Autobiography: religious and spiritual Books

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Book Synopsis'She can pick up personal facts impossible to fathom by deduction or guesswork.' JEANETTE WINTERSON'A marvellous book.' DR EBEN ALEXANDER__________________________________'We all have psychic experiences in our lives that connect us to one another and to those we love on the Other Side. Not just once in a while, but all the time.'Laura Lynne Jackson has been receiving communications from the afterlife since she was a child. In The Light Between Us she takes us through her struggle to come to peace with her gift and use it to help others.Through her moving and uplifting stories of the people she has helped, Laura Lynne shares her knowledge of how to understand these messages of love, and how we can use those lessons to help us live more peacefully in the present.What The Light Between Us has meant to readers:'A genuine and honest testimonial''This book has made me laugh, made me cry and make me think''I love this book. It really helps you realise that the ones we love are never far from us.''The stories are heartfelt and had me in tears towards the end''Very uplifting''It has given me so much comfort and understanding'

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Book SynopsisThe award-winning New York Times bestseller that inspired BTS''s K-pop song ''Magic Shop''.The day that 12-year-old James Doty walked in to his local magic shop is the day that changed his life. The day that 12-year-old James Doty walked in to his local magic shop is the day that changed his life. Once the neglected son of an alcoholic father and a mother with chronic depression, he has gone on to become a leading neurosurgeon, based at Stanford University. He credits Ruth for this incredible turnaround: the remarkable woman who devoted the summer to transforming his mind and opening his heart.In this uplifting memoir, Jim explains the visualisation techniques Ruth taught him that gave him the self-esteem to imagine a new future for himself. He examines the science behind mindfulness and why the skills he learned - of focus and attention - now help him to think fast and keep calm in the operating theatre. And he shows us what is possible Trade ReviewThis book tells the remarkable story of a neurosurgeon's quest to unravel the mystery of the link between our brains and our hearts. From the moment in his childhood when a simple act of kindness changed the course of his own life to his founding a center to study compassion at Stanford University. Jim Doty's life illustrates how each of us can make a difference. We can make the world a more compassionate place. I'm sure many readers will be moved by this inspiring story to open their hearts and see what they too can do for others.Part memoir, part scientific exploration, Into the Magic Shop is a powerful work of emotion and discovery, showing that we all have within us our own small magic shop, a place of calm and beauty we can return to whenever we need it. As James Doty compellingly shows, we simply have to open the door, and let ourselves in.When a top neurosurgeon opens his heart to talk about his own difficult childhood that provided recipes for loneliness, fear, rage and shame, you know you are in for a deeply moving and insightful journey into the suffering and fragility of the human mind. Beautifully written, deeply original, this is an extraordinarily moving and exceptionally practical book into the "magic" tricks for calming and cultivating our minds. Here are lived ways to cope and engage with the realities and struggles of life that we all just find ourselves in. The seeds of compassion are being planted; we must now cultivate them. Into the Magic Shop is a powerful testimony of how, when we choose compassion as defining part of who we are, magic truly begins to unfold in our life. A most inspirational book that uplifts our spirits and open our hearts, at a time when so much of what we hear and read seem to make us lose hope in humanity. Anyone who reads this book will be changed, for the better.True healing is both biological and spiritual. When you experience love and compassion, your body shifts into homeostasis and self-regulation. When you heal yourself, you heal others. The reverse is also true. Your acts of kindness and compassion are the true healing of the world. In this extraordinary book Dr James Doty shows you the way.Into the Magic Shop is a captivating journey of discovery. Neurosurgeon Jim Doty's well-told personal story illuminates for us all the power of insight and empathy to transform our lives and enhance our world. Read it and you too may find magic in the mystery and majesty of the mind to bring health and healing to our individual and collective lives.A powerful, eloquent, deeply spiritual and exquisitely beautiful book. Real magic!

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Book SynopsisThree million girls across the world are at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM) each year. When Ann-Marie Wilson met a girl named Fatima in West Darfur, who had experienced FGM at the age of five and was pregnant by the age of ten, she knew she had to do something. Her life’s work since then has been geared toward speaking out against FGM, as well as supporting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of as many survivors as possible. Built on the experience of more than 3,000 FGM survivors’ stories as well as meetings with heads of state and the Pope, Overcoming tells the compelling story of how Ann-Marie leaned on her Christian faith through her darkest moments to build 28 Too Many. This international organisation offers hope to the millions of girls who, just like Fatima, are at risk of FGM each year.Table of ContentsIntroduction 7One: Youthful ambition 12Two: Early days in aid work 27Three: What is FGM? 53Four: Called and equipped .71Five: Setting up the charity 78Six: Opposition, setbacks, and encouragements 97Seven: Stories of hope and seeds of change 114Eight: Living with cancer… 143Nine: Looking to the future 160Ten: My new normal 170Conclusion 180Further resources 191

