I'm slowly returning to real life after spending most of July in the lovely state of Colorado (see some of the highlights on Instagram!). While the to-do list before school keeps growing, trust me, I enjoyed the down time to read some great books this summer. I've got six recommendations for you, AND a giveaway for a free copy of one of the best things I read this summer!
(FYI- the links for the books are Amazon Affiliate links. That means that if you click through and purchase something, I will receive a small percentage at no cost to you. I will gratefully use it, probably to stock up on more books! :) )
Since I would rather be reading than writing long book reviews, I'll give you a grade and a quick run down. Totally just my opinion based on what I like to read. I'd love to hear your thoughts on these books or suggestions of what I should read next in the comments! (You can check out other book recomendations here: Katie Reads {1} & Katie Reads {2})
God Is Love, Pope Benedict XVI {A}
Can't go wrong with an encyclical from Pope Benedict. I've been carrying this short, but information packed, letter in my purse for a while, reading little snippets at a time.
Pope Benedict writes on two major topics: how we love because we are modeled after God who is love, and how we love others in return because of His love.
One of my favorite parts was the solid theme of Theology of the Body and our dignity as God's creation that ran throughout the entire letter. You also might find interesting the information about relating that love to social justice and our responsibility to care for others as a Church.
You can order a print copy through the link above, but in case you didn't know- you also can read all of the Popes' encyclicals on the Vatican website.
If you are looking for some quick and solid information about loving God and loving others, this book is for you.
These are the Sacraments
(Also available as a reprint & ebook here These are the Sacraments
In the 60's Fulton Sheen worked with renown photographer Yousuf Karsh to create a series of books about Rome, the Mass, the Sacraments, and the Holy Land that paired Sheen's stellar teachings with beautiful photography.
Unfortunately the original books with large photos are hard to find. I only have a small, low quality reprint of These are the Sacraments. The text is the same, but someday I'd like to find one of the original hardbacks.
I'm still chewing my way through this one. In typical Sheen fashion, he packs so much truth into his writing, using a style that is both accessible and full of wisdom.
My favorite part is how Sheen connects the nature and design of the Sacraments with text from both the Old and New Testaments, painting a picture of the intricate mysteries of the Sacraments.
If you want to understand more about the deep, rich meaning of the seven Sacraments, this book is for you.
Who Does He Say You Are?, Colleen Mitchell {A}
I met Colleen at a conference earlier this summer and heard about her upcoming book release. I signed up to receive a free preview copy of the ebook, and I loved it. Colleen and Franciscan were kind enough to send me a free print copy so that I can give one away to you! (Giveaway at the bottom of post!)
Women of the Bible has long been a favorite study topic of mine. The stories of the women in Old Testament was probably one of the first things that really helped me understand God's creative design and plan for us as women. I've continued to read and study all of the ladies of Scripture, and Colleen's book is now at the top of my list of resources.
After creating a Women of the Resurrection Bible Study for my small group this Easter, I wish I had this book earlier! It's style would lend itself perfectly for group study, a book club, or discipleship. It also would be perfectly suited to personal study and journaling.
Colleen chose the stories of twelve New Testament women, shared the Scripture, and wrote a personal reflection that you can tell is the fruit of prayer and time with the Lord. She also connects the Biblical women's story to you in a section called "Who Does He Say You Are," includes an original prayer, and questions for reflection. It's the perfect length and the perfect content.
Also- the print version is beautiful! The cover is the softest, and the pages are on nice thick paper, which is so nice if you are an underliner/notetaker.
If you are looking for inspiration to discover and rediscover exactly who Jesus says you are, this book is for you. If I haven't convinced you, read a free sample here.
Helena, Evelyn Waugh {B}
I've had several people recommend this book to me, and I am glad to have read it even though it was a stretch for me both in style and content. I'm not an expert on 4th century Rome, so keeping track of all of the characters (and their multiple names) as well as the historical events that the book hints at was a challenge for me.
I did love the character of Helena and how she grew and changed, faced circumstances so unlike our own, came to faith late in life, and ended up leaving a legacy of belief.
It wasn't until about chapter ten that I really enjoyed the book. Contrasting Helena's life with the journey of the Bishop in Jerusalem who had lived under persecution and now presided over the "circus" of popular Christianity was the best narrative in the story.
Evelyn Waugh himself called this his favorite book, so that is an endorsement in iteself. :)
If you are looking to get to know St. Helena or want to see a different view of the Roman empire, this book is for you.
The House at Riverton, Kate Morton {A}
Some of my book club friends and I were going to read this years ago, but never got around to it. It sat on my shelf until a roadtrip to North Carolina required a stack of reading material. This was a perfect choice after touring the Biltmore, and I finished it with vivid pictures of architecture and a grand house in my mind.
The story is carried by Grace, a servant who worked at a grand house in the 1920's, and continues through her elderly years. The plot line bounces back and and forth through time, but in a seamless way that unfolds the story and is easy to follow. Grace's perspective and work for the house and family becomes tightly intertwined with the three children of the family. The closer the connection, the stronger the secrets, and the deeper the mystery. After ninety-nine years of life, Grace has a story to tell about the House of Riverton, and you get to hear it.
If you like the aristocratic drama of Downton Abbey or period mysteries that are character driven, this book is for you.
Anne of Green Gables, Complete 8-Book Box Set L.M. Montgomery, {A}
(not pictured above, listened to through Librivox App)
Over the past month, I have done quite a bit of driving and decided to use my time wisely with some audio books. A dear friend recommended the Librivox App, which shares public domain books read by volunteers for free. (!) Audio books can be so expensive so this is an awesome tool to have available.
I read Anne of Green Gables as a kid, but for some reason never finished the series. I'm remedying that now, and have already listened to Anne of Green Gables, Anne of Avonlea, and Anne of the Island.
One thing about audio books is that you have to enjoy the voice of the reader. The friend that recommended Librivox also recommended reader Karen Savage. I enjoyed her style- she was a perfect fit for the Anne books. You can find the first book with here as the reader here.
If you are looking for something light, whimsical, and happy, Anne is for you.
And now for the giveaway! Enter to win your own copy of Colleen Mitchell's "Who Does He Say You Are!" I know you'll love it.
Giveaway ends Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at midnight.
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