Happy Reading!
Sharon Brous, The Amen Effect
In our era of increased loneliness and isolation and social conflict, Brous offers inspiration for healing broken hearts and guiding purpose in our community / world. As a leading American rabbi, she centers her reflection in the ancient Jewish practice of saying, “Amen.” We show up for and with one another in joy or struggle, offering sacred presence that embodies our deepest human yearnings for connection. Rooted in a pilgrimage ritual when people arrived in ancient Jerusalem, in this sense, saying “Amen” to one another means “I see you. You are not alone.”
Timothy Carney, Alienated America
Carney researched and reflects on community decline across America. Beyond economics and bias of many kinds, he contends that the hyper-polarization in our national discourse really arises from the fraying social fabric and fragmentation of local community. The critical determiner is when people look around and see that the “American Dream” is no longer true and possible for citizens like them. They feel alienated, left behind … and so disengage … and so the vicious cycle continues. In the end, Carney emphasizes the importance of institutions like church. I found his analysis very helpful in understanding our cultural moment, and inspiring for how we can live faith in and through it.
Gregory Boyle, Barking to the Choir and The Whole Language
Boyle is a Jesuit priest, who has lived and served in Los Angeles his entire life, particularly focused on ministry among gangs and giving so many people hope and practical help. Homeboy and Homegirl Industries (which he started) are hugely successful enterprises to support people making a fresh start. These books (the second and third in a trilogy beginning with Tattoos on the Heart) are replete with stories from his experiences and insights about the power of radical kinship and extravagant tenderness. These books will touch the heart, moisten the eyes, and inspire how we can spread the love of Christ.
Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass
Kimmerer seeks to address climate realities and cultural challenges at the level of her personal intimate encounter with creation. Kimmerer identifies as Potawatomi and PhD scientist. She weaves – well, braids – Native American wisdom stories and traditions with scientific analysis. As we hear her stories, that we might braid ours together, as well …Kimmerer seeks to move our hearts and minds from awe-filled respect, through humble relationship, to inspire practical response in the life-choices we make … for all the good of all people and creation. his faithful dog … that we might find inspiration in our own wilderness places.
Tony Jones, The God of Wild Places
Personal memoir and spiritual meditation. Jones is a professor and former pastor who experienced a crisis in life and faith. He sought solace and meaning in paddling a canoe and hunting – reconnecting with the symbiotic realities of the natural creation. Widely read in other literature and faith traditions, Jones offers his own journey of loss and discovery, death and new life centering in Minnesota wilderness, accompanied by his faithful dog … that we might find inspiration in our own wilderness places.
Margaret Sullivan, Newsroom Confidential
Personal memoir and cultural history. Sullivan has served in the public press her entire career, beginning with decades at the Buffalo News, proceeding to the New York Times, and now at the Washington Post. True to the nature of her general professional work and specific internal-critical role at the Times, Sullivan offers honest sharp critique of the news industry, cultural events over the recent decades, personal stories “behind the scenes” … all to shape how we improve our cultural conversation through rebuilding trust. And for her, all of that begins with involvement at the local level and support for local press.
Julia Boorstin, When Women Lead
Boorstin has also served in numerous roles of news broadcasting. She is particularly interested in analyzing how women have overcome obstacles to advancement in business leadership and what characterizes their success in executive positions. She brings together the stories of more than 60 women from popular culture to small business and large corporations. She “reveals how once-underestimated characteristics, from vulnerability and gratitude to divergent thinking, can be vital superpowers—and that everyone can work these approaches to create opportunity and advantage in every kind of work.”
Padraig O’Tuama, Being Here: Prayers for Curiosity, Justice and Love
A book structured as a month of daily prayer. Some of them are repeated each day while other parts are composed anew centering in scripture texts unfolding the biblical story of grace from creation through resurrection. As with any prayer book, some very meaningful and inspiring phrases … among other bits that may speak (or not) to each person differently.
(I loaned this book from our church library!)