How Do You Spell Relief?
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BOOK BITES
reviews to support
small independent publishers
and broaden your spiritual quest.
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"How
do you spell relief?" That popular commercial from a few years back tried
to invoke only one answer. Today the question would suggest answers in
dozens of book titles, a host of magazine articles, a long list of places
offering stress relief programs, and even a healthy pile of catalogues
and products that hold out promises of relief. And still we seem to feel
stressed and overworked, always short of time, always trying to catch up,
dreaming of less stressful jobs, a vacation, early retirement. Is there
anything that will help?
We have come to accept the fact that people pray differently, worship
differently, meet God differently depending on individual make-up and need.
It follows then, that we will probably find our meaning and spirituality
in different ways, even in different places. All of which makes picking
books or making suggestions difficult. Throughout this year, then, I will
try to find as varied a list of readings as possible, follow as broad a
definition of RELIEF as I can, and hope that somehow you will find something
just right, always trusting the Great Creator to be creative!
Life: a Users Manual edited by John Miller. New World Library, 1998.
144 pages, hardcover $15.00.
An impressive list of contributors talk about their own experience of finding
solace and meaning. There should be something for everyone in this collection
with such names as Thich Nhat Hanh and Mother Teresa, Georgia O'Keefe and
Maya Angelou. And of course, since it consists of short selections, it
can be read in the middle of a busy life -- in the elevator or in the subway,
as we wait for the school bus or for soccer practice to be over, or even
as we try to fall asleep at night.
Suncatcher; a Study of Madeleine L'engle and Her Writing by Carole
F. Chase. Innisfree Press,
1998. 224 pages, paper $15.95.
To celebrate Madeleine's 80th Birthday and the anniversary of her first
Newbery Award (best children's book of the year) comes this kaleidoscopic
look at an extraordinary writer who has been both reviled and revered for
her adult, children's and theological writings. See how she melds a deep
faith with an adventurous openness, a strong belief in the interconnectedness
of God's universe and a magical gift for story-telling.
Virtual Faith; the Irreverent Spiritual Quest of Generation X by
Tom Beaudoin. Simon & Schuster, 1998. 210 pages, hardcover $22.00.
Some may be a little afraid, even a little despairing, at the technology,
music, fashion, and even perceived values of these young people. But it
is essential to understand before condemning. Beaudoin's theory -- carefully
researched -- is that this generation is fashioning a theology every bit
as strong and valid as their elder's. He asks readers to consider his theory
from the point of view of four assumptions that GenXers have; One, that
institutions are suspect, especially organized religion; two, personal
experience is paramount; three, suffering is spiritual; and four, ambiguity
is inevitable. I guarantee this book will get anyone thinking!
Family Puzzles; a Private Life Made Public by Linda Weltner. Innisfree
Press, 1998. 192 pages, paper $13.95.
At the heart of our search for meaning and purpose is always the question
of relationships. And because most of us do our discovering in the midst
of a family make-up of some kind, it helps to examine our role in that
family. We could not find a better guide. Weltner leads her readers on
a rollicking, light-hearted, often painfully honest and sometimes profound
look at one woman's struggle to understand and deepen her relationships,
with herself, as well as those around her. That this is a spiritual search
as well, is quickly apparent.
Reclaiming Spirituality by Diarmuid O'Murchu. Crossroad Publishing
Company, 1998. 212 pages, paper $15.95.
Thousands of people are discovering "spirituality", despite some church
proclivity for polarization, fanaticism and indifference, O'Murchu believes.
This spirituality is exploding everywhere, inside and outside traditional
religion, as a result, it seems, of the deep hunger and desire for meaning
and purpose in our lives. O'Murchu examines the phenomenon from many sides,
then lists five changes that can help appropriate and enculturate spiritual
values; the need to move toward a more holistic way of operating in the
world, the need to befriend the Earth, the need to favor the feminine approach
of the heart instead of the more rational values of the head, the need
for more partnership, and the need for cooperation instead of competition.
We would welcome your reviews about books you would like to share!
Our policy is to concentrate on newer books (within the year, if possible)
and books from smaller, independent publishers. Reviews generally should
be about one hundred words and should include complete publishing information.
Please
e-mail them directly to me.
Ruth Butler is a retired teacher, children's literature specialist
and Episcopalian from Topsfield MA.
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