Marianne's Booklist

Intentional Faith Development:

a practice of a fruitful congregation and a faithful person

Intentional faith development means taking our learning about and growing in faith seriously. Sometimes we do that through classes and Bible Studies. Those are good things. However, I also believe that reading in general - not just ‘holy’ books but a wide variety of books can open us to vistas beyond our wildest imaginations. Good books can foster faith, broaden minds, challenge prejudices and help us relax. So, as you consider your own faith development, you might try the simple time honored practice of reading. Just reading. This list includes most of the books I have read in the 12 - 18 months. They are in no particular order. You’ll notice they cover a wide range of possibilities. The ones with an asterisk are books I have used in sermons.

Enjoy! Marianne (March 7, 2010)

I’m in the middle of this one at the moment. It is an intriguing account of a man who decides to try to live according to the bible for a year. That is, he makes a list of all the rules, laws and guidelines and tries to follow them as much as possible exactly as they are written. So far so good!

True story of a young Jordanian woman who coaches, mentors, mothers and inspires an array of immigrant boys who have been relocated with their families to the small town of Clarkston, GA. Faced with daunting challenges of survival in a country with which they are not familiar, soccer becomes the tool to bring them together, teach them and, in many ways, heal them. From the jacket: “This is the complex and inspiring tale of a small town becoming a global community, and the ingenious ways we create a home in a changing world.” (Well worth the read - inspiring, thouthful and provocative.)

The story is set in the year 1570 in a convent in Italy. A young woman, just 16, who had fallen in with the ‘wrong man’ is ripped from her life and all she had ever known and placed in a convent to live out the remainder of her life. Given the custom of dowries, many families could afford only one and Serafina’s family felt she would be safer in a convent while her dowry could then go to her sister. This is a story of the counter-reformation in the Catholic Church but also of politics, friendship and the power of love to sustain. (I enjoyed it and especially appreciated learning more about this time in history which was particularly difficult on women.)

Set in Hawaii in the late19^th and early 20^th centuries, this is the story of a 7 year old girl who wakes up one day to find red splotches on her skin. When the diagnosis of leprosy is pronounced, Rachel is sent to Molokai. This is the imagined story of what it was like to grow up, live and marry in the leper colony of Kalaupapa. Often stories have been told from the standpoint of those who worked there. This is an ‘inside’ story. (I was moved and inspired by the story. There is a reader’s guide at the end - this would be a great book to read with a group.)

The story of Joan of Arc - one of the best I have read. Spoto uses actual transcripts from Joan’s trial for heresy. He recreates her life and in one of the most understandable ways I have ever read. (If you like true stories and are willing to be amazed by a young woman whose courage and wisdom surpasses most, read this one!)

From the back cover . . .Ford expertly nails the sweet innocence of first love, the cruelty of racism, the blindness of patriotism, the astonishing unknowns between parents and their children, and the sadness and satisfaction at the end of a life well lived. The result is a vivid picture of a confusing and critical time in American history. (Wonderful story - I couldn’t put it down.)

Jennifer Thompson was raped. She picked Ronald Cotton our of a lineup. He was accused, tried and convicted of her rape. And then DNA evidence exonerated him. Simply put, this book is their story - told together. It is an amazing story of guilt, resignation, redemption, fear, faith and so much more. (Haunting and inspiring. It is not an easy book to read but both Jennifer and Ronald will inspire you with their courage.)

At age 12, Mende Nazer was kidnaped from her home in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan by Arab raiders. She was then sold as a slave to a wealthy Arab family. Eventually she finds a way to make a break for freedom. This is her story told in her words. (Everything about this book is amazing. I watch for Mende’s next book - I want to know what she is doing now. Even more I am concerned that children are still sold as slaves and that it is allowed anywhere in the world.)

This book is a novel - the second in the “Magdalene” series. It is definitely a novel but it includes a little known true story of Matilda whose statue really does exist and does sit across from the Pieta in St. Peter’s Basilica. I am always inspired by stories of women who made their mark even at a time that had little use for strong women. (If you want a good read that is also filled with things to learn - about history and historical figures and about such things as the labyrinth at Chartres, this is a great book.)

