“A room without books is like a body without a soul.” – G.K. Chesterton
This year, instead of the matching pajama photo op, I’m aiming for the book reading photo or perhaps no photo at all, just the cherished memory.
I am, after all, a writer, and books are a reflection of who I am, what I love to do and the backbone of many of my conversations. I’d love to think intentionally for each of my family members but also a few very close friends and share a book that would bring us closer together.
Along this line, I’m fascinated by the Icelandic tradition of Jolabokaflod. This tradition began in 1944 when paper was not rationed during World War II, making books an ideal way to gift others during Christmas. Icelanders spend Christmas Eve gifting one another with a book and settling in to read.
In this guide, you’ll find some newer releases and some old favorites whose spines might be worn from use or pages marked with notes, making them a treasure in my home. There are books that have stood the test of time in our household and many that have shaped the culture of faith within my family.
Children’s books
Mary, Mother of All
Authors: Scott Hahn and Emily Stimpson Chapman
This is an incredible pairing of talented authors. The theology packed into this lyrically metered and beautifully illustrated book keeps all who are reading engaged. My teenage daughter quickly grabbed this book and placed it in her bag for babysitting. I knew we’d found another family favorite.
stpaulcenter.com/product/mary-mother-of-all/
The Weight of a Mass
Take it to the Queen
Portrait of the Son
Author: Josephine Nobisso
These three books are treasures of Catholic children’s literature. The illustrations are impeccable. These are the “sit down by the fire with a cup of cocoa under a blanket with your kids” type of books. The lessons foster discussion, and the stories resonate even with adult hearts. These can be purchased as a set or individually.
God Made the Moonlight
Author: Erin Broestl
This sweet little book reads like a beautiful lullaby. The illustrations are beautiful, and the message of love and God’s presence is peaceful and calming. I love books that invite dialogue with little ones.
www.amazon.com/God-Made-Moonlight-Erin-Broestl/dp/1733493514
The Mother of Jesus Is Wonderfully Real
Author: Father Paul Murray, OP
Forward by Alyssa Bormes
This book tells the story of a sweet little girl who is bullied for wearing her Mary medal to a camp. Her aunt invites her to write a letter to a dear priest friend who responds with a loving letter that reminds us of the real presence of Mother Mary in our lives. With practical and childlike faith, Father Murray walks his young friend through the constant presence of Mary in her life and the lives of all those she loves. I love giving this to parish priests who have schools to share this beautiful story of Mary’s love with their students.
https://catholicvineyard.com/index.php/product/the-mother-of-jesus-is-wonderfully-real/
Books for women/moms
Jane Austen’s Genius Guide to Life
Author: Haley Stewart
This book is a delightful, thought-provoking read through virtue and vice, Austen style. Using the characters from Jane Austen’s beloved novels, Haley Stewart leads the reader through a lively personal reflection. This book will surely warm the heart of every Austen lover.
www.avemariapress.com/products/jane-austens-genius-guide-to-life
Who Does He Say You Are?
Author: Colleen Mitchell
I have bought this book from the publisher in bulk many times to share with friends. I have passed out my copy, marked and folded, to a friend in need and have marked up another copy with fresh insights. Colleen Mitchell walks us through Gospel stories of women whose lives were transformed by an encounter with Jesus. This is such a good book for husbands to give to their wives, girlfriends to share and mothers to share with older daughters.
Books to discuss with your teens/young adults
Go Bravely: Becoming the Woman You
Were Created to Be
Author: Emily Wilson Hussem
I steer clear of daily devotionals because my mind wanders and I feel frustrated when I get off track. This book, however, has traveled many daughters with me. I love its approachable dialogue. Many nights have I sat up with my daughters and broached topics that they might think I have no concept of: self-doubt, dating, forgiveness, knowing one’s worth and waiting for the right person to come along. Hussem bravely advises, encourages, guides and supports the readers through this simple journey with little steps being the goal toward forming more closely into the women God created us to be. This book also has a journal companion.
