5 Amazing Catholic Nonfiction Books

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Introduction

For some, finding the time and enthusiasm to read a book is a piece of cake. For others, it can be challenging and feel like a considerable commitment. I fit into the latter category. Part of the hard part of reading is picking out the book, especially if you don’t have a lot of time to read and are going to spend a lot of time in front of that particular volume. If that is you, I can definitely identify, because I am not a fast reader either. Because it feels like such a long-term commitment to pick out a book, there is a lot of stress about finding “the right one”. No one wants to be stuck reading a book that isn’t relevant or becomes droll after the first 20 pages (or takes 100 pages to get interesting!). Lately I have been in a nonfiction mood, so here are my top five favorite Catholic nonfiction books and why I would recommend them.

Why is Finding a Good Book Important? - A Note to Current Students

Now this might sound like a dumb question, but hear me out. At the time of writing, I am a senior about to finish my B.A. in Accounting. I have read A LOT of droll books in my time in college where I had no choice. Not only did I have to read them, but I was tested on them. I apologize for saying the T-word, but it is true. If you are in college or high school (or freshly graduated!) books may have been spoiled for you because you have been taught to read as if there will be a test later.

But there isn’t going to be a test after you are done.

Isn’t that just a wonderfully freeing idea? These books are books that I experienced satisfaction while reading, and I read them because they spoke to me. Do I remember every little detail? NO! That isn’t the point. Don’t make it the point or you will never finish. As you read, keep a pencil, pen, or highlighter with you, and when something jumps out at you, underline it, or circle it, or draw a smiley face next to it – whatever floats your boat. When you are finished, you will have a trail of crumbs showing where you were in life and what was important to you THAT time you read the book (because in my opinion, all of these are worth reading more than once).

5 Amazing Nonfiction Books

* Disclaimer: All of these books are ones that I have read, and I recommend them solely because of my experience. I did not receive any of them for free in exchange for recommending them nor am I being compensated in any way. I do not earn a commission or any other kick-back if you use these links: they are simply for your convenience.*

1. Life is Messy - Matthew Kelly

Life is Messy wasn’t written the same way all of Matthew Kelly’s other books are written. The material from this was taken from journals over the course of some of the roughest times in his life. Now with 20/20 hindsight vision, he presents a book of immeasurable worth to anyone who is going through a really tough time or sees rough waters ahead. At the time I read this book (less than six months ago), I was looking at the prospect of graduation with annoyance and fear. I didn’t have any prospects for what I was going to do afterwards, and honestly expected to fall into depression like I did after high school. Not a cheery thought. This tenderly written book grabbed me by the horns and put me right back where I needed to be spiritually and in frame of mind.

Get your copy here: https://www.dynamiccatholic.com/life-is-messy/LMSY.html

2. With All Her Mind - edited. by Rachel Bulman

This is a collection of essays calling women to the intellectual life. This book is beautiful and amazing in a few particular ways. First of all, the essays are written by some of the most respected Catholic women of our time. If you have been feeling called lately to explore female authors, this book provides a wonderful starting point for you to explore the different writers and possibly dive deeper into one of them. Second, and perhaps most importantly, each of the contributors are in different places in their lives with varying degrees of education and experience. No matter where you are in life, there is an essay from someone in a similar position to where you are now, as well as others who are more advanced to show you the way. If the intellectual life has been a mystery to you or seemed out of reach, this book is for you.

Get your copy here: https://bookstore.wordonfire.org/products/with-all-her-mind#

3. Virtuous Leadership - Alexandre Havard

Don’t judge this book by its cover. Most of us have heard of or read drivel on leadership and found it pitiful. Religion is SO important, and most popular leadership books do their best to leave it out. No shame on them, but having been forced to read many of them in college, I can’t help but feel like there is something missing or an elephant in the room that they are trying very hard to ignore or explain away. Virtuous Leadership is not that. It is a small but mighty book, and there is no fluff. Havard says it like it is, creating a high standard for those who intend to call themselves Virtuous Leaders. The information isn’t new: most of us grew up learning about virtues in religious education. However, never have I seen someone put the dots this close together. Whether you are a businessperson looking to better lead your organization or an older sibling who is simply tired of begging, groveling, and threatening younger siblings into completing tasks, this book is for you!

Get your copy here: https://scepterpublishers.org/products/virtuous-leadership-2nd-edition

4. Coached by Joan of Arc - Alexandre Havard

This book is for all of my Joan of Arc fans out there! Did you ever wonder what this brave girl would say if she could see what was going on right now in the world? What advice would she give? Search no further. Havard’s research on Joan of Arc and his background in leadership present another small but mighty (and very easy to read) book. This is a book that I have read aloud to the entire family in the past, and it has sparked some really amazing conversations.

Get your copy here: https://scepterpublishers.org/collections/new-releases/products/coached-by-joan-of-arc

5. The Catechism of the Catholic Church

Most people (myself included until about three months ago) think that the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) is a reference book. Only the crazy people who read encyclopedias cover-to-cover would do the same to the CCC! Not so. As a listener to the Catechism in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz, I have had so many questions answered about my faith! I had no idea the Catholic church had even written teachings on some of these topics! If you are familiar with the Bible and are looking to take the next step, this is it. I can’t imagine doing it on my own though. Join the Catechism in a Year Podcast today and listen along!

*Because the Catechism isn’t a story like the Bible, I STRONGLY suggest making sure you have a catechism so you can follow along as Fr. Mike is reading. You will get so much more out of it!*

Get your copy here (Amazon): https://a.co/d/0OH3cu0

Podcast: Catechism in a Year

Get your copy here: Ascension Press Edition of the Catechism

Closing

Books can be life changing. Whether it is a story or essay, they add new vocabulary to our repertoire, thoughts to our minds, and perspective to our souls. I rediscovered my love for reading at a time when I felt stuck in life and needed something to bring me a new frame of mind while I waited to see what God is preparing me for next. These books were a warm ray of sun on a cold March morning, and I hope they bring the same warmth and joy to you.

I am working on a list of favorite fiction books! Have a recommendations? Leave a comment below or email me at youngcatholicapostle@gmail.com. God bless!