If you’re interested in history, a fairly recent book using new scholarship on the Crusades, God’s Battalions by Rodney Stark is a fine read. Consider reading Stories of Karol by Gian Franco Svidercoschi (made into a wonderful movie, out on DVD, Karol, A Man Who Would Be Pope – especially good is the 2nd half on Communism); He Leadeth Me by Walter Ciszek, SJ. about his years in Soviet labor camps; or in the best spirit of nepotism, Catholic Martyrs of the Twentieth Century by my brother, Robert Royal. A fine film, Of Gods and Men, loosely based on the martyred monks of Atlas, Algeria in 1996. It was one of the nominees for best foreign language film in 2010 and can easily be found on video.
We all have particular tastes, but if fiction is your thing, consider The Power and the Glory, set during the Mexican persecution of the Church in the 20th century, or Monsignor Quixote, a modern take on Cervantes’ Don Quixote, both by Graham Greene. Monsignor Robert Hugh Benson’s Lord of the World is a futuristic look at a world happily ridding itself of God and the Church, and the evils that result. (This is a favorite of Pope Francis).
More Fiction: Since we have a statue of St. Margaret Clitherow in Holy Family Hall, read Benson’s novel based on her and her time called Come Rack, Come Rope. If you think a novel about a woman in 14th century Norway wouldn’t be of interest, think again. Open Kristin Lavransdatter by Noel Prize winner Sigrid Undset. It’s a monumental and muscular Catholic masterpiece. The Short Stories of Flannery O’Connor, get the soul’s attention, and are well worth the read. Lastly, parishioners might enjoy two excellent novels by Michael D. O’Brien, Father Elijah and A Father’s Tale (they’re long, but well worth the effort).
For those who like a mix of faith and fantasy, C.S. Lewis’ dear friend J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings is a must (it takes a dedicated length of time to read and appreciate). Also, two novels by Charles Williams (another close friend of C.S. Lewis), Descent into Hell and All Hallows’ Eve, fit the bill nicely.
Some essential spiritual classics to savor are Confessions by St. Augustine (a must for anyone), Story of a Soul by St. Therese of Lisieux, Seven Story Mountain by Thomas Merton, Dorothy Day’s, The Long Loneliness, and Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales. All have inspired generations. The brief video below, recommends The Fulfillment of All Desire by Ralph Martin. It’s a wonderful and readable look at the wisdom of so many saints.
Read anything by St. John Henry Newman, G.K. Chesterton, C.S. Lewis, and…well the list is unending.
