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This list was inspired by a listener who asked if I had a Top 10 Summer Reading List. We often think of summer reading as light, enjoyable books that we take on vacation or read while sitting on the patio. With that in mind, this list is heavy on fiction and uplifting personal stories. The list is in no particular order.
1. Pillar & Bulwark by Marcus Grodi
This is the long awaited sequel to How Firm a Foundation, the fictional account of a protestant pastor’s path to the Catholic Church. Full disclosure – I have yet to read this book and it is on my summer reading list. I have been assured by someone, who’s opinion I trust, that it is even better than How Firm a Foundation
2. Why Men Hate Going to Church by David Murrow
A completely updated edition to this best selling book was published in 2011. David Murrow is an evangelical Christian who has studied this serious problem occurring across all Christian denominations. You may not agree with everything in his book, but I guarantee it will generate good conversations. This is a must read by everyone involved in parish faith formation.
3. The Shadow of the Bear: A Fairy Tale Retold by Regina Domain
This is the first volume of Regina’s Fairy Tale Novels series. This is a great book for a mom, aunt or grandmother to read and then pass on to daughters, nieces and granddaughters. There are five volumes in the series so they make great gifts for teen age readers. This book is really for girls, a good choice for boys (and girls will like to too) is Catholic, Reluctantly by Christian M. Frank. This is the first volume of the John Paul II High series, and Regina Domain is the editor for the series.
4. The Father’s Tale by Michael D. O’Brien
I have enjoyed all of O’Brien’s novels, and this is his most recent. It may look like a daunting read at over 1000 pages, but you will enjoy every page.
5. Recovering Faith – Stories of Catholics Who Came Home by Lorene Duquin
In this book you will find the stories of well know Catholics such as actor Martin Sheen, Supreme Court justice Clarence Thomas, best selling author Dean Kootz and Father John Fletcher who many of our listeners will know because of his programs on Radio Maria.
6. Be a Man! by Father Larry Richards
This is a great book for men. If you have ever heard a talk by the every popular Father Larry Richards you will hear that same voice in his writing. If you have already read this book, then read his latest titled Surrender!
7. Atheist to Catholic Stories of Conversion by Rebecca Vitz Cherico
I admit to being a fan of conversion story books. This one is very unique in that it is the stories of former atheists.
8. The Complete Stories by Flannery O’Connor
Flannery O’Connor is a giant in Catholic literature. In her short life, this woman from Georgia created some of the most memorial characters in fiction. She has influenced and inspired generations of writers.
9. unPlanned by Abby Johnson
This is the best selling true story of Abby Johnson’s dramatic conversion from director of an abortion clinic, to outspoken ProLife advocate.
10. Fatherless by Brian Gail
This is the first volume of Brian Gail’s American Tragedy in Trilogy series. The story follows the conversion of fictional priest Father John Sweeney and members of his parish. This dramatic series has become a Catholic favorite.
