An unassuming little book that offers profound insights into the ...
592823
An unassuming little book that offers profound insights into the nature of creative identity.  Smith takes the reader on a journey through the pages of her own notebooks as she explores, and ultimately, decides, Why I Write.  Classic Patti Smith in its willingness to expose the artist as the creative genius that she is and to allow the reader a glimpse into that genius.
903976
A lovely little book with succinct and clearly written summaries of the world's major spiritual traditions addressing the end of life. The author weaves her personal experiences with loved ones as well as her own confrontation with a potential terminal diagnosis into the well researched intellectual content of the book's tapestry. She suggests the possibility of developing a relationship with our own inner eternal essence which serves as a companion as we move towards the end of our earthly life; this is the message unveiled from within each of the spiritual perspectives. It reminds us that we are all One, despite today's world where belief systems clash and produce violent endings in themselves.
1886438
I had the opportunity to read this in manuscript form before publication.  It's excellent -- clear, direct, beautifully written and unsettling in the best sense.  In an age of frantic activity, the sin of sloth can seem implausible as one of the "seven deadlies."  But acedia, properly understood as a moral numbness that mutates into cynicism, indifference and spiritual fatigue, is pervasive in contemporary culture.  Like Rusty Reno's "Fighting the Noonday Devil,"  this is the kind of penetrating little book that tells you more than you may want to know about your own interior life.  That makes it priceless.
2563846
I cannot remember the last time it took me so long to read such a relatively short book (134 pages.) However, this is a positive, not a negative. The book is made up of approximately 40 2-4 page essays by clergy, doctors, and other laymen. Many of the essays are profound to the point that reading and rereading, and sometimes rereading again the day after, seems entirely appropriate. The concluding essay, is the main reason I give this book 4 instead of 5 stars. The book, like the topics it covers, is not entirely sure where it is going and how exactly to get there (wherever "there" is.) However, I see many future authors quoting this little collection of essays for years to come!
472327
Though small and unassuming, this little book packs a wallop in its  thorough discussion of the miracle of Jesus' birth in its historical  context.
Ms. Austin discusses the political background of the times,  Jewish customs and traditions, and even angelic appearances.  The writing  is crisp, fascinating, and authoritative without ostentation.  Scriptural  cites are used throughout.  I especially enjoyed bits of original verse  that the author includes in several chapters.  The book can be read in just  a few short sittings, although I found it difficult to put down once  beginning.
I originally picked up a copy at a used book store and it has  been such a blessing to me that I read it annually close to Christmas.  I  am thrilled to find it available at Amazon and plan to share copies with  friends and family this year.
And finally, if you would like to read a  scholarly, plausible discussion of exactly what the "star of  Bethlehem" might have been, you will not want to miss this book.  The  book is well worth reading for that discussion alone.
4347137
Whether you need a book for daily meditation or are pursuing a sound theological education this small volume ishould be apart of your library.
It describes discipleship through the perspective of one of the 20th cent. marters. It challenges and makes you think and reflect.
504682
This small, quickly read volume has no superfluity. The pilgrims and the Holy Man are contemporary yet timeless characters.  Ms. Trott's genius for revealing the essence of human nature in each brief chapter is unique.  I found this book to be unforgettable.  I have given copies to family members and friends.  You will, too.
692769
This book is full of tremendous insights born of the author's personal experience. The way Robin Daniels has woven together common sense, Jungian psychology and more traditional religious ideas demonstrates a uniquely sensitive mind. Some passages are densely argued theologically, which may challenge those who are not religiously orthodox, but the writer has reflected deeply about the meaning of his inner experiences and relationships, so that people of all faiths and none will find much of value in its pages.

