Confessions
Recommended. Age: 15+. A Catholic review of this book for parents.
Our review
The greatest conversion story outside Scripture. Augustine hides nothing: theft for the thrill of it, lust, pride, false religion. Then he shows grace overtaking him through a mother's prayers and a bishop's preaching. Our hearts are restless until they rest in God. The one reservation is difficulty; the last four books are dense philosophy.
For parents
Independent reading from 15 or 16; Kolbe Academy assigns it in grade 10. Read Books 1 to 9 first and aloud in parts from 14. Ask why Augustine stole pears he did not want. Ask what Monica's years of prayer teach about praying for someone you love.