Bibles:
1. The New Jerusalem Bible (Hardcover)
Doubleday, 1985.
This Bible is the best study Bible. It has great notes and cross references. Nothing is better for study, notes, and references. The translation is a Catholic translation, but it is not the one that you will hear at Sunday mass. Still, if you have one Bible to read and study, this would be your best bet. Just make sure that you get it with the notes and commentary.
2. The Catholic Study Bible Second Edition (Hardcover).
This Bible is a good study Bible. The advantage is that it is the translation you will hear at Mass, so it is easy to transfer reading between personal devotion and public worship. The disadvantage is that is isn’t as well done as the New Jerusalem.
Bible Study:
1. A Catholic Guide to the Bible, Fr. Oscar Lukefahr, Ligouri Publications,
A good overview of the entire Bible including commentary, history, and background. The best to have if you are just starting.
2. The Barklay Series:
The Gospel of Matthew (Mark, Luke, John, etc), William Barklay, The Daily Study Bible Series, Westminister Press,
These are a series of scriptural commentary that are easy to read, understand, and relate to. Technically speaking, they are not Catholic, but for the most part they do not contradict it. The series was last updated the 70s, but they are still the standard for daily devotional Bible reading. They are good for obtaining a good working knowledge of the New Testament.
3. Complete Bible Study (7 vol set)
Alfred McBride, O. Praem., Our Sunday Visitor Publishing.
It is a brief and easy to read commentary. Not too technical, but also not too fluffy. A good starting place for small groups.
4. The New Jerusalem Bible
5. Reading the Old Testament – Lawrence Boadt
6. Understanding the New Testament and its Message – Vincent Branick
7. Jesus the Final Days – What Really Happened – Craig Evans and N.T. Wright – A great little book on how and why Jesus died.
Studying St. Paul’s Letters:
1. The Life of St. Paul – Lawrence Boadt (an easy read with good picture for kids even)
2. Seven Pauline Letters – Peter Ellis (a good study on the main body of Paul’s writings)
3. Meeting St. Paul Today – Daniel Harington (a shorter study that is a little more academic than Boadt’s)
4. The Gospel According to St. Paul – Cardinal Martini – (A nice and short combination of spiritual and academic)
Basic Overview of the Catholic Church:
1. Believing in Jesus, A Popular Overview of the Catholic Faith, Leonard Foley, OFM, St. Anthony Messenger Press.
This is an easy to understand Catechism that gives a good overview of the teachings of the Church
2. Catechism of the Catholic Church:
Catechism of the Catholic Church, Image Publishing,
This is the official Catechism of the Church published in 1995. It can be a bit technical, but for those who want to be in the know, this is a thorough exposition of the teachings of the church. With patience and persistence, it is accessible by most with a general knowledge of the faith.
Spirituality:
1. The Holy Longing: A search for a Christian Spirituality
Fr. Ronald Rolheiser, Doubleday Publishing
This is a good first book to start off understanding and implementing a Christ centered spirituality. He also has a book entitled The Restless Heart. Also very good if you are struggling with contentment.
2. Return of the Prodigal Son by Fr. Henri Nowen
Doubleday Image Publishing
I think this is his best book. Great explanation of the parable plus good insights about God and our relationship with him.
3. Life of the Beloved by Fr. Henri J.M. Nouwen
Fr. Henri Nowen, Crossroad Publishing
This will help you to see the essential elements of the Eucharist in a new light as well as a good tool for receiving and responding to Christ using his pattern.
Actually, any book by Henri Nowen is good. Check the themes and see what fits your situation. This one is the most popular of his books.
3. The Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis
Ave Maria Press, William Creasy translation (places it in a more understandable reading)
A timeless classic. The second most read religious work after the Bible.
4. Mary, Mirror of the Church by Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa,
He has a number of works that are a good mix of theology and spirituality. The one on Mary, the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit are excellent.
Writings of the Saints:
My Life with the Saints
Fr. James Martin, SJ
This is more than just a book on the saints. He does a great job showing how the saints help us to live a more Christ centered life. It also is very entertaining and encouraging reading his reflections about how the saints have touched him in his own life of faith.
Lives of the Saints for Every Day of the Year
H. Hoever, Catholic Book Publishing Company
This, and the second Lives of the Saints II – give a brief overview of the saints. If you want more detail, Butler’s is good but legend and history are blended at times.
The Treasury of Catholic Wisdom
John A. Hardon, SJ, Ignatius Press
A big book, but has a ton of good writings. It has direct original spiritual and wisdom writings from a list of 33 Catholic Saints and writers. A great way to touch some of our wisdom and heritage.
Other Books:
The Language of God by Francis Collins
A geneticist who lead the Genome Project reflects on how complexity of creation points out much about the God behind it. A good read for anyone who thinks you can’t be a scientist and a believer.
Feeling Good, The New Mood Therapy by David Burns
A basic book in cognitive therapy. Good for anyone looking for skills to overcome depression.
The Shack by William Young
This is not really a book about theology and sometimes it isn’t always exactly accurate, but I do like how the book tells a story and gets people to think about God on a deeper level. We should all do this from time to time.
I Surf, Therefore I Am by Peter Kreeft
OK, this is a ridiculous premise by a real philosopher, but it has to be more interesting than golf jokes?
Left to Tell by Immaculee Ilibagiza
A survivor of the Rwandan Holocaust shows how faith and forgiveness can overcome the darkness of sin.