The Return

Review: Radical Spirit: 12 Ways to Live a Free and Authentic Life Joan Chittister Convergent 2017 I had heard of this author, but not read any of her work until now.   The front flap says this book contains “twelve simple rules derived from the Rule of Saint Benedict” of which I had little, make that no, prior knowledge.   So, this book initiated me to that way of life and the writing of Chittister.      “Joan Chittister entered the Benedictine Sisters of Erie at the age of 16 and has remained a faithful and instrumental member for over 60 years.” ( http://www.joanchittister.org/about-benedictine-sisters-erie ) “She is one of the most influential religious and social leaders of our time. For 40 years she has passionately advocated on behalf of peace, human rights, women’s issues, and church renewal.” ( http://www.joanchittister.org/about-joan-chittister ). In this book, she tells of her own journey through the “12 simple steps.”  ...

Review: Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption Bryan Stevenson Spiegel & Grau 2015 I missed this one in its original offering, but I am glad to have discovered it in paper.     Yes, this is about justice and mercy from a lawyer’s own experience and practice.   A single case serves as the base story line for this book, but there’s plenty of others interspersed as well.   This reads as well as most recent fiction, but it’s true and with endnotes too.    Stevenson originally worked with death row inmates primarily in the Alabama prisons.   If you are from Alabama I’ll tell you now it isn’t a pretty story of the legal system in that state.   Not only in the days gone by, but also in more recent times.   Other states take some hits too, so he didn’t single just Alabama out.   And they aren’t all in the South. This book has been compared to Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird .   It does carry a sad resemblanc...

Review: Tranquility: A Prayer and Reflection Coloring Journal Compiled by Amie Carlson Tyndale House Publishers 2017 I have become a believer in the adult coloring books, an admission that will sway my opinion of this book.   Coloring books in general require me to stop, slow down, and relax.   Add a time to consider what a Bible verse says and things are good.   Very good, in fact.   That’s what this journal is about.    Tranquility describes this journal well.   The introduction page says tranquility is a state of calmness, peacefulness, quietness, serenity.   Sounds wonderful already.   Just typing those words felt good.   The book has small drawings on nearly every page that may be colored, a few lines (or more) to use as the reader sees fit, and a short paragraph to encourage some prayer.    The overall size doesn’t exceed a child’s book.   No giant designs to labor over.   One a day woul...