St. Benedict believed that each monk should spend a certain amount of time in reading, studying, and Lectio Divina (RB 48:4-5, 10, 13-16, and 22; see also RB38) This is a suggested reading list for those interested in St. Benedict and Benedictine Spirituality. It is not meant to be exhaustive or complete, nor should anyone feel they are required to read all the books on this list during their year or so as a Novice. All of the books are still in print and may be obtained both on-line and through local book sellers.
- Rule of St. Benedict, (RB 1980), Fr. Timothy Fry (the currently approved English translation) or
The Rule of Saint Benedict, Leonard J. Doyle (trans.) (The Rule is divided up over the year for daily reading). 
Man of Blessing: A Life of St. Benedict, Carmen Acevedo Butcher- Benedict of Nursia: His Message for Today, Anselm Grun
- Life and Miracles of St. Benedict, Pope St. Gregory the Great, Odo J. Zimmermann (trans.). This is hyperlinked to an on-line edition.
- Seeking God: The Way of St. Benedict (Second Edition), Esther de Waal, OblSB
- Cherish Christ Above All: The Bible in the Rule of Benedict, Fr. Demetrius Dumm OSB
- Finding Sanctuary: Monastic Steps for Everyday Life, Abbot Christopher Jamison, OSB
- Praying the Scriptures, Fr. Demetrius Dumm OSB
- Toward God: The Ancient Wisdom of Western Prayer, Fr. Michael Casey, OSCO
- Sacred Reading: The Ancient Art of Lectio Divina, Fr. Michael Casey, OSCO
- A Guide to Living in the Truth: Saint Benedict’s Teaching on Humility, Fr. Michael Casey, OSCO
- Fully Human, Fully Divine: An Interactive Christology, Fr. Michael Casey, OSCO
- How to Be a Monastic And Not Leave Your Day Job: An Invitation to Oblate Life, Br. Benet Tyedten, OSB
- A Retreat With Desert Mystics: Thirsting for the Reign of God, Linus Mundy
This is only a partial list and none should be read as “quick reads.” As you find books or readings that Novices might find useful please post them here.
Excellent list for all Oblates! Good Christmas giving list.