Anonymous Carthusian monk:  The Wound of Love — A Carthusian Miscellany
1994, Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd.
 “The many concerns of Carthusian life are evident here: solitude, fraternal love, prayer, monastic vows, work and lirturgy, and each is tackled with great honesty, wit and wisdom.”  (Except from online review on Google)
Recommended by Travis Salisbury,  Benedictine Center, St. Paul, MN

Joan Chittister, OSB:  Radical Spirit: 12 Ways to Live a Free and Authentic Life
Arguably, the most important, challenging, and transformative chapter of The Rule of St. Benedict is Chapter 7: Humility. On the surface, Benedict’s 6^th century context and vocabulary can be off-putting. Sr. Joan Chittister shares her experience of wrestling with and accepting Benedict’s wisdom of humility. These reflections have expanded my understanding of the freedom found in humility.
Recommended by Tim Oberholzer, Center, for Benedictine Life, Cottonwood, Idaho

Charles Cummings, OCSO:  Monastic Practices
1986, Cistercian Publications
An older classic on monastic practices.  While the author has the lived experience and scholarship to make this deep reading, the discrete focus of the chapters makes this a quick dive into a variety of topics, so it doesn’t get too heavy. 
Recommended by S. Mary Jo Polak OSB, Benedictine Peace Center, Yankton, SD

Lisa Colón DeLay:  The Wild Land Within:  Cultivating Wholeness through Spiritual Practice
2021, Broadleaf Books, ISBN 978-1506465081
Begins with a wonderful metaphor of exploring the landscape of our inner spirit: climate, weather, etc. Spiritual practices such as Centering Prayer, Welcoming Prayer and others are described. The author begins with a perspective on church history regarding inclusivity of all (race, sex, culture).
Recommended by S. Edith Bogue OSB, Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center, Cullman, AL

Guigo the Carthusian: The Ladder of Monks by Guigo the Carthusian
Lectio divina (divine reading) was my initial connection with Benedictine life and practice. Guigo’s Ladder of Monks is the original, timeless introduction into this encounter with God through Scripture (or any meaningful text) by four simple steps of reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation. Recommended by Tim Oberholzer, Center, for Benedictine Life, Cottonwood, Idaho

Ed Hays: Letters to Exodus Christians
2008, Forest of Peace
This book is for those who feel alienated from the church.  Ed Hays doesn’t scold them; he encourages people to keep searching, and remembering that God was with the Israelites in their exodus.
Recommended by S. Eunice Antony OSB,  Spirituality Center, St. Joseph, MN

Henri Nouwen:  Reaching Out: The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life
I have had a copy of Reaching Out longer than I have had a copy of the Rule of St. Benedict. Are you lonely? Does your life feel full of conflict? Is God distant or silent? While not explicitly Benedictine, Henri Nouwen provides a gentle invitation to spiritual growth through movements from negative to positive relationships with oneself, with others, and with God.
Recommended by Tim Oberholzer, Center, for Benedictine Life, Cottonwood, Idaho

S. Carmel Posa, SGS:  The “Lost” Dialogue of Gregory the Great
2024, Liturgical Press
Using what reviewers call a “disciplined imagination” and the ancient hagiographical method, S. Carmel creates an engaging and credible account of Scholastica’s life.  All those interested in Benedictinism are invited to look again at the long overlooked voices of Benedictine women. 
Recommended by S. Eunice Antony OSB,  Spirituality Center, St. Joseph, MN

Judith Sutera, OSB: St. Benedict’s Rule: An Inclusive Translation and Daily Commentary
If you are interested in Benedictine life and spirituality, Sr. Judith offers you an updated, inclusive translation of The Rule of St. Benedict with accompanying commentary that demonstrates the wisdom and usefulness of The Rule for us today. I use it as a supplement to my well-worn copy of RB1980.
Recommended by Tim Oberholzer, Center, for Benedictine Life, Cottonwood, Idaho

Judy Valente: Atchison Blue
2013, Sorin Books
Award winning author Judith Valente gives a very human description of her experiences with a Benedictine monastery of women (Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, KS) that lead her to a greater appreciation of silence, community, prayer and hospitality.  An accurate portrayal of contemporary monastic life.
Recommended by S. Carol Ann Petersen OSB, Sophia Center, Atchison, KS

Eric Varden: Entering the Twofold Mystery
2022, Bloomsbury Publishing
Insightful perspectives into the Benedictine vows and feasts of the liturgical year by a Cistercian abbot-become-bishop in Norway.  Varden brings a deep appreciation of the classics and the arts to his reflections.
Recommended by S. Jeanne Ranek, Benedictine Peace Center, Yankton, SD