- Kristin Lavransdatter, by Sigrid Undset, Translated by Tiina Nunnally. Although this is a hefty book, let not the size worry you. It’s a late night page turner, heart searing masterpiece, packed to the gills with food for deep thoughts and great conversation. Commit to it and don’t look back. Sigrid Undset presents the intricate story of Kristin’s life from girlhood to old age, weaving into Medieval Norway a timeless study of human nature, the relationships of spouses, parents to children, a soul to God, and more.
- A Severe Mercy, by Sheldon Vanauken. This book offers a glimpse into an ideal love. Or is it ideal? Vanauken recounts his relationship with his beloved wife, as well as their conversion to Christianity. Also, due to their friendship with C.S. Lewis, there’s a neat insight into great friendships. Read this with a mind open to the inspirations of truth, but be aware that there is room for critique here. The combination of great insights with erroneous ideas regarding married love, makes this book super for discussion between spouses.
- Old Thunder, by Joseph Pearce. A delightful biography of Hilaire Belloc. One Christmas, all unawares, my husband and I each gave the other a copy. It was fantastic! Sometimes hilarious, often thought provoking, Old Thunder provides a glimpse into the life of a man of letters, an adventurer, a man smitten in love with his wife, and blessed with friends such as G. K. Chesterton, Maurice Baring, and others.
- 33 Days to Merciful Love, and (bonus book, I know this makes more than 5, but it’s worth it!) 33 Days to Morning Glory, both by Fr. Michael Gaitley. The best way for couples to grow more deeply in love with one another is to not seek the other first, but to seek God first, to fall ever more deeply in love with our ultimate Beloved. The Divine Mercy consecration as well as the Consecration to Mary presented by Fr. Michael Gaitley are two sure ways to deepen the soul’s relationship with God. My husband and I have done both consecrations, and renewed them, together. These books are accessible, beautiful, deeply enriching for the spiritual life, and therefore incredibly helpful for couples to grow together.
- God Made Sunday by Walter Macken. While prayer is necessary, it is not the only way to grow closer to God. Great literature can aid the soul in that endeavor also. I would posit that God Made Sunday is one of the greatest short stories in the world. Irish it is to the core, and therefore, has humour, love, grief, and redemption, charmingly packaged together. Macken cuts right to the heart of what matters most, in this depiction of a man’s life framed by the days of the week. Read it out loud to one another. Laugh, cry, discuss; not necessarily in that order.
