If you did not purchase a new Catholic study Bible in Year A or B, you will want to do so this year to help you work through the poetic and symbolic language of the prophets. Recommendations for study Bibles and information on translations can be found on the Year A Book List. [Link to Year A book list will become active by June 1, 2020]. 

Please note that many of these books are also available in electronic form.

As we return to reading the Old Testament, we need to remember the Old Testament’s way of thinking about God.  This book engages that perspective with chapters that review Jewish history, provide insights into the character of God, and explore our covenantal relationship with Him.   While only some chapters directly reference the prophets, this book will prepare us to delve into deeper lessons on God the Father as presented by the prophets.  Wright is not Catholic, but he is a highly respected Scripture scholar, and this work easily combines his academic knowledge with a spiritual approach that we can embrace in our own lives. 
ISBN 9780830825929

A favorite introductory text for Catholic students of the prophets!  Leclerc follows the Catholic method of studying the Old Testament: First from the Jewish context of the immediate audience, and second, from its later importance for Christianity, including in the Catholic Lectionary.  Leclerc reminds of us key people and events studied in Year A, and he organizes his interpretative material around key themes.  This book is an excellent companion to the lectures and discussion questions that together provide a well-rounded understanding of each prophet.  ISBN 9780809153619

Our reading assignments in the prophets are often 15 chapters per week.  Keep your own schedule and interests in mind as you discern whether to purchase optional books.

This 175-page book works through Isaiah, covering 2-3 of Isaiah’s chapters in each of the book’s chapters.  Wiersbe does not invest much space on the Jewish context, but he does provide overviews of key themes and outlines for the text.  Each of his chapters ends with a series of questions for further reflection.  Although the author is Protestant, we like this work because Wiersbe bring Isaiah to life, especially in how it relates to us today. (Note: We read Isaiah over the course of five weeks.)  ISBN 9781434766151

Jeremiah prompts us to reflect on how God works, and each chapter of this book focuses on one theme found in the prophet.  Peterson looks at what it meant for Jeremiah and his times as well as what it means for us today in very practical ways.  His writing style is meditative rather than following a clear outline, which can be challenging to some readers.  Most chapters are about twelve pages long, and the whole book about 230 pages.  (Note: We read Jeremiah over the course of three weeks.)  ISBN 9780830837069, commemorative edition

We sell the commemorative edition published in 2019, but the paperback first edition is available from used booksellers and will also work.

Another book in Wiersbe’s popular “Be” series, this companion to the Isaiah book above is very similar in how Wiersbe organizes the prophecies and visions of Ezekiel into manageable chunks of reading.  He helps us see the overall message of God through the images and symbolism presented via the prophet.  The easy reading style of Wiersbe prompts us to recommend this book even though we read Ezekiel in just three weeks.  The book is 250 pages long. ISBN 9781434700506

These books provide introductory materials to more than just the prophetic books.  You may find these useful this year and next in your studies. 

Professors Pitre and Bergsma are known for their easy-to-read books on the Bible. Now they team up to present this academic introduction to the Old Testament. This is not a verse-by-verse commentary, but it does serve as an excellent reference guide. For each book of the Old Testament, the authors provide a synopsis of the content, an explanation of theological themes, a look at historical issues addressed in recent Scripture scholarship, and how the book is used in the Lectionary.  This is a great resource for people who have the time and interest in more in-depth reading, and it will help you in Year D as well. ISBN 9781586177225

Beloved Catholic apologist, philosopher, and theologian Dr. Kreeft helps us face the Bible without fear in this easy-to-read guide. In approximately six pages for each book, you will get highlights of plots, theology, and purpose. If you seek a reference book to help you for the next two years that will not require a lot of time or money, this is your book! ISBN 9781586170455