Some of the my favorite books about Christianity, Catholicism, Theology of the Body, Abortion, Religious Freedom, the Saints…and more!

The Humanum Series  – This 6 part video series explores and discusses the traditional Christian vision of sex, gender, marriage and family. Highly recommend parents watch it and even watch it with their children. It’s appropriate for all ages!

The Lamb’s Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth by Scott Hahn – A very detailed explanation of the Catholic Mass from former Protestant turned Catholic Scott Hahn.

Rediscovering Catholicism: A Spiritual Guide to Living with Passion and Purpose by Matthew Kelly – This book was offered for free at many parishes in 2012 and I would say is responsible for many Catholics who came home, including myself.

Truth Overruled: The Future of Marriage and Religious Freedom by Ryan T. Anderson – Anderson makes the argument for traditional marriage using reason and history, not quoting the Bible as one might anticipate. He also details how Obergefell was another overstepping move by the SCOTUS, just like Roe V Wade. He also provides how the pro-life movement can actually use their own weapons to fight for religious freedom with regards to traditional marriage.

Praying with St. Paul – St. Paul just happens to be my favorite saint and apostle. For some reason I was drawn to him. It makes sense since he wrote 40% of the New Testament. But if you’re looking for a book you can pick up once in awhile and read one short passage and a reflection, this is it. .

Life of Christ by Fulton J. Sheen

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A. Kempis

Bountiful Goodness:Spiritual Meditations for a Deeper Union with Christ by Thomas A. Kempis

“…And You Are Christ’s” The Charism of Virginity and the Celibate Life by Fr. Thomas Dubay, S.M.

Word On Fire and the homilies and videos of Bishop Robert Barron had a huge impact on me. You have a question? Chances are Bishop Barron has answered it.

The Holy Longing: The Search for a Christian Spirituality by Ronald Rolheiser – If I could re-titl this book I would call it “How to be a Good Human Being.” Because, that’s basically what we are all called to be. Very easy to read; simple wisdom.

Theology of the Body Resources

Obviously, I am huge TOB fan. The teachings of TOB have been the turning point in my life and have transformed me in ways I can’t quite explain.  Once you read something about TOB that resonates with you, you will have a new set of eyes to see the world.

Start here: Theology of the Body for Beginners –This is a short read. You can get through it in a week or two weeks. This book absolutely changed my life. Some might be scared to read it. But, “Be not afraid.” God is merciful and although you might have to face your brokenness head on while reading it, you will have God at your side.

Theology of the Body Explained – This is Pope John Paul II’s writings with the explanations written by Christopher West. This is a huge undertaking to read but you’ll want the actual book and not the Kindle version for the sole reason of having to highlight and underline whatever moves you. Think of it like a textbook.

Fill These Hearts – God, Sex, and the Universal Longing  – A short read as well. Christopher West blends pop culture into Christianity. What does your favorite musical group or singer or artist have to do with God and sex? Everything. 🙂

The Good News About Sex and Marriage – This one might be difficult for married or engaged couples to read because of the lies that the secular world has told us. But it’s extremely important to your faith to read it so you have the foundation for a good marriage. And even if you think you have a great marriage there is always something to improve upon or explore. This is set up into chapters as a Q&A so it’s tempting for people just to skip ahead to the section they want to read about (usually divorce and contraception since those are the most controversial ) but it’s extremely important you read it in it’s entirety to understand the full message, especially if you have NOT read TOB for Beginners.

Beyond the Birds and the Bees  – Don’t you wish there had been a book your parents would have had when they had “The Talk” with you? Or maybe you were raised on the “starvation diet” and you weren’t told anything about sex? The authors of this book have blended theology with psychology so you can raise your kids to be holy and wholesome.  No, they won’t be perfect. But they will embrace their sexuality as a gift from God. It’s an ongoing discussion, not one awkward TALK.

Theology for His Body/Theology for Her Body – Parents of teenagers will want to pick up this super short read for their kids. What’s great is that it’s two books in one and kids are encouraged to read both sections. No dividing the class into girls and boys – this invites them to have an understanding of what their teenage counterparts are going through. Of course, the parents should read this too. This is the book you WISH you would have had growing up.

Unplanned by Abby Johnson – One of the biggest conversion stories from a pro-choice abortion worker to Catholicism and a strong pro-life advocate. This book reiterated my decision to become pro-life after being moderately pro-choice most of my young adult life.

Subverted – How I Helped the Sexual Revolution Hijack the Women’s Movement by Sue Ellen Browder – Amazing testimony from a former Cosmopolitan writer in the 60’s and 70’s.

Beyond the Abortion Wars: A Way Forward for a New Generation by Charles D. Camosy –  This is a very thorough book, detailing the history of Roe V Wade as well as the Hyde Amendment and the political figures involved in this 40+ year debate. What’s great is that Camosy offers us hope that we can come together and discuss ways to lessen the frequency of abortion.

Persuasive Pro-Life by Trent Horn – Trent takes every possible argument from the pro-abortion side and re-enacts these scenarios to show the counter-point from the pro-life side. Brilliant and necessary for every pro-life advocate.