Every month in 2024 Pope Francis has a monthly prayer intention. Every month we will release a book list that will draw your heart and soul deeper into prayer on these topics.
What a joy to feel called to be pilgrims of hope! Joyful pilgrims, renewing our search of the Risen Christ in the midst of life. Father, we want to live this time making our way with your Son Jesus, embracing the cross of self-giving and service. We want to give reason for our faith! Proclaiming to the world that our faith is not in vain. Our hope is not an illusion nor our pains are dead ends! Our life is a journey, a pilgrimage, following one person, Christ, source of Life! We celebrate the fact that we are children of a living God who acts and blesses us, for whom we are all beloved children. Christ is our destiny and our way! Amen.
Our advice to book clubs & individuals:
- Pick just one of these books to read this month
- Pray this short prayer before or after each time you read, and at the start of your book club meetings.
- During the meetings, make use of the topical discussion guides & videos on the Pope’s website.
Watch how story transforms your
empathy,
prayer life,
&
your capacity to imagine God with you in any situation.
Because of the sensitive nature of this topic we have chosen to include trigger warnings to aid those readers in discerning the best book for them according to what stage of grief they are in.
Arrow in Flight by Jane Lebak
Arrow in Flight is a moving story of the angels in heaven as they help their friend, cherub Gabriel, recover and heal from a traumatic attack incurred while on assignment looking for ten good men in Sodom. While not a fallen angel and still sinless, the scars of this experience leave Gabriel troubled, moody, and callous to the pains of the human race that hurt him so.
Atheist and agnostic readers will enjoy this book as a fun beautiful story that’s not preachy. The characters are believers, and the text goes only so far as to explain the religious terms in the world. If you want a gorgeous read delving into the world of angels that reflects actual accepted beliefs about them then this is the book for you. The relationships between the angels are just as heartwarming as those in Supernatural, and I think you’ll find that like everything else, Heaven is a much more interesting place when hear about it from a original source rather than through hearsay.
Mary Mystical Rose by J.T. Frodin
Imagine a large, beautiful garden. Nestled beside it is a small pond with lily pads. Frogs croak nearby, and from time to time, brightly colored koi fish pop their heads out of the water as if to say hello. As lovely as these all are, the fish and the lily pads do not compare to the beautiful flowers and their sweet-smelling fragrance. In the words of Saint Bridget of Sweden, “These flowers are all the chosen men from Adam to the end of the world which were planted in the garden of the world and shone and smelled in manifold virtues.” Of all these flowers, it is the rose that stands out. The rose is the queen of the flowers whose soft fragrant petals grow among thorns. This particular flower represents Mary, Queen of heaven and earth. It is only fitting that she is called the Mystical Rose. Why this title? Mystical means hidden and Mary’s sacred body is hidden because it is in heaven.
Broken Brain, Fortified Faith by Virginia Pillars
Virginia Pillars writes with utmost honesty in this award-winning memoir about the trials suffered by her family facing a diagnosis of schizophrenia in an adult child. By the end of the first chapter, I identified with Virginia and her husband Roy in the confusion and pain they experienced. Not only does Pillars have to face her daughter’s illness, she also has to fight to find medical and legal assistance necessary to save her. It is a story that resonates with any family facing the serious illness of a child. Pillars’ beautiful narration brings the reader with her as she witnesses her daughter fall deeper and deeper into a “broken brain” world where Amber doesn’t feel safe, where she has retreated inside herself.
The central conflict is the struggle to recognize and accept the situation of her daughter’s illness. Pillars must find the strength, through faith, hope, and love of God, to lead her child to a life she can live as a normal, independent adult. However, layers of disbelief, denial, anger, and betrayal mark the roller coaster ride that begins December 9, 2004.
The Boy Who Knew: Carlo Acutis by Corinna Turner
The Boy Who Knew Carlo Acutis is the powerful and inspiring journey of a fictional teenage boy, Daniel, who has just been diagnosed with leukemia. At first reluctant to turn toward Blessed Carlo Acutis for help, Daniel finds in him a role model and a spiritual companion, who helps him to trust in God and to discover the meaning of life.
