At Play in the Fields of the Lord, by Peter Matthiessen

About the struggles and experiences of a missionary family in the jungles of South America and their impact on the indigenous communities they are trying to convert to Christianity.

This was a wonderful read, especially for those of us interested in South America and the clash of cultures. It was reminiscent of Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness- an easier read but just as suspenseful and moving.

Letter to a Christian Nation, by Sam Harris

A controversial recommendation, but one I would love to discuss if anyone gets a chance to read it. Harris makes a very thought-provoking argument about the danger of religion in the US and around the world, and asserts that even liberal christians are complicit in a destructive social force.

Life of Pi, by Yann Martel

A book about an orphaned boy adrift in the ocean with a tiger in his boat. Sounds a bit outlandish, but a fantastic book. I could not put it down until I finished it, and then I felt sad it was over. Very entertaining and an adventurous read.

The Bone People, by Keri Hulme

*Now that I have been out of school long enough to read for pleasure, I have a number of books I wanted to recommend and remembered our blog.*

A novel about three somewhat isolated characters (one female artist, one Maori father, and one mute and mischievous boy) and the development of their complex relationships with one another. This book was passed on to me by a friend, and was one of the most powerful novels I've read in a long time. The character development is so well done that I felt as if I was being sucked into their abusive cycle, even as a reader. Obviously a darker read, but absolutely beautiful also.

In Search of Belief

So, during last semester I bought a really great book at a random Goodwill in Ohio. It's called In Search of Belief, and it's by Joan Chittister. Since I finished reading it during Thanksgiving break, I figured it was about time to write about it...hehe.

In this book, she takes the Apostles' Creed and discusses it line-by-line, explaining how she makes sense of what the creed says. She talks about what she believes about each part and thus how she is able to pray it even when it might sound contrary on the surface. One of the themes that runs throughout is equality between men and women and the way that informs her beliefs in so many ways. There are lots of other really good aspects of spirituality and a life of faith that she discusses as well. Basically, its a wonderful book.

Logistics

I think I made some logistical changes so that now every time one of us posts something here, we all receive it via email. (I thought it was already set to do this, but obviously not since we never got Amy's last post.)

I'd say we can kinda do either one -- put a list of books if we so desire or just one book. And then we can tell something about the books also if we want to. And it shall be glorious. :)

Ladies, How shall we organize this booklist? Should we submit a new post for each recommendation, or make multiple suggestions at once? I'm new to this blogging business- what do you think?