My Book Recommendations
I say books are the best gifts to give and get — for others or for yourself. I can’t imagine a life without books, and if you’re not a reader, there’s never been a better time to start cultivating the habit! Below are some of my favorites by category; I’ll add more as I discover them.
Here’s what I’m currently reading, if you’re curious!
(p.s. — Indie bookshops depend on us bookworms to keep them open; let’s do our best to shop there first. When you shop at Bookshop.org a portion of your purchase goes both to indie bookshops all over and the work I do, at no extra cost to you. This is a great way to support the work you love with purchases you’d make anyway.)
(p.p.s. — You can also give gift cards!)
Books About Parenting & Family
-
![]()
Parenting With Love & Logic, by Foster Cline and Jim Fay
I read a number of books during my early years of parenting, but this is the only one I kept. It’s an outstanding, practical guide for laying down the foundation for raising competent, resilient kids.
-
![]()
Feeding the Mouth That Bites You, by Dr. Ken Wilgus
My absolute favorite book about parenting adolescents, this one became a game-changer in our household, almost overnight.
-
![]()
Last Child in the Woods, by Richard Louv
A call-to-arms treatise for parents (and those who work with kids) about why it’s essential the next generation spends a lot of time in nature (and off screens). Necessary reading.
-
![]()
Domestic Monastery, by Ronald Rolheiser
A short book about why our homes are “domestic monasteries” — havens from the world and headquarters for growth. I read this every year.
-
![]()
The Tech-Wise Family, by Andy Crouch
A practical, convicting guide on how to put the ever-important tech tools in their rightful place. We don’t need to throw our phones in a river, but we do need to question their place in our homes.
-
![]()
The Life-Giving Home, by Sarah and Sally Clarkson
This is an encouraging, practical book on how to make our homes a haven for our families, a month at a time, by one of my favorite mentor moms.
Books About Working Well
-
![]()
Leisure: The Basis of Culture, by Josef Pieper
This short classic blew my mind when I first read it, and it changed the way I think. Leisure isn’t downtime or free time, it’s what we’re made for — so much so that our word ‘school’ comes from the word ‘leisure.’ Read it and look at your life differently.
-
![]()
Atomic Habits, by James Clear
If you hate setting goals, this book is for you — such a clear, logical treatise on how to build habits that actually work for you. This is my go-to recommended book on anything goal related.
-
![]()
Deep Work, by Cal Newport
It’s nearly impossible to concentrate anymore, but it’s those who can focus deeply who’ll ultimately be the culture changers. This book changed how I work for the better. I do less but get more done.
-
![]()
Your Money or Your Life, by Vicki Robin
We shouldn’t care about earning all the money; we should care about wisely trading our money for things that matter to us — like time. Life is short; manage your resources well.
-
![]()
The Simple Path to Wealth, by JL Collins
I thought investing was complicated and intimidating until I read this. Considered the godfather of the FIRE movement, this is the best, go-to resource on how to invest really, really simply.
Books About Faith
-
![]()
Orthodoxy, by GK Chesterton
There are few books that blow my mind, make me laugh, and convict me enough to immediately look for a nearby confessor. Ahead of its time, Orthodoxy is required reading, in my opinion.
-
![]()
Mere Christianity, by CS Lewis
There’s not another book that clearly distills the basic tenets of the Christian faith that all orthodox Christ followers share. Plus, it’s phenomenally-written. Read with a highlighter.
-
![]()
The Abolition of Man, by CS Lewis
This is actually my favorite of Lewis’ books. It’s short enough to be read in one sitting every year, mind-blowing enough to read it slowly. and contemplate one sentence at a time. Why do timeless virtues matter? He explains why.
-
![]()
Why I Am Catholic, by Brandon Vogt
An easy-to-read (in a good way) treatise on what it means to be Catholic, structured by beauty, goodness, and truth. This is a great, accessible book for someone with LOTS of questions about Catholicism.
-
![]()
The Fourth Cup, by Scott Hahn
Scott Hahn is a great teacher and as a fellow convert, he explains things simply for those of. us who didn’t grow up in Catholicism. This book unveils the real meaning of the Eucharist. So helpful.
-
![]()
Hail Holy Queen, by Scott Hahn
Dr. Hahn to the rescue again — this time about Mary. If you wonder why on earth Catholics make such a big deal about Mary, this book’s for you.
Categories Coming Soon:
My favorite books about education, history & culture, and beloved stories both new and classic, as well as my favorite gifts to give to friends, students, and kids.