The Theology of the Body According to John Paul II: Human Love in the Divine Plan (Parish Resources) by John Paul, Pauline Books & Media

General audience addresses of 129 noontime talks from September 5, 1979 to November 28, 1984. Focusing on the human person in light of the mystery of Christ, Pope John Paul II sets forth a theology of the body which affirms human dignity and connects human fulfillment to the imitation of Christ's complete gift of self. The Pope applies this positive approach to total self-giving to married couples, those who are single and to those living a celibate life. A special feature--an appendix including three related Church documents: Of Human Life, On the Dignity and Vocation of Women, and The Gospel of Life.

Theology of the Body Explained: A Commentary on John Paul Ii's "Gospel of the Body by Christopher West (see above)

The achievements of John Paul II in recent years cannot be overstated. Working from a solid body of Catholic social teaching, the Catholic Church has become the world's single greatest voice for democracy and human rights. Protestants, too, have found in Pope John Paul II a brave and steadfast Christian Pastor. Few people, however, know the Pope's background or the philosophy behind his teachings.
Written by Rocco Buttiglione, one of the Pope's closest friends and counselors, this volume is the standard work for all who want to understand the philosophical mind of Karol Wojtyla, the man who became Pope John Paul II. Based on an accurate reading of all of Wojtyla's works and all relevant secondary literature, this English edition of Buttiglione's work--first published in Italy in 1982--provides a complete introduction to the Pope's philosophy and his own original contribution to the philosophy of freedom.

"Buttiglione's insight into the formative stages of the Pope's mature thought offers a priceless gate of entry into the Pope's way of thinking . . . . A work of considerable ecumenical importance, this book provides the best available introduction to Pope John Paul II's thought in any language." Michael Novak, from the foreward

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Gift and Mystery : On the Fiftieth Anniversary of My Priestly Ordination

Synopsis
Pope John Paul II relates the origin and course of his call to the priesthood on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of his ordination.The book constitutes a kind of spiritual autobiography, beginning with
boyhood in Poland to elevation to the office of Pope. In a personal spiritual testimony, Pope John Paul II decribes his journey to the priesthood, discussing his childhood, education, the years of Nazi occupation that led him to dedicate his life to God, and his ministry within the Catholic Church.