Contemplation and the Cross w/ Fr. Thomas Joseph White

Written in Latin between AD 397 and 400, 'Confessions' is a blend of autobiography, philosophy, theology, and critical exegesis of the Christian Bible. The first nine books are autobiographical, tracing Augustine's life from his birth to his conversion to Catholicism. He recounts his sinful youth, his involvement with Manicheism and Neoplatonism, and his eventual conversion in a Milanese garden. The last four books focus on philosophical and theological issues, including memory, time, eternity, and the interpretation of the Book of Genesis. The work is structured as a series of prayers to God, reflecting Augustine's journey of redemption and his understanding of God's grace and providence.

The Nicomachean Ethics is Aristotle's most renowned work on ethics, focusing on the science of the good for human life. The text is divided into ten books and discusses the concept of eudaimonia, often translated as 'happiness' or 'flourishing,' which is achieved through living a virtuous life. Aristotle argues that eudaimonia is an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue, emphasizing the importance of reason, moral virtues, and the pursuit of excellence. The work also explores the division of the soul, the role of rationality in human life, and the ultimate goal of human activity, which is to achieve happiness through virtuous actions and a complete life.

The Habit of Being is a comprehensive collection of letters written by Flannery O'Connor, spanning from her first query letter to her agent in 1948 to her last note in 1964. These letters provide a vivid portrait of O'Connor's personality, her interactions with prominent literary figures, and her views on writing, Catholicism, and life. The collection includes her correspondence with friends, critics, and other writers, such as Maryat Lee and Elizabeth Bishop, and offers a unique glimpse into her creative process, particularly her work on her second novel, The Violent Bear It Away. The letters also reveal her humor, her conservative and anti-integrationist views, and her resilience in the face of her debilitating illness.