New Catholic Business Books for the Rest of Us – Review & Giveaway
By - Posted on May 25, 2012
Around 18 months ago, my husband asked me what Catholic business books there were.
I found seven to recommend but I felt like there was something missing.
The two books I’m sharing with you today fill that gap I felt before, but they do more than that: they apply to those of us who maybe don’t fit into the category of “business book buyers.”
In the wonderful tradition of our Catholic faith, these authors don’t limit themselves to company executives, but make their writing applicable even to me, a mom who spends a lot of her day at home and juggles about 1000 things, including paying work done from my home office, laundry, paying the bills, and feeding my family.
The Catholic Briefcase: Tools for Integrating Faith and Work
Randy Hain doesn’t mess around in this book. It reads like the great business books I’ve read, and it offers suggestions that, though I’m arguably not as much in the business world as I am in the home world, applied to me.
For example, Randy suggests using an examen throughout the day. Inspired by this suggestion, I set alarms on my phone and retyped what he provides in the appendix of his book. This practice has helped me enormously in the time I’ve been implementing it.
My favorite part of this book, though, is Randy’s attitude about the integration of faith and work. This is no surprise from the co-founder of the Integrated Catholic Life e-zine. Faith is not EVER separate from who we are, whether we are at work in an office, in our home, or out at the grocery store. This book is a handy guide, a helpful examination of priorities, and a barrel of possibilities. Randy’s deep faith is evident and his joy in the inevitable overlap of his business world and his faith are apparent.
Faith at Work: Finding Purpose Beyond the Paycheck
This book is high on practical advice, even as it doesn’t compromise the high ideals. After each chapter, there are action steps that you can read and ignore or attempt. There are questions for reflection that are low on the eye-rolling touchy-feely stuff and high on the “examine yourself and make a tiny step RIGHT NOW” element.
I love the fact that Lowry acknowledges the work of everyone–and not just in the introduction. The fact is, we all work. Even if you’re blessed to have your work look a lot like play to the rest of the world (guilty), it’s still work.
Through insightful and humorous anecdotes from his years of work and home life, Lowry weaves a few lessons that always seem to hit me close to home. In fact, having a spirit of humility, gratitude, and patience seems about as possible to me most days as climbing the big oak tree in the back yard.
Faith at Work reminded me that faith doesn’t have to be shoved down anyone’s throat, that it doesn’t have to be un-fun, and that it doesn’t have to be old news. The beauty of our faith is part and parcel of everything we do, who we are, how we live. Lowry gives us all a resource for being more intentional with our efforts.
We have two copies of each book to give away!
Thanks to the generosity of Liguori Publications and Our Sunday Visitor, we are able to offer a giveaway. If you’re interested, leave your name in the comments to this post by Friday, June 1, Midnight PST.
*One entry per person, please.
Copyright 2012 Sarah Reinhard
image source: MorgueFile
Looks like some great books!
Sarah, not entering to win, but must just say how much I truly LOVE both of these books. And as managers of our homes, there is so much relevance in these books for us. Thanks for highlighting them! We’ll have an interview with Kevin Lowry running on the site soon!
Since I am interested in reading anything Catholic, I’d like to be entered to win
I’ve never read either one of these even though I have heard of the second one
Entering this contest. My husband would love to read these books, and they seem very motivational for people who work, but don’t love their jobs, but do it for the good of their family.
Would love to be entered !! They both look great.
Both books look great! Hoping I win!
Here just to tell you I appreciate you promoting these books! We need more ppl integrating life/work. Whatever the outcome of the contest itself, I’ll be getting these two ASAP.
I already have read Lowry’s book – which was AWESOME!
The second title would be quite interesting!
Sounds like a must-read book for my husband who struggles with seeing the Godly purpose and presence at his workplace.
Been wanting a book like this for my husband. Thanks for posting, Sarah!
Wonderful giveaway. Never really thought about something “missing” in other business books. Would be interested to read these.
would love either one of these
I would love to win either of these books. They both look great! Thanks for the chance.
These sound like GREAT books!! I would love to read them to help me with my daily work!
Both are on my amazon wish list. Really excited about these books.
Both seem like great books…would love to win one and read it for my own good…and review it on my blog.
I’ve thought about getting the Catholic briefcase before. Very cool giveaway
Being self- employed w/ 2 businesses and home schooling these two books sound great to share with my husband/boss:)
Both books look great!
I read the “Catholic Briefcase” a few months ago, I agree with you, it is a great book. I have not read “Faith at Work” and would like to be entered in the drawing for a free copy.
I just finished reading ‘Faith at Work’ and it was a great read. After almost 3 years of unemployment which were financially difficult but spiritually so fulfilling-being blessed with full time work, I have to find how to weave the Lord and prayer thoughout my workday, everyday. Books like these really help with tips to keep God first in the smallest of things and especially in the most difficult times at work. I’d love to win the Catholic Briefcase!
God Bless you!
These books are definetly what I am needing right now…trying to integrate faith and work together. Thanks for recommending.
I love books, I hope I win!
Look like great books! Thanks for the give away!
Both sound like excellent reads. Entering, let’s see what happens.
nice
I think my husband and I will have a hard time taking turns wanting to read these! They look great.
would like either of these books.
Sounds great…please enter me!
This would be a perfect Fathers day gift my husband!
Hi Sarah,
Both of these books are high on my wish list. Please enter my name to win. I would like to use them as a resource in my Men’s Fellowship group at my parish.
God bless you,
Brian