Books can improve your spirit this summer :: Namibia Internet Gateway cc ::

Articles: Books can improve your spirit this summer

Posted by admin on Wednesday, June 02, 2004 - 03:35 AM

Religion is hip again. Just look at the best-seller lists. On any given week there are at least a few spiritual titles gracing the New York Times and other top book lists.
No longer are books like the "Left Behind" series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins or "The Purpose Driven Life," by Rick Warren, relegated to the back shelf or just sold in Christian bookstores. These religious reads can be found gracing the walls of popular coffee klatch book shops and even at discount stores such as Wal-Mart and Target. And they're being scooped up by the shopping carts full. As for why these books are being gobbled up by the masses, there are a variety of thoughts on the subject. One of the biggest is that people are looking for answers since 9-11 and turning to spiritual reads to soothe their souls. They're doing that with brands like the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series and tips for improving spirituality such as Warren's "The Purpose Driven Life" provides. As for what's selling in Southwest Florida, Sandy Santinelli, store manager of Family Christian Store in Naples, says it's a variety of subjects — all of which are good reads for those looking for something spiritual this summer. "The books on the president have been huge," she says. "The Faith of George W. Bush," by Stephen Mansfield was the biggest seller at Christmas and is still flying off the shelves. On the fiction side, "Rejoice," by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley also has had readers aflutter. "People were really waiting for that," Santinelli says. She's restocked the book three times since its release. There are other authors that are constantly sought after by those searching for spiritual-type reads, like Francine Rivers. Her latest is "Redeeming Love," and Santinelli says "It's real big here. It's fiction and people are loving it." But the No. 1 best seller by far is "The Purpose Driven Life," Santinelli says. It's the same at Heavenbound Christian bookstore, says Amanda Fike, a salesperson for the store. The book aims to help the reader understand why he is alive and God's plan for each person. Besides self-help spiritual books, though, "There's a lot of new fiction out there," she says. Beverly Lewis and Kingsbury and of course the latest and last in the Left Behind series. "There are so many that sell over and over," Fike says, echoing Santinelli's sentiments on author Rivers. "Every one of her books is unbelievable." Another religiously affiliated fiction book that's taken the best seller list by storm is "The Da Vinci Code," by Dan Brown. When asked about the allure of the runaway best seller that's been on lists more than a year — causing friction with its discussion of the divine feminine and weaving a story around the possibility of Jesus Christ being married to Mary Magdalene — Santinelli recoils. Despite having a fairly large display concerning the book, you won't find the original on the shelves at her store. "We don't carry it and won't," she says. "It's not true. We have why it's not true." "The Da Vinci Code" is one of Candyce Strafford's favorites and she offers it at her new age store, The Orchid Moon in Bonita Springs. She also offers up a few other ideas for summer spiritual reading that might not be of the norm, but fun. One of them is "Summer with the Leprechauns: A True Story," by Tanis Helliwell. "It's entertaining and funny, plus it's helpful," Strafford says. Although originally published in 1996, it's still a good read, she says. "And anything by Doreen Virtue," Strafford says. "Those fly off the shelves." One of Virtue's most popular is "Healing with the Angels: How the Angels can Assist you in Every Area of your Life." Fred Eppsteiner, who has been studying and practicing Buddhist meditation for over 30 years and leads the Naples Community of Mindfulness, also has a few ideas for those who want to expand their minds this summer. One of the writers he recommends is his own teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh, who wrote "Miracle of Mindfulness" and "Teachings on Love." Two other books that he says can help one get started on a personal path to spirituality are Pema Choden's "Start Where You Are" and Jack Cornfield's "A Path With a Heart." No matter what your choice, the number of spiritual reads is endless, but the summer isn't. So get reading. Spiritual Reads for Southwest Floridians Non-fiction "The Purpose Driven Life — What on Earth am I Here for?" by Rick Warren (Zondervan, 2002). This book aims to help the reader understand why he is alive and God's plan for each person. It's broken down into 40 days of reflective readings, which is stressed to read only one per day. "The Faith of George W. Bush," by Stephen Mansfield (Charisma