How to Read Your Way to Heaven

by Vicki Burbach

Many of us commit to some form of spiritual reading, but we find that our book choices are sporadic and often based on a whim rather than following a purposeful plan. Designed for individual or group settings, How to Read Your Way to Heaven will guide your quest to delve deeper into a relationship with Christ by meditating on the written word while organizing your reading around the four pillars of the Catholic Faith the Creed, the sacraments, morality, and prayer. How to Read Your Way to Heaven is not merely another book to read. It is designed to be an invaluable tool for guiding and organizing your reading to help you on your journey to become a saint. And best of all, this fully integrated do-it-yourself spiritual reading program that can be easily followed by the busiest of Catholics with the tightest of schedules. By following this plan, you'll meditate daily on Sacred Scripture and read the entirety of the Catechism over the course of the program. You'll be introduced to a treasure-trove of the greatest Catholic books ever written, and you'll learn prayerful reading methods such as lectio divina as well as time-tested advice on where and when to read. Here you'll also find a list of the favorite books by leading Catholics of our day, including Bishop James Conley, Fr. Mike Schmitz, Fr. C.J. McCloskey, Jennifer Fulwiler, Peter Kreeft, Patrick Coffin, Karl Keating, Lisa Hendey, Fr. Timothy Gallagher, Mike Aquilina, and so many more. Spiritual reading arms us for battle. We are called to be saints, and yet daily we are bombarded by a culture that drives our minds and hearts away from the supernatural life. Because what we choose to read makes a significant difference in our spiritual growth and understanding, we present this structured reading guide to help you read with a purpose.

Genres: Catholic, Nonfiction, Faith, Religion, Spirituality, Prayer, Christian Living

304 pages, Paperback

Published January 26, 2017

Reviews

[Angela Boord · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book more than I did, and I think that if I was a recent Catholic convert, someone going through RCIA, or anyone seriously interested in learning about what Catholics believe, I would rate this book more highly. The bulk of the book is a daily 5 year schedule for reading through the Bible, the Catechism, and a truly impressive array of Catholic literature. But I missed having brief descriptions of the books included (there are only lists of titles), and there doesn't seem to be an easy way to substitute books into her plan if you have already read some of them. I really found The Catholic Lifetime Reading Plan (though out of print and without checklists) more valuable, because of its helpful descriptions of each book included.

ETA: I don't mean to sound as if I have already read all the books because I'm not a recent convert; it just seemed as if that's the audience she had in mind when she was writing the book.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very solid book. It was a pleasure to read. I'm really impressed with the format. I'm really excited about starting the five year reading plan.

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a confirmed bibliophile, Last year I read 287 books and in less than 90 days this year I have read 97 books. But I was attracted to this book. I was eagerly awaiting its release. The description of this book is:

"Many of us commit to some form of spiritual reading, but we find that our book choices are sporadic and often based on a whim rather than following a purposeful plan. Designed for individual or group settings, How to Read Your Way to Heaven will guide your quest to delve deeper into a relationship with Christ by meditating on the written word while organizing your reading around the four pillars of the Catholic Faith the Creed, the sacraments, morality, and prayer.

How to Read Your Way to Heaven is not merely another book to read. It is designed to be an invaluable tool for guiding and organizing your reading to help you on your journey to become a saint. And best of all, this fully integrated do-it-yourself spiritual reading program that can be easily followed by the busiest of Catholics with the tightest of schedules."

The book is split into 5 sections, three sections to the main text and then the other sections. The three sections are: A Proper Approach to Spiritual Reading, How the Program Works, and Pillars of Joy: A Complete Spiritual Reading Program. There are also the 5 years of the reading plan. And also two other reading lists. I have already read about half of Fr. John McCloskey 'A Catholic Lifetime Reading Plan' but I have only read about a tenth of the recommended reading list from the contributors. The main body of the text is only about 30% of the book. This book has so much great content. I already have over 50 books on my Catholic Reading List this year but plan on tackling year one of this program next year.

Vicki writes from her own experience, and draws from her passion for books and spiritual development. This book is a wonderful tool. I really believe that any Catholic would benefit from reading this book, and working through the One, Three or Five year reading programs. I also think that anyone open to the Catholic faith would benefit greatly from reading this book and working through one of the reading plans.

This was an incredible read that I will be recommending to friends and family for years to come.

Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

The lists alone are worth the purchase price.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the approach

It was very helpful to read the breakdown of how to do spiritual reading and also what to read. I’m excited to look at this list and create my own for the year to use alongside The Bible in a Year Podcast.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vicki Burbach has written a guide for a one, three or five year plan for spiritual reading. This book is called "How to Read Your Way to Heaven." Her plan and book lists comprises almost half the book. Each day's reading contains a chapter from Sacred Scripture, a paragraph or two of the Catholic Catechism and a chapter of a spiritual book. Vicki is the creator of an on- line spiritual book club for catholicspiritual direction.com. Thus she works with Dan Burke of EWTN and the National Catholic Register. This book is an amazing piece of work and will make any one who uses its plan a serious reader of Catholic books.
The books she recommends are based on a number of well know authors and includes Father C. John McCloskey's "A Catholic Lifetime Reading Plan." This is an excellent book for anyone who is seriously wanting a guide to deepen their love of Our Lord and their knowledge and love of the Roman Catholic Faith. Use Vicki's spiritual reading guide for 30 days or for Lent and you will grow in love with your Catholic faith.

[Lucie Cavaroc · Rating 5 out of 5]

All that needs to be said about this book is simply that it is life-changing. I am so grateful to the author for writing it. If you are looking for truth, guidance and spiritual direction, this is it!

[Miriam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Update: I'm downgrading my review. I don't like the books I have read so far for year 1. I'm going to read one other book from the year 1 list and if that isn't inspiring, I'm going out on my own. I do not need a checklist to keep to a program and have plenty of other catholic books at home.



The first half of the book consists of a nice introduction and explanation of the reading program, the second half contains a 5-year plan. I'm going to use this plan in the new year, but I'm marking it as 'read', otherwise it's going to clutter up my 'currently reading' for the next (5) year(s).

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've tried and failed at so many attempts to begin a spiritual reading plan. This seems doable. I am going to give it another shot.

[antony · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish this book had been around years ago. The author brings together a number of complimentary methods that significantly improve the depth and impact of reading spiritual subject matter.

Speaking from personal experience and using the words of spiritual leaders from her tradition the author makes a clear and solid case for her thesis that it’s not just reading, and it’s not just what you read (although that plays a serious part) but it is HOW you read that makes the biggest difference.

In this book you will learn the difference between reading for entertainment and reading for your spiritual benefit. You will find out why all those books you read seemed to make little or negligible impact on your day to day life. You will learn why building up resources of spiritual information doesn’t always translate into change or spiritual development.

Whilst reading this book you will realise what spiritual reading is and hoe it can improve you life.

The author is a Christian and a staunch Catholic and has a manner that may cause you to feel excluded and feel that this book does not apply to you. Ignore that, this book will benefit anyone from an religious or spiritual tradition. If you read spiritual subject matters you will gain serious insight from this book into how to get the most out of your reading time. You will realise that all this time you were not really reading but skimming.

Finally, another benefit from this book is the impressive list of spiritually transforming books the author provides at the end. Fabulous.

I really enjoyed this book, it is well written and very engaging. I’ll be reading it again. Full marks, well deserved.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yep, read it all in one day. That's because half of it is the reading schedule to follow for up to 5 years. Vicki Burbach and I have such similar experiences with our faith. I don't know how many "Yep"s I wrote in the margins. A lot. We're both converts to Catholicism and both entered with both feet first, ready to do all that the faith offers. We read voraciously - and randomly. We both found it overwhelming mentally and not satisfying spiritually.

But Vicki is much wiser than I and she put together a plan and it looks to be a great plan. Each day one would read a portion of Scripture, a small bit of the Catechism, and some pages of spiritual reading from great books. The plan follows the four pillars of the Catechism: the tenets of the faith, the liturgy and sacraments, life in Christ, and prayer. And so for a whole year, you read books on prayer, for example, and they illuminate each other and form a more complete picture and one would gain a much deeper understanding of prayer this way instead of my former way of reading a book on prayer and then one on current events and then an autobiography and then, etc.

I'm going to start in Year 5, the year on Prayer, because that's what I most want to grow in right now. The first 2 books are ordered and I'm ready to get started.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how the author broke down her reading plan in sections, especially if you don't want to dive into the 5 year plan just yet. Unfortunately, her plan takes up half the book, so I would recommend it be called a planner. She does give some little advice on how to set up your own study plan, with suggestions of books to read. I just wish she would have gone into more detail of why she picked them (ex: Lord of the Rings, just because it was written by a Catholic?).

