Recommendations for Summer Reading

summer reading for the soul - 2017

Last week, I posted about the importance of ongoing catechist formation, whatever shape that may take, including reading books! Well, at Loyola Press, we’ve published more than a few good books to engage your spirit and soul. I encourage you to take advantage of the summer months to enjoy some inspirational and thought-provoking reading. And the nice thing is, these books I’m highlighting today are easy on the budget—each one is available for only $9 in our summer special! (Read all the details and order here.)

So whether you’re traveling overseas, lounging on the beach, or enjoying a “staycation,” take some time this summer to renew and revitalize your soul.

  • My Life with the Saints (10th Anniversary Edition)—My Life with the Saints is Fr. James Martin’s story of how his life has been shaped by the Catholic saints. Featuring a new chapter from Martin, this tenth-anniversary edition of the best-selling memoir updates readers about his life over the past ten years. Martin introduces us to saints and holy people throughout history—from St. Peter to Dorothy Day, St. Francis of Assisi to Mother Teresa–and chronicles his lifelong friendships with them.
  • The Joy of Discipleship—Be inspired by this collection of homilies, speeches, and other documents from Pope Francis on what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus, and how discipleship can frame and form our everyday lives as Christians. Perfect to consider as we think about ways to model discipleship for those we serve.
  • Love & Salt—This Christopher Award-winning book by Amy Andrews and Jessica Mesman Griffith is told through the timeless and engaging medium of letters. Love & Salt shows readers how honest and vulnerable communication with God and friends can result in a revitalized sense of hope and faith.
  • Redemption Road—Redemption Road is the powerful story of Brendan McManus, SJ, as he seeks healing by putting one foot in front of the anger. If you can’t go on a trip this summer, this choice lets you walk with McManus as he walks the 500-mile Camino de Santiago, releases anger, guilt, and sorrow, and finds a renewed relationship with God.
  • Blessed by Less—Blessed by Less is my personal favorite on this list and most suitable for spring cleaning and summer projects. The book, an Association of Catholic Publishers award-winner, guides readers through the process of uncluttering from a holistic perspective—spiritual, physical, and emotional—so that we can better know what to keep and what to let go.

Learn more about these summer reading selections from Loyola Press here.

About Joe Paprocki 2758 Articles
Joe Paprocki, DMin, is National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press, where, in addition to his traveling/speaking responsibilities, he works on the development team for faith formation curriculum resources including Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts and God’s Gift: Reconciliation and Eucharist. Joe has more than 35 years of experience in ministry and has presented keynotes, presentations, and workshops in more than 100 dioceses in North America. Joe is a frequent presenter at national conferences including the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, the Mid-Atlantic Congress, and the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership. He is the author of numerous books, including the best seller The Catechist’s Toolbox, A Church on the Move, Under the Influence of Jesus, and Called to Be Catholic—a bilingual, foundational supplemental program that helps young people know their faith and grow in their relationship with God. Joe is also the series editor for the Effective Catechetical Leader and blogs about his experiences in faith formation at www.catechistsjourney.com.

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