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Book SynopsisThe perennial classic: this intimate journal chronicling the Narnia author''s experience of grief after his wife''s death has consoled readers for half a century; this edition features responses from authors like Hilary Mantel, Francis Spufford, Rowan Williams, Jenna Bailey ...''An intimate, anguished account of a man grappling with the mysteries of faith and love ... Elegant and raw ... A powerful record of thought and emotion experienced in real time.'' Guardian ''Raw and modern ... This unsentimental, even bracing, account of one man's dialogue with despair becomes both compelling and consoling ... A contemporary classic.'' Observer''A source of great consolation ... Lewis deploys his genius for vivid imagery ... It is a relief for the reader to find that he or she is not alone in the intense loneliness or feelings of anguish that bereavement brings.'' Henry Marsh, The Times''Testimony from a sensitive and eloquent witness [on] The Human Condition'. It offers an interrogation of experience and a glimmer of hardwon hope. It allows one bewildered mind to reach out to another. Death is no barrier to that.'' Hilary Mantel''Here, sorrow and despair, the tiredness and numbness and petulance and nightmarishness of grief, all have their full, uncontrolled, experienced force ... [Such] radical openness ... Brilliant.'' Francis Spufford***No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear.Narnia author C.S. Lewis had been married to his wife for four blissful years. When she died of cancer, he found himself alone, inconsolable in his grief. In this intimate journal, he chronicles the aftermath of the bereavement and mourning with blazing honesty. He grapples with a crisis of religious faith, navigating hope, rage, despair, and love - but eventually regains his bearings, finding his way back to life.A luminous modern classic, A Grief Observed has offered solace to countless readers for decades. This companion edition combines the original text with personal responses from Hilary Mantel, Rowan Williams, Francis Spufford, Maureen Freely, Kate Saunders, Jessica Martin and Jenna Bailey.***What readers are saying:''A truly great book - inspirational and untold help.'' ''Every human being, living or dead, understands what Lewis means ... One of the most valuable books ever written.'' ''Lewis, as always, sits down next to you and validates your grief like a true friend. He lets you rage, and cry, and even be furious with God, just as he did.''''If you are grieving an enormous loss, you may find comfort here ... A great mind and wonderful writer who understands your grief well enough to put words to it.''''His journal was also my journal as I worked through my own grief. Reading this book was actually comforting in that I knew that someone else understood my situation and offered insight and hope ... I highly recommend this book for anyone who has gone through the death of a loved one or who wants to comfort. ''This little book has had me in floods of tears [and] shows a real understanding of grief ... To read the words of this great man who shared and understood my pain and is a life affirming and faith affirming experience.''

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Book Synopsis*THE INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER & #2 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER*From eldest daughter Shari Franke, the shocking true story behind the viral 8 Passengers family vlog – now the subject of a new Disney+ docuseries – and the hidden abuse she suffered at the hands of her mother, and how, in the face of unimaginable pain, she found freedom and healing. Shari Franke’s childhood was a constant battle for survival. Her mother, Ruby Franke, enforced a severe moral code while maintaining a façade of a picture-perfect family for their wildly popular YouTube channel 8 Passengers, which documented the day-to-day life of raising six children for a staggering 2.5 million subscribers. But a darker truth lurked beneath the surface – Ruby’s wholesome online persona masked a more tyrannical parenting style than anyone could have imagined. As the family’s YouTube notoriety grew, so too did Ruby’s delusions of righteousness. Fueled by the sadistic influence of relationship coach Jodi Hildebrandt, together they implemented an inhumane and merciless disciplinary regime. Ruby and Jodi were arrested in Utah in 2023 on multiple charges of aggravated child abuse. On that fateful day, Shari shared a photo online of a police car outside their home. Her caption had one word: 'Finally'. For the first time, Shari will reveal the disturbing truth behind 8 Passengers and her family’s devastating involvement with Jodi Hildebrandt’s cultish life coaching program, 'ConneXions'. No stone is left unturned as Shari exposes the perils of influencer culture and shares for the first time her battle for truth and survival in the face of her mother’s cruelty.What readers are saying about The House of My Mother: - ​‘A must read’ - ‘I devoured this book in two days. Beautifully well written’ - 'Shari retells her story with such bravery and honesty’ - ‘I could not put Shari’s book down’ - ‘Shari, this book will help others. Thanks for writing it’

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Book SynopsisFull of candid reflections on the struggles and triumphs that were happening both in the public eye and behind closed doors, this is the autobiography of one of the nation's favourite TV diet and fitness experts of the past 50 years.Trade Review‘Through Thick and Thin is a fascinating, frank and honest account of one woman’s rollercoaster ride to success, triumph and transformation by way of frequent trials, tribulations and heartache. Her trailblazing influence has carried immeasurable wellbeing, happiness and good health to countless followers, and this is the story of how she did it. If you want to learn about resilience read this!' * Dr Hilary Jones MBE *‘A story of glamour, success and achievement, mixed with vulnerability, near despair and searing honesty. * Rob Parsons OBE *

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Book SynopsisLosing a partner at a young age is a devastating experience. I know. I ve been there.' Janine shares the agonizing emotions, and the inner journey God took her on, after her biggest nightmare became reality literally overnight. She looks at the traps and pitfalls to which she was particularly prone, along with the overwhelming sense of loneliness she felt. And she shares the long and gruelling path towards recovering her sense of self and forging a new identity. 'God led me to set new priorities for myself,' she says, 'as I sought to move into the future with him, and enabled me to deal with the baggage of negative beliefs.' Finally, Janine places her grief in the context of a transition in order to understand her 'voyage of hope', ending with gratitude to God for all she has received from his hands.

