My favorite Catholic books of 2007

If you've got some Christmas gift money to spend and you want to buy something nice, here are a few of my favorite Catholic books from this past year. Some of these were published in 2007, others earlier but were new-to-me. Either way, they're excellent choices for the Catholic reader in your life...or you!

7 Secrets of the Eucharist by Vinny Flynn

I've posted about this before, so I won't get repeat myself. Simply put, this is an amazingly small, powerful book that I could read every month and still learn something new.

Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons and Everyday Spirituality by Raymond Arroyo

Another book I've written about before. And another small book packed with big returns. Perfect to keep by your night stand or anywhere else you may want a quick read. It's a great attitude-adjuster from Mother, queen of refocusing us when we need it. The book is funny, powerful and very thought-provoking.

The Holy Way: Practices for a Simple Life by Paula Huston

I've been meaning to post about this book since I finished it a few months ago, but I kept forgetting (until I read Jen's take!). But, quickly, the book is Huston's account of trying to simplify her life (work, children, husband, home) after retreats to the New Camaldoli Hermitage in California. Huston devotes one chapter each to her pursuit of virtues, such as fasting, silence, charity, humility, etc., and weaves in the history of important church fathers, somewhat akin to James Martin's approach in My Life With the Saints (one of my all-time favorites). Huston manages well the tricky task of writing about her pursuit of holiness without coming across as preachy or annoying. She's very humble and this is a very good read.

The Catholic Home by Meredith Gould

This book is a perfect wedding or baby present. I've posted about this book before and I continue to reference it all the time - and I'm sure I will for years to come. It's packed with ideas for your Domestic Church and starting new family traditions. What a resource.