14 great spiritual books to read this summer

Ever since discovering mystery novels in third grade, I’ve been an avid reader. Rereading a favorite work of fiction with a lovely cup of tea (or the beverage of your choice) is arguably one of the finest joys in life. 

But spiritual reading is different. While fiction can be an imaginative escape from reality, spiritual books often root us more firmly in our present moment, such as by helping us understand our vices and virtues or realizing whether we’ve stagnated or are moving closer to God. 

If we all lived in the same community, I would organize a spiritual book swap. Since that’s not possible, I polled readers about their favorite spiritual reads — the ones they often revisit and recommend to others. 

As we dive into the summer months, pick up a spiritual book to challenge you along with your fun beach read. Here’s a list of suggestions:

Learning about and from the saints

There was a clear theme among the book recommendations: wisdom from the saints! This shouldn’t be surprising since the saints are those who have completed the race, imaging what it looks like to live holiness in the world.

• “My Son Carlo’’ [by Antonia Salzano Acutis] is an excellent book written about the short but very full life of Blessed Carlo Acutis from the perspective of his mom. So much wisdom can be drawn from this book in how to truly live the Christian life to the fullest without any reservations. — Emily

• “The Imitation of Mary” by Father Quan Tran: It's a beautifully written book about the 10 virtues of Mary. Each chapter is eloquently written to explain the virtue, relate it to the lives of Christ and our Blessed Mother, [and offer] a life application, and practical and obtainable goals to grow in each virtue. — LeAnn
  

• “Love is a Radiant Light: The Life and Words of Saint Charbel” — Charlotte
  

• My favorite spiritual book is “The Reed of God” by Caryll Houselander. I love how Houselander shows us we can imitate Mary in bringing Christ to the world. — Anonymous

• “Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s St. Thérèse: A Treasured Love Story”: While I grew up loving St. Thérèse (hard not to when she’s your middle namesake), I struggled to understand her when I was a teen. This compilation of homilies by Venerable Fulton Sheen reintroduced me to my big sister in heaven, giving me new eyes to see how approachable she really is. (A PDF preview from TAN Books can be found here.) — Ava

• “Introduction to the Devout Life” by St. Francis de Sales! — Cecilia
  

• “Essays on Woman” [by St. Edith Stein] to understand your femininity. — Taryn
  

• “My Sisters the Saints” by Colleen Carroll Campbell. I found it inspiring, engaging, and relatable to women in all stages of life. — Maria
  

•  “Story of a Soul” [by St. Thérèse of Lisieux] to learn how to love Jesus in small but powerful ways. — Taryn
  

• “A Family of Saints: The Martins of Lisieux, Saints Thérèse, Louis, and Zelie” by Father Stephane-Joseph Piat, O.F.M.: Saints are not made in isolation. They come from faithful families and communities. This book made me feel that sainthood is possible! — Ava

Spiritual books on guidance in the spiritual life

Sometimes you need a spiritual retreat. While some of the books above could also lead you through deep reflection, don’t miss these suggestions!

• “Abandonment to Divine Providence” by Father Jean-Pierre de Caussade: [This book reminds us] through the darkest days and each day to see how God is truly making all things new for our good. To see him in every minute of our lives.

  — Therese
  

• “Life of the Beloved” by Henri Nouwen. In a world that struggles so much with identity questions, Nouwen provides a summative answer. — Rachel
  

• “I Believe in Love” by Father Jean D’Elbee: [An] amazing spiritual retreat to help people know the tremendous love of God. — Therese
  

• “Into Your Hands, Father: Abandoning Ourselves to the God Who Loves Us” by Father Wilfrid Stinissen: I wrote about it more here, but if you struggle with trusting God’s goodness and his timing, please add it to your to-read list.  — Ava

Ava Frecker is the founder and editor of Caeli. She is a midwestern girl with a heart for supporting people’s stories. She’s also a Jane Austen enthusiast, chai tea addict, grammar activist, amateur sourdough baker, and gal pal to St. Thérèse — on whose feast day she married her beloved, Dominic. They now have their sweet boy, Linus. Follow her on Instagram @avalalor.