I almost always find something good that I didn’t know I needed.
Books
Vincent van Gogh, Still Life With French Novels and Rose, oil on canvas, 1887.
Toward a more generous way of thinking about dementia
Two very different books provide guidance for family, caregivers, and clergy.
The weird beauty of Kay Ryan’s prose
The former poet laureate’s quirky faith is a spirituality for prankish oddballs.
A Kierkegaardian biography of Kierkegaard
Clare Carlisle helps readers struggle with what it means to be human in the world.
How can we make our political polarization less destructive?
Ezra Klein suggests structural changes. Darrell West suggests talking to each other.
Books worth wrestling with
We asked writers to tell us about a book that they disagree with—but that they also see as important enough to argue with.
Margaret Renkl’s stunning ability to see
It is hard to say what will enamor readers more, the bird calls or the familial ones.
Redistributing power—one labor victory at a time
Jane McAlevey’s survey of labor unions shows that organizing and strikes still work.
A novel shot through with transcendence
Chelsea Bieker's Godshot drips with truth about motherhood, faith, and power.
An invitation to walk with poetry
Two books offer entrance points for the intimidated.
Discord on Plymouth Rock
TaraShea Nesbit’s novel about the Mayflower pilgrims and their conflicts
How dying churches abuse pastors
Gene Fowler examines why traumatized congregations so often attack their leaders.
Nice and normal in the heartland
Phil Christman explores the idea of the Midwest.
Reason and revelation meet—even in Aquinas
Denys Turner’s essays bridge the gaps that often frustrate us when we read medieval theology.
A memoir of hardship and gratitude in Appalachia
Cassie Chambers tells family stories and considers the history of the people of Owsley County, Kentucky.
