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Richard G. (ralegh) - , - Reviews

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101 Reasons to Be Episcopalian
101 Reasons to Be Episcopalian
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.5/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 10/19/2016


Much more than I expected, to be honest. This book provides thoughtful as well as whimsical reasons for being Episcopalian. I will turn to it again and again.


Abraham : A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths
Abraham : A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths
Author: Bruce Feiler
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.3/5 Stars.
 23
Review Date: 12/9/2016


A personal exploration of the role Abraham has played in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, written shortly after 9/11, which motivates the author to look for hope in the reconciliation of the three faiths. He gets a mixed response and comes away realizing the difficulties ahead but still committed to doing what he can to move us toward that worthy goal. While not a deep theological study, he does bring forward a lot of thoughtful questions to ponder.


Amazing Grace
Amazing Grace
Author: Kathleen Norris
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 13
Review Date: 3/11/2016


A collection of short essays, organized by words or phrases that Ms. Norris describes as "dauntingly abstract to me, even threatening" as she made a return to Christianity. I found this resonated with me, for I too spent many years as a practicing agnostic/atheist before I felt called to return to a faith-filled life. As I made that transition some twenty years ago, I relied on her earlier book, "Dakota," for guidance. It is thanks to her that I ended up as an Episcopalian, returning to the roots of my baptism.
This collection is equally insightful and helpful. She is not a theologian, but someone who has thought deeply about faith and spirituality, that of others as well as her own. I recommend her as an able companion for your faith journey, as well.


Among the Believers: An Islamic Journey
Among the Believers: An Islamic Journey
Author: V.S. Naipaul
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 2
Review Date: 6/8/2017


A personal look at Islam at the time of the Iranian revolution.The author visits Iran, Pakistan, Malaysia and Indonesia at this time of great change and finds primarily people dreaming for an Islamic paradise which seems impossible to create.


The Anchoress
The Anchoress
Author: Robyn Cadwallader
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 12/1/2016


The book feels authentic. Ms. Cadwallader obviously knows her topic and spent a great deal of time on research. The story is interesting, and if you've ever wondered what the life of an anchorite would be like, this is a decent way to find out. I wondered if a modern sensibility wasn't seeping in toward the end of the novel, but I don't want to nitpick. The book entertained me and taught me a lot as well. Enjoy!


Angels of the Bible: Finding Grace, Beauty, and Meaning
Angels of the Bible: Finding Grace, Beauty, and Meaning
Author: Kate Moorehead
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 1/14/2020


Kate Moorhead discusses every appearance of an angel in the Bible, providing suggestions for meditation. While not proposing angels as definitively real beings, she takes the subject seriously and encourages the reader to take from it what they will. Coauthor Scott Brown discusses artwork depicting angels throughout Christian time with beautiful illustrations of artwork.


Anything We Love Can Be Saved: : A Writer's Activism
Anything We Love Can Be Saved: : A Writer's Activism
Author: Alice Walker
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 8
Review Date: 6/3/2017


This is a collection of letters, speeches and essays reflecting Alice Walker's life as an activist. Some are absolutely beautiful, while others seem naïve or simplistic. But she is an incredible writer and admirable for her courage. I agree with her on almost everything.


Apostle: Travels Among the Tombs of the Twelve
Apostle: Travels Among the Tombs of the Twelve
Author: Tom Bissell
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 8/14/2019


The author, a former Catholic and a current nonbeliever, still loves stories about the apostles, so he decides to go visit the remains of each of the Twelve and also Jesus. His encounters with the locals at each place is frequently funny, but his research is highly academic, sometimes too academic for me to follow. Still, it's a very interesting book.


Arc of Justice : A Saga of Race, Civil Rights, and Murder in the Jazz Age
Review Date: 8/11/2017


A story that has been too soon forgotten. A black doctor moves to Detroit in the early 20th Century from the South, hoping to find a community where he can advance and lead a better life than what would have been possible where he grew up. All goes pretty well, until he decides to move into a white neighborhood. A mob threatens his new home and his family; Violence follows. This journalistic book is thorough and fascinating. Soon famous figures are crowding the stage as a trial reveals much about white/black relations in Detroit. The book concludes with a what-happened next to each major player. Highly recommended.


The Awakened Heart: Opening Yourself to the Love You Need
The Awakened Heart: Opening Yourself to the Love You Need
Author: Gerald G. May
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.7/5 Stars.
 5
Review Date: 2/25/2019


The book was very helpful and insightful as I make my own personal journey along the Contemplative path. At times repetitious; at times seemingly contradictory. Recommends just doing the various practices and not worrying about doing things "correctly." But then at one point he lists in great detail from best to worst ways to be contemplative.


