145: Books You Must Read Before You Die—Joseph Pearce

If Joseph Pearce had a superhero alter ego, it would be…Bookman! I know of very few other scholars more qualified to recommend the great books we all ought to read before we go to The Great Printer. The British born writer, editor, and professor of literature has spent his life mining the gold from the raw ore of books out there. How great to have a guide who can tell gold apart from fool’s gold.

This exchange was a lot of fun, and I know you’ll learn as much as I did.

In this episode you will learn

The true meaning of a “classic” book
Pearce’s favorites to read and reread
How author biographies and their novels amplify each other
Why reading is so essential as a life skill
Tips on reading lists, priorities, and understanding genres
The difference between taking time and wasting time
How books can prompt or strengthen conversion to Christ

Resources mentioned in this episode

The Unmasking of Oscar Wilde by Joseph Pearce
Literature: What Every Catholic Should Know by Joseph Pearce
Unafraid of Virginia Woolf: The Friends and Enemies of Roy Campbell by Joseph Pearce
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Green Dolphin Street by Elizabeth Goudge
Bleak House by Charles Dickens
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Aquinas by Frederick C. Copleston
The Spirit of Catholicism by Karl Adam
Evidence For Our Faith by Joseph Cavanaugh
Apologetics and Catholic Doctrine by Archbishop Michael Sheehan
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
Complete Poetical Works of Francis Thompson
The Catholic Writer Today: And Other Essays by Dana Gioia
The Path to Rome by Hilaire Belloc
The Pilgrim’s Regress by C.S. Lewis
Collected Letters, Vol. 3: Narnia, Cambridge and Joy, 1950-1963 ed by Walter Hooper

Our Sponsors

MyPillow.com: MyPillow’s patented interlocking fill adjusts to your individual sleep needs regardless of sleeping position. Allowing your pillow to hold that position all night, helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Use code “Patrick” at checkout and save more. 10 year warranty/guaranteed not to go flat. 60 day money back guarantee. Or call: 800-794-9652 and mention coupon Patrick to get a deal.
Covenant Eyes: Is an accountability software designed to help you and those you live life free from pornography. Use code Patrick and try it out for Free for 30 days. Click here.