Weekly [Mega!] Giveaway (8/24)

"Find out how much God has given you and from it take what you need; the remainder is needed by others." - St. Augustine

Because I've built up a large collection of extra books and resources, every week I give away some absolutely free, no strings attached.

Each giveaway lasts seven days with a new one beginning each Friday, and you can enter any time during the week. Check out the past giveaways items here.

This week's giveaway is a big one. THREE winners will each receive three different books. The bundles include:

Giveaway Bundle 1 - Apologetics

How Not to Share Your Faith: The 7 Deadly Sins of Catholic Apologetics and Evangelization by Mark Brumley (Catholic Answers, paperback, 124 pages) - Brumley describes seven of the most common and tragic mistakes he and other apologists have made over the years in their attempts to defend and explain the Catholic faith and reveals how you can avoid these yourself. [My review here]
Catholic and Christian: An Explanation of Commonly Misunderstood Catholic Beliefs by Alan Schreck (Servant, paperback, 242 pages) - A readable and concise summary of commonly misunderstood Catholic beliefs the teachings and practices that don't get much attention in Sunday homilies and in religious education, but which puzzle Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
What Catholics Really Believe by Karl Keating (Ignatius, paperback, 155 pages) - Addresses fifty-two of the most common misconceptions about the Catholic Faith that are held by many Catholics and Protestants. Drawing upon Scripture and the Catholic tradition, Keating corrects errors and explains the rationale behind frequently misunderstood doctrines and practices.

Giveaway Bundle 2 - Biographies

The Story of a Soul by St. Therese of Lisieux (Image, paperback, 192 pages) - A source of priceless inspiration ever since it was written, St. Therese's autobiography has become the great spiritual bestseller of our time. Millions of copies have spread throughout the world and it has been translated into more than fifty languages.
Francis: A Call to Conversion by Duane Arnold (Cantilever, hardcover 143 pages) - A biography of one of the Church's most popular saints which provides important insights into the social conditions of the Middle Ages and St. Francis' spiritual call and commitment.
Champion of the Church: The Extraordinary Life and Legacy of Archbishop John Noll by Ann Ball (Our Sunday Visitor, paperback, 144 pages) - Entrepreneur, defender of the Faith, teacher, writer, speaker, leader. Follow the journey from a small-town, horse-riding pastor to one of the most influential prelates in the history of the United States.

Giveaway Bundle 3 - Bl. Pope John Paul II

Letter on the Eucharist by Pope John Paul II (Key of David, pamphlet, 53 pages) - In this encyclical letter, Pope John Paul II seeks to rekindle in the faithful the profound sense of "amazement and gratitude" that surrounds the Eucharist.
Rise, Let Us Be On Our Way by Pope John Paul II (Warner, hardcover, 240 pages) - Pope John Paul II provides the world with a glimpse into his past with recollections about his life as well as his thoughts on the issues facing the world now.
Gift and Mystery: On the Fiftieth Anniversary of My Priestly Ordination by Pope John Paul II (Image, hardcover, 128 pages) - In a personal spiritual testimony, Pope John Paul II decribes his journey to the priesthood, discussing his childhood, education, the years of Nazi occupation that led him to dedicate his life to God, and his ministry within the Catholic Church.

(Descriptions from Amazon or publisher)

In order to win this week's giveaway, leave a comment below answering this question:

Outside the Bible and Catechism, what's your favorite Catholic book and why?

The winner will be randomly selected next Friday and the giveaway item will be sent out, free-of-charge, shortly thereafter.

UPDATE:

The drawing is now closed. Congratulations to CHristopher, Emily, and Penne for winning this week! Check your e-mail for instructions on receiving the book. If you don’t see an e-mail from me, check your spam box—apparently e-mails with “giveaway” in the title are prone to end up there.

In the future I'll be giving away more books and resources, sometimes multiple items per giveaway! So subscribe via feed reader or email to ensure you never miss your chance to win.