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Book SynopsisA NYT Bestseller, Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by former Muslim Nabeel Qureshi provides an intimate window into American Muslim life, describing how a passionate pursuit of Islam led him to Christ through friendship, apologetics, dreams and visions.Trade ReviewSeeking Allah, Finding Jesus is a brilliant book with an authentic and challenging message. Nabeel Qureshi tells the powerful story of his journey to Jesus, a story that began with a doubtful investigation and ended with a beautiful transformation. Jesus isn't intimidated by our questions; this story celebrates that truth! You won't be able to put this book down. * Louie Giglio, pastor, Passion City Church; founder, Passion Conferences *For anyone seeking understanding of their Muslim neighbors or colleagues, this is a book to read. We go on a journey from the inside out. We are introduced to the depth of spirituality, the love and honor of family, and the way a person 'sees' and 'feels' in a devout Muslim home. This is a profound book that skillfully shows the core differences between the gospel and Islamic claims. I highly recommend it. * Dr. Stuart McAllister, Regional Director The Americas, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries *Fresh, striking, highly illuminating, and sometimes heartbreaking, Qureshi's story is worth a thousand textbooks. It should be read by Muslims and all who care deeply about our Muslim friends and fellow citizens. * Os Guinness, author and social critic *In his personal quest to know the truth, Nabeel Qureshi paves the way for an analytical study of the faiths, dissecting the Christian and Islamic arguments, specifically citing numerous Islamic hadith and early Christian texts, so that the reader can see a logical progression to the analyses. But it is also a deeply personal heartwrenching and tear-evoking saga of the life of a young Muslim growing up in the West, a gripping biography that is impossible to put down. * James M. Tour, Professor of Chemistry, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Materials Science, Rice University *Nabeel describes the yearning in the hearts of millions of Muslims around the world. This book is a must-read for all seeking to share the hope of Christ with Muslims. * Fouad Masri, President and CEO, Crescent Project *Nabeel Qureshi's story is among the most unique two or three testimonies that I have ever heard. His quest brought together several exceptional features: a very bright mind, extraordinary sincerity, original research, and a willingness to follow the evidence trail wherever it took him. His search led to the cross and to Jesus Christ, who was resurrected from the dead. * Gary R. Habermas, Distinguished Research Professor, Liberty University *This book offers the fascinating story of the conversion of a sincere young Ahmadiyya man who tried his best to seek Allah and eventually fell in love with Christ. I trust that this book can be a powerful encouragement for all Christians to pray for many Muslims to find Jesus Christ. * Mark Gabriel, author and former lecturer, Al-Azhar University in Cairo *This is an urgently needed book with a gripping story. Nabeel Qureshi masterfully argues for the gospel while painting a beautiful portrait of Muslim families and heritage, avoiding the fearmongering and finger-pointing that are all too pervasive in today's sensationalist world. I unreservedly recommend this book to all. It will feed your heart and mind, while keeping your fingers turning the page! * Josh D. McDowell, author and speaker *

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Book SynopsisTo mark the fiftieth anniversary of C. S. Lewis' death, this attractive book offers daily inspirational readings from this much-loved writer, making this a most thoughtful gift.Few people, whether children or adults, have not been touched by the incredible literary works of C. S. Lewis. Whether their lives have been touched by the Chronicles of Narnia, or the more spiritual Mere Christianity, Lewis continues to be one of the most influential authors and his voice' is as loud today as it ever was.An attractive and collectible gift book, this volume is perfectly designed for those interested in, and intrigued by, daily meditation. It collects material from across the breadth of Lewis's writing talent, taking brief selections from many of his non-fiction works. These extracts are accompanied by brief and engaging snippets of biographical information, offering the reader a more intimate look at Lewis's life in the context of his writings.Trade Review‘I read C.S. Lewis for comfort and pleasure many years ago, and a glance into the books revives my old admiration.’John Updike

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Book Synopsis'I never imagined that the wind would blow me here, to a kind of isolation I have never experienced... There is never anything out here but my shadow, that no one treads on any more'When Jade's partner leaves the barn that they moved into just weeks before, he leaves a dent in the wall and her life unravelled. Numbed from years in a destructive, abusive relationship, she faces an uncertain future and complete solitude. Slowly, with the help of Devon's salted cliffs and damp forested footpaths, Jade comes back to life and discovers the power of being alone.As Jade reacclimatizes, she considers what it means to live alone. Through conversations with other hermits across the world, Fitton sheds light on the myriad - and often misunderstood - ways of living alone: from monks to hikikomori, and the largely ignored female hermit. Jade questions whether hermitic living is possible in an era of constant communication and increased housing costs as she finds herself financially unstable and itinerant. She realises that home doesn't exist within walls, but within the landscape of her childhood home county.Lyrically written, this is an inspirational story of recovery, of finding home, and of celebrating solitude in the natural world.Trade ReviewA dreamy, beautiful book about the consolations of solitude. In Hermit, Jade wanders a sunlit, windswept, delicately drawn landscape of loss and longing, and in doing so finds the stillness at the centre of herself. Hopeful and open-hearted. -- Cal Flyn, author of 'Islands of Abandonment'A compelling, engrossing memoir that beautifully encapsulates the human experience (both the misery and the magic) of suddenly finding yourself rebuilding life from the ground up, alone. I loved it. * Emma Gannon *Hermit is a beautiful written debut memoir drawing on the hermetic tradition that shows the power of being alone. -- Katherine May, author of WinteringA book of spellbinding brilliance by a writer of rare talent. -- Tristan GooleyThis distinctive, alluring memoir, reminiscent of The Outrun by Amy Liptrot, relates how Fitton slowly learns to live alone and celebrate solitude in the natural world. * The Bookseller *

