Autobiographie de Saint Jean Bosco

The firsthand account of Don Bosco's founding of the Oratory gives this autobiography an incredibly personal feel. I appreciate how it includes the specific details of his life that were written by the Pope's request. A beautiful and inspiring read for anyone interested in Catholic history.

Reading the memoirs of the Oratory feels like sitting beside Don Bosco himself as he recalls his early struggles—a deeply personal perspective. The narrative flows naturally from the Pope’s command to the saint’s own memories, giving it an intimate, historical weight.

The way it’s structured around the Pope’s request and the Oratorio’s memories gives you a real sense of Don Bosco’s daily world, not just a dry timeline. I’d have liked a bit more context on some of the people mentioned, but the writing itself feels very personal and sincere.