To cheer our November days this month’s staff pick theme is a little off the wall. Occasionally customers come in with imprecise descriptions of books hoping we can help them find “a green book on suffering” that they saw once, probably in our store. Reflecting an actual customer request, this month’s books are blue, and have either Jesus or God in the title. There were lots of possible books to choose from.
Cindy’s pick: At Sea With God by Margaret Silf
Cindy says:
“Best known for her books on Ignatian spirituality, in this book Margaret Silf takes us sailing. We are encouraged to see the spiritual journey as a trip into uncharted waters. The trip is full of risks that we must take—first of all, just leaving the security of the harbour. But the journey is an adventure full of surprises as we let the wind of God billow our sails, setting the course that he has selected for us.”
Carolyn’s Pick: Finding God in the Dark II – Taking the Spiritual Exercise of St. Ignatius to the Movies by Monty Williams SJ and John Pungente SJ
Carolyn’s pick seems particularly appropriate for the Dark Month. She says: “I know little about the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius, but in the last few years, I have had the privilege of getting to know some Jesuit brothers, and I find myself intrigued by the unique spirituality that seems to characterize the Jesuit movement. And as peculiar as it may seem to write a book about the spiritual exercises of a 16th century saint as explored through 20th and 21st century movies, somehow it seems appropriate for the members of an order that has always been taking the gospel out into the world. This book is no frivolous foray into film with a bit of spirituality tossed in for fun; rather, it is a serious opportunity to use film as a vehicle for spiritual contemplation.”
Rev. Heather’s Pick: On God and Christ St. Gregory of Nazianzus
Rev. Heather says: “Have you ever wanted to read something by ‘The Theologian?’ Have you ever thought – I’d like to familiarize myself with the roots of Trinitarian Theology? If that is you then this palatable collection of Theological Orations with two important letters to Cledonius (complete with some beautiful reflections on Jesus Christ) is a great place to start! Translators Lionel Wickham and Frederick Williams do a wonderful job of bridging the gap between 4th Century Constantinople and today’s English speaking world. I would suggest curling up at your favourite coffee shop and making a day of it! But, that could just be me.”
Crux Books 