Gaming and the Heroic Life
Author: Bobby Angel
I have a son who loves to play video games – actually a few of them! I struggle with the concept of gaming and the dangers that technology can pose to my children. This book has been an incredible resource to read together with my son. Technology and gaming have often been thought the enemy, but this book is incredible in its eye-opening vision of how gaming encourages an adventure, how being in control of the outcome has power and how that focus, control and goal can be used to grow a relationship with Jesus Christ where we both pursue and allow ourselves to be pursued by Him. Bobby Angel also shows us how relationships can grow through role-playing games, even ones parents can enjoy playing! For those who have a thinker and gamer child, this book might help you navigate those waters.
www.avemariapress.com/products/gaming-and-the-heroic-life
Blink and We’ll Miss It
Author: Ginny Kochis
Goodness! I lost many winks of sleep reading this book, and it was all worth it. Your teenage daughter will love it, too. Blink and We’ll Miss It draws you into the broken, raw yet beautiful life of Mae Griffin and her family. Tackling hard issues such as mental health, pride and family secrets, author Ginny Kochis creates characters who live out mercy, forgiveness, courage and perseverance. The depth of friendship and love written into this story opens doors of conversation as parents learn to trust and let their children forge their own path. I am always searching for books that are great mother-daughter reads. For those who enjoy forging bonds through book discussions, this is a great gift idea.
https://a.co/d/dcx72ZU
Royal & Ancient
Author: Amanda Lauer
Best-selling author Amanda Lauer weaves another beautiful historical fiction novel set in Scotland that both young teens and their mothers will enjoy. A young woman finds herself transported back in time, falling in love while navigating the high religious and political tensions. Lauer weaves themes of owning your faith, building relationships, trust and perseverance in a strong, historically researched novel.
chrismpress.com/books/royal-and-ancient/
Books for all
Code Name Edelweiss
Author: Stephanie Landsem
Stephanie Landsem writes a suspenseful page-turning novel set in early World War II Hollywood glam. I’m a mom who loves sharing history with my children through literature, and Stephanie Landsem makes it come alive with rich character development and vivid storytelling.
www.tyndale.com/p/code-name-edelweiss/9781496460677
Catechism of The Catholic Church: Ascension Edition
Ascension launched its new “Catechism in a Year” podcast after its successful “Bible in a Year” podcast. This beautiful hardbound version of the catechism is formatted to read alongside the podcast, giving us an approachable way to understand fundamental truths of our faith.
https://ascensionpress.com/products/catechism-of-the-catholic-church-ascension-edition
Books to help nurture prayer
Handy Little Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours/Handy Little Guide to Prayer
Author: Barb Szyszkiewicz
These pocket-size books make perfect gifts for a Christmas stocking or a purse. In the Handy Little Guide to Prayer, we find humble nuggets of wisdom explaining Catholic prayer. One phrase warranted my highlighter: When offering something up, “you return your pain into someone else’s gain.” These are a great resource for prayer.
www.osvcatholicbookstore.com/product/the-handy-little-guide-book-package
Holy Habits From the Sacred Heart
Author: Emily Jaminet
Emily Jaminet vulnerably shares stories and valuable strategies for growing closer to the Sacred Heart. This book is written in a “small things with great love” approach but does not back down from challenging the reader to grow deeper in virtues of mercy, forgiveness, gratitude, surrender and trust. This would make a wonderful devotion for husbands and wives to share.
www.avemariapress.com/products/holy-habits-from-the-sacred-heart
Habits for Holiness
Author: Father Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Often when my family visits our friends in religious life, I leave wanting to cultivate more of what they have. With baby steps, this book provides examples of how to pursue that depth of holiness in our everyday lives. This book shows that holiness is attainable even for those of us whose lives seem to be always on the go.
https://a.co/d/8sFYPzw
Marian Consecration for Children
Author: Carrie Gress
This beautifully written, very approachable, tender book has it all: stories from classic literature, beautiful artwork, reflections on the saints and Scripture, as well as short-but-sweet discussion questions that draw you together as you walk through your child’s consecration. From an adult point of view, my faith life needed this childlike refresher to draw closer to Mother Mary. Modeling this need and devotion as parents is both necessary and meaningful to our children.
https://a.co/d/8sFYPzw