“Just as the reading of spiritual books has led to the conversion of many sinners, so the reading of bad books is daily leading to the ruin of many young people.” St. Alphonsus Liguori

We must immerse ourselves in good Catholic books in order to have spiritual growth.  It is a discipline to set aside time from our busy days and distractions in order to read books that will increase our knowledge and understanding of our faith.  

Set a goal for yourself to read at least three books a year that will help you to grow in your relationship with God.  Through the wisdom of the Saints and our Church leaders our eyes, minds, and hearts will be opened to truth in a new way.  

The Catholic Link team is passionate about authentic Catholic literature.  We have compiled a reading list for you  that is as diverse as our team.   Read on to see what title might spark your interest.

Always keep the holy book in your hands, that it may nourish your soul by devout reading.

St. Jerome

Catholic Books You Need to Read:


1. The Catholic Bible (Of course! If you have a Protestant Bible, you are missing a few great books!)

2. The Spiritual Combat: and a Treatise on Peace of Soul by Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

3. Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton

4. The Lamb’s Supper by Dr. Scott Hahn

5. Searching for and Maintaining Peace: A Small Treatise on Peace of Heart by Jacques Philippe

6. Five Loaves & Two Fish by Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan

7. The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis*

8The Silence of Mary by Ignacio Larranaga

9. The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison by Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan

10. The Bible Compass: A Catholic’s Guide to Navigating the Scriptures by Edward Sri*

11. The Christ of faith: The Christology of the church by Karl Adam

12. Confessions by St. Augustine

13. Rediscover Catholicism by Matthew Kelly *

14.  Jesus of Nazareth by Pope Benedict XVI

15.  An Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales

16. My Sisters the Saints by Colleen Carroll Campbell

17.  The Thrill of the Chaste by Dawn Eden

18.  Story of a Soul by Therese de Lisieux

19. Forming Intentional Disciples: The Path to Knowing and Following Jesus by Sherry Weddell

20. The Virtue Driven Life by Benedict J. Groeschel*

21. How to Listen When God Is Speaking: A Guide for Modern-Day Catholics by Fr. Mitch Pacwa*

22.  Tweeting with God: # Big Bang, Prayer, Bible, Sex, Crusades, Sin, Career by Michel Remery*

23. Finding True Happiness: Satisfying Our Restless Hearts (Happiness, Suffering, and Transcendence) by Fr. Robert Spitzer

24. Three to Get Married by Bishop Fulton Sheen

25. Be A Man!: Becoming the Man God Created You to Be by Fr. Larry Richards*

26. Crossing: Reclaiming the Landscape of Our Lives by Fr. Mark Barrett


* We recommend these books for everyone, but especially for beginners.

These are just a few of our favorite books. We would love to hear your book suggestions in the comments below. Happy Reading!

Only God knows the good that can come about by reading one good Catholic book.

St. John Bosco

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