The Laity Speaks – Raymond Arroyo

Welcome back to “The Laity Speaks”, a recurring feature here at The Catholic Book Blogger. This feature is the companion to “The Clergy Speaks” and takes us to the other side of the pulpit to hear prominent lay people’s answer to the same question. That question is: What five books would you recommend as must-reads for Catholics today? I left the responses open to current or classic books with the only restriction being that the Bible and the Catechism could not be used as they are a given.

This week I welcome Raymond Arroyo. He is an internationally known, award-winning journalist, producer, and New York Times Bestselling author. As news director and lead anchor for EWTN, he is seen in more than 200 million homes on six continents each week and heard on hundreds of AM/FM affiliates and on EWTN’s stand alone SiriusXM satellite channel. Mr. Arroyo created The World Over Live in 1996, which he hosts live each week from Washington DC.

Mr. Arroyo is also producer of the bestselling, all-star, audio bible, “The Word of Promise” (Thomas Nelson) and a Billboard Chart topping PBS Christmas special “The Birth of Christ” (Sony Classics). His five books, including his biography, “Mother Angelica” and “Of Thee I Zing, America’s Cultural Decline From Muffin Tops to Body Shots” were all New York Times Bestsellers.

In addition to his work at EWTN, Mr. Arroyo has appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America, The O’Reilly Factor, CNN Headline News, Outfront Access Hollywood, Hannity and Colmes, Countdown, and is a contributor to the Laura Ingraham Show. His work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, The Financial Times, Time Magazine, The New Yorker, National Review, and elsewhere.

He is currently working on a children’s book series, a mystery series, and an original musical. Mr. Arroyo resides in Northern Virginia with his wife Rebecca and their three children.

Here are his picks of must read books for Catholics today:

I have always believed that fiction is the swiftest way to the heart and soul.  Bearing that in mind, here is my very unorthodox list of Catholic must reads (with two non fiction additions) : 

Mariette in Ecstasy by Ron Hansen: In a turn of the century, New York convent, a postulant claims she possesses the stigmata.  Is she a “high strung” girl or a saint in the making?  With exquisite, finely wrought prose, Hansen unveils a tale that will move readers and touch hearts.  It is a challenging story with no simple answers.  But only Hansen (one of my favorite authors and a friend) could tell this tale.  It is a modern classic. 

Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt by Anne Rice: Rice overshadows her Vampire oeuvre with this faithful and profound story of the Holy Family’s early years.  Though there is dramatic license taken in parts, there is nothing heretical here.  The Christ child’s recognition of his calling, far beyond his years, is breathtaking.  The scenes with the Blessed Mother and her child will leave you in tears, especially as He begins to surpass her in understanding.  A daring, under appreciated gem of a novel. 

The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene:  Greene’s masterpiece remains a powerful chronicle of the persecution of the Catholic Church in 1920’s Mexico—which he witnessed as a reporter.  There are faint shadows of Fr. Miguel Pro in the tale of this very fallen “whisky priest” and the grace that never fails.   

The Father Brown Mysteries by G.K. Chesterton: For mysteries with charm and theological heft, Father Brown is hard to beat.  His unassuming sleuthing and wise perceptions of human nature (and it’s failings) are a continuous revelation.  With touches of mercy and fun, Chesterton never disappoints.  

Purple Cane Roadby James Lee Burke: A giant of the crime thriller, Burke has created an enduring protagonist; the Catholic, recovering alcoholic, bayou sheriff, Dave Robicheaux, who has survived some 20 books.  This particular installment of the Robicheaux canon (#11) is stunning.  Burke is a master of the genre and a poetic writer of rare gifts.  Though these are gritty adventures, they are suffused with grace and the memories that haunt us all.        

Life of Christby Fulton J. Sheen: This book has the feel of a novel, though it is imparted with the conviction and clarity of an apostle.  There are brilliant insights here that shed new light on Jesus’ life and mission—as well as our own.  It is is marvelous Lenten read.

Death On A Friday Afternoonby Richard John Neuhaus: Based on a series of homilies on the last seven words of Jesus, Father Neuhaus never wrote with more power or probing spiritual depth.  This compelling exploration of Christ’s death is a must read at Lent.  I have read it every year since it’s release, and I can still hear Fr. Richard’s baritone between the lines.