Posted on: August 24, 2012 in Blog, Giveaway
Tagged:

Old Barn

Catholicism and the Dvd series are great!
Emily Halpern

Rome Sweet Home!
http://www.facebook.com/people/Teresa-Grodi/20908188 Teresa Grodi

The Fulfillment of All Desire by Ralph Martin or The Rite by Matt Baglio ... There are a lot of Catholic books I love, but there are my PERSONAL favorites
Lectio_divina

Introduction to the Devout Life, Francis DeSales. Easy to read in short snippets. It is a book you are never done with. Changed my life!
http://www.facebook.com/coryheimann Cory Heimann

Tough one. Maybe Thomas A. Kempis' "Imitation of Christ" I also agree with @Lectio_divina with DeSales.
Tyler M.

True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary by St. Louis de Monfort. This book changed the way I view Mary and the way I approach God.
Shari

A Father Who Keeps His Promises, Scott Hahn
Doug Beaumont

Thomas Aquinas's "Summa Theologia"

Without it, most of the other amazing books might not have been written.

(#1 if I win please!)
Grace

I enjoy Pope Benedict's writings and St. Thomas Aquinas works. What a great giveaway!
Laura

Thomas a Kempis's Imitation of Christ never fails to wake me up from spiritual slumps or bouts of mediocrity. Also loved First Comes Love by Scott Hahn on the importance of family and the deeper meaning of the Holy Trinity.
Stuart Dunn

Anything by Pope Benedict or Fulton Sheen. The Jesus of Nazareth series is prob. tops currently, and am looking forward to the release of book 3. Hope I win, those 3 apologetics books look amazing!
James Defalco

I have truly enjoyed Thomas Kempis,"Imitation of Christ" as it is a daily reflection and reminder of how the Lord truly calls us to be disciples of ourselves and to the world. It makes for an awesome lenten devotion as well.
- James DeFalco
  
  I just noticed someone put Imitation of Christ, let me go with "Surrender" BY Fr. Larry Richards as it calls us to surrender our lives to the Lord. Fr. Richards is very inspiring and can reach out to the Fathers of our church to help them lead their families to heaven. To do that is to surrender it all to God, something all of us struggle on a daily basis to do I imagine.
- Jen D.
  
  Have you read his Imitation of Mary, too? I haven't read Imitation of Christ yet (we'll read it at the monastery this year), but I have to assume it's just as dynamite.
http://profiles.google.com/fmelotte Frank Mélotte

Pope Benedict's Jesus Books 1&2
http://twitter.com/colonel4God Kyle Sanders

Although it's not really book size, Deus Caritas Est by Pope Benedict XVI. I didn't really understand love until I read that encyclical, and love is crucial for the Christian life.
Jenn

The Liturgy of the Hours.
Benoit Meyrieux

I really love Theology and Sanity by Frank Sheed, at the same time clear and profound.
Paul Gelinas

My favorite is "Be A Man" by Fr. Larry Richards simply because it reminds me - in very clear language - of what I need to do in order to live out my faith on a daily basis with emphasis on the most important areas of my life
http://www.facebook.com/thomjwillis Thom Willis

I always direct my atheist/agnostic friends to Chesterton' 'The Everlasting Man.' Fantastic exploration of the role of God and the Church throughout history, and provides a great knowledge of what we may call the 'evolution of religion.'
Cirquedusoso

Christian Smith's "How to Become a Committed Catholic in 95 Difficult Steps!" (At least I think this is the title) Wonderful book for those of us looking into the Catholic Faith!
Juan B Rueda

I might go off the record here, I am a native of Mexico, so the book is in Spanish, but there is a English version of it. The book is "Para Salvarte" from Spanish priest Jorge Loring, you can search for it in Google or Amazon. It changed my life when I read it is a combination of Cathechism and commonsense and it draws from media and other resources to prove Catholicism and its doctrines applied to everyday life. It has a lot of themes, marriage, sin, Church, children, etc. A must have in my opinion specially if you understand spanish. Juan Rueda Laredo, TX juanbrueda@hotmai.com
http://www.callherhappy.com/ Jenna @ Call Her Happy