Trigger Warnings: cancer, teen death
Bulletproof Vestments by Jane Lebak
Bullet Proof Vestments is a short story that kicks off Jane Lebak’s series about an inner-city priest who’s rough past comes back to haunt him. Fr. Jay used to be a tough criminal in his youth, then an even tougher soldier in Iraq—until a land mine took most of his eyesight and ability to walk. Like St. Ignatius, Jay found his way to God in the recovery ward, even as his brother lost his faith after seeing his idealized brother become decrepit overnight. Now Jay works in an inner-city parish, mentoring at-risk youth, and trying not to fight all the time with his cynical police brother, who has never been able to understand Jay’s life choices. Still, Jay gets by. He counts his pennies to buy more bags of rice and beans for the church’s soup kitchen and mentors a group of at-risk boys who form their own neighborhood watch group, “The Archangels”. But what peace he has built for himself is shattered when a former gang member shows up at the church and swears to make Jay pay for selling out his former street brothers. While Fr. Jay is not at all short of friends or family willing to fight for him, many of those allies are children, and poor families. How can he risk their lives over the consequences of his past?
From Afar by Roger Thomas
Thomas begins his story by introducing Gaspar and Balthazar as astronomers who believe the stars predict the future. Both are pagans restless and longing to find order and meaning on earth similar to what they experience in their analysis of the heavens.
Though they have never met, they coincidently visit their former teacher and mentor, Melchior, in Persia who reveals he has invited them to his house at the same time for one last lesson related to a unique discovery in the alignment of the stars. It appears that the heavens are proclaiming a new king. As Balthazar exclaims, “A king so great that even the skies hail his arrival.”
The dilemma is which king, what king and over whom will he rule?
Boxers and Saints by Gene Luen Yang
If you feel like your country is falling apart and you are a hopeless player with no power within it this is the book for you.
Nothing today compares to the turmoil of the Chinese Boxer Rebellion, widely regarded as one of the bloodiest human conflicts in history. This two part series captures the conflicted feelings of the citizens of that time. On one side are the Chinese Boxer rebels, seeking to free their country from a foreign power and the influence of a foreign faith they find bewildering. At the same time their own actions lead to the destruction of one of their country’s greatest treasures. On the other side are Chinese Christians, united in feeling with the Boxers for their country’s liberation, but yearning for a greater kingdom.
This book will not give you answers to today’s political problems but it will give you hope to carry on.
An Exorcist Tells His Tale by Gabriele Amorth
I found this book surprisingly comforting. Despite all he has seen – or perhaps because of all he has seen – he remains confident in God’s power over all other powers in this world. I left the book feeling as though worrying about demons makes less sense than worrying about getting cancer. Worrying about it doesn’t do anything to cause or prevent it. It just makes you stressed. But if the idea of demons still bothers you, I’ll leave with Amorth’s advice: attend mass, participate in the sacraments of the church and above all, go to confession. According to Amorth, a good confession is stronger than any exorcism anyone could give.
This is the exorcism book for people who are scared of exorcisms. It could also be the book for non-Catholics even mildly curious about exorcists, demons, and the like. This is not a book for horror fans looking for a fun jump scare.
The King of Shattered Glass by Susan Joy Bellavance
There can be no doubt that Bellavance’s well written, poetic story is an allegory illustrating the mercy given to us by God when we humbly confess our sins and make amends. It is the perfect book for all parents and teachers of second-grade students preparing for First Reconciliation and First Communion. The blessings of these Sacraments are revealed through the courage of Marguerite who is the only person honest enough to admit her mistake.
Me, Ruby and God by Linda Crowley
If there was any doubt that God teaches us through our pets,
this book would remove that doubt. This dog-lover’s journal provides the easy
reading of “Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover’s soul”, but with a
reflective tone and emotional depth. Me, Ruby & God is a collection of essays written
about the lessons that one special Siberian Husky teaches her ambitious,
sometimes wayward and stubborn musher. Each chapter ends with a beautifully
written poetic prayer that I have found myself going back to just as often as I
would a prayer card. There is something for everyone here: “A Prayer for
Surrender to God;” “A Prayer for Healing;” and even “A Prayer to Shut Up and Listen.”
The Saving Power of Suffering by Fr. Jacob Powell
Barbara Kudwa discovers the need for “truth, love, and hope” in her memoir Finding God Anew, but she recognizes these gifts offered by God only after a myriad of heartbreaking events – almost unbelievable – take place in her life. She is unsparingly honest in revealing what she calls her shame and guilt from poor choices, her grief at the tragedies that occurred without warning, and her inability to forgive those who hurt her.
It is a book of healing for anyone who has heard and questioned the comment, “God never gives you more than you can handle.” Despite all that happens to her, she doesn’t come across as angry or self-pitying. Instead she acknowledges her own carelessness in her commitment to the Catholic religion in which she was born and raised, and with each sorrow, she renews her commitment to the church.
