2021's List of Literature

“People wonder why the novel is the most popular form of literature; people wonder why it is read more than books of science or books of metaphysics. The reason is very simple; it is merely that the novel is more true than they are.”

― G. K. Chesterton

Let's add another year of reading to the bucket list!

Blackout by Candace Owens

The secondary title, How Black America can Make its Second Escape from the Democratic Plantation, is probably the boldest description that I could've added for this book. Candace is dynamic and provides an authentic and real narrative about the state of race in America. (1)

My Heart Will Triumph by Mirjana Soldo

Mirjana was only 16 when she and five over children first saw the Virgin Mary on a hillside near the village of Medjugorje. This book details more than 35 years of apparitions as well as the life she lived through Communism, traveling around the world and all the miracles that she encountered along the way. (2)

Worms Eat My Garbage by Mary Appelhof and Joanne Olszewski

This book is THE manual for all things vermicomposting. It's the official ABC's of setting up and maintaining a worm composting system. I read it when my first 200 red wrigglers came in the mail and again about 10 months later. It's a quick read and was super helpful both times. My favorite part of this book is that you can tell how much that the authors love worms. I mean, I totally get it. ha! (3)

The Fisherman's Tomb by John O'Neill

This story is incredible, shocking and true: this book recounts how it took 75 years, a brilliant female archaeologist and a Texas oilman to find the long-lost burial place of the apostle Peter... underneath the Vatican. (4)

Champion of the Church: the Extraordinary Life & Legacy of Archbishop Noll by Ann Ball

This book is the life story of John Noll who was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1875 and became one the most influential bishops in the history of the US. As the founder of Our Sunday Visitor, his entrepreneurial spirit continues to influence innovation in Catholic media, parishes and communities around the world. (5)

The Catholic Hipster Handbook by Tommy Tighe

This compilation of Catholic voices bring a light-hearted and hipster approach to discovering overlooked saints, Catholic influencers on social media as well as learning new prayers and feast days. I loved how the humor woven throughout invites an honest and authentic approach to deepening one's relationship with God. (6)

From Christendom to Apostolic Mission: Pastoral Strategies for an Apostolic Age by Mgsr. James Shea at the University of Mary (7)

This academic book is the first and only honest and substantive look at the shift of our culture away from Christianity that I have ever read. I wish that this was required reading for every diocesan and parish employee and, more than that, the requirement for reading was decisive action based on the content contained within. (8)

Live Not by Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents by Rod Dreher

Titled after the warning from Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn in the Gulag Archipelago, this book is a must-read for all Christians who must prepare for the coming-hardships by the totalitarianism that is knocking on the door of the US. More than a novel, it's a manual, a road map and guidebook and cannot be overlooked. (9)

The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis

We are living in a time when evil operates out in the open and doesn't even hide anymore. I thought that it was appropriate to read, really re-read, the chronicle of devils fighting for our souls. It's hard to call this fiction when the descriptions of the battle between good and evil, temptations and redemption are as real as the black on the white pages. This is one of the books that I can read over and over again. (10)

Saints Behaving Badly by Thomas J. Craughwell

As you might suspect, this book is full of stories of the lives of saints who started off their earthly journey as less than savory characters. Some of these folks were downright scandalous! The candor and honestly of the author makes this a fun read and is an awesome reminder that no matter your past- sanctity is possible! (11)

Breaking Through: Catholic Women Speak for Themselves by Helen M. Alvare

From the first time that I met Helen at a conference in Washington, D.C., I have respected her. She is authentic, an advocate, is faithful to the Church and doesn't mince words when she needs to say the hard thing. These chapters are essays from women on a variety of current issues that modern women face in light of living their faith in a secular world. Can't recommend enough. (12)

Enter the Narrow Gate Saint Benedict's Steps to Christian Maturity by Susan Muto

Based on the wisdom of St. Benedict's rule, this book dives into the 12 steps to humility and gives a road map to embracing these as a lifestyle. I liked the content, but found the writing style to be too flowery and long-winded to get the points that she was making. (13)

The Dream Manager by Matthew Kelly

The storytelling narrative of this piece tackles the difficult question of why companies are losing their employees. Even though it was written years ago, I find the examples and analogies to be incredibly pertinent to our working economy today. Imagine, a world where a company would actually demonstrate their care for employees! This is a quick read and totally worth it. (14)

Abducted in Iraq by Saad Sirop Hanna

This firsthand account by a priest who was captured, ransomed, tortured simply because of his beliefs was compelling and heartbreaking. It is a story of martyrdom that brings the hero to edge of dying several times, but lets him live to share the gruesome tale. And it's true. I didn't realize that the last page featured a photo of the survivor priest. His journey of faith and witness to God is woven in such a beautiful and intricate way. This is a must-read in the age of preparing of a life of courage. (15)