Summer often gives us a chance to slow down a bit—whether that means family vacations, time by the pool, quiet mornings with coffee, or simply a different rhythm of life. It can also be a great season to pick up a book that inspires us, challenges us, or helps us grow in our faith. Our Regnum Christi New York Tri-State team wanted to share a few books that have impacted us personally and that we think are worth adding to your summer reading list. We hope you find something here that encourages you and becomes a meaningful companion for your summer journey.
Add Theo of Golden by Allen Levi to your Summer Reading List!
Read by- Mary Rohe
This fun and easy to read novel follows the enigmatic yet kindly actions of Theo, an elderly Portuguese man who arrives in the southern town of Golden and discovers 92 pencil portraits displayed at a local coffee shop. He embarks on a mission to purchase these portraits and give them to their subjects, whom he considers to be the works “rightful owners,” and his “bestowals” create profound connections across the community before his true identity is revealed.
This fictional story explores many spiritual themes such as:
· Cultivating connection through art and kindness
· The transformative power of being truly seen
· Finding redemptive value in sadness and joy 
The Way of Kings: Book One of the Stormlight Archive
by Brandon Sanderson
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Read by- Margaret Gartlgruber
I am struggling to put the book down to write this article. While I fully admit to taking a good hundred pages or so to get into, I forgive it because learning a new world is not easy. And now, this book has thoroughly absorbed me into its orbit along with so many others it has captivated, including two of my adult sons. After hearing so much of their talk, I finally asked to borrow the paperback of the first in the series of 5 extremely long novels—over 1000 pages—and an audible listening time of over 45 hours each. I had to see what the hype was about.
Since it is a fantasy world, I don’t have to get annoyed at how Christianity is treated. That being said, there are several Christian themes woven throughout this book.
Currently, I am at a part where one of the main characters is struggling with having an unpopular opinion based on morals that seem to differ with society. He is wondering if he should quit his leadership role in order to keep the peace. As a Christian, I see myself in this character as I quite often disagree with the popular opinion.
Another main character is struggling to see the point in struggling. He thinks why bother since no one cares and his life will never improve. He was hurt by a leader he trusted so he thinks all leaders are the same way. I think many of us can identify with having people disappoint us or love us as we ought. I love the way he faces each of these moments and resists giving in.
Finally, I see this book asking the question of whether or not we do what we do because society, our family or the law make us, or can we make our own choices based on what we know to be moral and true. What are we attached to in our lives? Are we excused by “the Devil made me do it” argument? And is this a legitimate reason for doing wrong?
This first book came out in 2010 so I am a little late to get started, but it simply means I do not have to keep waiting for the next book to come out. And if you are like me and hate when a good book ends, buckle up and join me in a new world that I can look forward to at least 225 hours of enjoying!
Whose Voice Are You Listening To?: How to Fight and Win the Daily Spiritual Battle
by Colleen Orchanian
Genre: Catholic Nonfiction
Read by- Margaret Gartlgruber
While the Way of Kings is about military warfare, this book discusses spiritual warfare in our own lives.
Each morning, I read a chapter and each morning, I amazed at how well Colleen seems to see into my heart, pointing out each shameful thought and feeling, normalizing it, and giving me practical ways to combat each of these spiritual battles.
I figured I would take you through my morning reading today. The chapter was on Spiritual Gluttony. I had never heard of Spiritual Gluttony as a thing before Colleen. Yet when I read this chapter, I see how hard I have fallen for this!
She begins with each section with a CS Lewis—Screwtape Letter style blurb sharing one of Satan’s rules discussing strategies designed to steal Christians away from God. Today was Satan’s rule #16 which said, “If a human is getting involved…encourage him say yes to everything.” It goes on to explain how being at church and volunteering a lot causes us to neglect our homefront. Then, we tend to be aggravated at others for not volunteering. Finally, we burn out and quit. Yikes!
Boy, can I relate to this! I loved reading Screwtape Letters, and so when I imagine a behind the scenes description of how easily I am duped, I really feel it.
She then goes on to describe and give examples of spiritual gluttony including:
· Devouring information—like learning everything on a topic such as exorcism or apologetics.
· Chasing feelings—looking always for that mystical experience or trying to recapture that initial feeling we had when first knowing Christ.
· Feeding our appetites—purchasing 10 books we probably won’t read because we don’t have time instead of focusing on the one we are being called to study.
· Disordered use of time—constantly adding things to our schedules thinking we have more time than we actually do to accomplish our list.
Finally, Colleen gives us some tips to help us reorder our lives: God first (worship and prayer, primary vocations next (family, work, children). After these comes serving other in apostolate and seeking personal growth. We cannot do the last two things if neglect the first.
And if this was not enough, the section concludes things with Scriptures, Saints and questions for prayer to help bring the points home.
This was my morning reading in a nutshell. And now, I will be able to move on with my day, remembering my priorities, and seeing God instead of the temptation to spill all my attention into spiritual reading. Sort of ironic, isn’t it? While reading to be better I find I must not worry so much about reading to be better.
Anyway, I hope you can see how helpful this book might be for your own spiritual toolbox. I love having something to read each day that reminds me I am not crazy. I am not a bad person. And helps me stay focused on my way in my Christian faith.
And now I must go finish the last 16% of the Way of Kings. Enjoy! Where are You Reading This Summer?
We would love for you to bring us along on your summer reading journey! Whether you’re reading on a beach, on your porch with a cup of coffee, during a family trip, or in your favorite quiet corner at home, share a photo of where you’re reading this summer. We look forward to seeing the places, moments, and memories that are accompanying your reading and faith journey throughout the season.
Our communications manager shares her newly built library in her hallway. It is being well used for reading and pillow fights!
Send photos of your reading view in the form below!