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Book Synopsis'A delightful book from a gentle, generous spirit.' - SIMON RUSSELL BEALE'Philosophical speculation, country lore, rock music, spiritual exploration, erudite and beautifully written, this collection of reflections and meditations is a surprise and a delight. The kind of shot in the arm the Church of England badly needs - and is so rarely to be found.' - SALLEY VICKERSDuring the unprecedented circumstances of Spring 2020, Colin Heber Percy began writing a daily newsletter of reflections and uplifting stories to stay in touch with his parishioners. Word spread, and soon his bulletins were being eagerly consumed by readers around the country and beyond.In this thought-provoking and invigorating book, Heber-Percy draws upon a kaleidoscopic knowledge of nature, philosophy, poetry and music, as well as religious writings, and interlaces them with amusing and touching vignettes from his Wiltshire parish.As he follows the changing seasons, Heber-Percy moves from the seemingly small and mundane to ponder big life questions - can you find heaven in a Londis shop, why is the Bible not like the Highway Code, what on earth we are all doing here - while gently offering up wisdom and sustenance for all, regardless of faith and creed.Trade Review'A delightful book from a gentle, generous spirit.' * SIMON RUSSELL BEALE *'Philosophical speculation, country lore, rock music, spiritual exploration, erudite and beautifully written, this collection of reflections and meditations is a surprise and a delight. The kind of shot in the arm the Church of England badly needs - and is so rarely to be found.' * SALLEY VICKERS *'Priests can make excellent chroniclers, having privileged access as they do to the minds and lives of others... Tales of a Country Parish is in this brave tradition. Immensely knowledgeable and curious, Colin Heber-Percy wears his deep learning lightly and his reflections are moving, compelling and insightful.' * Peter J. Conradi, author of Iris Murdoch: A Life, At the Bright Hem of God, Going Buddhist. *'This hymn to a holy land has a Wordsworthian appreciation of nature and is full of humanity and wisdom.' * Sarah Sands, journalist and author of 'The Interior Silence' *'Self-willed, eccentric, intimate... this book takes you into the mind of a man of intellect, deep tenderness, and above all, a passionate, life-sustaining Christian faith.' * Madeleine Bunting, journalist and author *'A luminous, lyrical book, brimming with soul and the spirit of place.' * Bishop Andrew Rumsey, author of 'English Grounds' *'Colin Heber-Percy's prose is flowing and he writes amusingly, perceptively and beautifully, especially about the countryside and human frailty.' -- Kate Green * Country Life *'Best kept on the bedside table for a nightly dose of inspiration. But beware lest these apparently beguiling writings provoke you to sleeplessness.' -- Ysenda Maxtone Graham * The Oldie *'Insightful... at times immensely funny... well larded, and serves as a reminder of the importance of a good parish priest.' -- Robert Leigh-Pemberton * Telegraph *'An immersive experience of rural life... A book which shines with a sense of exploration and generosity towards others, drawing sustenance from myriad sources while remaining firmly in touch with chalk-encrusted feet searching lost downland tracks.' -- Richard Greatrex * Church Times *

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Book Synopsis''A beguiling exploration of what contemporary spiritual practices might offer to a world that?s lost its religion'' Dr Sharon Blackie, author of If Women Rose Rooted Abi Millar is looking for something. She grew up in an evangelical church, but after she lost her faith, she found herself searching for spirituality in other places. Torn between the logical part of her brain and the part that secretly believes in magic, and in the wake of a great loss, she wondered whether her crisis of faith was part of a larger story: at a time when more and more people in the Western world are moving away from organised religion, what does spirituality look like?The Spirituality Gap follows Abi as she receives a shamanic healing, drinks ayuahuasca, delves into astrology, experiences an awakening in a lake, and attends an atheist church. Written with great warmth, curiosity and humour, it explores our post-religious world from the perspective of someone who is neither a ?spiritual but not religious? hippie nor an angry atheist. Throughout, she asks: how can we embrace ritual in our own lives even if we are wary of religion?

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Book Synopsis'This is the kind of book that make you different when you're done.' - Ashley C. Ford, New York Times bestselling author of Somebody's Daughter'From the womb, we must repeat with regularity that to love ourselves is to survive. I believe that is what my father wanted for me and knew I would so desperately need: a tool for survival, the truth of my dignity named like a mercy new each morning.'So writes Cole Arthur Riley in an unforgettable book of stories and reflections on discovering the sacred in her skin. In these deeply transporting pages, Cole reflects on the stories of her grandmother and father and encounters of enfleshed, embodied spirituality. As she writes memorably of her own lived experiences of childhood and selfhood, Cole boldly explores some of the most urgent questions of life and faith:How can spirituality not silence the body, but instead allow it to come alive?How do we honour, lament, and heal from the stories we inherit?How can we find peace in a world overtaken with dislocation, noise, and unrest? At once a compelling spiritual meditation and a tender coming-of-age narrative, This Here Flesh invites us to ponder the site of the soul by examining our capacity to rest, wonder, joy, rage, and repair - and finding that our humanity is not an enemy to faith but evidence of it.'Exquisite' - Ayo Tomenti, co-founder of Black Lives MatterTrade ReviewAt a time when establishing peace within one's own soul is so vitally important, this book is a balm - reminding me to exercise the spiritual muscle of awe, to notice the simple and to find beauty in the ordinary. -- Ben Lindsay, Author of WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT RACEIn This Here Flesh, Cole Arthur Riley reaches deep beneath the surface of words unspoken, wounds unhealed, and secrets untempered to break them open in order for fresh light to break through. Her personal anecdotes alongside Biblical anchors are serene vehicles through which any reader will remember the preciousness of their body, humanity, and most of all, their dignity. -- Morgan Jerkins, New York Times bestselling author of THIS WILL BE MY UNDOINGThis book is an invitation into the delicate weavings of family, inheritance, and pain, how they mark a bloodline, and connect a people. Riley writes with all the grace and gravity the spirit of humanity deserves. And somehow teaches us to think of ourselves as deserving of such grace, along the way. This is the kind of book that make you different when you're done. -- Ashley C. Ford, New York Times bestselling author of SOMEBODY'S DAUGHTERThis book is breathtaking. Full of profound revelation and beauty woven into poetry, unforgettable imagery and story, it will stay with me long after I've read it. I will keep returning to its pages, ready to hear in Cole Arthur Riley's reflections new ways to see myself, my family, my faith and my God. Who knew truth-telling could be so beautiful? -- Chine McDonald, author of GOD IS NOT A WHITE MANWelcome the rising of Cole Arthur Riley's astonishing voice. This is a gorgeous and muscular work. -- Krista Tippett, host of On BeingTimeless. This is a book I know I will return to again and again. Through this work, I am reminded I am seen. I am reminded I am free. -- Morgan Harper Nichols, artist and poetExquisite. . . Arthur Riley's writing is both transporting and hauntingly intimateas she narrates this important account of generational inheritance. The stories and meditations in this book are sure to stay with you forever. -- Ayo Tometi, co-founder of Black Lives MatterThrough a narrative of family and generation, Cole Arthur Riley speaks of a Blackness so beautiful it can't be contained and a liberation that is present and possible. This Here Flesh is an invitation to hold space, return home and rediscover joy. -- Amena Brown, poet, author, and host of HER with Amena Brown podcastBeautiful. Soul-stirring. . . we rediscover a sense of awe for the bodies that make us, the stories that ground us, and the delicate grace that enlivens our spirits. -- Kate Bowler, New York Times bestselling author of NO CURE FOR BEING HUMANThis Here Flesh is a gospel to what we remember. This book is rigorous, joyous, complex, honest and tells the story of how we get free. It is a story that would not let me go. -- Danté Stewart, author of SHOUTIN’ IN THE FIRE[A] wonderfully winsome, heartbreakingly honest, and ever-poetic work of spiritual biography and theological reflection. While some theologians will talk in the abstract about 'incarnation,' 'enfleshment,' or 'embodiment,' Arthur Riley's book is a lesson in concreteness, in Black theology, in seeing a body, being a body, being a person rooted in time, space, stories, and very particular flesh. * Library Journal (starred review) *A multi-layered, moving and often a poetic exploration of faith, lament, community and much more. * Keep the Faith *

