My Favorite Books of 2019 (that I read)

I am happy to share my favorite reads of 2019

Literary Fiction

The Walls of Lucca

by Steve Physioc

A wonderful family sage

set from WWI to the Rise of Mussolini

—history, drama, humor, spirituality all in one story

Best Short Novel

Tortilla Flat 

by John Steinbeck

Sweet tales of Mexican-American people

in post-WWII era Monterey, CA

2019 Religious nonfiction

Paul: The Apostle
by N. T. Wright

Excellent insights into Paul, man and apostle;
top-notch scholarship and spirituality

The Universal Christ
by Richard Rohr, OFM

A reminder and reawakening of the true,
everlasting nature of Jesus the Christ

Jesus and the Jewish Roots
of the Eucharist
by Brant James Pitre

masterful biblical scholarshipties the events of the Last Supperto the fulfillment of Passover

Poetry

 Rain and Embers
by Ali Nouri

Beautiful, heart-rending poemsin a cycle of love lost and love found