New Year, New Book Recommendations!
Are you looking for new books to read this year? Would you like to delve more deeply into topics of spirituality, relationships and justice? Our staff has recommendations for you! Here are a couple of books that our staff members, Suzanne and Megan, have enjoyed and think you would too. Keep an eye out for more recommendations to come in the next couple of weeks!
The Book of Awakening – Mark Nepo
From the Amazon description of the book:
"Philosopher-poet and cancer survivor, Mark Nepo opens a new season of freedom and joy—an escape from deadening, asleep-at-the wheel sameness—that is both profound and clarifying. His spiritual daybook is a summons to reclaim aliveness, liberate the self, take each day one at a time, and to savor the beauty offered by life's unfolding. Reading his poetic prose is like being given second sight, exposing the reader to life's multiple dimensions, each one drawn with awe and affection. The Book of Awakening is the result of his journey of the soul and will inspire others to embark on their own. Nepo speaks of spirit and friendship, urging readers to stay vital and in love with this life, no matter the hardships. Encompassing many traditions and voices, Nepo's words offer insight on pain, wonder, and love. Each entry is accompanied by an exercise that will surprise and delight the reader in its mind-waking ability."
I like this book for its daily reflections on spirituality, life, struggle, and relationships. Often I get caught up in my busy routine and loose sight of the mindfulness I wish to practice. This book helps ground me in what it means to be human and to share that experience with others. It encourages me to take time for myself, honor the spiritual, and be more present. Whenever I open it and read the reflection of the day, I find something in Mark Nepo's writing that speaks to me and what is currently happening in my life. I continuously recommend this book to everyone I know!
Between the World and Me –Ta-Nehisi Coates
This book is getting a ton of praise and attention, rightfully so. Written as a letter to his teenage son, Ta-Nehisi Coates explores the racial history in the United States from his perspective as a black man growing up in Baltimore, attending Howard University, and moving to New York and Paris as an adult. Between the World and Me is a powerful book and is regarded as "required reading" by Toni Morrison.
— Suzanne Goebel, Program Director
Catonsville 9 – Shawn Francis Peter
Though I will admit that I am not completely finished with the book, I would still highly recommend it for anyone who is interested in learning more about this act of civil disobedience in which Br David Darst took part. It is an in-depth background of each member of the Catonsville 9 and how they got involved in the movement opposing the Vietnam War that eventually led to the burning of the draft records. It also gives a detailed account into the preparations, events of the day, and what happened to each individual after the act of civil disobedience. If you are interested in social activists (both religious, formerly religious, and laypeople) who were impassioned by their Catholic faith to take action, this is a must-read.
The New Jim Crow – Michelle Alexander
For anyone wanting to read thorough research on the way that racism is expressed in the 21st century, this book is for you. The reason behind the title is because Michelle Alexander explains the idea that the current criminal justice is the modern-day equivalent to the Jim Crow Laws of the past. She uses hard research to show the many ways that young black men are targeted by police in low-income communities for minor or non-existing offenses, which in turn imprisons and keeps them in cyclical poverty. I recommend this book for anyone who is looking for more information and research in light of the recent controversy surrounding police brutality and the Black Lives Matter Movement.
— Megan McGuire, Advocacy Coordinator