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| Ironically, the book in which you find my nose is a novel. |
This list was last updated:
6 December 2011
Currently Reading
If Protestantism is True: The Reformation Meets Rome by Devin Rose
I first became acquainted with Devin when I was converting to Catholicism in 2009 (he handily stepped in an offered an explanation in the comments section of my blog about some questions about how the Reformation changed things in Germany). This volume explains in an intelligent and personal way the conclusions one must accept if the claims of Protestantism are true. Just a few chapters in, but loving it already!
The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby From Birth to Age Two by William Sears, M.D., and Martha Sears, R.N.
A number of my friends who I consider "parenting pros" swear by the advice of Dr. Sears. Since I didn't get much (if any) hands-on experience in baby care when my son was born, I'm educating myself and brushing up on what I'll need to know once this little one arrives. I find Dr. Sears' approach to be both balanced and full of common sense.
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by Diane Wissinger, Diana West, and Teresa Pitman
Pretty self-explanatory, eh? One of the few books on breastfeeding recommended by the lactation consultant at the pediatric practice where we're taking Austen.
I Finished!: Recent Reads
By What Authority? An Evangelical Discovers Catholic Tradition by Mark Shea
In this volume, Shea explores the Protestant claims of sola scriptura (i.e., that Scripture alone is authoritative in the life of the Christian) against the Catholic claims that both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition make up a body of authority meant to govern the Christian's life. Shea is both witty and logical, using his own process of questioning and reasoning to lead the reader into an understanding of the Catholic church's claims, and the weaknesses of sola scriptura.
Mary, Mother of the Son, Vols I - III by Mark Shea
Mark Shea, who I've actually had the pleasure of meeting and interacting with personally, is a convert from Evangelical Protestantism who definitely understands what it is to have what he terms "a case of the Marian heebie-jeebies." In this three volume set, Shea explores the biblical and historical reasons for the Catholic doctrines about the Virgin Mary. I found all three volumes easily readable and very compelling. This is a great read for anyone who wants to know more about Mary, or why Catholics think of her as special.
A Grace Disguised by Jerry Sittser
This was quite literally the ONLY book about grief and loss that I read following my son's death that I didn't want to throw across the room. Having lost his mother, wife, and youngest daughter in a single car accident, Sittser knows what it is to experience loss. He manages to approach the topic with both grace and truth, all while remaining deeply faithful to the Christian tradition. He never excuses grief, diminishes the pain of such loss, or seeks to cover it up with false piety. It's deeply honest, terribly moving, and taught me to think of my grief not as something from which I need to recover so much as it is something I need to learn to absorb into who I am and learn to carry it with me daily.
Reasons to Believe: How to Understand, Defend, and Explain the Catholic Faith by Scott Hahn
Also a convert from Protestantism, Hahn's book is a good, basic apologetic looking into the reasons (both historical and biblical) for being Catholic. I found this to be easily accessible and as providing a good foundation for those who want to dig deeper.
On the Shelf: Waiting to be Read
Jesus of Nazareth: From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration by Pope Benedict XVIJesus of Nazareth: From the Entrance Into Jerusalem to the Resurrection by Pope Benedict XVI
I've heard nothing but highest praise from across a number of different Christian traditions for Pope Benedict XVI's accounts of the life of Christ. Pope Benedict is a true academic, and possesses a deep love for Christ and His church. I can't wait to have the chance to dig into these volumes!
Integrating Faith and Science Through Natural Family Planning by Richard J. Fehring and Theresa Notare
James and I have practiced Natural Family Planning (NFP ) for the whole of our marriage and have seen it bring manifold benefits to our marriage. This volume explains how science and natural law bolster the Church's case for NFP and natural parenting.
Broken Spines: The Ones I Keep Going Back To
These are a few that I've found worth reading more than once. So, so good!
The Cloister Walk by Kathleen Norris
Ruthless Trust: The Ragamuffin's Path to God by Brennan Manning
In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership by Henri Nouwen
A Grief Observed by C. S. Lewis
