3 Books Catholic Singles Need to Read in the New Year

One of my favorite memories growing up as a little girl was reading with my mom each night before going to bed. It was these special times sitting in the blue recliner in the living room that instilled a deep love of reading and for books at a young age. Mom and I read everything together: Nancy Drew mysteries, the Laura Ingalls Wilder series, Babysitter Club books, and more. Since then, I have continued to make time for good books and consider them dear, old friends.

Over the last few years, I have taken to making intentional goals for an upcoming year as the new year rolls around. One of those goals has been to read 100 books in a year. I know that sounds a bit crazy, but it is a worthwhile goal to me I want to make time for. A few years ago, the closest I came was eight-six.

Maybe this year will be the year I’m able to read the full 100? We’ll see!

Read more: 8 Books On Joy Every Catholic Single Needs To Read

When it comes to being a Catholic single woman, there are lots of different book titles I have come across and read that have helped me grow healthier and stronger as a dater. Here are some of my favorites. Maybe you’ll find a title that you may want to check out as we start a new year!

“The Seven Principles of Making Marriage Work”

Written by the leading marriage therapist Dr. John Gottman, this book is something for every single person to read. As a woman who has been previously married, I realized I had a lot to learn about what a healthy marriage looked like, as well as, learn practical tools to implement in the relationship.

Dr. Gottman has done extensive studies on married couples over a period of years which has allowed him to observe and predict the habits that can make (and break!) a marriage. The idea of this book is Dr. Gottman presents seven principles that guide couples on the way to a healthy, harmonious relationship.

Practical and straightforward, yet profound, Dr. Gottman teaches partners new approaches for resolving conflict, creating new common ground, and achieving greater levels of intimacy.

This is a great book to read as a single, seriously dating, engaged, or married!

“Boundaries”

If there is one book I think everyone on the planet needs to read, it is this one! This book profoundly and positively impacted my relationships when I read it. 

Having clear boundaries is essential to a balanced lifestyle and healthy relationships. A boundary is a personal property line that determines those things for which we are responsible. Boundaries are where each of us begins and ends. Boundaries define who we are and who we are not. They can be implemented in all types of situations and relationships.

What I love about this book is that it has so much practical application. Each chapter offers tangible ways to apply the information in your life, as well as different scenarios to help break down the concepts further.

The authors, Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend, offer biblically-based answers to these and other tough questions and situations. They show readers how it is possible to set healthy boundaries with our parents, spouses, children, friends, and even ourselves.

If you have not read this book, be sure to change that this year.

“How to Avoid Falling in Love With a Jerk”

I mean the title alone catches your eye, right?

The easiest way to describe this book is a guide to help you break destructive dating patterns that keep you from finding the love you deserve. I know sometimes it has felt for me like I can’t seem to find the right fit in a partner or it seems guys approach me that I am not interested in.

Read more: 5 Signs That Your Online Dating Match May Have Relationship Potential

This book breaks open what are the right questions to ask to inspire meaningful, revealing conversations with your partner or someone you are dating, how to judge character based on things like compatibility, relationship skills, and previous relationships. There is also a significant amount of time spent on what it looks like to resolve your own emotional wounds and baggage so you’re ready for a healthy, life-giving relationship.

Overall, I found this book to be helpful and clarifying in fine tuning what I want (and do not want!) in a serious relationship.

What books are you reading or hoping to tackle in 2022? Are there any particular titles you want to read in relation to dating?

Ready to meet someone this year who shares your interests? Download the Catholic Singles dating app. We’ll match you with members who share your values and passions! Then, if you’re mutual favorites, you’ll get to message each other for FREE!