House, 2003). This book explores the religious ideals that drive the politics and policies of the president. "A Table in the Presence," by Lt. Carey H. Cash (W Publishing Group, 2004). As a chaplain to the U.S. Marines, Cash heard the muted prayers for courage from the 1,000-plus soldiers of the "Fightin' Fifth," the first ground force to cross Iraqi borders during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He recounts his time as part of this group. "The Five Love Languages — Men's Edition," by Gary Chapman (Northfield Publishing, 2004). This book explains how to express heartfelt commitment to your mate. Chapman is the author of the best-selling "Five Love Languages" series including one for children, teenagers and singles. "Go for the Green," by Jeff Hopper (J. Countryman, 2004). This pocket-sized book is perfect for golfing dads. Full of spiritual lessons for life from the game of golf, it offers 365 tips for your game. "The Day I was Crucified," by Gene Edwards (Destiny Image Publishers, 2004). A powerful depiction of the death of Christ. The infamous day is seen not through the eyes, nor the voice of other men, but rather through the eyes and voice of Jesus Christ himself. "The Seven Secrets: Unlocking Genuine Greatness," John Hagee (Charisma House, 2004). Pastor John Hagee refers to what he calls "godly principles" to help others achieve their goals and solve difficult problems. Fiction "Rejoice," by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley (Tyndale House Publishers, 2004). This latest release in the Redemption series reunites readers with the continuing saga of the Baxter family. Brooke Baxter has achieved everything this world has to offer — a prestigious career, a beautiful home, and two wonderful children. Her recent return to her faith is an encouragement to her family. But if she faces tremendous loss, can her fledgling faith and her rocky marriage survive? "Glorious Appearing: The End of Days," by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins (Tyndale House Publishers, 2004). This is the last of the Left Behind series of apocalyptic novels and was a best seller even before it appeared on bookstore shelves in March. "Redeeming Love," by Francine Rivers (Multnomah Publishers Inc., 2001). Retelling of the biblical story of Hosea, best-selling author Francine Rivers pens a heartbreaking romance between a prostitute and the upright and kind farmer who marries her; the story also functions as a reminder of God's unconditional love for his people. "The Da Vinci Code," by Dan Brown (Doubleday, 2003). The action of this novel kicks off in modern-day Paris with the murder of the Louvre's chief curator, whose body is found laid out in symbolic repose at the foot of the Mona Lisa. Seizing control of the case are a French police cryptologist, and Harvard symbol expert Robert Langdon, reprising his role from Brown's last work of fiction. "The Five People You Meet in Heaven," by Mitch Albom (Hyperion, 2003). From the author of the New York Times bestseller "Tuesdays with Morrie," this novel explores the unexpected connections of our lives, and the idea that heaven is more than a place; it's an answer. It's about a wounded war veteran named Eddie who dies at age 83 and awakens in the afterlife where his life is explained by five people. Other spiritual reads "Miracle of Mindfulness," by Thich Nhat Hanh, (Beacon Press, 1999). World-renowned Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh explains the sutra on breath to maintain mindfulness. He blends practical instruction with anecdotes and other stories to show how the meditative mind can be achieved at all times. "Teachings on Love," Thich Nhat Hanh, (Scb Distributors, 1997). A simply written book of Buddhist ideology. "Start Where You Are," Pema Chodron, (Shambhala, 2001). Head of a Tibetan monastery in Canada, Chodron says in the final analysis, life is groundless. It's by letting go, we free ourselves to face fear and obstacles. And in turn, we are liberated to help others. "A Path With a Heart," Jack Kornfield, (Bantam, 1993). Author and Buddhist monk, Jack Kornfield believes when one embarks on a spiritual path, the path should be connected with the heart. Through storytelling, he offers a guide for living with attentiveness, meditation, and compassion. "Summer with the Leprechauns: A True Story," by Tanis Helliwell (Blue Dolphin Publishing, paperback, 1997). Helliwell, a corporate consultant who also leads tours to sacred sites, spent a summer in Ireland and was befriended by what she says was a Leprechaun. This book introduces humans to the means to meet and work with elementals on an ongoing basis. "Healing with the Angels: How the Angels can Assist you in Every Area of your Life," by Doreen Virtue (Hay House, paperback, 1999). This is a how-to guide that reveals how to work with angels to improve your physical, mental and emotional health.

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