Holy Week is a great opportunity to nourish our minds and gather inspiration especially at these trying times.
This year’s Lent season is unlike any other. All around the world, people from all walks of life are struggling with the global pandemic that started late last year. The Coronavirus is still looming large across the world, with the death toll rising, and is affecting thousands. A very dark and challenging times indeed for humanity. Yet, there is hope. This Lent, let us take time to reflect and inspire ourselves. Here are 5 books to read this Holy Week.
Life of Pi by Yan Martel
At first glance, Yan Martel’s 2012 might look like a children’s book. The Life of Pi has endeared millions of readers worldwide. This adventure drama is a narration of how a young boy survived a shipwreck along with a tiger, an orangutan, a zebra, and s spotted hyena. Martel’s The Life of Pi is a parallel of two stories that are will leave readers with an unforgettable journey. The Life of Pi is all about faith, family, and the path we choose after a tragedy.
Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom
With it comes to inspirational novels, bestselling author Mitch Albom is a household name. He is the man behind The Five People You Meet in Heaven, Finding Chika, and For One More Day. In 2002, Albom published what would be his most popular work, Tuesdays with Morrie. The book features Mitch Albom’s college professor Schwartz. The book chronicles their time together as well as sharing life lessons and wisdom as Morrie’s. The author reflects again on the meaning of his beloved teacher’s life and the unforgettable Tuesdays they’ve shared.
One Caregiver’s Journey by Eleanor Gaccetta
All her life, Eleanor Gaccetta dedicated most of her life in service to others. She dutifully served the State of Colorado for 31 years, working as a legislative analyst for the Departments of Human Services and Medicaid. She also served the City and County of Broomfield as a policy analyst for 7 years, before returning to the State of Colorado to serve as a private contractor. But when her mother fell and broke her hip, Eleanor Gaccetta dropped everything to take care of her mom. One Caregiver’s Journey is more than a journal of the author’s thoughts on being a caregiver. It is a heartwarming account of a daughter who gave up her career to standby her mother until the end of her days. A compelling book about personal faith, love, and determination, Eleanor Gaccetta’s books is a recommended read for everyone.
The Last Week by Marcus Borg and John Domonic Crossan
The Last Week is a 2002 book by Bible scholars Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan. It tells the chronicles the famous week leading up to Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. Authors Borg and Crossan make use of the Gospel According to Mark, the earliest gospel, to revisit the passion and rise of Jesus from the dead. It highlights Jesus protesting power against the unjust social set up, his concern for the poor and, eventual confrontation with the Roman Empire. The Book provides great and valuable insight into Jesus’ last remaining and most passionate moments.
The Art of Happiness by 14th Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler
Enlightenment and inspiration are not exclusive to one faith. The Art of Happiness written by the Fourth Dalai Lama, Yonten Gyatso along with Howard Cutler, is a remarkable gateway towards happiness and embracing a positive mindset. The book is a collection of stories, conversations, and personal thoughts that seek to help readers overcome anxiety, frustration, and other negative feelings. Published more than ten years ago, it has inspired millions of readers to seek inner joy, and contentment. The Art of Happiness is truly a remarkable read especially during these uncertain times.