The text is counter-cultural in these bleak times because it asks us to slow down and look behind the world of appearances. Daniels was a man possessed of great capacities for empathy and understanding, and whose life experience has been converted into this deep well of wisdom and spiritual comfort. His broad knowledge of literature and the arts is used imaginatively throughout to illustrate his subtle perspectives, yet everything also has practical application and is explained with patient clarity. For those who want a window into the mysteries and infinite nuances of the inner life, this book speaks with endearing warmth and real authority.
1617004
John Nagl's foreword strikes a familiar chord, opening with a metaphorical twist on an ages old debate: "History doesn't repeat itself, but it often rhymes."  As a fellow veteran of Iraq, I too saw the stark differences in those who possessed an inherent cultural understand and those who didn't.  A basic understanding of a very complex culture can often earn significant dividends; this little book offers barely more than a broad brushstroke across the "birthplace of mankind," but that alone would have been sufficient enough to possibly alter the course of events.

The true value of this tome isn't just the simplistic discussions of culture, religion, or society.  It isn't the well-written and conceived forward by a recognized expert on counterinsurgency.  The greatest utility of this book comes with the quiet reminder that opens the book -- while history may not repeat itself, circumstances, situations, and even human nature tend to recur or remain fairly consistent.  It rhymes.

This book is a reminder that while we may not have fielded a large force in Iraq in World War II, we still recognized the unique challenges presented by a culture so foreign from our own.  Sixty years later, as we stood on the verge of war, we were looking beyond those simple lessons of the past to a future many believed was predetermined by our advanced weaponry and technological advantages.  If those people had only listened closely for the echoes of our greatest generation, they might have avoided some of the mistakes that marked the first years of the war in Iraq.

"Instruction" is a quick, easy read and well worth the minimal expense.  Readers will enjoy it as much for its "fireside chat" value as for its common sense approach to cultural understanding.
4792841
This little book brought immeasurable delight to me. I am fascinated by spirituality and mysticism; this is especially true as it relates to Christianity. Im constantly on the lookout for books and other resources that I might learn from to glean deeper understanding about the mysteries of the consciousness and the divine. Since Christianity finds its roots in the Jewish faith, I was excited about reading this book from Rabbi Lawrence Kushner, Jewish Spirituality: A Brief Introduction for Christians. It would be an understatement to say I was not disappointed. This is a remarkably winsome book to be so packed with wisdom and spiritual depth I dearly love when truth and wisdom is packaged in bite-sized nuggets that you can chew on for daysweeksyears, and still continue to plumb deeper and deeper layers of fruit.

There are seventeen chapters not including an introduction, afterword, and suggested resources section. The chapters are collected in sections that relate to Creation, Torah, Commandment, and Holy One. The average length of a chapter is around three pages, and herein lays the beauty of this tiny tome. The chapters are very short and very simple, but for those willing to linger in the simplicity of these stories, they will be rewarded with the wisdom of sages and an understanding of Creator God they may not have previously known. This, of course, affects every facet of life and fuels the consciousness on to deeper awareness and integration with life everywhere. God is. And so are we.

