Do you belong to a book club that delves into spiritual books? Or perhaps your church or other group is thinking about a book study group. I have written several books which would be good for your group; each one contains suggested study questions at the end of each chapter or at the end of the book. You might be interested in one of these books that I have summarized for you here. You can conduct book studies in person or virtually. And as a special bonus, you can include a “Meet the Author” session, through which I would join your group virtually to answer questions, and share thoughts with you. I can even discuss the process of getting a book published if you have any budding authors in your group. Email me at Linda@LindaLysakowski.com if you would like to start a book study on any of these titles:

The Face of Jesus, 2^nd Edition

This book reflects a journey of transformation through the eyes that saw Him. What did it mean to truly see Jesus? In this newly expanded edition of The Face of Jesus, I invite you into a compelling journey—one shaped by those who looked into His eyes and were never the same again. Of course, I was not present, but I share my ideas of what it must have been like for those who saw the Face of Jesus up close and personal from fishermen and Pharisees, to the woman at the well, to thieves on the cross, and even an angel and a demon, this book brings the historical Jesus to life through the deeply personal encounters of those who walked, wept, questioned, and believed in His presence. But Jesus is more than history—He is ever-present. Some see Him as a Middle Eastern teacher, others through the lens of their own culture—black, white, brown, or Indigenous. He is a man of many faces because He meets us in every language, every culture, every broken and beautiful moment of our lives.

Francis of Assisi, Universal Saint: Franciscan Spirituality in Various Faith Perspectives

Franciscan spirituality has a universal appeal not often understood by many people. Although different religions have different beliefs, practices, and core values, they share many universal core values. In this book, I will be addressing some major world religions and discussions with non-religious people about how their beliefs resonate with Franciscan spirituality. By introducing these common values to each other, my hope is to help bring about harmony and understanding among the diverse people of our world. This book explores how some of the world’s major religions and their followers, as well as non-religious people, are in harmony with the spirituality and theology of Francis of Assisi. While this book cannot, of course, cover all world religions and spiritualties, I will highlight a wide scope of the major religions. I believe that many world religions have a lot in common with Franciscan spirituality. While their beliefs and doctrines vary greatly, it is my premise that most religions, and those who profess to follow no religion, often identify with Franciscan spirituality, which appears to have a universal appeal. 

Crown of Thorns, 2^nd Edition

 It may seem presumptuous to put thoughts into the mind of Jesus; but these words in this book are the results of prayerful conversations with Jesus. These are the thoughts the author has on how Jesus may have felt during His final hours. This book invites you to open your heart, your mind, and your imagination to see what words and feelings He speaks to you. What People Are Saying About This Book: “Linda’s words, creatively placed on the lips of Jesus, will powerfully draw you in, and take you to those sacred events of 2000 years ago. But you will also find yourself in the present, where Jesus continues to suffer among us, and with us, today — Father Ron Zanoni, Pastor Christ the King Catholic Church, Vicar for Clergy, Archdiocese of Las Vegas; Linda has done an excellent piece of work in bridging the Lord’s crown of thorns with our personal and community crown of thorns. She offers many courses of action that can be taken to remove those thorns for those interested in transforming the evils of our world — Janet Ackerman, OP; Linda Lysakowski has masterfully put up a Godly yardstick to challenge us on how we, as a society, deal with the hard issues of our day, to show how far we still have to go, no matter where we fall on the spectrum of political beliefs. It is impossible to read Crown of Thorns and not think long and hard about our most entrenched political beliefs — Stephen J. Nill, JD; This book maps Jesus’ beliefs about love and forgiveness onto the issues of our time. Powerful and insightful — Jill Raiguel, MFT, Shamanic Practitioner

I Thirst

Most Christians are familiar with the seven last words of Christ, as he was dying on the cross. If you are not familiar with them, they are:

1. “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”

2. “This day you will be with Me in Paradise.”

3. “Woman, behold your son; son, behold your mother.”

4. “My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?”

5. “I thirst.”

6. “It is finished.”

7. “Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit.”

       This book focuses on the shortest of these phrases, but one that, more than likely, had a lasting impact on those who heard it as he spoke those two short words, “I Thirst.” Today these words can have a lasting impact on us, if we stop to ponder: What did Jesus thirst for, was it simply a cool drink of water, or more? Did He thirst for our love? For us to listen to all His words? For us to act on those words? Perhaps your own thirst will drive you to ask how we, as mere humans, can possibly quench Jesus’ thirst. If you are ready to try, I invite you to read the book and share it with others.

See This Christ, 2^nd Edition

See This Christ is a thoughtful, pensive read of a Christ who is present and approachable in our daily lives. Linda’s work makes for an easy sharing with a pondering and deliberate style of drawing forth images to aid in our reflection. –Sister Janet Ackerman, OP; Linda Lysakowski’s See This Christ is a wonderful sequel to her earlier book, The Face of Jesus. Through each of the reflections, I found myself seeing, and even more importantly encountering, Jesus in new and even surprising ways. I hope you will find it helpful as I did, not only for your refection, but for your prayer. –Fr. Ron Zanoni, Pastor Christ the King Catholic Church, Vicar for Clergy, Archdiocese of Las Vegas; I love that Linda starts See This Christ with a chapter called “The Laughing Christ” because it reminds me of so many times that Linda and I, having worked together for years and years, have cracked each other up even when talking about weighty spiritual things. Looking back, I have no doubt that Christ was right there with us, cracking up, too. And this is just one facet of Christ so masterfully revealed by my friend in this remarkable book. –Stephen C. Nill, JD, Composer, publisher, and nonprofit thought leader.

The Matriarch (a novel, does not contain study questions)

Leslie Flynn, a widow who moves from New England to rural Nevada after her husband dies, has a mystical experience through which she is given three mandates by God, setting into motion a series of events that plummet her into the worlds of the Native American casino industry, a hi-tech business magnate, and the Vatican hierarchy. Leslie’s experience begins when her duties as a travel writer take her to Bishop, California, to visit the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Trees, the oldest living things on Earth. She is drawn to the Matriarch, the largest of the Bristlecones alive today, although not the oldest.  As she approaches the tree, she is aware that she is on holy ground. She is drawn into the tree where she traces her entire matriarchal lineage from the United States, through Eastern Europe, to Russia, Alaska and eventually to Nevada where her ancestors are Paiute Indians.  She is drawn into the lives of several of her female ancestors who share many traits with Leslie. She witnesses the strength and power of her ancestors and develops a great appreciation for the gifts she has received from each of them. She eventually finds herself beyond human history, witnessing creation itself. In this moment, she is given three mandates from God—Honor and Protect My Creation; Celebrate the Diversity I Birthed from My Womb; and Return My Church to the Mystics and Prophets. 

Come Follow Me (written by Fr. Ron Zanoni, with Linda Lysakowski)

Come, Follow Me is a powerful collection of homilies and reflections centered on Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Drawing from years of ministry and vocation work, Fr. Ron shares spiritual insights on recognizing God’s call, discerning one’s vocation, and responding with faith in everyday life. The book weaves together scripture, pastoral experience, and practical wisdom, offering readers encouragement to hear and follow the Shepherd’s voice. With additional context and organization provided by Linda Lysakowski, this volume is designed to inspire priests, religious, and lay faithful alike to walk more closely with Christ.

To purchase these books, check out the links here:

The Matriarch

See This Christ, 2^nd Edition.

Come, Follow Me

I Thirst

Francis of Assisi, Universal Saint

Crown of Thorns, 2^nd Edition

The Face of Jesus, 2^nd Edition

To contact me about a Meet the Author Session, email me at Linda@LindaLysakowski.com