The Catholic Home by Gould. Love it so much!
http://twitter.com/kwhitaker96 Kathryn Whitaker

I'd have to go with the Surprised by Truth series by Patrick Madrid. They spurred the conversion of my brother to Catholicism!
Juan b rueda

Just a note to the previous post, the book Para Salvarte can be accesed by free on the web, there is also a English version of it, free of charge to be downloaded.
http://librosyescritos.blogspot.com/2009/08/para-salvarte-ploring.html
Franciscan

Divine Mercy in My Soul, by St. Maria Faustina. It took me ages to realize she wasn't just writing about her life. She was writing about a deeper way of life with God that we can all subscribe to.
- Eustino Tarango
  
  I'm reading it too. I have yet to finish it! Sad to say, there are too many "distractions" throughout my day.
David Bates

Probably Fulton Sheen's autobiography. It's beautifully written, but it also allowed me to get to know this man whose preaching had captivated me on YouTube!
- http://www.brandonvogt.com/ Brandon Vogt
  
  I'm reading it now! I've read several of his other books but it was time to dive into his autobiography.
- Eustino Tarango
  
  Exactly! (I have yet to read his autobiography, though.) I didn't even know he had written it, until now! Thanks for the suggestion!
Luke Arredondo

Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen's Life of Christ. His reflections and the frequent references to Scripture throughout make that book a real treasure of mine.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Peggy-Bowes/1365444492 Peggy Bowes

Hard to choose just one, but I have to say Walking With God: A Journey Through the Bible by Jeff Cavins and Tim Gray. It will completely change your understanding of Salvation History.
Angiejauregui

Surprised by the Truth Books. Many of the stories in these books have brought me to tears. I am a convert having converted from Church of Christ background to Catholic in 1987 at the age of 18. It all began after the massive earth quake in Mexico City. My dad, being a well-known tenor here in Portland, was invited to sing the Ave Maria for a Mass being given at the Cathedral to pray for victims. The choir director heard him and told him he had to join the choir. My dad said yes but his whole family had to be allowed to join. (We were all established musicians, so not a problem.) There began our journey, in 1985. We sang in 3 different Catholic Churches. I still remember my Grandmother trying to talk me out of becoming Catholic. There was nothing she could tell me that could have changed my mind. The journey is still as fresh and exciting as it was back in the 80's. I am so grateful that God found the way to bring me home!
Beads2rosaries

Veritatis splendor, Encyclical, John Paul II - so much about living every day life
Chris Roberts

Among my favorites: Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton. As a convert, I identify with the idea of searching for the good and then realizing that it's been there all along (in the Church). It only requires the eyes to see.
Eolson43614

So far, Orthodoxy by Chesterton.
Thadeus

"Love and Responsibility" by Karol Wojtyla. Such a source of truth for living our lives!
Lv7oh2

No Price too High! - by Deacon Alex Jones. He was an Ecumenical Minister who led a Protestant Church in Detroit. He was looking for more. He, his wife and congregation all converted to Catholicism. The book is about his life journey to the Catholic Church. Very inspiring
Adjuster29

No Price too High! - by Deacon Alex Jones. He was an Ecumenical Minister who led a Protestant Church in Detroit. He was looking for more. He, his wife and congregation all converted to Catholicism. The book is about his life journey to the Catholic Church. Very inspiring
LizEst

So many good books out there. The Liturgy of the Hours is my favorite!
http://captured-forever.blogspot.com/ ce58

Story of a Soul is one of my favorites... I feel it's one I'll never tire of.
Pamela Keller

My favorite is Fr. Elijah by Michael O'Brien. It is beautifully written and leads me to think about my place as a Catholic in the modern world. I would like to be in the drawing for Bundle #3, if possible.
Eustino Tarango

