Books that Affected Me 2023

Reflections on the Impact of Books

I started January 2024 with many books being read, including an audiobook by Sarah Clarkson. In Book Girl, Clarkson outlines the whys and hows of women becoming "book girls," or women who are formed by stories. At first look, this book didn't seem to have too many revolutionary things to say to me. After all, I've seen books make big impacts on my life. I've experienced what Clarkson talks about, but really, I don't know that I'd say I'm "story-formed." Lots of content comes in, but it doesn't necessarily make a lasting impact on my life.

Or does it? When I thought about how I wasn't looking forward to doing the end-of-year book bracket because there were so many good books, I realized that there was a reason I'd have trouble deciding which book "won" in 2023. I could think of several books that had had enough of an impact on me that, off the top of my head, I remembered insights that I'd gained, resolutions formed, or attempts made at changing habits that were inspired by several of the books I'd read in the last year.

Maybe there is something to what Clarkson says - maybe the books I read do affect me more than I originally figured. This post is an attempt to call out the books that, in big ways and small, did something positive in my heart or mind this last year.

On Marriage and Family Life, St. John Chrysostom

The takeaway mentioned in the month I read this was that this book helped bring home to new-bride-Jessica that she's not her own anymore - she belongs to her husband now that she's married. It's a takeaway that faded after the initial reading, so I'm glad I came across it again.

The Heart of Perfection, by Colleen Carroll Campbell

I wouldn't be opposed to buying this book for myself and making the reread happen this year. This book had a lot to say to me about perfectionism and it's toll on the spiritual life. It gave me more books I want to read (including one I asked for for Christmas) and the saintly examples provide encouragement. In a lets-not-think-about-it-too-much kind of way, the anti-example actually stuck with me more strongly and helps me understand why Jansenist tendencies are so harmful.

With All Her Mind, edited by Rachel Bulman

This book was a delight to read, but the biggest impact it had on me was the instillation of a desire to write more. I wrote 26 blog posts in 2023, as opposed to 12 in 2022, and I have enjoyed it. I like writing on topics that are interesting to me, I’ve found a way to engage more deeply with books I find interesting, and it’s been a joy to rediscover some thoughts I’d had on books during rereads of the posts.

Theology of Home, by Carrie Gress, Noelle Mering, and Kim Baile (photograper)

This book was another joy to read. It had me trying out candle light dinners and thinking about hospitality. Most importantly, it helped me realize that whatever I desire in an earthly home will have its perfect fulfillment in my heavenly one. It also helped me settle into the idea that the apartment is my home right now, and I can really try to make it home.

Interior Freedom, by Fr. Jacques Philippe

This book opened up what it means to live by the law as opposed to living by love, and how there is much more happiness and freedom in living by love. This book also contributed greatly to a short Advent writing project I completed (after Advent, during the Christmas season, ironically). It was so good that I started read it twice this year.

The Betrothed, by Alessandro Manzoni

This was an amazing classic. The greatest thing it did for me was to provide opportunities to reflect upon how Ignatian spirituality (discernment of spirits) can play out in the lives of believers – and non-believers, too. It’s also a great work for considering how to write about a Catholic culture and making it seem natural, as well as character studies and how to have characters say beautiful and Catholic things without being preachy.

You Did It to Me, by Fr. Michael Gaitley

This one gave me a better understanding of what it means to give alms from your need. It also helped me reflect upon how I judge certain people and what I could do to love them more. One very small change in my life is I try to make time to take students to the water fountain if they say they're thirsty. I don't always, but I've done it more often because I remember that giving a child of God a cup of water for no other reason than they are God's child is an act that will not be without worth.

The Narnia Code, by Michael Ward

This one really had me analyzing and responding to its premise. It was one of many works that gave me desires to engage with The Chronicles of Narnia in a more creative way.

Consoling the Heart of Jesus, by Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC

I think one of the major themes I encountered in books this year was “mercy.” I didn’t read the book in the way it was intended to be read, but I still benefited greatly from it. I have tried consoling Jesus and embracing mercy more because of this book.

Searching For and Maintaining Peace, by Father Jacques Philippe

This is one of two rereads on this list. I can’t pick out specific ways it changed me, but as always, reading it convicts me of the need to continue to work towards obtaining God’s peace and maintaining peace in my soul.

No Turning Back: A Witness to Mercy, by Fr. Donald H. Calloway

This book reminded me that miraculous conversions definitely do still happen today, and gives me hope for the people whose conversions I pray for.

The Christmas Book, by Francis X. Weiser

It was almost a comfort to read this book – just taking in information about Christmas and the traditions surrounding it was wonderful. I also have a better understanding of how extreme religious views can lead to some pretty wild events.

Redwall, by Brian Jacques

This read-aloud made me want to become a better narrator – I’m hoping maybe I’ll find a little time in the summer to work on that.

The World According to Narnia, by Jonathan Rogers

Objectively, there wasn’t much ground-breaking content here. Personally, one reflection on characters staying faithful to their mission made a major impact on my determination to persevere in something I hadn’t been giving my best effort to.

The Grace of Enough: Pursuing Less and Living More in a Throwaway Culture, by Haley Stewart

This one is kind of like a personal application of the ideas of The Theology of Home. More reflections upon hospitality and what a truly Catholic and counter-cultural life could look like.