Be Still and Know: A Study in the Life of Prayer (A Cowley Classic)
Review Date: 8/22/2017


One of the best, most thoughtful books on prayer I know. Wonderfully helpful and worthwhile. He begins with looking at Jesus' prayers and those of his followers as revealed in the Bible. Then he proceeds to thoughts on prayers for the reader, calling on St. Teresa, St. John of the Cross and others for guidance.


The Best of the Spirit
The Best of the Spirit
Author: Will Eisner
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.3/5 Stars.
 3
Review Date: 11/8/2016


Will Eisner was an incredible artist, and this book provides numerous examples. Each story is an experience to read, and the Spirit's occasional goofiness adds humor. There are some dated, racist depictions of blacks, so be forewarned if that is a problem for you. There also is a fair amount of violence, the Spirit occasionally kills the bad guys when he has no other choice. But it would be a shame to miss out on Eisner's brilliance, so I still recommend the book.


Between the World and Me
Between the World and Me
Author: Ta-Nehisi Coates
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 25
Review Date: 12/14/2018


I volunteer on the Anti-Racism Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of New York. I have been working with them for over ten years. But there is always more to know. Mr. Coates is kind enough to share with us his perspective on our sadly torn and cruel nation. As a white person, I appreciate learning from him directly how black people in the U.S. can never have the luxury of saying, "I don't even think about race." Everyday, we will remind him that he is black and we think we are white. As Toni Morrison wrote on the back cover, "This is required reading."


Beyond Charity: The Call to Christian Community Development
Beyond Charity: The Call to Christian Community Development
Author: Dr. John M. Perkins
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.4/5 Stars.
 4
Review Date: 2/15/2017


The book is twenty years old, but Dr. Perkins speaks in a timeless manner. His advice is still relevant, and there is still plenty of work for Christian churches to do. Dr. Perkins tells all you need to know to get involved in a way that can make a real difference in communities in need by listening to the people you will help and also to God for strength and guidance. An inspiring book by an inspiring man.


Beyond Smells and Bells: The Wonder and Power of Christian Liturgy
Beyond Smells and Bells: The Wonder and Power of Christian Liturgy
Author: Mark Galli
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 2
Review Date: 1/19/2021
Helpful Score: 1


An excellent book about how participating in a liturgical church can expand our personal relationship with God. Looks from numerous angles at ways the liturgy enhances our participation in a faith that goes back 2000 years. Contains appendices comparing the liturgy of various Western churches.


The Bible and the New York Times
The Bible and the New York Times
Author: Fleming Rutledge
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 2
Review Date: 7/23/2015


Fleming makes me look at scripture with new insights. Each sermon collected her provides me with a new perspective on the Bible. This book is almost twenty years old, but remains relevant and thoughtful. I read it because of my love for the New York Times, but am thankful it led me to the powerful mind and soul of Fleming Rutledge.


Bible Women: All Their Words and Why They Matter
Bible Women: All Their Words and Why They Matter
Author: Lindsay Hardin Freeman
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.5/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 2/20/2018


Every woman who speaks in the Bible (there are probably more than you think) listed with sections on who they were, what did they say, what they were probably like, what their story was, and what can we learn from their stories. This is a Bible study with guidance from Ms. Freeman on ways you can use this book. Very nicely done. I thought I had been paying attention while reading the Bible, but she pulls out named and unnamed women I didn't remember. Thoughtful and thought provoking. Enjoy.


Birth of a Dynasty: Behind The Pinstripes With The 1996 Yankees
Birth of a Dynasty: Behind The Pinstripes With The 1996 Yankees
Author: Joel Sherman
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.3/5 Stars.
 4
Review Date: 8/12/2013


Nice book detailing the ups and downs of the Yankees that season. This is the start of the dynasty through 2000, and after reading this you may wonder how they ever did it. Cast-offs and replacement players played a big role, and Joel puts it all together for you. Sometimes, I got a trifle confused when he shifts gears and delves into the history of an individual player, but all in all a fascinating picture of the 1996 Yankees.


Black Ice (Fog Point, Bk 2)
Black Ice (Fog Point, Bk 2)
Author: Linda Hall
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 23
Review Date: 3/4/2019


A good complicated mystery that tries to lead the reader down the wrong trail, and succeeds mostly. Different tnreads are revealed in pieces, each chapter follows a different person involved in the mystery. There's also a religious theme running along a couple of threads which I personally enjoyed.


Black Swan Green
Black Swan Green
Author: David Mitchell
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 47
Review Date: 8/18/2015


"Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" set in 1980s England. Jason Taylor spends a year, beginning as a rather hapless and picked-upon thirteen-year-old, who stutters and must hide his talent in poetry. By the end of the novel much has changed for the better, including his relationship with his sister and the opposite sex in general. In spite of Jason's incredibly poetic view of the world, he still sounds like a real thirteen-year-old. A welcoming introduction to David Mitchell's writing.


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