Hilaire Belloc is widely known for his famous quote: “Wherever the Catholic sun doth shine, there’s always laughter and good red wine.” The orator, political activist, essayist and poet wrote more than 150 books. His versatility as a writer and lively sense of humor make him a pleasure to read. “The Path to Rome” is a travelog about walking from France to Rome to reaffirm his faith that blends anecdotes, philosophy and reflection with humor. His children’s verses, including “The Bad Child’s Book of Beasts and Cautionary Tales” may remind you of Roald Dahl or the Lemony Snicket stories.
J.R.R. Tolkien is often called the father of modern fantasy, but his worldview was rooted in his Catholic faith and he regarded the story of salvation as the greatest tale ever told. His hobby of inventing languages and accompanying myths gradually led to the epic adventures of “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings.” To dive into a shorter work by Tolkien, read his essay “On Fairy Stories,” which gives insights into his philosophy on fantasy. “Leaf by Niggle” is a short allegory about life and redemption that explores the bond between an artist and God.