Historical biography based on letters from Galileo’s daughter to her father. (His letters to her did not survive.) A Carmelite nun, Suor Maria Celeste kept in close contact with her father even as he faced the Inquisition. (The book can be a bit difficult to read but well worth the effort. It really does provide an inside look to a man whose scholarship and work were never really appreciated in his lifetime but who clung tenaciously to the truth - thank God!)

Ada Blackjack was just 23 years old when she signed on as a seamstress for a top-secret Arctic expedition. Her reason for agreeing to the trip was simply to earn enough money so she could provide for her young son. She and 4 men set out into the far North Arctic in September 1921. When the group was finally seen again two years later, she was the only survivor. The author draws on Ada’s diaries as well as those left by the men. It is a true story of courage - a courage she needed even more when she came out of the wilderness to face the prejudices and greed of her rescuers and of society in general. (I had never heard of this woman. Wow! In many ways this book is the result of her son’s quest to clear his mother’s name. I love that. Good read.)

The author had grown up hearing stories about her ancestor, Martha Carrier, who was hanged as a witch in the Salem witch hysteria. This is her researched and imagined story told through the voice of Martha’s daughter who, as a child, survived incarceration as a witch herself. (Great novel, easy to read, insightful.)

You can learn so much about Islam, Judaism and even Christianity as three women from the three traditions share their own faith, struggles and questions. We have had a discussion group at St. Paul’s on this book.

One of the best books I have ever read. A story about faith, growing up, Ethiopia and so much more. I couldn’t put it down!

A book by last year’s lecturer. Excellent.

Speaking of Faith by Krista Tippett

A series of essays by the well known creator and host of NPR’s ‘Speaking of Faith’ series. I loved these reflections.

Interesting book. I did not like the end but enjoyed most of the book. It was recommended to me as a good book for dog-lovers.

Aya’s story is remarkable - her survival truly a miracle. She raises questions about how far we should go to protect freedom if it promotes the persecution of others, particularly girls. Thoughtful critique of Islam from the inside.

The author speaks about her time in Evin prison as a teenager and the marriage to an Evin guard that saved her life. (It is a difficult book to read simply because reading about imprisonment is hard. Her resilience is amazing. Worth reading)

A novel set in the aftermath of the Iranian revolution. The author herself fled Iran as a child with her family. Two years before they fled, her father had been imprisoned. Her novel in many ways is her attempt to get inside her father’s experience. (Well crafted, thoughtful, haunting.)

Colette, raised in a good Catholic family, becomes inspired by Mother Teresa and the work her sisters were doing around the world. She joined the Sisters of Charity and lived as one of Mother Teresa’s nuns for 11 years. This is her story. (There was a lot to which I could relate this story. It is honest, sometimes startlingly so. Although I did not ‘lose my faith’ I could relate to Colette’s sense of loss and disillusionment. I liked the book.)

A work of fiction inspired by the true story of the Hebrew codex known as the Sarajevo Haggadah. I loved the scope and sweep of the story. Sometimes a good book is just that - good.

We’re in the midst of studying this together this Lent. Good insight, I believe. Concepts worth considering.

An unlikely title, this book is disarming. When the author found himself out of work after twenty five years, he got a job at Starbucks. This is his story of how hard work can help re-orient priorities and give new life.

I like everything Mitch Albom writes. This is his story about what happens when his childhood rabbi asks him to do his eulogy.

Purely a fantasy novel but wonderful comment on the nature of evil.

I have read all of these books from the #1Ladies Detective Agency series. They are delightful and in the process. Precious Ramotswe’s insights to life are infectious and wise and I’ve learned something about Botswana.

Unbelievable story of a Muslim woman who is a physician and spends two years in Saudi Arabia practicing medicine. It is a country where women are not allowed to drive or be outside their homes unless accompanied by a man. She struggles but also grows in her faith and insight to life. Well worth reading.

The following books are all stories about or from the Holocaust. Different perspectives - all incredibly thoughtful and well worth reading. (I will indicate after each whether it is a true story or fiction based on an event)

Sarah’s Key by Tatiana De Rosnay (St. Martin’s Press: New York) ©2007 (fiction, based on the event of the round up and deportation of French Jews. They were herded into the Velodrome d’Hiver where a monument now stands. Discussion guide included in book.)

The following three books are by survivors of polygamous cults in Utah. I continue to be amazed at the courage and tenacity of these women who tell their stories.