With the goal of explaining "how you are not your thoughts, but also how you are what you think," Kipfer (How Would Buddha Act?), a lexicographer and prolific author of list-based self-help books, provides guidance to Buddhist practitioners and anyone seeking a calmer mind and more skillful actions. Kipfer bases her approach on Right Intention, one aspect of Buddhism's Noble Eightfold Path, noting that "Each word and every action begins with a thought." Offering readers a variety of tools to reduce repetitive or negative thoughts, the book comprises a long bulleted list of teachings in aphorism form, brief discussions of relevant topics such as anxiety and compassion, and targeted meditations. Kipfer doesn't impose any organization on the central list, which includes explanations, advice, and practices with some repetition and clichés along with the astute reminders; the subsequent short essays are stronger, clearly explaining how key Buddhist concepts can improve wellbeing. By shining a focused light on the central—and frustrating—topic of thoughts, Kipfer provides a helpful reference guide for those seeking to change harmful mental patterns. (July)

Reviewed on 06/10/2016 | Details & Permalink

With sources ranging from the 13th-century Poetic and Prose Eddas to the 20th-century works of J.R.R. Tolkien, Lecouteux's encyclopedia covers Norse and Germanic gods, including crowd-pleasers Odin, Thor, and Loki; folk mythology figures such as Loyal Eckart and the Cursed Huntsman; and other "elemental and supernatural beings, such as the didken and the angane. The book offers a significant amount of Germanic folkloric and legendary material that was not previously available in English. Entries vary from a single line placing the name of an object or minor figure in its context to multi-paragraph summaries of the legends in which an object or figure appears. The catalogue of entries is itself informative (noting every mythological name that is "featured in a complete text" or appears in a text that is "fragmentary but still intelligible"), and Lecouteux's analysis offers a deeper layer of interest, with tidbits on the "remarkable kinship" between ancient Indian mythology and Germanic traditions, Germanic countries naming diseases after demons, and various examples of god and spirit names preserved linguistically in titles and figures of speech. The encyclopedia is targeted to academics with knowledge of the subject matter, but general readers will also find gems here, considering Lecouteux's flair for the interesting and linguistically quirky. (July)

Reviewed on 06/10/2016 | Details & Permalink

Patterson (Grimoire of a Kitchen Witch), a practitioner of witchcraft, gathers tales of a Celtic goddess known as the Cailleach in this unsatisfying volume. Originally linked with creation, the Cailleach was envisioned as a giant who formed geographical features like whirlpools and standing stones, by, for instance, "dropping boulders from her apron." Yet, at some point, Patterson observes, the Cailleach was given the " ‘Hollywood' treatment" and turned into a villainous hag, blue-faced and one-eyed. That accounts for her contradictory associations: on the one hand she is described as a benevolent midwife ushering in the seasons, while on the other hand she appears as a sinister trickster who rides a wolf and leads a spirit army by night. This brief book gives a strong sense of the variety of region-specific traditions about the Cailleach. It also suggests intriguing wider parallels, such as the Hindu goddess Kali's similarity to Black Annis, a Cailleach-like hag from English legend. However, the book overall is a somewhat repetitive, disjointed collection of stories rather than a cohesive narrative. It ends with key lessons Patterson takes from the Cailleach, along with a list of suggested offerings and ways to commune with the goddess through ritual and meditation. (July)

Reviewed on 06/10/2016 | Details & Permalink

What churches preach often doesn't reflect the reality of what parishioners practice, especially when it comes to sex, but McCleneghan offers ways to rethink biblical passages and find a compromise so that faith and embracing human sexuality don't have to be mutually exclusive. For McCleneghan, considering how terms are defined is a good place to start: what exactly do lust and fidelity mean? How one defines virginity might create different perspectives on whether any sin has been committed, for example. McCleneghan doesn't try to take a stand on what is right or wrong, but examines Scripture and teaching to find ways for Christians to deal with the reality of their sexualities without throwing caution to the wind. More liberal and progressive Christians searching for ways to feel comfortable in modern society might embrace the message, but the author's admission that the Bible might not be inerrant and the fact that she serves as an associate pastor in a church will make her an unlikely authority for those with more conservative biblical interpretations. Agent: Carol Mann, Carol Mann Agency. (July)

Reviewed on 06/10/2016 | Details & Permalink

Coleman (Making a Way Out of No Way), a Claremont School of Theology professor, traces how mental illness and rape have shaped her Christian faith. Burdened by her sharecropping great-grandfather's suicide in 1920s South Carolina, which cast the shadow of depression down the family line, Christian practice was always the default: "In my family, going to church is like brushing teeth.... Good spiritual hygiene." Taking ownership of her faith was a long journey complicated by severe recurrent depression and being sexually assaulted multiple times. As Coleman went further in her theological studies, she was sustained by music and dance, therapy, African-American literature, and churchgoing. The closer she drew to ministry, the more she questioned whether she, a damaged soul, dared minister to others. Highlights of this sensitive memoir include establishing the Dinah Project for victims of sexual violence and holding a memorial service for her former self—"Rituals helped me integrate the trauma of rape in my life," she writes. The cycle of broken relationships can feel repetitive, and dating chapters by their relation to painful events doesn't wholly overcome the chronological drag. However, this empowering story of depression and healing is inspiring, and it successfully shows womanist and process theology in practice. Coleman's courage shines through in this fine memoir. (July)