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Book SynopsisA heartrending and beautiful memoir of sudden loss and a journey to peace, from the bestselling, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of? Horse.Many cultural and religious traditions expect those who are grieving to step away from the world. In contemporary life, we are more often met with red tape and to-do lists. This is exactly what happened to Geraldine Brooks when her partner of more than three decades, Tony Horwitz - just sixty years old and, to her knowledge, vigorous and healthy - collapsed and died on a Washington, D. C. sidewalk.After spending their early years together in conflict zones as foreign correspondents, Geraldine and Tony settled down to raise two boys on Martha''s Vineyard. The life they built was one of meaningful work, good humor, and tenderness, as they spent their days writing and their evenings cooking family dinners or watching the sun set with friends at Lambert''s Cove. But all of this came to an abrupt end when, on Memorial Day 2019, Geraldine received the phone call we all dread. The demands were immediate and many. Without space to grieve, the sudden loss became a yawning gulf.Three years later, she booked a flight to a remote island off the coast of Australia with the intention of finally giving herself the time to mourn. In a shack on a pristine, rugged coast she often went days without seeing another person. There, she pondered the various ways in which cultures grieve and what rituals of her own might help to rebuild a life around the void of Tony''s death.A spare and profoundly moving memoir that joins the classics of the genre, Memorial Days is a portrait of a larger-than-life man and a timeless love between souls that exquisitely captures the joy, agony, and mystery of life.*number 5 in the New York Times hardback non-fiction bestseller chart February 12th 2025

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Book SynopsisTells the story of Thomas Merton's search for faith and peace in a world which first fascinated and then appalled him. It is written with the profound insight of a man who has seen himself clearly. Complete and unedited edition.Trade ReviewIt is a rare pleasure to read an autobiography with a pattern and meaning valid for all of us. The Seven Storey Mountain is a book one reads with a pencil so as to make it one’s own. * Graham Greene *A remarkable book, a classic of its kind, written in a vivid, rich and alert style which ranges from crisp vernacular to passionate eloquence, full of picturesque incident and passing at times into religious ecstasy. * The Times Literary Supplement *A book which may well prove to be of permanent interest in the history of religious experience. * Evelyn Waugh *

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Book SynopsisTrue stories from John Bell's life and work as a minister, including people of many nations, cultures and circumstances,

