November 2017 list by Holly Whistler
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The Dalai Lama's Little Book of Mysticism: The Essential Teachings
by Bstan-'dzin-rgya-mtsho
Mysticism is popularly understood as becoming one with God or the Absolute. The book provides an accessible introduction to the Dalai Lama's core teachings on the mystical path. and his thoughts on the nature and meaning of mysticism; how we can live lives infused with mystical experience; and how mysticism can result in both personal and social change.
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| The Futilitarians: Our Year of Thinking, Drinking, Grieving, and Reading by Anne GislesonBrought together by author Anne Gisleson and her husband after Hurricane Katrina devastated their hometown, New Orleans, the Existential Crisis Reading Group (the "Futilitarians") discussed literature and traditional religious teachings in response to their shared grief and loss. Their monthly meetings over a year's time considered Ecclesiastes and works by authors from Shakespeare to James Baldwin to Shel Silverstein. In Giselson's narrative, the Futilitarians intimately relate their struggles and joys beyond Katrina's impact, rendering an inspiring and accessible depiction of human suffering and happiness. |
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| The Rise and Fall of Adam and Eve by Stephen GreenblattThe stories of creation found at the beginning of the Hebrew scriptures in Genesis chapters 1-2 have attracted a variety of Christian interpreters. Some scorned the Garden of Eden story as pagan myth, while others viewed it as a spiritual allegory. St. Augustine of Hippo declared it to be literal truth, and later writers, including John Milton, built their own works around it. In this thought-provoking study, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Stephen Greenblatt reviews the history of these interpretations and adds his own considerations. In a starred review, Publishers Weekly calls this an "erudite yet accessible page-turner." |
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| The Great Shift: Encountering God in Biblical Times by James L. KugelIn The Great Shift, acclaimed Orthodox Jewish scholar James Kugel considers how the people of ancient times encountered God and, examining the Hebrew scriptures, traces a gradual change in human perceptions of the divine presence. These perceptions progress from literal, intimate encounters with God, through conversations mediated by heavenly messengers, to an understanding of God as distant and hard to reach. Drawing on his deep understanding of Hebrew scriptures and literature, theology, and human psychology, Kugel provides an intriguing window into ancient texts for modern readers. |
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Awaken: 90 Days with the God Who Speaks
by Priscilla Shirer
The choice of a devotional book is more personal than most. This kind of reading is not merely for the purpose of leisure and enjoyment. No, with this kind of resource you’re expecting and praying for something more. You want to hear from God, receive His direction, and be refreshed in the depths of your soul. Only God’s Word can do that.
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An American Family: A Memoir of Hope and Sacrifice
by Khizr Khan
The Pakistani immigrant turned U.S. citizen, Gold Star parent and popular DNC speaker documents the story of his family's pursuit of the American dream, urging readers to respond to today's tumultuous challenges by stepping forward and advocating on behalf of what they find most important.
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What the Qur'an Meant and Why It Matters
by Garry Wills
A Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and religious scholar redirects his lifelong focus on Christianity and takes open-minded look at the Qur’an, finding the original meaning of the sacred text and showing numerous parallels between it and the Old and New Testaments.
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Being Hindu: Understanding a Peaceful Path in a Violent World
by Hindol Sengupta
Told from the frank and refreshing perspective of a practicing Hindu, this book analyses the importance of Hinduism as the secular, plural middle path in the battle between Islam and Christianity that is playing out across the globe. Being Hindu presents a faith of peace, liberation, and understanding in an increasingly violent world.
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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