I need your help!: What Spiritual/Theological book should I read next?

A.M.D.G.
J.M.J.
A.T.C.

Laudetur Iesus Christus!
Nunc et in aeternum! Amen.

“The Magdalen Reading” by Rogier van der Weyden

Monday of the Twelfth Week of Ordinary Time

Okay, so I need help. No, not spiritual or mental help … I already know that. I need help picking out the next book I want to read that is of a theological/spiritual bent. I am already reading two fiction books and one or two other theology/spirituality books but being the ill person I am with my fixation with multi-tasking, I need to read another book.

Here are your choices:

The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis – I have heard nothing but excellent things about this book from profs, friends, priests, sisters, etc. I have this translation (by Msgr. Ronald Knox and finished by Michael Oakley after Knox’s death) but an older edition from 1962 … it’s amazing what you can find in used book stores for fabulous deals and in amazing condition!

The Spirit of the Liturgy (Milestones in Catholic Theology) by Romano Guardini – This is the text that inspired Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, to write his own book by the same title.  Guardini’s book is uses the Mass before the reforms of Vatican II as its paradigm (it was written in the early 20th century).

Eschatology: Death and Eternal Life
by Joseph Ratzinger (aka B16)  Okay … I really love his books.

TAN Classic: An Introduction to the Devout Life (Tan Classics) by Saint Francis de Sales – This is another book about which I have heard nothing but great things. Much like Imitation, I see it cited all the time so it must be something good.

If you could help me pick one or two of these, it would be great! I just would like any input you might have if you have read any of these before.  Just put your choice/s in the comments.

In other news, I submitted my application for grad school this morning online. Now I just need to take the GRE, get recommendation forms filled out (I have one, need another), get my transcripts sent to SHMS, write my introductory essay (mostly so they can get a sense of my writing ability), and *dun dun dun* get my license.

The list gets smaller gradually. Laudetur Iesus Christus! God will provide. He always does!

I hope to post again soon, I have some things I must do today, namely laundry and some other domestic duties. I am hoping to start drafting my essay soon and then put it by a friend of mine. It’s always good to show things like this to some fresh eyes.

Have a great day!
-Allie