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February 7, 2006
Reading Catholic Literature
I love to read. Almost anything actually, but I do read a lot of books – much to my wife’s chagrin at times. For Catholics, there is tons of non-fiction available which is very good and readily available. It’s the good Catholic fiction that takes a little searching for. Over the years I’ve tried to work in more and more Catholic literature into my reading and I though I would share some of the authors and books I would recommend. If anyone else recommends an author that isn’t listed, please let me know.
Michael O’Brien
Right now, Michael O’Brien is probably my favorite Catholic writer. His work is inherently Catholic and deals with Catholic topics, but it is also interesting and, so far, very good. Father Elijah is his most well-known fiction and is very well. It’s actually the start of a series dealing with apocalyptic themes that build on one another. I highly recommend taking a look at this book if you haven’t read it.
Eclipse of the Sun, Strangers and Sojourners, and Plague Journal carry this forward. I have yet to read A Cry of Stone or Sophia House, but the others are very good.
Evelyn Waugh
When you talk about “Catholic literature” Evelyn Waugh is bound to come up. I think of him as a very “romantic” writer, which typically doesn’t excite me. However, I do enjoy his books – probably not as much as I should. Brideshead Revisted is Catholic without hitting you over the head with it. But I think it’s worth starting at Helena, which is the story of the mother of Constantine. I must admit I haven’t read much other Waugh, but I’m open to recommendation.
Louis de Wohl
De Wohl is probably one of the better selling Catholic writers, since he typically chooses Saints to write about and his books are overtly Catholic (not that that’s bad). The Spear is very, very good and worth your time. It follows the story of the man whose spear pierced Christ’s side on the cross. I believe de Wohl considers this one of his best books. Citadel of God is also very good and follows the story of St. Benedict (which is more interesting because of our current Pope). In fact, de Wohl has covered a litany of Saints. My next book of his is Lay Siege to Heaven about St. Catherine of Siena. I do recommend picking up The Spear and giving de Wohl a shot.
G.K. Chesterton
I must admit that I have trouble criticizing Chesterton about anything and this is no exception. The Ball and the Cross is a great example of Chesterton’s fiction and a quick, enjoyable read. Probably the most popular is The Man Who Was Thursday and the Father Brown Mysteries. If you haven’t read any of Chesterton’s fiction, just pick any of the above and enjoy.
Walker Percy
Percy is one that I’m just beginning to read. Lost in the Cosmos is non-fiction, but incredible. I have Love in the Ruins in my sights as one of the next books I’m going to buy.
Ralph McInerny
I have not read very much of McInerny’s fiction, but I have read The Red Hat and it was good. It’s actually an especially good book because it offers insight into the pressures and issues that bishops and priest face in everyday life. Well-written and enjoyable.
Others
I’m just beginning to look at Flannery O’Connor and I know Loyola Classics has now released Mr. Blue by Miles Connolly. As I’m always looking for great Catholic fiction, please let me know who I’m missing.
God bless,
Jay
Posted by jay at February 7, 2006 9:14 PM
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Comments
At the risk increasing your wife's vexation...there are also books by Edwin O'Connor, such as The Edge of Sadness and The Last Hurrah. The latter provides an interesting picture of Irish Catholic Boston, and is the story of one of the old political bosses who once held great sway there.
Posted by: Ogilvie Hall at February 8, 2006 10:43 AM
Quo Vadis is also a must-read (IMHO).
Posted by: John Turner at February 8, 2006 1:29 PM
Rumer Godden's book In This House of Brede is excellent and has been recently reprinted by Loyola Press.
Posted by: Ellen at February 13, 2006 6:06 AM
I also recommend Bill Kassell, look him up.
Posted by: Julie at February 14, 2006 2:56 PM
"The Arms of Love" by Carmen Marcoux (Canada) is a wonderful catholic novel potraying love, family and courtship interwoven with John Paul II's theology of the body. I have really enjoyed it and cheerfully recommend it to anyone! It is especially poignant for parents concerned with raising children to be good catholics. I'm 35, mother of 5, and reading this book has helped renew my catholic perspective of loving my husband and preparing my children for life. I will be having my 13 yr old daughter read this shortly!
Posted by: Angela Guski at February 15, 2006 3:31 PM
Great author selections. Another great book, though the author is not Catholic, is Lying Awake by Mark Salzman.
Posted by: Nick at July 1, 2006 10:15 AM
Tolkien, Tolkien, Tolkien. And did I mention Tolkien?
Posted by: John at March 2, 2007 4:37 PM
Ditto the Tolkien.
In addition to that, I highly recommend the novels for teens (and adults) by Regina Doman.
The Shadow of the Bear
Black as Night
Waking Rose
You can read the first chapters of each novel at http://www.ChestertonPress.com.
Posted by: Andrew at August 31, 2007 2:13 PM
Try Hilaire Belloc, friend and contemporary of Chesterton. You also might enjoy Robert Hugh Benson's "Come Rack, Come Rope."
Posted by: Marc at November 17, 2007 1:35 PM
Carmen Marcoux's book "Arms of Love" is my favorite book! It is so interesting as well as uplifting! It teaches moral Christian values while keeping you entertained through the entire book. I am only 14 years old, and I could not put the book down once. I am also looking forward to reading the sequel, Surrender, soon!
Posted by: Lia at March 17, 2008 2:50 PM