I am grateful for this book as it has sparked an interest in the ancient writings and interpretations of Holy Scripture from the Rabbis of old. I will be looking for additional resources for my study and likely purchasing some translations of Midrash. Fortunately, in the back of this book there are a number of suggested publications for me to start with. I look forward to the journey.
3032318
This is a captivating little book that reveals how 30 Prisoners Of War (POWs) from Viet Nam have coped with life after their horrible privation and suffering while imprisoned in North Viet Nam. A number of well known POWs, like Senator John McCain and Medal of Honor winner Bud Day, are included. Authors Howren and Kiland have skillfully probed the inner man within each of these heroes, revealing to the reader the unique traits these men possessed that helped them survive their ordeals.  These traits more often than not have stayed within their personas and have helped to mold them in their post-POW lives.  Very professional black and white photographs show these men, often with family members, in contemporary settings and the photos reveal their essential humanity better than the written word ever could.  While their POW experiences were horrific, these men come across thirty years later as not only quite normal, they seem to possess very unique insights into the persons they have become.  Each POW's story is presented in two parts; the first is their thirty years later story, followed by a separate section with photos from before or just after their captivity ended and more comprehensive career histories.  This arrangement gives a "before and after" which clearly shows the contrasts in their lives over time. The last portion of the book includes some excellent analysis of the demographics of POWs and insightful discussion of some myths and facts that help put them in proper context. This is a unique and professionally done book, easy to read and sure to hold the interest of anyone who wondered what became of the POWs of Viet Nam.
2083658
Dr. Glenn Sunshine's latest book, `The Image if God", is compact but filled with knowledge and wisdom. This book helped me unpack the mystery of much talked about (but seldom explained) concept of what it is to be human as image bearer.  I have always appreciated Dr. Sunshine's books for his unique way of explaining topics in a concise manner; his perspectives are drawn from the scripture, history, and biblical worldview. In other words, the book is not only theologically sound but also offers the layers of history and practical applications, which are rare to come by in Christian books.  The book contains 14 short chapters and each chapter ends with thought provoking questions for discussion. I am hoping to share this book with my small group in the future as a way of solidifying our understanding of biblical worldview.
3494950
L.M. Browning has written a volume about spiritual travel, not in the sense of exotic adventure, but in leaving the familiar inner dwelling, while staying close to home, to discover what is true. She lets the reader know that difficult circumstances accompanied her through much of her young life, alluding to sacrifices and betrayals. But that's not where she leaves us. The purpose of disclosure is to let us know where she's been and where she's come to this point: unstintingly honest having found strength in vulnerability. Gratitude for the small things. Connection to place.

She frequently mentions the Transcendentalists. In reading the poetry and introductory essays, I can easily imagine the author walking by Thoreau's side around Walden Pond. I've traveled to some of the places named. But even if I hadn't, her use of language makes them immediate. And there's a feeling sense that speaks to an inner space common to all of usif we choose to know it.

"As I grasped the old wrought doorknobs, I shook hands with the past."

Celebrations of nature and history are used as vehicles urging toward spiritual travel, to shed what is meaningless and embrace greater freedom. There are examples on every page.

In this thin volume much is said. You'll not want to hurry through it but rather take a page or two and linger over them, much as you might to inform meditation practice. Fleeting Moments of Fierce Clarity has been given the distinction of Finalist, Next Generation Indie Book Awards in the Non-Fiction Regional Category.
3000761
This little book is a quick read, and will strike close to home for many of us who are sidetracked by this too-busy world.
134262
WHY DOES THE WORLD EXIST by Jim Holt is an often whimsical look at one of humankind's most profound questions: Why is there something rather than nothing?  The pretense of this book is Mr. Holts search to find for himself the answer this question with the reader following along in his global-trotting pursuit.  But this is a thinly veiled device. Mr. Holt actually tips his hand pretty early as to what he believes, his answer, though something I could not accept, is certainly interesting and a possibility I had never considered (pg. 34).

Mr. Holt travels the U.S. and Europe interviewing a number of philosophers, scientists, mathematicians etc. drawing from each an answer to the question: Why is there something rather than nothing?  Between each of these chapters are interludes which are part travelogue part personal memoir.  These chapters and interludes are stitched together almost seamlessly and create a narrative that is often complex, sometimes humorous and occasionally poignant.

Mr. Holt does not really provide any profound insights and he does not drill down into the fields he surveys.  But still the reader closes the book with a broad understanding of how modern thinkers attempt to explain, why there is something rather than nothing.

I enjoyed this book, enjoyed it so much, in fact, that I read it twice.  However, readers like me, who believe in a creator, should be prepared to have those beliefs almost summarily dismissed.  Even so this is well-written, entertaining look at a profound question.
1150993
There's nothing ground breaking or new in this book, but I found it to be profound. It made a lasting impact on my perspective; life is infinite play.
2911304
This simple little book is a summary of some really deep theology and patristics, made palatable and do able by being broken down into simple language and a warm voice in the writing. It is amazing. The chapters are short so there are stop and reflect points in your reading, and at the chapters end there are thought provoking questions to let you ponder if you really "get it". After four years of struggling this book was recommended to me by a friend who said it was one of her favorite books. Easy to see why.