I am a self-confessed Catholic geek; I never went to seminary, yet I own a collection of Catholic books that belong in a seminary, many of which are for intellectual audiences that debate opponents of the Catholic faith. Many are unnecessary for the average lay Catholic.
Were I asked to select a short list of best books for a small reference library for most Catholics, I would choose these. Any good Catholic bookstore will stock these books. In addition, all of them are available online through various websites. Many are accessible to Kindle owners (as I am.) Usually, if Amazon has a Kindle version, Barnes & Noble has a Nook version. I don’t own a Nook, so you’ll have to check their website.
The Bible: yes, I know, most Catholics don’t read their Bibles. The Church encourages Bible reading by the faithful; it is the inspired Word of God. Those suggested passages listed in the church bulletin won’t read themselves. Besides, the Catholic Church wrote, translated, copied, and preserved the Bible; no need to hold it out at arm’s length.
The next question is which translation. Approved Catholic translations have the complete Old Testament, while most other translations are missing parts or all of seven books. The Douay-Rheims, the New American, the Revised Standard Version – Catholic Edition and the Knox are all worth owning. All of them have minor drawbacks, but all bear the Nihil Olbstat and Imprimatur, certifying them free of doctrinal error.
The Douay-Rheims is public domain, so one dollar buys a Kindle version, only drawback is the archaic language among those who prefer modern English. Amazon has the NAB and RSV-CE available around 10-15 bucks for the Kindle. The Knox is only available in print, and isn’t cheap: sixty bucks. Advantages include 20th century translation; also, for those of you who remember the Vatican I days, Fulton Sheen supported its use.
Anyone wishing to study Scripture, both recommendations use the RSV-CE.
I recommend the Ignatius New Testament Study Bible; the Kindle version has tons of active hyperlinks so one will never lose a place looking up the many references. Noted college professor and apologist Scott Hahn wrote the commentary.
The Navarre Study Bible contains the writing of the Early Church Fathers as commentary throughout, making it an excellent reference. Unfortunately, it is frightfully expensive. I bought my set during the 90s, I imagine the price has increased since then.
Catechism of the Catholic Church: a must-own for learning Catholic Church teachings. A no-brainer: every Catholic home needs a copy.
The Catholic Catechism by John A. Hardon, S.J. is an excellent companion book. The CCC will tell you what the Church teaches. This book will tell you why.
Lives of the Saints by Alban Butler is a good primer on many canonized Saints and a great daily reading. Updated editions increase the number of saints honored to well over 2500 from the original near 1500. The original is public domain, so look for one dollar Kindle versions.
Speaking of the Saints, many works by such luminaries as St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Alphonsus Liguori, St. Francis of Assisi and St. John of the Cross are public domain. Kindle owners can buy a shelf-long set of their books for under 20 dollars. Catholic Way Publishing, among others, have published many priceless works for nominal fees.
In Conversation With God: This is THE Catholic devotional, great for prayer, meditation and reflection. The price is steep, even for Kindle editions, but worth every penny: desert island material.
This list is not complete: there are many Catholic Books worthy of mention. Every book listed is first-rate, and will aid growth in faith and holiness.
Paul L Carter 