Paula has tagged me for a three book meme. That’s easy and difficult at the same time because I easily have three favorite non-fiction books but should everybody read them. Well, here goes my presumption.
1. The Spirituality of Imperfection: Storytelling and the Search for Meaning. I first received this book following the death of a longtime friend. It had been in his library and his widow gave it to me along with some Thomas Merton books that she knew I would like. My late friend Jack and I had first connected in the spring of 1979 at a conference discussing our common love of Thomas Merton.
2. Seven Storey Mountain. First read this book in the fall of 1978 at a time of crisis in my own life. I was drawn to it then and I’m drawn to it now. It is one book that has had a profound effect on my life as have a number of other Thomas Merton books. It was the first real indication to me that I was a contemplative although I was not to have real identification for that tag for more than twenty years after reading the book.
3. Calming the Fearful Mind: A Zen Response to Terrorism. I finished reading this book only a couple of weeks ago. Like all of Thich Nhat Hanh’s books it is a real treat to read and because I’ve heard him on podcast I can hear his voice as I read the book. It is a very timely book and I highly recommend it. Thomas Merton once said of this peaceful monk, “Thich Nhat Hanh is more my brother than many who are nearer to me in race and nationality.”
I have some other favorites and I’ll mention them here.
When Will Jesus Bring the Porkchops? George Carlin is ribald and profane to be sure but he does a fabulous job of exposing some of the underlying hypocrisy of traditional religious thought.
Just for Fun:The Story of an Accidental Revolutionary. This is an interesting read on the life and thoughts of the founder of Linux, Mr. Linus Torvalds. It’s a must read for geeks and curious people everywhere.
Father Joe:The Man Who Saved My Soul. Great story of a journey to wholeness.
Jesus Today: A Spirituality of Radical Freedom. This and Albert Nolan’s earlier work “Jesus Before Christianity” are powerful insights into the life and message of Jesus.
Return of the Prodigal Son. Henri Nouwen really explores the nuances of one of my favorite Gospel passages.
Thank you to Paula for tagging me. Peace.