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Book SynopsisThe No. 2 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER from the author of the No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling Canon Clement Series''Immensely moving and disarmingly witty'' Nigella Lawson''Such a moving, tough, funny, raw, honest read'' Matt Haig''Beautifully written, moving and gut-wrenching, but also at times very funny'' Ian Rankin''Captures brilliantly, beautifully, bravely the comedy as well as the tragedy of bereavement'' The Times''Will strike a chord with anyone who has grieved''IndependentWhen the Reverend Richard Coles'' partner died suddenly, shortly before Christmas in 2019, what came next took Richard by surprise. Despite his years of experience assisting his parishioners in examining life''s moral questions, Richard now found he needed guidance himself. Much about grief was unexpected: the volume of ''sadmin'' that must be undertaken, how much harder it is travellingTrade ReviewBeautiful, honest and massively comforting -- DAWN FRENCHImmensely moving and disarmingly witty -- NIGELLA LAWSONWill strike a chord with anyone who has grieved . . . shines with the sort of wry, self-analytical wisdom you might expect from Coles. Full of resonating reflections, ones that urge us all to be kinder, to love more strongly * INDEPENDENT *Such a moving, tough, funny, raw, honest read. The beautiful articulation of Richard's grief will be a comfort to so many -- MATT HAIGCaptures brilliantly, beautifully, bravely the comedy as well as the tragedy of bereavement . . . simultaneously heartwarming and heartbreaking, painful and strangely comforting as it confronts the reality of what happens to us all in the end * THE TIMES *Beautifully written, moving and gut-wrenching, but also at times very funny, each smile and laugh a candle in the dark -- IAN RANKINAn astonishingly brave, bold and honest book about the tragedy - and unexpected comedy - of bereavement. Such a harrowing, hopeful and comforting book. If I could prescribe Richard Coles, I'd administer him stat to us all * Dr Rachel Clarke, author of DEAR LIFE *This is not a self-help book on how to cope with death and loss, it is an honest, raw and personal account of a man's descent into the Madness of Grief. Richard provides a frank account of the trials and tribulations he endured during the weeks between the death and the funeral of the man he loved. Funny, sad, touching and thought provoking, it reminds us that grief has no normality, no time limit and most importantly, no rules -- PROFESSOR DAME SUE BLACK, author of ALL THAT REMAINSBold, intimate writing . . . THE MADNESS OF GRIEF is not a manual for the bereaved, but as a vivid account of how it feels when the world suddenly falls away, it performs another kind of service * THE SUNDAY TIMES *Deeply moving . . . has an immediacy that is not born of long reflection and it is all the better for it * FINANCIAL TIMES *Heartbreakingly sad and searingly honest . . . For those who find themselves bereaved, this book is sure to help * DAILY MIRROR *You don't need to be religious to find comfort in this book. Anybody who has experienced a similar complex grief will relate to many of Coles's anecdotes -- Helen Brown * THE DAILY TELEGRAPH *In this memoir, Coles shares his truth, stays kind, and, when possible, brings a smile . . . By reflecting the hurts of others' losses with such beauty and integrity, he confirms that it is his open humanity that is priestly. It gives me yet another reason to admire him * CHURCH TIMES *An honest book, and a brave one * THE OLDIE *Moving and candid, this book will resonate with anyone who has lost a loved one, or has had to cope with someone they love whom they just cannot help * I NEWSPAPER *Although not a self-help book, the homilies, experience and catharsis within creates invaluable solace. It will resonate for the myriad struggling with grief wrought by the pandemic * THE QUIETUS *Beautifully written, raw and deeply personal . . . A revealing and often funny insight into love and loss * ATTITUDE *This brief, wise, frank book deals with the surreal mundanity of bereavement * THE DAILY TELEGRAPH, Books of the Summer *His reading is pitch-perfect . . . creating an aural kaleidoscope. It is, at heart, a meditation on the nature of loss and one that is as strangely comforting as it is wrenching and painful -- Alex Clark * FINANCIAL TIMES, Audio Books review round up *A WORTHY heir to C. S. Lewis's 'A Grief Observed'... To be in Coles's company is always uplifting, even when he's writing about unbearable sadness and loss. -- Ysenda Maxtone-Graham * DAILY MAIL, Best Books of 2021 *

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Book SynopsisThe astonishing, true account of one man''s quest to immerse himself in nature and live with wild deer for seven years.''Haunting, remarkable and ultimately very moving'' Sunday Times''A story of extraordinary power and tenderness'' Charles Foster''A startling portrait of an animal that is both familiar to us and yet shockingly misunderstood'' GuardianGeoffroy Delorme never felt he fitted into the human world. He would often disappear into the woods, drawn to the rhythms of animal life and away from the rules of a society he did not understand. One night, an encounter with a deer changed his life: from then on, he knew he wanted to live among them. In Deer Man, Delorme describes becoming a creature of the forest, working to blend in with the deer and witnessing their births and deaths, loves and battles, ostracism and friendship. In his seventh year in the forest, Delorme meets a woman walking through the trees. He knows he can stay in the forest and die with his friends - or he can leave, and speak their truth to a human world that desperately needs to hear it.Trade ReviewA story of extraordinary power and tenderness, showing that intimate relationship with the wild world and the wild self is both possible and vital. Delorme is the best possible guide through the tangle of the woods and the tangle of the psyche. Deer Man will change you. It has the distinctive scent of an enduring classic. -- Charles Foster, author of Being a Beast and Being a Human'An extraordinary, unique story about how one man connected to the natural world in the 21st century * Northern Life *Haunting, remarkable and ultimately very moving * Sunday Times *A startling portrait of an animal that is both familiar to us and yet shockingly misunderstood... it is a delightful, moving read - and a quietly revolutionary one. -- Melanie Challenger * Guardian *Some deeply eccentric books have crossed my path in my time, but this one probably takes the biscuit . . . This is a lyrical, rather lovely book by a talented writer. -- Marcus Berkmann * Daily Mail *Deer Man conveys an intense sympathy for the animals and has passages of real beauty... It also has the special evocativeness of tales of time in the wild that take place close to ordinary life -- Peter Godfrey-Smith * Times Literary Supplement *

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Book SynopsisJoseph Campbell, arguably the greatest mythologist of the twentieth century, was certainly one of our greatest storytellers. This masterfully crafted book interweaves conversations between Campbell and some of the people he inspired, including poet Robert Bly, anthropologist Angeles Arrien, filmmaker David Kennard, Doors drummer John Densmore, psychiatric pioneer Stanislov Grof, Nobel laureate Roger Guillemen, and others. Campbell reflects on subjects ranging from the origins and functions of myth, the role of the artist, and the need for ritual to the ordeals of love and romance. With poetry and humor, Campbell recounts his own quest and conveys the excitement of his lifelong exploration of our mythic traditions, what he called “the one great story of mankind.”

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Book SynopsisAn exquisite and inspiring memoir about one mother's unimaginable choice in the face of oppression and abuse in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.How far would you go to protect yourself? Your dignity? Your family?In the days before Homeira Qaderi gave birth to her son, Siawash, the road to the hospital in Kabul would often be barricaded because of the frequent suicide explosions.With the city and the military on edge,it was not uncommon foran armed soldiertopoint his gun at the pregnant woman's bulging stomach, terrified that she was hiding a bomb. Propelled by the love she held for her soon-to-be-born child, Homeira walked through blood and wreckage to reach the hospital doors. But the joy of her beautiful son's birth was soon overshadowed by other dangers that would threaten her life.No ordinary Afghan woman, Homeira refused to cower under the strictures of a misogynistic social order. Defying the law, at the age of thirteen, she risked her freedom to teach children reading and writingTrade Review‘Page-turning account of the lives of Afghan women … at the heart of this moving memoir is an aching sadness’ Observer ‘How does a girl grow to be a woman in a society that shuts off every opportunity? How does a mother choose between her child and the future, not just her future but that of the women of Afghanistan? Homeira Qaderi answers these impossible questions in her stunning memoir, Dancing in the Mosque – one of the most moving love letters to life itself that you will ever read.’ Meg Waite Clayton, author of The Last Train to London ‘Powerful … an unvarnished, memorable portrayal of a mother’s grief and love’ Kirkus ‘A remarkable story of great strength, perseverance, and personal sacrifice by a woman selflessly working to advance the rights of women in her homeland of Afghanistan, women and girls who yearn to be free … I wept when I read the words, " in this land, it is better to be a stone than a girl." Thank you, Homeira, for telling a story that everyone needs to read.’ Deborah Rodriguez, author of The Kabul Beauty School and The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul

