by Father Mark Goldasich
It’s happening earlier each year. We’re bombarded already in every media form with “early Black Friday” deals. Well, rather than fighting it, I decided to join in and present my book recommendations for holiday giving.
For a more meaningful Advent, grab a copy of Megan Alexander’s “The True Gifts of Christmas: Unwrapping the Meaning Behind Our Most Cherished Traditions” (Loyola Press, 2025; 176 pgs.; $23.94 on Amazon). This delightful book helps readers count down to Christmas by presenting 25 craft ideas and “gift” reflections, moving readers from a “purely commercial, consumeristic event” to discovering the “forgotten spiritual symbolism of this glorious holiday.” You’ll learn about the meanings behind gingerbread, mistletoe, bells, tinsel and many other things.
We know that life isn’t always jolly whether during the holidays or other times of the year. As this Jubilee Year has reminded us, though, we’re called to be pilgrims of hope. A marvelous book to help in time of need is “Stretch Out Your Hand: Reflections on the Healing Ministry of Jesus” by Amy Ekeh (Liturgical Press, 2025; 168 pgs., $14.29 on Amazon). In 40 short chapters, the author presents a Gospel story, reflection, short meditation and then a prayer — all centering around healing. It’s a lovely, uplifting volume.
Jackie Angel has written a marvelous book titled, “Memorize Scripture: Simple Steps to Pray, Ponder and Practice God’s Word” (Ave Maria Press, 2024; 224 pgs.; $24.95). And yes, the author is serious about memorizing passages from the Bible, believing that this helps God’s word to become a “living, breathing part of who you are . . . drawing you closer to his heart.” The book has 12 chapters with themes like rejoice, wonderfully made, God’s good plans and peace. Each chapter has a reflection on a theme, a prayer, questions for pondering (with plenty of space to write out your answers) and suggested verses to memorize with blank pages to write out those verses. Don’t worry; Angel is an angel for providing some tips and tricks for help in memorization.
Last month, The Leaven featured artist Gracie Morbitzer. Sacred Heart in Tonganoxie was privileged to host her in person on All Saints’ and All Souls’ days. She was delightful and an inspiration. I highly recommend her book “The Modern Saints” (Penguin Random House, 2023; 301 pgs.; 2023) that features 52 of her unique presentations of saints as people today — along with the artist’s explanation of each depiction, a short story about the saint followed by a meaningful reflection written by various authors.
Armchair travelers will certainly enjoy Judith Valente’s “The Italian Soul: How to Savor the Full Joys of Life” (Hampton Roads Publishing, 2025; 175 pgs.; $16.95). Her 20 short chapters from “The Art of Conversation” to “Christmas in a Small Italian Town” will trigger memories in those who’ve visited Italy and will whet the appetites of those contemplating a visit. It’s a pilgrimage in book form that includes reflection questions after each chapter, along with an Italian glossary at the book’s end.
Lastly, a children’s book, “The Christmas Elephant: A Nativity Story,” written by Maria Antonia; illustrated by Laura Zarrin (Paraclete Press, 2024; 32 pgs.; $16.99). Ellie wants to be an elephant in the Nativity play; her older sister says that will ruin everything. See what happens in this delightful tale, which includes a special section at the end with five interesting “Did You Know?” questions.
Do books have a place in our spiritual life? American writer George Saunders answers it beautifully: “Reading is a form of prayer, a guided meditation that briefly makes us believe we’re someone else, disrupting the delusion that we’re permanent and at the center of the universe. Suddenly (we’re saved!) other people are real again, and we’re fond of them.”