This is also more of a text study track than just a summer reading list. Kinda reminds me of my lit courses in that we read books (sometimes multiple at the same time) in sections. So it's definitely more intense than your average book club list, which I don't mind, but some can be turned off from that if that's not made clear upfront. As a runner, I would have to disagree with her statement that you're not doing a marathon because her plans take discipline and a steady pace. It's definitely not a sprint that's for sure.

[Suzette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book. I plan to use the 5 year reading plan for my spiritual reading. I learned about syntopic reading and I am excited to try it. I like the idea of reading scripture, CCC and spiritual reading daily that all dove-tail together. This book recommends a reading plan and style that will lead to deeper friendship with Christ. My only complaint is the author doesn't make substitue suggestions if you have already read one of the books in the reading plan.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

After completing the instructional part of this book, I am so excited to dive into the reading program! The author gives practical advice for reading scripture, the catechism and spiritual books, tying in spiritual, psychological, and intellectual advice and explaining why spiritual reading is beneficial.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains an interesting reading plan that centers on Scripture and the Catechism. I discovered it while looking for retirement reading that feeds the faith.The other books from the reading list are a good selection of simple and challenging reads. I am still in the midst of year one, and have not lost interest.

[Jeannette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Burbach outlines a plan to organize and develop one's spiritual reading. She gives good explanation as to why it's important and how it can help your faith life. The plan also comes with a daily plan, as well as plenty of recommendations of good texts. I am strongly considering giving the plan a try, and I know I'll come back to this text for reference in the future.

[Dennis Geoffroy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning part of the book providing justification for and reasoning to participate in spiritual reading is really interesting.

The list is also helpful.

I wish it provided a brief description of each book in the authors own words.

[Kirsten Kinnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd give this five stars based on the reading plan and book lists, which are excellent, and are reason enough to buy the book. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about the discursive part of the book. It has some good points, but also pushed some of my evangelical buttons with piling up disciplines outside of the promised 15-30 minutes of reading a day. I'm also not a fan of mixing the personal story with the instructive, but that's a stylistic preference. But, again, the plan and the book lists are totally worth the price of admission.

If you're already convinced that you'd like a plan to guide your spiritual reading, get this and use the plan, feeling free to dip in and out of the explanatory prose at will.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good practical tips, will see how the program turns out.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very encouraging and helpful. I have "finished" reading it, but I will be spending the next 5 years or so doing the reading plan. Excited to get started on that part!

[Noni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good. It inspired me to take the challenge to read the Bible along with other spiritual books in 5 years.

[Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading is something I love to do, even if it feels like I have enough time for it anymore. I would go so far as to say that reading is the reason I am Catholic. A lot of people convert for different reasons, which I won't bother to dissect here. But I credit my conversion with reading and discovering the truth and beauty of the Catholic Church. Therefore, when I received the book How to Read Your Way to Heaven, I thought that this book was directed at people like me.

The book begins with an introduction by the author, Vicki Burbach, on the importance that books played in her spiritual life/journey. There are then five short chapters that provide the benefits of spiritual reading, such as arming us for battle, keeping us in check, and making us saints. The second part of the book gives us details on how a reading program works with chapters dedicated to Scripture, the Catechism, and writings of the saints throughout the ages. The final part of the book is the heart of the book and gives plans for spiritual reading with lengths of 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years, depending on how advanced you are in past reading and what you think is manageable for your schedule. After summarizing and explaining each plan, there is a checklist which has the readings listed for every day.

How to Read Your Way to Heaven is a very important book for all Christians, but especially Catholics. In it, you not only will learn why it is important to have spiritual reading in your life, but how to have spiritual reading in your life as well. With Lent just underway, I recommend picking up a copy and reading through this book during the season. Afterwards, you should have a clearer understanding and can perhaps follow her yearly plans starting in Easter.

This book was provided to me for free by Sophia Institute Press in exchange for an honest review.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm about a month into the plan. The plan has kept me going when I might have otherwise quit. The plan for reading the Catechism is way to slow. I don't know how anyone can make sense of the text by reading one paragraph per day. I have switched to reading a section every day (usually 3-5 paragraphs). This helps me keep the continuity of ideas. Since I'll finish much earlier, I plan to read Church documents in place of the Catechism when I've finished the Catechism.

[Phoenix Richter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Catholic good

This is a good method to follow but keep in mind...it is a Catholic writer and if you do not have understanding or acceptance of catholic teachings then you may have some issues.