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Book SynopsisLama Yeshe didn''t see a car until he was fifteen. But everything changed with the arrival of Chinese army vehicles in 1959. In the wake of the deadly Tibetan Uprising, he escaped to India through the Himalayas as one of only 13 survivors out of 300 refugees.Now in his seventies and a leading monk at the Samye Ling monastery in Scotland, Lama Yeshe casts a hopeful look back at his momentous life - from his quiet early years and the moment his world changed to his time spent in America, experiencing the excesses of the Woodstock generation. And to his life now.Written with erudition and humour, From a Mountain in Tibet shines a light on how the most desperate of situations can help us to uncover vital life lessons and attain lasting peace and contentment.___________________________________________''Brilliant and riveting. This book shows us that freedom is a choice we can all make'' Gelong Thubten, author of A Monk''s Trade ReviewThis is a fascinating story of an incredible life, told with unflinching honesty * Dr John Sellars author of 'Lessons in Stoicism' *His jovial nature belies his harsh, if colourful, personal journey from hedonistic teen rebel to devoted abbot of the Kagyu Samye Ling monastery, and it's remarkable to comprehend from his new book [...] just how the monk survived to redeem himself * The Sunday Times *Despite everything he has suffered, his story is a hopeful one and that can inspire others. Spending just a short time in his joyful company, and hearing his extraordinary personal journey, makes his unmovable positivity, forgiveness and tranquillity even more inspirational * The Sunday Business Post *Beautifully written * Chloe Brotheridge author of The Anxiety Solution *Brilliant and riveting. This book shows us that freedom is a choice we can all make * Gelong Thubten, author of 'A Monk's Guide to Happiness' *

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Book Synopsis You've watched Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey, the top 5 true-crime docuseries on Netflix. Now discover the revealing memoir of one woman featured in the series who was forced into polygamous marriage and her brave struggle to protect others from the same fate.  Rebecca Musser grew up in fear, concealing her family's polygamous lifestyle from the 'dangerous' outside world. Covered head-to-toe in strict, modest clothing, she received a rigorous education at Alta Academy, the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints' school headed by Warren Jeffs. Always seeking to be an obedient Priesthood girl, in her teens she became the nineteenth wife of her people's prophet: 85-year-old Rulon Jeffs, Warren's father. Finally sickened by the abuse she suffered and saw around her, she pulled off a daring escape and sought to build a new life and family. The church, however, had a way of pullinTrade ReviewThe books speaks to the ways isolation, fear and secrecy can shelter insidious abuses until someone has the courage to step forward as a witness. - Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisIn stunning, lyrical prose, Helen Knott explores female power, motherhood and grief as she reflects upon how her identity asa woman of Dane Zaa a group of First Nations Indigenous people has shaped her.

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Book SynopsisOne of the most beloved Christian autobiographies of modern times, Joni highlights the unforgettable story of a young woman''s courageous struggle to find hope after a broken neck left her completely paralyzed. On a hot July afternoon, Joni Eareckson Tada''s life was dramatically altered in a split second. A reckless dive into shallow water took an athletic young woman from health and success to life as a quadriplegic in a wheelchair. In the forty-five years since the release of this book--which has more than five million copies in print in over forty languages--Joni''s earnest struggle to find hope has resonated with millions of readers around the world. The hard-earned truths she shares in this special edition reveal the power of God''s love to transform, as well as the triumph of faith over pain and suffering.Joni''s message has inspired people facing all types of challenges, helping them overcome their own limitations with a determined smi

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Book SynopsisAn instant New York Times bestseller! Journey with Kathie Lee Gifford and Messianic Rabbi Jason Sobel into Israel and explore the deep roots of the Christian faith.As a lifelong student of Scripture, Kathie Lee Gifford has always desired a deeper understanding of God’s Word and a deeper knowledge of God Himself. But it wasn’t until she began studying the biblical texts in their original Hebrew and Greek—along with actually hiking the ancient paths of Israel—that she found the fulfillment of those desires.Now you can walk with Kathie on a journey through the spiritual foundations of her faith: The Rock (Jesus Christ): Hear directly from Kathie about her life-changing and ever-deepening connection with Jesus, the Lover of her soul. The Road (Israel): Explore dozens of ancient landmarks and historical sites from Israel, the promised land of God’

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Book SynopsisNovember 2016 marks the 25th anniversary of Terry Waite’s release from captivity in Beirut. In this this moving sequence of poetry and prose he recalls the highs and lows of his life, both during his ordeal as a hostage and in the happier years of humanitarian work that have followed.Trade ReviewOut of the Silence is a remarkable book by a remarkable man, a man of great humility and compassion who shares with us his private inner space. The prose gives great insight into the poetry and the result is inspirational. Peace would universally reign if the world were full of people like Terry Waite. * Karl Jenkins CBE, composer *Throughout a life of incident and commitment, Terry Waite has recorded his feelings in simple and poignant prose and poetry. It is a record of a unique sensibility. * Joan Bakewell, DBE, writer and broadcaster *I read and re-read Out of the Silence. I still am rereading it! Terry Waite’s thoughts and questions are totally compelling, whether in prose or in verse. * Vanessa Redgrave CBE, actor *A literary postscript about redemption, and grace. * Church Times *Searingly simple, yet moving honesty . . . is prevalent on each page. * Life and Work *

