ReadersMagnet Review recommends these five amazing spiritual journeys to read this month of July.
Take This Bread by Sarah Miles
Take This Bread is a 2007 memoir by Sarah Miles. In this book, Miles recalls how one morning, for no apparent reason, she wandered into a church and received the Holy Communion. Before this life-changing event, Sarah Miles was raised an atheist and lesbian left-wing journalist spending her time documenting revolutions around the globe. She was more concerned with the issues and realities of life, such as hunger, poverty, and politics. She did not have time for religion or piety until that morning. Take This Bread is an inspiring tale of how one woman’s discovery of faith led to a newfound calling that has affected so many poor lives and has brought together people from all walks of life- from millionaires to bishops to thieves. It is a must-read book for those who want to understand more about faith and purpose.
My Spiritual Journey by LaPrele Jordan
In April 2018, LaPrele Jordan decided to publish her biography, My Spiritual Journey. The title is a perfect fit as the book chronicles LaPrele Jordan’s long and colorful life journey of faith and devotion. Readers will discover a beautiful and encouraging story on LaPrele Jordan’s book like never before. From her early childhood to being a Mormon, then becoming a Johannine, and then coming back to the Mormon faith, but in a different capacity, LaPrele shares an incredible narrative that will remind us that faith is not a stagnant force but is always looking for answers and purpose. My Spiritual Journey by LaPrele Jordan is all about a lifetime of devotion to Jesus Christ and constantly offering oneself self to others. The best spiritual journeys are those that are shared with others. It is a work that merits our time and gratitude.
The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton
Originally published in 1948, Thomas Merton’s biography continues to change and inspire many lives. The Seven Storey tells the story of one of the most intelligent and passionate young men of his time. When he was only twenty-six years old, Thomas decided to take avow in one of the most pious and demanding Catholic orders- the Trappist monks based at the Abbey of Gethsemani, in Kentucky. He struggled with his new life but succeeded eventually. During his time at the abbey, Thomas chronicled his extraordinary spiritual journey, which is considered one of the most influential Christian works of the last century. The Seven Storey Mountain has sold millions of copies and translated into more than 15 languages.
The Spiral Staircase by Karen Armstrong
The Spiral Staircase: My Climb Out of Darkness is the complete title of Karen Armstrong’s 2005 memoir about her unique and unexpected spiritual journey. In 1962, a 17-year old Karen entered a convent to get to know God and hopefully dedicate her life to serving Him. However, after seven years, Karen was not happy with her vocation and decided to leave and pursue English literature at Oxford. Her time in the convent made Karen struggle with adjusting to the outside world. Her faith was fading as well. Making things worse was her deep solitude and a terrifying illness, diagnosed only years later as epilepsy. Depressed and struggling with regrets, Karen stumbled upon the study of comparative theology. With renewed vigor and inspiration, Karen finally found, in learning, thinking, and writing about other religions, fulfillment and purpose that she had never found as a nun. The Spiral Staircase is a feel-good memoir you should never miss.
Why Religion by Elaine Pagels
New York Times bestseller, Why Religion: A Personal Story is both a memoir and a guidebook by Elaine Pagels. Why Religion offers to answer many questions and doubts about faith and religion and how they make our lives better. Drawing from her own experiences in life- (the death of her young son, followed a year later by the shocking loss of her husband), Pagels shares her insights on how faith and religion shape our perspectives and ultimately guide us into better understanding the many things about life as well as our understanding of ourselves. Honest and well-written, Why Religion is a groundbreaking work in providing a comprehensive analysis of how we view faith in relation to our personal and collective human experience.