Above the 38th Parallel by Shanti Guy
When young Marine Mikey is sent overseas, he remembers his mother’s admonition to pray daily to his namesake, St. Michael for protection. At first the other soldiers in his cohort tease the new kid for praying out loud in the middle of battle, but as Mikey proves himself, he gradually wins them over. Before long he’s gotten several other soldiers to start praying the prayer.
But no one, least of all Mikey, is prepared for how vividly the archangel would answer his prayer. I won’t go into details and ruin the story. You could google the full story yourself, but I’d encourage you not to. Read this story first.
Discovery by Karina Fabian
Discovery by Karina Fabian is an adventure romp in which a ragtag team of badass religious sisters, no-nonsense space miners, shady businessmen and quirky academics set sail to recover an alien spaceship found wrecked on an asteroid at the edge of our solar system. Discovery feels very much like a search for Atlantis type storyline but Fabian takes what would be a normal treasure hunt and adds depth to it by exploring the religious diversity that would naturally occur among the team.
While space is more often depicted as a setting in which man frees himself of nationality and religion, Fabian shows how the dangers of space make the virtues of Faith, Hope and Love, not just appealing but necessary to survival.
The City and the Dungeon by Mathew P, Schmidt
LitRPG is a relatively new subgenre of speculative fiction where the heroes interact within a world that mirrors common videogame tropes and mechanics. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline was the breakout star of this genre, but it only scratches the surface of the diversity of stories present in this niche. The City and the Dungeon is a covert Catholic book that is an excellent introduction to the genre for newcomers and a welcome relief to die-hard fans for its willingness to take on the theological implications of the world. The City and the Dungeon oozes mystery and is filled with fascinating characters, each with their own secrets. One of my favorite characters is Elise Purple, the party’s rogue. From the start it is clear that she knows far more about the Dungeon and its City than a regular beginner, and though she displays the cynicism so commonly associated with rogues, she is one of the book’s most stalwart defenders of the idea that faith and reason are compatible.
Old Man and the Void by Karina Fabian
The author, Fabian, says she conceived of this book as “Old Man and the Sea set in space,” but she takes that concept and runs with it to make something truly arresting. This book is one of Fabian’s more covert-Catholic books, and it deals with concepts of godhood much the way that the original Star Trek did. If these ancient gods are real beings, they are more akin to super-powered beings, and Dex refuses to bow to them—hinting at his faith in a truly omnipotent and omniscient creator. This book is excellent for any science fiction fan of any worldview, or for fans of Old Man and the Sea. You don’t have to understand the science of black holes (I don’t) in order to tap into the book’s themes of survival, grief and maturing into old age. Dex Hollister proves that character growth doesn’t end when childhood does.
Julia's Gifts by Ellen Gable
“Outstanding and unforgettable book!” Jean Heimann, author Religious Fiction. As a young girl, Julia began buying gifts for her future spouse, a man whose likeness and personality she has conjured up in her mind, a man she calls her “beloved.” Soon after the United States enters the Great War, Julia impulsively volunteers as a medical aid worker, with no experience or training. Disheartened by the realities of war, will Julia abandon the pursuit of her beloved? Will her naïve ‘gift scheme’ distract her from recognizing her true “Great Love?” From Philadelphia to war-torn France, follow Julia as she transitions from unworldly young woman to compassionate volunteer. “Touching story of faith and devotion that is sure to leave a lasting impression.” Therese Heckenkamp, award-winning author “Filled with fascinating historical detail and a reminder that love never fails and that miracles – great and small – happen all around us.” Carolyn Astfalk, award-winning author “Touched my heart in many ways.” Theresa Linden, award-winning author “A romantic drama that unfolds far from home—but takes us to the heart of home along the way.” A.K. Frailey, author “Outstanding and unforgettable book.” Jean Heimann, author, Fatima: The Apparition that Changed the World
My Incredible Life's Journey by Dr. Margaret Price
This book contains the memoirs of an individual who originated from one of the smallest islands in the Caribbean and rose to the top of her chosen profession, while serving God and her neighbors in more than 17 countries and leaving a legacy of professionals, priests and other leaders who are committed to the service of others with joyful and happy hearts.
