I love getting book recommendations, so every year I share my own recommendations of my favorite books of the year. They’re not necessarily new books but books I read and would recommend to others. Here are my favorites from 2024.
Fiction
A lot of my favorite books come from Well-Read Mom, the international book club I’m part of (and highly, highly recommend, especially for Catholic women).
Peace Like a River by Leif Enger
Read if you like books about family relationships, beautiful writing, or faith.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
This was a reread of my second-favorite novel by my favorite author. Enough said, right?
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
Still digesting this one. Disturbing but (I think?) powerful and beautiful.
Remembering by Wendell Berry
Not as good as Jayber Crow, but a great read nonetheless.
To Crown with Liberty by Karen Ullo
Historical fiction by a Catholic novelist—not hokey but quite enjoyable and romantic!
The Funeral Ladies of Ellerie County by Claire Swinarski
Swinarski’s (a Catholic writer) first novel for adults. I really liked this one! Read if you enjoy hints of Catholicism, relatable characters, humor, and complicated relationships. TW for PTSD.
Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
Another reread! It was even better the second time. If you don’t know anything about it and struggle through it, stick it out for the ending. I don’t always recommend continuing to read a book you aren’t enjoying, but it’s so, so worth it.
Love in the Eternal City by Rebecca Martin
So fun! A woman falls in love with a Swiss Guard in Rome. So great being able to read a well-written romance with Catholic values. And she’s writing more!
Spiritual Books
Counsels of Perfection for Christian Mothers by Monsignor P. Lejeune
Full of challenges for my spiritual growth and vocation as a wife and mother. Loved it even when it was hard to read.
Holier Matrimony: Married Saints, Catholic Vows, and Sacramental Grace by Caitrin Bennett
Come for the stories of married saints; stay for the inspiration and encouragement in your own marriage.
My God and My All: The Life of Saint Francis of Assisi by Elizabeth Goudge
A lovely book about a saint I’d previously known nothing about. I’m now indignant at how often his spirituality is watered down.
In the Trenches: Finding God through Parenting Littles and Real Life with Mary: Growing in Virtue to Magnify the Lord by Kelsey Gillespie
Two wonderful little books full of relatable stories and inspiration for mothers.
In the Courts of the Three Popes: An American Lawyer and Diplomat in the Last Absolute Monarchy of the West by Mary Ann Glendon
I saw Mary Ann Glendon speak at the GIVEN Forum in June and found this book to be as incredible as she is. She’s fascinating and inspiring.
The Well-Read Life: Nourish Your Soul through Deep Reading and Intentional Friendship by Marcie Stokman and Colleen Hutt
If you are wanting to deepen your reading life—even, or probably especially, if you are out of practice or have never had much of a reading life—I can’t recommend this book by the founder and a leader of Well-Read Mom.
Baby and Beyond: Overcoming Those Post-Childbirth Woes by Allison Auth
I received this book as a gift after my second daughter was born this year and wish I’d read it after I had my first. I can’t recommend it enough and will be giving it to new moms in the future.
Stories of the Eucharist: A Family Treasury of Saints and Seekers by Heidi Hess Saxton
Heidi was our editor for Holy Ambition. She’s a talented editor and a great writer as well. This book will be a wonderful aid in teaching our daughters about the Eucharist and the saints.
The Holiness of Ordinary People by Madeleine Delbrêl
So, so good. Reminiscent of Catherine Doherty. I reviewed it for Catholic Women in Business.
Befriending Your Inner Child by Brya Hanan
A fantastic book by a Catholic therapist that sold me on the concept of the inner child. Read my CWIB review here.
Leaving Loneliness Behind: 5 Keys to Experiencing God’s Love and Building Healthy Connections with Others by Regina Boyd
Another book by a Catholic therapist that I reviewed for CWIB.
A Severe Mercy: A Story of Faith, Tragedy, and Triumph by Sheldon Vanauken
A beautiful memoir by a friend of C.S. Lewis about his conversion and marriage. I would love to read the book he wrote next, but it’s out of print.
Other Nonfiction
Hannah’s Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth by Catherine Pakaluk
My favorite book from 2024. I read it after going to a lecture Dr. Pakaluk gave locally. She’s an economist at CUA and mother of eight, and she did a qualitative research study looking at college-educated mothers of 5+ children (not all Catholic). The book consists of stories from her research and her conclusions about the fertility crisis. It’s fascinating, but more importantly, it gave me a better perspective on my own fertility and, I believe, will make me a better mother, even though I have fewer children than the women in the book.
The Power Pause: How to Plan a Career Break After Kids—and Come Back Stronger Than Ever by Neha Ruch
I’ve been following Mother Untitled for several years now and absolutely love the work Neha Ruch is doing through this platform. Her book is fantastic reading for any mom who is taking or plans to take a temporary or permanent career break.
When Women Ran Fifth Avenue: Glamour and Power at the Dawn of American Fashion by Julie Satow
This was a fun postpartum read, especially since in my first postpartum, I watched The Paradise. Recommended if you’re interested in fashion, history, or business—particularly women in business.
When You Care: The Unexpected Magic of Caring for Others by Elissa Strauss
I recommend this book with just one caveat, which I got into in my CWIB review. Such a good exploration of how caregiving benefits the caregiver (and a refreshing read given how often our culture tells us that caregiving should be avoided at all costs!).
Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be by Becky Kennedy
I don’t agree with everything Dr. Becky says but still found this book to be helpful, especially as my older daughter is into the preschool years now.
Home Education by Charlotte Mason and Modern Miss Mason by Leah Boden
We’re only in preschool, and we’re not following Charlotte Mason’s approach super strictly, but her ideas about child development, motherhood, and homeschooling are definitely inspiring my own developing philosophy.
In 2025, I’m wanting to read more fiction. Any recommendations? Add your favorite reads from 2024 in the comments!
Taryn DeLong 