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Book SynopsisA memoir from Andrew White, the 'Vicar of Baghdad', whose personal and professional life has been filled with tumult.Trade Review“Abouna Andrew is for us in Iraq not just a spiritual leader for the Christians: he is the spiritual leader of all of us – Iraqis, Sunni, Shia, and others. He has stood with us and been our supporter and defender for nearly two decades. When people were too afraid even to come to Iraq he stayed with us. He is like the Almighty: he will never leave us. However hard the circumstances he is with us.” -- Grand Ayatollah Hussein Al-Sadr, The Grand Ayatollah of Khadameer, Baghdad“Canon Andrew White has devoted his life to the true mission of religion – to assist, comfort and save lives of human beings in the most difficult places of conflict. He is a messenger of divine peace in the world, and a great friend of the Jewish people.” -- Rabbi Melchior, Chief Rabbi of Norway, and former Member of the Knesset

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisYvonne Orji has never shied away from being unapologetically herself, and that includes being outspoken about her faith.Known for interpreting Biblical stories and metaphors to fit current times, her humorous and accessible approach to faith leaves even non-believers inspired and wanting more.The way Yvonne sees it, God is a Sovereign Prankster, punking folks long before Ashton Kutcher made it cool. When she meditates on her own life--complete with unforeseen blessings and unanticipated roadblocks--she realises it's one big testimony to how God tricked her into living out her wildest dreams. And she wants us to join in on getting bamboozled. This is not a Self-Help book--it's a Get Yours book!In Bamboozled by Jesus, a frank and fresh advice book, Orji takes readers on a journey through twenty-five life lessons, gleaned from her own experiences and her favourite source of inspiration: the Bible. But this ain't your mama's Bible study. Yvonne infuses wit and heart in sharing pointers like why the way up is sometimes down, and how fear is synonymous to food poisoning. Her joyful, confident approach to God will inspire everyone to catapult themselves out of the mundane and into the magnificent.With bold authenticity and practical relatability, Orji is exactly the kind of cultural leader we need in these chaotic times. And her journey through being Bamboozled by Jesus paints a powerful picture of what it means to say "yes" to a life you never could've imagined--if it wasn't your own.

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Book SynopsisMuhammad Hasan al-Husayni, also known as Hasan 'Ali Shah and, more generally, as the Aga Khan (1804-1881), was the 46th Imam of the Nizari Ismailis and the first Ismaili Imam to bear the title of Aga Khan, bestowed on him by the contemporary Qajar monarch of Persia. This book is the first English translation of his memoirs, the 'Ibrat-afza, `A Book of Exhortation, or Example', and includes a new edition of the Persian text and a detailed introduction to the work and its context. The 'Ibrat-afza was composed in the year 1851, following the Ismaili Imam's departure from Persia and his permanent settlement in India. The text recounts the Aga Khan's early life and political career as the governor of the province of Kirman in Persia, and narrates the dramatic events of his conflict with the Qajar establishment followed by his subsequent travels and exploits in Afghanistan and British India. The 'Ibrat-afza provides a rare example of an autobiographical account from an Ismaili Imam and a first-hand perspective on the regional politics of the age. It offers a window into the history of the Ismailis of Persia, India and Central Asia at the dawn of the modern era of their history. Consequently, the book will be of great interest to both researchers and general readers interested in Ismaili history and in the history of the Islamic world in the nineteenth century.Table of ContentsIntroduction 'Ibrat-afza Hasan 'Ali Shah al-Husayni, known as the Aga Khan -English Translation Bibliography

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Book SynopsisDuring her lifelong service to the poorest of the poor, Mother Teresa became an icon of compassion to people of all religions, and none. Her selfless commitment to the care of the sick and the dying, as well as to thousands of others who no one else was prepared to help, has been recognised and acclaimed throughout the world.Yet this impressive collection of her writings shows a different and unexpected picture of the Nobel Peace Prize winner. Her absolute conviction that she was doing God's will is well known but what is a revelation is the discovery that she fulfilled her mission in spite of feeling a chasm of spiritual emptiness within her, which lasted for decades. This book is a moving chronicle of her spiritual journey and it reveals the secrets she shared only with her closest confidants. It also illustrates how the experience of an agonizing sense of loss need not hold anyone back from doing something extraordinary with their lives.Trade ReviewStunning revelations * New York Times *Come Be My Light raises questions about God and faith, the engine behind great achievement, and the persistence of love, divine and human * Time *Remarkable * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisThis collection of autobiographical and teaching stories from peace activist and Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh is thought provoking and inspiring. Collected here for the first time, these stories span his life. There are stories from his childhood and the traditions of rural Vietnam. There are stories from his years as a teenage novice, as a young teacher and writer in war torn Vietnam, and of his travels around the world to teach mindfulness, make pilgrimages to sacred sites and influence world leaders. The tradition of Zen teaching stories goes back at least to the time of the Buddha. Like the Buddha, Thich Nhat Hanh uses story-telling to engage people's interest so he can share important teachings, insights and life lessons.Trade Review‘This book is ideal if you are going [to Vietnam] to find inner calm or want something mindful to read.’ * Wanderlust Travel Magazine *

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Book SynopsisThe Book of Sarah is missing from the bible, so artist Sarah Lightman sets out to make her own: questioning religion, family, motherhood and what it takes to be an artist in this quietly subversive visual autobiography from NW3.

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Book Synopsis

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