The book outlines her journey, starting with a showing of gratitude to her parents, siblings, extended family, church, village community and schools. These she identifies as the providers of the foundation that prepared her to face the world, with the challenges that she had to face and overcome in order to grow and succeed. Significant incidents, challenges, encounters and lessons learnt are articulated. Some life experiences are highlighted insofar as they help project her personality; for example, her propensity to smile in all circumstances and her belief in the benefits and value of a smile; her way of dealing with racist encounters; her love of dancing, visiting friends, going to the beach; her love of travel that took her to more than 20 countries on vacation or pilgrimages, and the benefits she derived from these.
Most importantly, however, the book highlights her encounter with Christ and the impact that this continues to have on her life. It is manifested in terms of her commitment to the service to the poor, the sick, needy, prisoners, widows and orphans. Chapter 7, the chapter on entitled legacy, reflects some of this impact. Her commitment to the greater good is reflected in the blessings and opportunities provided to her whenever she was at a crossroad and relied on the Lord for direction. Incidences of these are spread throughout the book. Opportunities to serve in Ghana as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, a member of the Archdiocesan Justice and Peace Commission, chairman of an Outstation Committee, an election observer, Mother of the Year, and to be able to spearhead the construction and initiation of a daycare centre for the aged, all happened because she was able to say yes and move by faith. However, that faith had to be strengthened and her ego had to be pruned. She believes that anyone who is willing to humble themselves and see every failure as an opportunity to grow can achieve what she has and more. Yes you can.
At age 85, she sees herself as still being a work in process. This book outlines some of the teachings and insights that she gained along the way that she believes can be of help to others in their growth and journey towards self-fulfilment
A Very Jurassic Christmas by Corinna Turner
IT’S CHRISTMAS…BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT!
Young hunter Joshua is looking forward to a Christmas of ice-skating and fun—until the plight of a starving mamma allosaur and her chicks upends his plans. Now he and his uncle must embark on a dangerous journey south, carrying deadly passengers.
Out in the wilderness, there’s no one to help them, they’re running out of tranquilizers—and a killer storm is gathering.
Meanwhile, Darryl and Harry risk their lives for a holiday guest in the perilous, raptor-infested mountains. Will they survive long enough to enjoy their carol service, let alone the rest of the holiday season?
This unSPARKed prequel is a heart-warming, festive thrill ride from the Carnegie Medal Nominated author of the I AM MARGARET series.
Praise for DRIVE!
“A cross between Jurassic World and Mad Max! I read it three times in two days.”
STEVEN R. MCEVOY, BookReviewsAndMore Blogger and Amazon Top 1000 Reviewer
Book of Saints and Heroes by Andrew and Lenora Lang
This charming collection of the stories of saints are told by Leonora Blanche Alleyne (1851 – 1933) in the manner of a fairy tale or romance. The difference is that her saint stories are basically true, even though they include some fantastic parts. Among the many saints included, are Augustine, Jerome, Germanus, Columba, Margaret, Vincent, Elizabeth, and Francis.
Heavenly Rescues and Answered Prayers by Andrea Jo Rodgers
Powerful Stories of Life’s Emergencies
For more than 35 years, veteran EMT Andrea Jo Rodgers has been helping people in their most terrifying and vulnerable moments—and bearing witness to the miraculous power and handiwork of God.
In this new collection of unforgettable stories, Andrea shares more heart-pounding accounts of rescues and interventions from her vast experience as a first responder. Whether it’s a boy fallen through thin ice into freezing water, an old woman and her walker stuck at a railroad crossing, or a loyal dog playing guardian angel for his incapacitated owner, join Andrea as she responds to incredible scenarios that testify to God’s power and love.
Not only will you be astounded by the courage exemplified by Andrea and other first responders, but you will also be inspired by her faith, empathy, and hope—even amid the most daunting circumstances. These powerful stories will encourage you and deepen your awe for God’s amazing mercy and grace.
The Saving Power of Suffering by Fr. Jacob Powell
Why is there so much suffering in the world? How should we deal with suffering in our own lives? The Saving Power of Suffering teaches the answers to these questions and more, showing Catholics how to transform trials into triumph. Suffering is not our enemy but a mechanism by which God is able to help us find, accept, and even use our trials for personal and spiritual growth. In this book, Father Jacob Powell discusses how to see suffering through God’s eyes, how to utilize the tools God gives us to remain fervent in the faith and steadfast in the storm, and how to encounter suffering in imitation of Christ. Nothing can overcome the faithful who bind themselves to the grace of God, develop virtuous lives, lean on the saints for help, and entrust themselves into the hands of the Blessed Virgin Mother. With these aids, suffering is harnessed into a weapon against which the devil and all the forces of evil are powerless. All glory be to God!
Trigger Warnings: none, a useful book for those in pain
