In the name of accentuating the positive and coming up with solutions instead of just complaining about problems, Catholic author ErinMcCole-Cupp has proposed that people who love to read good books share their lists of works of quality fiction that celebrate truth, beauty and goodness rather than tearing down the dignity of the human person.

Here are 50+ WAY Better Novels:

1. A Tree Grows In Brooklyn by Betty Smith. My all-time favorite book EVER.
2. Rachel’s Contrition by Michelle Buckman
3. Death Panels by Michelle Buckman
4. Angela’s Song by AnnMarie Creedon
5. Cracks in the Sidewalk by Bette Lee Crosby
6. The Twelfth Child by Bette Lee Crosby
7. Spare Change by Bette Lee Crosby
8. Jubilee’s Journey by Bette Lee Crosby
9. Previously Loved Treasures by Bette Lee Crosby
10. What Matters Most by Bette Lee Crosby
11. Passing Through Perfect by Bette Lee Crosby
12. Wishing for Wonderful by Bette Lee Crosby
13. Don’t You Forget About Me by Erin McCole-Cupp
14. Jane_E., Friendless Orphan by Erin McCole-Cupp
15. Nest by Esther Ehrlich. YA.
16. Greater Treasures:  A DragonEye Novella by Karina Fabian
17. Georgios by A.K. Frailey
18. The Scent of Lilacs by Ann Gabhart
19. In Name Only by Ellen Gable
20. A Subtle Grace by Ellen Gable
21. Emily’s Hope by Ellen Gable
22. Stealing Jenny by Ellen Gable
23. The Truth About the Sky by Katharine Grubb
24. Falling for Your Madness by Katharine Grubb
25. Genius Under Construction by Marilee Haynes. YA.
26. Past Suspicion by Therese Heckencamp
27. Casting the First Stone by Lisa Hess
28. A Hunger in the Heart by Kaye Park Hinckley
29. The Lion’s Heart by Dena Hunt
30. The Opposite of Hallelujah by Anna Jarzab. YA.
31. Julia’s Hope by Leisha Kelly
32. Cracks in the Ice by Deanna Klingel
33. A World Such as Heaven Intended by Amanda Purcell Lauer
34. The Paper Cowboy by Kristin Levine. YA.
35. Hijacked by Leslie Lynch
36. Unholy Bonds by Leslie Lynch
37. Opal’s Jubilee by Leslie Lynch
38. A Christmas Hope by Leslie Lynch
39. When Mike Kissed Emma by Christine Marciniak, YA.
40. Reality Ali by Christine Marciniak, YA.
41. Lights, Camera, Ali by Christine Marciniak, YA.
42. Honestly, Ali! by Christine Marciniak. YA.
43. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
44. Fatal Rhythm by R. B. O’Gorman
45. Finding Grace by Laura Pearl
46. Erin’s Ring by Laura Pearl. YA.
47. Hush Hush by Michelle Quigley
48. O Little Town by Don Reid
49. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
50. Best Wishes, Sister B by Fran Smith
51. Bird Face by Cynthia T. Toney. YA.
52. Digital Me by J.M. Varner. YA.
53. Mister Teacher Person by J.M. Varner. YA.
54. Breathing On Her Own by Rebecca Williams Waters

I’ve read all of these books and consider them all Really GOOD Fiction. Quality fiction. Well-written fiction. Fiction you wouldn’t be ashamed to leave around your living room, read in a public place, or have your teenager pick up and read.

I’ve met the authors of some of these books. I’ve been a beta reader for some of them. I know the care they take in crafting novels that are well-written, with interesting characters and fascinating plots–novels that show respect for both the character AND the reader. Some of these are YA, but I’ve got nothing against reading good YA stuff. This list does reflect my taste (almost no no time travel, sci-fi or dystopian stuff, although I’m sure there’s plenty of those novels out there that are of good quality.)

Not all of these authors are Catholic authors. Not all of them are indie authors. But many of them are. I have read ALL of these books and am happy to recommend them far and wide. Also, this list is limited to novels. Because it’s my list, so I’m setting the parameters.

Learn more about Erin’s Show Us Your List movement! Share your list of good-quality entertainment, tag the Big Cheeses of Catholic Media, and support your positive, not-scandalous, writers.

© 2015 Barb Szyszkiewicz. All rights reserved.
Image credit:  Erin McCole-Cupp. Used with permission.