the bonds between family, specifically mothers and daughters. It is an older book, but I just happened to pick it up and read it last week and couldn't put it down! It is very beautifully written, and gives a vivid picture of what life was like for women in the Old Testament.
  
  Submitted by: Suzy Kiefaber
  

Nancy Kline Maguire - An Infinity of Little Hours

• An intimate and sympathetic portrait of five men who enter the world’s most austere monastic order – the Carthusians –in the early 1960s. The last chapter recounts their reunion 40 years later. Do you have to give up everything in order to find the face of God, or can you find Him in every day life? The author is a Renaissance scholar who is married to a ex- Carthusian.
  
  Submitted by: Joanne Borghesi Bowers
  

Wallace Stegner - Angle of Repose

• I try to reread each summer this Pulitzer-winning snapshot of three marriages spanning four generations. Stegner's an amazing writer. The title--the place at which materials rest when they can fall no further--can be a metaphor for much in the way we live our spiritual, physical, or emotional lives.
  
  Submitted by: Melanie Rigney
  

Gwendolyn Bounds - Little Chapel on the River

• This is the true story of an Irish family living in upstate New York, how they have supported each other, and the community they created. Lots to think about related to family, community and faith.
  
  Submitted by: A parishoner

(auto/) biography | fiction | history | inspiration | personal faith journey | miscellaneous

BIOGRAPHY/AUTOBIOGRAPHY

Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Relin - Three Cups of Tea

• This is a story about a noble person (American) who is building schools, mostly for girls, in the wildest parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan. He is showing a way, maybe the only way, to build a bridge to the Muslim world. This is a must read for anyone concerned about the deep divisions between the West and the Islam.
  
  Submitted by: James F. Greene

Bernstein, Carl and Marvo Politi. His Holiness Pope John Paul II.

• A biography of the Pope.
  Submitted by: Joseph Perez
  

Carter, Forrest. The Education of Little Tree.

• An autobiographical account of Carter's life with his Cherokee Indian grandparents. It is a touching book filled with simple life lessons.
  Submitted by: Laura Bottger
  

George, Amy. Goodbye Is Not Forever.

• The true story about a Russian girl and her family during WWII, including deportation to Nazi Germany and eventual arrival in the U.S. A testimonial to God's grace in the life of his children.
  Submitted by: The Cutrona Family
  

Graham, Billy. Just As I Am.

• A very inspiring autobiography of Rev. Graham's journey to preach the Gospel and faith in Christ to millions of people across generations and nations.
  Submitted by: Pam White
  

Kwity, Jonathan. Man of the Century, Pope John Paul II.

• Biography of the Pope
  Submitted by: Joseph Perez
  

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Evans, Richard Paul. Time Piece, The Christmas Box, and The Letter (a trilogy).

• Central themes of cherished love, caring for others, faithfulness to persons and ideals. Quick reading but lots of "meat" to think about.
  Submitted by: Regina Trodden
  

Frazier, Charles. Cold Mountain.

• A man's survival struggle to return home from the Civil War. By far, the best writing I have read in a long time.
  Submitted by: Jean Sweeney
  

Karan, Jan. At Home in Mitford, The Light in the Window, Green Hills, and Out to Canaan (a series).

• A series of books about the small town of Mitford (Blowing Rocks, NC) where the rector of a church deals with all of the residents as a leader, comforter, and rescuer. Very spiritual, fun and exciting. You will want to live there and always will in your heart.
  Submitted by: Blanche Kirchner

Macomber, Debbie. (Various titles available at Crown bookstores.)

• A romance series written by a Christian author.
  Submitted by: Sarah Mayhew
  

O'Brien, Michael. Father Elijah: An Apocalypse.

• A tale of religious espionage. A priest is ordered by the Vatican to spy on a group of politicians and financiers seeking to replace the Pope. A thrilling apocalyptic novel.
  Submitted by: Fr. Francisco Mendez

Peretti, Frank. This Present Darkness.

• Story of a small town and a battle being fought between good and evil on two fronts: here on earth and in the heavenly realm as well. Very well written and gripping. Makes you realize anew there is more to life than what we experience in the physical realm.
  Submitted by: Giselle Dupuis

Salzman, Mark. Lying Awake.

• A wonderful novel about the power-and price- of true faith. A Carmelite nun has visions of God's radiance and waking dreams that have led her to deep religious ecstasy. But her visions are accompanied by headaches which a doctor says may be life threatening. A "cure" may mean the end of her visions and a soul once again at odds with the world. Vantage Press paperback $12.00
  Submitted by: Sheila Dyer
  

Sendak, Maurice. Where the Wild Things Are.

• A wonderful adventure for children, in which Max travels to a far off land where he meets the wild things. (Ages 8 and up.)
  Submitted by: Marie Lane

Williams, Niall. Four Letters of Love.

• A story of two very different families in Ireland. A first novel for Williams, it is wonderfully written.
  Submitted by: Fr. Francisco Mendez

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Cahill, Thomas. How the Irish Saved Civilization.

• A book about ancient Celts, St. Patrick, Irish monasteries and missionaries and the preservation of classical works in illustrated manuscripts of monastic libraries. Author writes very enthusiastically about this subject.
  Submitted by: Naomi Klaus
  

Haskins, Susan. Mary Magdalene, Myth and Metaphor.

• Challenges commonly held beliefs about Mary Magdalene and other saints.
  Submitted by: Maggie Jones
  

Morris, Charles R. American Catholic.

