If you enjoy reading books that make you pause and ponder… consider these two.

The first is The Class of 1846: From West Point to Appomattox: Stonewall Jackson, George McClellan and Their Brothers, by John C. Waugh. The book is a collective biography that showcases the first half of the 19th century, before and during the Civil War.  Reading this book made me deeply think about how those folks must have felt as it gradually became clear their differences would lead to a bloody war. And this, in turn, made me think of  the divisiveness of our times—leaving me with even more questions.

The Middle Passage, From Misery to Meaning in Midlife, by psychologist James Hollis, is the second book to consider. Hollis, a masterful writer, challenges his readers to embrace the disruptions and crises they face as adults as opportunities to learn and grow, thereby making their lives more meaningful and rich. Most of us can identify at least one major disruption or crisis in our lives, or we may be enduring one  right now. We will all benefit by exploring our lives in the light of Hollis’ words to see what insights and growth might be found.

SUGGESTIONS

1. Please share with us the title of any book that really made you think.

2. Reading books about history, other people, and different ways of living will open your mind and make you a better citizen of the world. I have particularly enjoyed reading historical fiction because it is  both informative and very entertaining. Examples I have read include: The Only Woman in the Room, about Hedy Lamar, and Her Hidden Genius, about Rosalind Franklin, both by Marie Benedict; Pontius Pilate by Paul L. Maier; and, Great Lion of God, a novel about St. Paul by Taylor Caldwell. Currently I’m reading The Second Mrs. Astor: A Heartbreaking Historical Novel of the Titanic by Shana Abe, about the wealthy John Jacob Astor, his young bride, and their journey on the Titanic.

Hope you’re enjoying your summer.

Donna

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Dr. Donna Chacko promotes health of body, mind, and spirit through her website (serenityandhealth.com), her blog, her podcast/vlog series, “Engaging with a Messy World” and " “Pop-Up Conversations on Health of Mind, Body, and Spirit,” and programs at her church. She is the author of Pilgrimage: A Doctor’s Healing Journey (Luminare Press, 2021), a recent best-seller on Amazon, 2022 Illumination Awards Gold Medal Winner, 2022 Reader Views Literary Award Gold Medal Winner, and 2022 Catholic Media Association First Place Awards.