Pope John Paul II: The Theology of the Body: A Simplified Version by Monsignor Vincent M. Walsh. It's easy to read and understand.
Christopher Donatto

The Lord of the Rings because of it's depth going into good and evil, love, friendship, hate and for the sheer adventure and imagination throughout.
Tombucko

Thomas A. Kempis' "Imitation of Christ" because it provides brief meditations that are easy to break into daily chunks.
Joseph Ryan Moore

Evangelium Vitae by Bl. JPII. It ROCKED forever the way I think about life, death, and suffering,
Horneman

Jesus of Nazareth Part one and two. Pope Benidict is an amazing scholar
Emily

I think my favorite book so far has been the Screwtape Letters. Not strictly Catholic, but very interesting!!
Heather

Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales. So practical and so holy!
Tammy

So hard to pick just one! Maybe the Diary of St. Faustina. So much to meditate on there.
Blessed_with_3_Strokes

I am reading Praying with the Saints for The Holy Souls in Purgatory by Susan Tassone.
Adam Slide

One book that I really enjoyed reading was Eucharistic Miracles by Joan Carroll Cruz. It has some really amazing stories about Eucharistic miracles.
http://twitter.com/gailfinke Gail Finke

The Confessions, by St. Augustine -- Maria Boulding translation. YES YES YES YES YES, changed my life. I second "The Everlasting Man" by GK Chesterton -- or anything by GKC, really.

Not entering the drawing -- I've got at least one in each stash!
Deb

Of the books I've read I'd say "Be a Man" by Fr. Larry (yes I'm female, but I had to preview it before giving it to my non-catholic husband...who I must say is now going through RCIA classes!) I really enjoyed his book and wished he had one for us girls. My husband seems to be enjoying to too. Fr. Larry has a great sense of humor and doesn't sugar coat anything, he tells it like it is whether you like it or not. I highly recommend this book to all men.

If you exclude the books I probably shouldn't be reading (like above), I really enjoyed Matthew Kelly's "The Rhythm of Life - Living Every Day with Passion and Purpose." It really makes you think and he touches on all aspects if life that you need to cultivate in order to become the best-version-of-yourself. I have a lot to learn from him.
http://ourhomeontherange.blogspot.com/ Kansas Mom

I love Imitation of Christ, which others have already mentioned. My husband and I like to give a copy of Letters to a Young Catholic to all the new Catholics we know. (Well, the older ones. My new favorite baptism gift is The Saving Name of God the Son.)
Wanda

Reason to Believe by Ron Teserorio
pennebaker

tammy above said what i thought and that is saint faustina and divine mercy! the diary is between a soul and her love GOD! Jesus tells her and us thru her that he expects mercy from us 1 by deed 2by word 3 byprayer, we can not excuse ourselves
Kristy

I'm obsessed with Catholic books, but I'd have to choose Our Lady of Kibeho by Immaculee Ilibagiza as my top favorite. Also love Those Who Saw Her by Catherine O'Dell published by Our Sunday Visitor!! Wonderful as well!
Pedro Erik

Orthodoxy, from G.K.Chesterton, changed my life and lead me to Summa Theologica, and many other books.

Also, I recommend God's Philosophers from James Hannam. And every book from the best military historian John Keegan.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Robert-Kraus/100000177360746 Robert Kraus

I also say Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales. It was recommended to me by another during some of my faith struggles, particularly the chapter on acquiring patience. It's surprisingly down to earth for a 16-17th century bishop, and I have enjoyed it very much.
Marika Donders

Ooh, tough to narrow it down to only one book I think today I would go with Meditations before Mass by Romano Guardini
Seacadet114

There are so many and you expect me to pick just one? I suppose I would pick "Introduction to the devout life" by St. Francis de Sales.

