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Spirituality and Religion July 2019
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Always on : practicing faith in a new media landscape
by Angela Gorrell
What it's about: the challenges and beneficial aspects of social media, from a Christian perspective.
Reviewers say: "With both a call-to-action and personal reflection, Gorrell presents valuable tools for Christian users of social media." (Publisher's Weekly)
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Love thy neighbor : A Muslim Doctor's Struggle for Home in Rural America
by Ayaz Virji
What it's about: A Muslim doctor recounts how his rural community targeted his family with racism in the aftermath of Donald Trump's election, describing his efforts with a local pastor to give talks raising awareness about the Muslim faith.
Reviewers say: "This is a vivid account of one man's efforts to make sense of political tensions, racial hatred, and religious misunderstandings." (Publisher's Weekly)
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| American Spirit: Profiles in Resilience, Courage, and Faith by Taya Kyle and Jim DeFeliceWhat it's about: the inspiring stories of a diverse group of people who managed to bounce back in the face of adversity; how difficult times can spur a person's personal and spiritual growth.
You might also like: Unbreakable by Thom Shea, or You Will Not Have My Hate by Antoine Leiris.
About the author: Taya Kyle is best known as the widow of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, and previously published her own memoir called American Wife. |
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| Sacred Liberty: America's Long, Bloody, and Ongoing Struggle for Religious Freedom by Steven WaldmanWhat it is: a well-researched and accessible overview of the state of religious freedom in America, past and present.
Topics include: faith and the Founders; religion and slavery; the rise of Mormonism; and landmark Supreme Court cases.
Don't miss: the timely discussion of what challenges the separation between church and state continues to face today. |
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Books You Might Have Missed
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| Witness: Lessons from Elie Wiesel's Classroom by Ariel BurgerWhat it's about: Orthodox rabbi Ariel Burger's experiences with Nobel Prize winner Elie Wiesel, first as a student and later as a colleague and friend.
Read it for: Burger's palpable esteem for Wiesel and reflections on Wiesel's unique teaching methods.
Reviewers say: "This work demonstrates that Wiesel's effectiveness as a life-changing teacher is a major part of his formidable legacy and presents valuable guidance for teachers seeking methods to approach difficult ethical issues in the classrooms." (Library Journal) |
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| Aristotle's Way: How Ancient Wisdom Can Change Your Life by Edith HallWhat it is: an upbeat and thought-provoking look at Aristotle's perspectives on life, family, morality, responsibility, and one's place in the world.
Why you should read it: The medieval "rediscovery" and subsequent translations of Aristotle's writings into Arabic and later, from Arabic to Latin, had an incalculable effect on both Islam and Christianity and their development.
When in Rome (or Greece): Given the time period in which he lived, it's not surprising that Aristotle's views on women and slavery are outmoded, but author Edith Hall isn't shy about including them for full context. |
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| Antisemitism: Here and Now by Deborah E. LipstadtWhat it's about: Sobering and well-researched, this examination of the possible origins of antisemitism also discusses the forces that have allowed it to continue into modern times.
Read it for: the epistolary format, which gives a difficult topic a unique intimacy; the evaluation of the unique ways antisemitism mutated when it arrived in America.
Reviewers say: "Informed, historically sound, and deeply rational" (Publishers Weekly) |
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| The Pope: Francis, Benedict, and the Decision That Shook the World by Anthony McCartenWhat it is: a high-drama chronicle of the events leading up to Pope Benedict XVI's resignation and the choice of his unlikely successor, Pope Francis.
Media buzz: A film adaptation is in the works with Jonathan Pryce and Sir Anthony Hopkins slated to star.
Did you know? In 1943, Pope Pius XII prepared resignation documents that would immediately remove him from office if a Nazi plot to kidnap him came to fruition. |
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| No Happy Endings by Nora McInernyWhat it's about: the author's experiences with rebuilding her life after the death of her husband, with insights about feminism and religion and the expectations behind the word "widow."
Read it for: the moving and reflective tone, which is punctuated (but not undermined) by moments of humor and joy.
About the author: Nora McInerny hosts the podcast Terrible, Thanks For Asking and has previously published It's Okay To Laugh (Crying is Cool Too) and The Hot Young Widows Club. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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Anne Arundel County Public Library 5 Harry S. Truman Pkwy. Annapolis, Maryland 21401 410-222-7371https://www.aacpl.net |
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