Jim Forest, who died on Jan. 13, was a lifelong peace activist and the author of numerous books, including biographies of Dorothy Day, Thomas Merton and Daniel Berrigan, S.J.

The beatification of Rutilio Grande, S.J., this weekend in San Salvador reminds us of the power of Christian witness and courage in the face of oppression.

John LaFarge, S.J., left an indelible mark on America—particularly in his unflagging devotion to the cause of racial justice for African Americans.

Joan Didion was capable both of conjuring up the horrors of modern life and of offering solace that there was still a point to it all.

John Updike, long one of the nation's finest novelists and short story writers, also wrote extensively about the Christian imagination (and once on his misgivings about Santa Claus).

Over the years, the bookworms at America Media have compiled list upon list of books that would make good Christmas gifts. Here is a sample.