• A history of the U.S. Catholic church. Extremely readable and illuminating -- especially the account of the various ethnic traditions and strong, imaginative bishops!
  Submitted by: Fr. Gerry Creedon
  

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Marcellino D'Ambrosio, Ph.D. Exploring the Catholic Church

• This easy to read book (137 pages) is an introduction to authentic Catholic teaching and practice, written by a man who reconnected to his faith after years on the sidelines. Chapters include: Who Needs the Catholic Church?; What is the Catholic Church?; Personal Prayer; Getting More Out of Mass; Mary and the Saints; and more. I find it very useful.
  Submitted by: Joanne Bowers

Ames, C. Alan. Messages to Carver Alan Ames, Through the Eyes of Jesus (vol. 1).

• A visionary who reveals things through the eyes of Jesus.
  Submitted by: Sarah Mayhew
  

Girzone, Joseph F. Joshua.

• Described as a modern parable, this book asks: if Christ came and lived among us today, would we recognize Him?
  Submitted by: Carolyn Gretzinger
  

Green, Thomas H., S.J. A Vacation with the Lord.

• A guided retreat -- emphasis on letting the Lord talk and having the retreatant listen/discern. Applicable and flexible guide for various situations.
  Submitted by: Pong Riguera
  

Haas, Rev. Albert. Swimming in the Sun.

• This book examines the Lord's Prayer through the writings of Thomas Merton and St. Francis of Assisi. The author (a retired priest) also draws on real life experiences to enrich his discussions. The book contains reflection questions at the end of each chapter that are especially useful for small group discussions.

Hanh, Thich Nhat. Living Buddha, Living Christ.

• Ever wonder what a Buddhist monk would think of Jesus? Here is your chance to find out and learn something new about both faith traditions.
  Submitted by: Gemma Furno
  

Kelly, Thomas R. Testament of Devotion.

• This book of short essays is a spiritual classic and a favorite of mine. It is written by a Quaker of radical faith, and when I read it, it simplifies me and centers me.
  Submitted by: Jean Sweeney
  

Kriva, Joanne. Tribulations and Triumph -- Revelations on the Coming of the Glory of God.

• I like reading what Jesus said to visionaries.
  Submitted by: Sarah Mayhew

Lewis, C.S. The Great Divorce (Or anything else by Lewis.)

• An allegory about the meaning of Heaven and Hell. C.S. Lewis presents his view of what it means to get to Heaven and how to reconcile the idea of an all-loving God with the concept of Hell. Very clearly written and thought provoking.
  Submitted by: Larry Prikockis
  

May, Gerald. Awakened Heart.

• This book is an invitation to love, getting beyond addiction and control. It encourages vulnerability and willingness rather than self-protection and mastery. I'm led to the intimacy of prayer when reading it.
  Submitted by: Jean Sweeney

Walsch, Neale Donald. Conversations with God.

• This book presents itself as God speaking through the author. Questions of divine inspiration aside, the world-view of this book both strongly stimulates and lovingly encourages. Book 1 considers personal questions of how to lead one's life. Book 2 considers socio-political questions of how the world operates. (A Book 3 on God is yet to be published.)

White, John. The Fight.

• Explanations of the basics of the Christian life (prayer life, bible study, etc.). Very well written and compelling.
  Submitted by: Giselle Dupuis
  

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Bernardin, Cardinal Joseph. The Gift of Peace.

• Cardinal Bernardin relates his own faith journey, focusing on the period following his diagnosis with cancer, through his outreach ministry to other cancer patients, and his acceptance of death as a "friend."
  Submitted by: Carolyn Gretzinger
  

Eck, Diana L. Encountering God -- A Spiritual Journey from Bozeman to Banacas.

• Many books rolled into one. Written by a professor of comparative religions and Indian studies. Part history of interfaith dialogue and religious diversity, part personal journey of a Methodist from Montana trying to relate to Hinduism while living in India. May be hard to find, but well worth the search.
  Submitted by: Gemma Furno
  

Greeley, Andrew M. I Hope You Are Listening God.

• I enjoyed reading his prayer journal.
  Submitted by: A parishioner
  

Hillesum, Etty. An Interrupted Life.

• A collection of excerpts from Etty's diaries. She was a Holocaust victim who wrote some amazing reflections of her life and what was going on around her from 1941-43. This book is a type of adult "Diary of Anne Frank." Apart from the historical interest, the book contains some fascinating insights on life, faith, God, etc.
  Submitted by: Larry Prikockis
  

Nouwen, Henri. Can You Drink the Cup?

• Finding God at great depth at Nouwen's personal level.
  Submitted by: A parishioner
  

The Road to Daybreak.

• A year-long diary of his work with those that care for the handicapped and live in Daybreak communities. Heartwarming, enlightening, and spiritually uplifting.
  Submitted by: Natalie Le
  

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Cavalleti, Sofia. Living Liturgy.

• Looking at liturgy in the fullness of that word. Liturgy is a reflection of our relationship with God played out in the world.
  Submitted by: Marilyn Krause
  

Ratey, John and Catherine Johnson. Shadow Syndromes.

• A very readable book with each chapter devoted to a different topic (e.g., chronic sadness, obsessiveness, attention deficit disorder, etc.). Premise of book is that having mild, undiagnosed forms of these things can affect a person's life, work and family. Will make you think twice about writing yourself or anyone off. A guide to being responsible for our behavior and making the best of the strengths and weaknesses God has given us.
  Submitted by: Gemma Furno
  

Unknown. The Goodheart Book Guide to Volunteering.

• A book listing the pros and cons of volunteering, it also lists organizations needing volunteers. Very useful.
  Submitted by: Marie Lane (Call 703-528-1327 to borrow.)
  

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Submit your own favorite book!