In 2019, I read some books

Groucho Marx

“I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.” ― Groucho Marx

This is the first post in what I hope is a series of posts, even if it's on a yearly schedule.

For some background on why I am even keeping track of how many books I read in a year, you can check it out here.

So, in chronological order only, here is the list of the books I read in 2019 (that I wrote down):

Saint Mary Magdalene: Prophetess of Eucharistic Love by Fr. Sean Davidson

A recommendation by my pastor, Father Dan Scheidt, this book drew me closer to the woman the is Mary Magdalene and makes visiting her Oratory in Fort Wayne, Indiana so much more deeply impactful. You can learn more about that place at the link at the top for Holy Hour. (1)

The Pope and the CEO by Andreas Widmer

I read this book after I met Andreas at a week-long conference I attended on Catholic Social Teaching. His stories are entertaining, yet the lessons that he learned along the way demonstrate his human-ness and his willingness to learn and move forward. Andreas is an approachable, intelligent and funny man and you can absolutely get that sense from his writing as well. (2)

Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron

This was the sweetest real-life story about, yes, a cat. My sister, who is also a librarian gave me this book to read because we both love cats and reading and I'll be honest- I did tear up a few times. I'm such a softy! (3)

Resisting Happiness by Matthew Kelly

Very quick read from Matthew about why we self-sabotage- a lot a great one-liners here! (4)

Daring Greatly by Brene Brown

Using the meme vernacular, "This. OMG - THIS." This is a volume that will remain on my shelf. If you haven't read it, run, don't walk to your nearest bookstore or Amazon account and get it. I absolutely must add the famous quote by Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt that the book is named for here:

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, who face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly...who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at fails while daring greatly.

(5)

Dracula by Bram Stoker

This book was scary and JUST so good. This was one that I listened to on CD and I don't regret it. The movies don't do it justice. (6)

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Another book on CD and my heart just broke at the end. I read it because it was "on the list of Classics" and I didn't know that I would be so satisfied with the ending and so sad at the same time. (7)

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

I read these (listened on CD) back to back and audibly yelled at both of these knuckle-headed kids. Another working title is "Why kids need to be spanked." Mark Twain is a genius. (8)

Letter to a Suffering Church by Bishop Robert Barron

This was a quick read, but an approach that I wished and prayed that more Bishops would take in responding pastorally to the sexual abuse crisis of the Catholic Church in America. Someday, I'll write a memoir of my time as communications director at the diocese during that hell. But it still hurts too much. These words of love helped. (9)

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

I'm read that I listened to this on CD. This fantasy novel was so fascinating and made me want to write about some of the dreams that I've had. (10)

American Sniper by Navy Seal Chris Kyle

This is a must-read, particularly in this age of people not understanding the pain and sacrifice of our soldiers. This guy and his crew are badasses. I wish I had the grit to serve in the military. I cannot recommend this book enough. (11)

Killing the SS by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

Regardless of the guy's politics, I absolutely LOVE the Killing books by these guys. But to fair, I love stories of history. The way that these are written, it really brings these stories to life. As to the Killing the SS itself, the content made me sick. Stories of war are always hard to stomach, but the systematic revelation of the evil of these soldiers was shocking. (12)