Saints and Sinners

Nadia Bolz-Weber is the most controversial Luthern minister you’re likely to meet. She was a stand-up comedian, she has lots of tattoos and she can curse with the best of them. She is also founding pastor of House for All Sinners and Saints in Denver. Nadia has come to embrace the life she tried desperately to avoid. The harder she ran, the more God called.  Her second book, Accidental Saints: Finding God in All the Wrong People is amusing, inspirational, and certainly eye-opening for traditional folk. A great realistic read for the Christmas Season! DB

Thankful Thinking

Anne Lamott, a San Francisco based “people’s” author has written her eighth book, just in time for the holidays. Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers is a tiny thought-provoking read. While her discourse tends to be somewhat autobiographical, it includes beliefs with widespread appeal. Lamott has successfully addressed alcoholism, Christianity, depression, and single-motherhood in her previous books. Her insight is contemporary, enlightened and humorous. This book is a great little tool for some quiet reflection. DB

The Questioning Catholic

Jenny McCarthy may be too young to have her say, but she doesn’t let that stop her. The outspoken actress, former playboy bunny and best-selling author speaks her mind in Bad Habits: confessions of a recovering Catholic. McCarthy grew up on the south side of Chicago, in a working -class neighborhood. She was one of four girls. Jenny attended Catholic schools and eventually went off to college and then on to bigger but not always better things. She writes about questions that have plagued her along the way: choices, God, and traditional practices. Although the book is funny and often offensive it is none-the-less direct. McCarthy has come to terms with her life experiences, her religion and her relationship with the Divine. If you are looking for your own answers consider reading this work.DB