Reviewed on 06/10/2016 | Details & Permalink

Popular spirituality teacher Steindl-Rast (Gratefulness) writes a deceptively short book packed with rich food for thought. The Benedictine monk offers deep insight into prayer in a fetching opening chapter that he ties to a variety of personal experiences as well as reflections on the Trinity. He nimbly makes connections and plumbs observations of everyday things, as the title promises. The book is like a buffet of small plates, best savored chapter by chapter. The theme of mysticism, which for Steindl-Rast is both the starting point and goal of the world's religions, connects and unifies the exposition. He borrows from esteemed spirituality writer Thomas Merton, another monk who plumbed silence, as he opens the door to contemplating the universe of "limitless belonging." From there the book moves through paradox, the bodily roots of mindfulness, the revelation of God through the senses, and other vast topics. To the rationalist believer this is woolly stuff, but the author consistently anchors his mysticism in the concrete detail of daily life. Steindl-Rast serves up another well-seasoned helping of spirituality. (June)

Reviewed on 06/10/2016 | Details & Permalink

Alexandra Frey and Autumn Totton of the Mindfulness Project offer a playful journal designed to bring mindfulness and deep reflection to daily life. It's illustrated in a charming and attractive minimalist art style evocative of a calm, observant mind. The book features exercises such as crosswords, body and emotion mapping, plant tending, letter writing, and taking meditation "field notes." For example, through body and emotion mapping, Frey and Totton call readers to pay close attention to the sensation of itches or the tension of anger or frustration in the body. This guide encourages readers to pause and take note of their experiences: awareness of one's breath, emotional states or wanderings, or physical sensations. Through everyday mindfulness, Frey and Totton aim to teach readers to be nonjudgmental, to accept life as it comes, and to be kind to oneself. Their journal is a great starting point for those who are looking to start integrating simple mindfulness exercises into their routine. (June)

Reviewed on 06/10/2016 | Details & Permalink

In her third book, popular blogger Hudson (Home Is Where My People Are) urges women to come together and form cross-generational friendships. Written in her signature Southern drawl and weaving together reflections on Scripture and personal stories, Hudson encourages young women to soak up the wisdom of their older counterparts and reminds older women to avoid a "get off my lawn" mentality—to have patience and get to know the women who come after them. Hudson's spiritual exploration of female friendship is grounded in the stories of Mary and Elizabeth, Ruth and Naomi, and Lois and Eunice. Much of the book, however, is based on her experience working with young women as a teacher and women's advisor at a Christian high school. She also devotes significant time, and some of her best writing, to reflecting on her own relationships with two of the most important women in her life: her mother and mother-in-law. Hudson's welcoming book is a strong appeal for readers to ponder the questions at the heart of cross-generational friendships: "What are we passing on? What have we inherited?" (June)

Reviewed on 06/10/2016 | Details & Permalink

In this profound work, Hayes suggests that the writers of the Gospels "reread Israel's Scriptures" in order to mine them for shades of meaning that inform and enlighten the Christ story. He discusses the long history of debate around the formation of the New Testament and the Gospel writers' use of the Hebrew scriptures in their narratives, suggesting they could have taken some of the references to Moses out of context in order to create their story. He defines this as "reading backwards, reinterpreting Israel's Scripture in light of the story of Jesus." Taking readers through the four Gospels, the author suggests how a creative rereading of the text illuminates the Jesus story and positively links Christ's life and ministry to the hopes and aspirations of Israel's prophets. He explains the "figural reading" that the Gospel writers used to reanimate their own stories of Christ with the messianic call in the Hebrew Bible. The Gospel story then becomes for Christians a valid continuation of the Jewish narrative, the culmination of their hopes and dreams. The conclusions he draws will empower contemporary believers to see the messianic threads of the Bible as an ongoing mission. This is a fine, convincing work of scholarship on a delicate theological topic. (June)

Reviewed on 06/10/2016 | Details & Permalink

Adam, a horticulturist, landscape designer, and author of Landscape Planning: Practical Techniques for the Home Gardener, offers a useful book of advice for new homeowners and others building their first gardens. The book initiates readers into the basics of designing, planning, planting, and maintaining a garden. Starting with a checklist for planning the garden, Adam includes an informative primer on fertilizers and essential tools. One section helps gardeners understand soil types and ways to improve soil quality. Perennials, shrubs, and trees are suggested to provide color through the seasons in North America. Hints on spotting diseased, neglected plants and other concerns are particularly useful when buying plants. The book is well organized and designed to allow the reader to find specific gardening topics quickly with thoughtfully designed diagrams, headers, sidebars and an index. Unfortunately, flora introduced in the book are not included in the index, making it difficult to retrace where particular plants were mentioned. Beautiful photographs and illustrations enhance the reading and learning experience. The author's advice will help beginners avoid costly mistakes, plan well, and tend to a thoughtfully designed garden that will add value to property and offer beauty for years to come. (Mar.)

Reviewed on 06/10/2016 | Details & Permalink