Pax et Bonum
Gkhover

Thomas Kempis, "The Imitation of Christ."
Vernon Kuznia

A Biblical Walk Through the Mass by Edward Sri. It changed how I prepare for and participate in the Mass.
http://profile.yahoo.com/XUNWVLVDIQZGUHUAW4W5H6DIQQ tim

Be a Man By Father Larry Richards
It encourages men to act uprightly.
http://hokaipaulos.com/ Joe Wetterling

So hard to pick! One of my favorite modern references is Dr. Kreeft and Fr. Tacelli's Handbook of Catholic Apologetics. It's very Thomistic in the way it's laid out and in how they try to cut potential questions off at the pass.
Enrico Contolini

Wow, so many books about our faith, I have never read.... Mine is The One Thing by Matthew Kelly. Very short but to the point
http://www.brutallyhonest.org Rick Rice

Brant Pitre's Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist...powerful for me... I wrote about it here...
Lee

Love and Responsibility!
http://www.facebook.com/ChristinaChannell Christina Channell

"Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic" by David Currie. Life-changing for me as a former anti-Catholic Protestant!
Charley

Introduction to a Devout Life by St. Francis De Sales - it is full of profound insight on the human condition and offers wonderfully practical advice for a layperson on how to live a holy existence.
Karen

It was highly recommended to me by an avid reader the book written by Brian J. Gail called FATHERLESS. It is a fiction book based in the 80's that is prophetic in nature. It is so well researched and informative as the story unfolds. Characters facing moral and ethical dilemma's and at times being incorrectly instructed by a priest...thus fatherless is the title. Yet, it is not in anyway bashing priests. Infact it gives us a glimpse into the life of Holy orders. An eye opening read that was entertaining as well. A great way to get the message across on Church teachings such as the Pill, VPS- violence, profanity and sex in the media and trying to balance faith, family and career amongst our secular world. I just loved it!!!! Can't wait to read the next one in the trilogy. I loved David Currie's book too "BF, BAC" GREAT books on Apologetics.

Thanks!!!! Hope to win, I love to read and learn and pass into on to my youth group! I mean the Holy Spirit's Youth group...I just facilitate. moz@cogeco.ca
Karen

It was highly recommended to me by an avid reader the book written by Brian J. Gail called FATHERLESS. It is a fiction book based in the 80's that is prophetic in nature. It is so well researched and informative as the story unfolds. Characters facing moral and ethical dilemma's and at times being incorrectly instructed by a priest...thus fatherless is the title. Yet, it is not in anyway bashing priests. Infact it gives us a glimpse into the life of Holy orders. An eye opening read that was entertaining as well. A great way to get the message across on Church teachings such as the Pill, VPS- violence, profanity and sex in the media and trying to balance faith, family and career amongst our secular world. I just loved it!!!! Can't wait to read the next one in the trilogy. I loved David Currie's book too "BF, BAC" GREAT books on Apologetics.

Thanks!!!! Hope to win, I love to read and learn and pass into on to my youth group! I mean the Holy Spirit's Youth group...I just facilitate.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1740893341 Leslee Tambunga-Ewing

7 Secrets of the Eucharist by Vinny Flynn... changed the way I approach the Eucharist completely!
Maggie Goff

Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales. I read a little bit every day since I came back to Mother Church in July 2008 after decades away. It is very practical spiritual advice. I have read through it several times and make notes while reading. I have witnessed my spiritual growth, and am so grateful.

Another devotion that I try to do every day is during the 3 o'clock hour...The Divine Mercy Way of the Cross. It is giving me a much deeper relationship with Jesus, and brings home to me more and more just how willful I truly am.
Rachelle Nordman

I have to pick one? Ok. Crossing the Threshold of Hope by Blessed JPII. It's the first time I thought I could really "be not afraid" in following God's will.
K7

Life of Christ by Fulton J. Sheen
Ashley

I would have to say C.S. Lewis' "Mere Christianity". Although not technically Catholic, it has moved me immensely and helped me understand my Catholic faith more thoroughly.
Rob

i realy enjoyed orthodoxy, but also love reading and rereading introduction to the devout life