Our Winter Reading List

The thought of curling up with a book, a large cup of tea, and a big warm blanket for hours during these frigid January days sounds idyllic. However, the reality for us is a bit different these days. We read as much as we can between Peter’s naps, work, household chores, and before bed.

One of the many things we have learned as parents is that you have to make the time to do what you love. That doesn’t mean hours in front of the fireplace with a book in hand, but it does mean setting personal time aside to grow and learn in the capacity that our vocation allows us to.

It is so important to make the time to read. Just yesterday, instead of cleaning while Peter slept, we intentionally decided to read. Not only is it important for us to do things we love, but it is vital for Peter to grow up watching us making the time for what allows us to flourish. We are still finishing our books from Our Autumn Reading List, but we compiled this list of books to read this winter to look forward to once we are done!

Mike’s Winter Reading List

Casino Royale by Ian Fleming: This is the book that started it all. I remember reading a lot of James Bond books by Raymond Benson when I was in high school, and I was running out of new stories to read. I found this book at Barnes & Noble back then, and was intrigued because there wasn’t a movie I knew of that had this title. Sure enough, I found out about the parody film from the late ’60s, and then a few years later we had the Daniel Craig reboot. I remember not liking the movie much since it was so different from the book, but I’ve since made peace with the differences. Now I’m returning to this book to read through all of Ian Fleming’s books, in order.

Jesus of Nazareth by Pope Benedict XVI: I received this book from my mom nearly ten years ago. It never made it to the top of my reading list until recently. Claire was reading a book on the Apostles, and we were both in tears as we read the incredible reflections and teachings of Benedict on each of these men. Since then I’ve wanted to read anything and everything I can get my hands on by Pope Benedict XVI. The humblest of men, he is all about love and exposing the love of Christ to all. He doesn’t get enough credit, and I am excited to read this first part of three books on Jesus by the Pope Emeritus.

Claire’s Winter Reading List

A Man of the Beatitudes, Pier Giorgio Frassati by Luciana Frassati: I have read this book twice already, but I am reading it again for a talk I am going to give in February about the life and spirituality of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. Since I first heard about Frassati at twelve years old, he has been my inspiration. Though he died in 1925, I still consider him a dear friend. Throughout each day, his incredible, heroic life comes to my mind and heart, and gives me strength, grace, and motivation to improve in my vocation as wife and mother.

1944, FDR And The Year That Changed History by Jay Winik: Mike got me this book for Easter last year and I have been wanting to read it since! I really enjoy Jay Winik’s writing – he always introduces an unique paradigm of historical thinking. His book the The Great Upheaval was the inspiration for my History Thesis in college. I haven’t read a history book in awhile, and am really looking forward to this winter!

– M & C