The “Librarians” Dream Book List

Another post about books? Seriously, you would start to get the idea I am well read or something. Well fear not, this list is books I HAVEN’T read, (except for one) and instead these are books I am thinking about getting over the summer, but not just for myself.

I am the “librarian” for the lending library at our parish moms group, (In quotes because, HAH, unqualified and a very very small responsibility! So don’t get any crazy ideas) Our Moms Group is a very dynamic group that’s been going for generations, literally, and has quite a few members.

This past year I cleaned out and organized the library which is full of some really wonderful titles, but it seems that there are so many great books being published lately, or I have heard them recommended may times, so I have been making this mental list of books that I WISH were in the library. I am thinking that over the summer I can try to find some extra funds to purchase these and add them to the collection.

But the thing is, my pregnant mind can’t make decisions, second guesses everything, and needs your help. For a group of moms of all different ages, situations, mothering styles etc, but all trying to live our Catholic faith, which of these do you think these would be the best additions? Any more suggestions? Have you read any of these, what did you think? If I can only get 3, which would be your top choices?

You’re the best… ,

Now, here are the contenders

(These aren’t affiliate links – so if you are thinking about buying one of these, click through one of your favorite bloggers who has Amazon Affiliation and support them!)

The Little Oratory: A Beginner’s Guide to Praying in the Home

I really love the premise of this book. We have been working on our “little oratory” for our house, a focal point for prayer and a . ace to display religious artwork, statues etc

Consoling the Heart of Jesus: A Do-It-Yourself Retreat- Inspired by the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius

The group did the 33 Days to Morning Glory in the past, and it a big fan of Fr. Michael Gaitley, so I know there would be some ladies interested in this. I myself am interested in this one, so it might be one I buy and read myself and then donate to the library when I am done. I really loved Fr Gaitley’s style in 33 Days, very modern and approachable but with the wisdom and insight of the Saints, both recent and the traditional big guys.

Graced and Gifted: Biblical Wisdom for the Homemaker’s Heart

I don’t know too much about this one, except that the Hahn’s are FANTSTIC, and I see this reccomended ALL the TIME in Catholic mom FB groups. Anyone read it? She has others but this seemed the most fitting (judging solely by the cover and title)

Strange Gods: Unmasking the Idols in Everyday Life

Another one I know little of but the premise sounds very intriguing and Elizabeth Scalia’s blog posts that I have seen shared can be very insightful.

The Temperament God Gave Your Kids: Motivate, Discipline, and Love Your Children

I have read the basic Temperament God Gave You book, but the ‘Your Kids’ version could be very helpful for the situation of a Moms Group Library right? I am not the biggest personal fan of these books, but most people are not like me and SO many people have found learning about temperaments to be so helpful.

The Sinner’s Guide to Natural Family Planning

This is the one book that I have read. Love it, and find it very encouraging to those in the trenches. And a Catholic moms group is a sure place to find lots of trenches.

A Mother’s Rule of Life: How to Bring Order to Your Home and Peace to Your Soul

Another one I don’t know too much about but see recommended and praised constantly, and heck, I am probably the first person that needs to read this!

Rosaries Aren’t Just For Teething: Reflections on Mary by Mothers

Some of my favourite bloggers wrote articles in this book, and since building my relationship with Mary and praying the rosary daily is a high priority for me right now, I am really interested in this one for myself. Have you read it? What did you think?

Mothering From Scratch: Finding the Best Parenting Style for You and Your Family

Like many of my other thoughts on books, this list is highly influenced by the Fountains of Carrots Podcast, and they had one of the authors of this book on (I am pretty sure, but now I am doubting my memory and thinking it might have been Jen’s podcast? Either way, both are great!)  And this sounded very good!

After Miscarriage: A Catholic Woman’s Companion to Healing & Hope

This comes from listing to a podcast interview with Karen Edmisten, and I think it would be a good resource to have available to a group of women, you never know when someone might need it to help them through a miscarriage.

Something Other Than God: How I Passionately Sought Happiness and Accidentally Found It

Sadly I haven’t read this yet, and I feel like the only one in the Catholic blogosphere world who can say that, but I am sure I am not. Can’t even count all the recommendations I have heard for this book,  so I really don’t think I can go wrong.

A Little Book about Confession for Children

I love Kendra, and this is her only book published so far, so its on the list. I also know lots of women in our group have kids of the First Communion, First Confession age, and may appreciate being able to borrow a resources like this to supplement their sacramental prep.

Any other books you would recommend? Other thoughts to share? At least give me your top 3 from the list… THANKS