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Books

Life of Pi. by Yann Martel
This book was referred to me by my friend Mary, and it blew me out of the water (please scroll down for my disclaimer on referrals). In so many ways, this fictional narrative met my criteria and surpassed my expectations. Throughout the pages you find yourself swept away by a well told story, beautiful at times, difficult at times. Only within the final few pages do you realize that there was so much more going on. The punchline hit me like a...well, a punch, and it stayed with me for months. I laid in bed for weeks ruminating, and re-read the book before finding peace. This book was just what I needed, just when I needed it.

Eat, Pray, Love. by Elizabeth Gilbert
This book was also referred to me by Mary, and it did not let me down. This is the true story memoirs of a thirty-something woman who spends a year traveling in Italy, India, and Indonesia searching for pleasure, devotion, and balance. Her honest, witty, and insightful writing kept me glued to my seat. It also reminded me deeply of who I am, and why, encouraging me to be true to this and not to lose sight, ever. I savored every page of this book like a ripe nectarine on a cool summer day (can you feel it?). Again, just what I needed, just when I needed it.

So Much More: An Invitation to Christian Spirituality. by Debra Rienstra
This book I actually found on my own (although, only after my friend Ashley got me hooked on the author). While neither fiction nor narrative, this book served as the perfect completion to the trilogy of Life of Pi and Eat, Pray, Love. Debra, an English professor/author I've grown to love summarizes her faith and the impact it has on her beliefs and lifestyle in the tone of voice you would expect to hear from a friend. As a theology buff, I typically approach books like this with a gleefully critical eye; Debra, however, is winning me over with every point. It is both a casual, easy read and a deep and impacting explanation of Christian faith. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in, new to, or old-and-comfortable-with Christianity.

Music

The shadow of your wings: Hymns and sacred songs. by Fernando Ortega
I've always been a Fernando fan, but he has really outdone himself on this one. It only took one listen through to fall in love with these songs. Grace and peace to you, from God our Father. Listen to it, if you can.

Film

An Inconvenient Truth (Documentary)
Whether you are "into" documentaries or not, this is absolutely one you must see. It is well done, informative, never boring, compelling, factual, without manipulative techniques. Inconvenient, yes. But true. Watch this. Visit this website for more information.

Baraka
One review I read stated that this movie is a "sensual and spiritual experience" and it is certainly that. There is no language or spoken word in this movie, yet you sit spellbound throughout and wish it would continue when it is over. Created in 1992, I managed to live 15 years without knowing of it; I am grateful to have found it at last. HBM writes of "puncture"; there is no better way to describe this movie, and puncture is what it is from start to finish. Breathtaking. Beautiful.