My favorite reading - outside of Scripture - is the writings of the Doctors of the Church. Such a treasure!
The Early Church Fathers (those up to St Augustine) are so unique and important. Particularly, on the Eucharist, stands as great St Justin Martyr: when one reads his description of the celebration, he could be standing in any Catholic Church today and talking about how and why we do what we do. It has not changed that much in two millenia!
St Alphonsus Liguori is very ‘useful’ during Lent (The Passion and Death of Jesus Christ) as well as his meditations for adoration (Visits to the Blessed Sacrament). My companions all year long.
The Theresian writings (both St Teresa of Avila and St Therese of Lisieux) are outsanding. As is St Francis de Sales (paricularly The Introduction to the Devout Life and also the short Treatise on the Love of God).
No fiction library for me!
And indeed the Divine Office (Liturgy of the Hours) contains quite a bit of writing by Doctors/Saints in the Office of Readings.
I recommend - for portability and lower cost - the web (
divineoffice.org for USA- or
universalis.com for UK). There are two excellent apps for both androids and smartphones: Divine Office (small cost) and iBreviary (free). I have the 4 volume set, but use the apps instead (no need to “learn” how to pray the Hours - you have the Office for each day ready to use. We pray before daily/weekday Masses Morning Prayer - and half of the group uses the apps snd the rest use the books!
The Mass, Liturgy of the Hours and Doctors/Saints: priceless!!!
Pax et bonum.