The Complete Stories by Flannery O'Connor - I received this book as a gift years ago and have only read stories here and there. This year, I decided to read all of the ones I had never read. Flannery O'Connor shocks, and that's true in every one of these stories. Some are definitely better than others, which is probably why there are a few I've read a dozen times while others remain relatively overlooked. My favorite story is still "Revelation," but O'Connor isn't the kind of author I could read all day long for weeks on end (like Jane Austen). (copy received as a gift from my husband)
King Lear by William Shakespeare - This was my second time reading King Lear, this time with my book club. We had a lively discussion of this play, with its depictions of flawed relationships between fathers and children. It is one of the most violent and depressing of Shakespeare's plays, so my children read it in twelfth grade. I read my No Fear Shakespeare copy, which is the series I've mostly collected for my kids. Now there's a revised/updated Folger series I really like, though we only have one or two of them. Look for the larger paperback size (about 5.5" x 8.25") rather than the mass market paperback size. I'm not sure every play is available in the larger size yet. (purchased copy)
Paul for Everyone: Romans Part Two by N. T. Wright - I read the older version of this edition. This is the second half of Romans. (I finished the first half back in 2024.) The Paul for Everyone series covers a lot of the New Testament books. (purchased used) Here's what I wrote about the series before:
N. T. Wright is an Anglican priest and an expert on Paul. Using his own translations, he provides Scripture in short selections (but with nothing missing) and then thoughtfully reflects on them, always including a relevant story from his own life. For the most part, Wright's commentaries have nothing contrary to the Catholic faith, but it is good to have a knowledge of the major differences between Anglican and Catholic beliefs when reading, like the differences between the recognized books of the Bible and those of Jesus' immediate family.
Out of the Silent Planet by C. S. Lewis - link to my post about the whole trilogy (received as a gift from my brother-in-law)
The Mindful Catholic: Finding God One Moment at a Time by Dr. Gregory Bottaro - I read this book far too quickly, trying (and failing) to stay ahead of my daughter who read it one chapter a week. I included it in our Health course in high school because it does a great job presenting mindfulness from a Catholic standpoint, showing how it is compatible with the Catholic faith and a robust prayer life. I should really return to it and take the time to put the practices into action. (purchased copy)
We Have Never Been Woke: The Cultural Contradictions of a New Elite by Musa Al-Gharbi - link to my post (library copy)
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