'Next of Kin': a story of travail and hope
Like its biblical inspiration, Next of Kin features strong female protagonists, breaking past obstacles of economic ruin and great hardship to find a way forward. The novel is its own story, not meant to present a story simply parroting the narrative beats of the Book of Ruth. Yet in its new setting, the story that the Book of Ruth tells gets a refreshed lease on life.
With the poor and meek and lowly
In his new book “Jesus the Refugee: Ancient Injustice and Modern Solidarity,” D. Glenn Butner Jr. appeals to Christians to see the ignoble reality of the Holy Family's flight to Egypt as a story that keeps repeating in human history and in this morning's news headlines.
Harrowing history
"The American Way: A True Story of Nazi Escape, Superman, and Marilyn Monroe" traces seemingly disparate loose threads that come together - largely connected by the complicated figure of comic book publisher Harry Donenfeld.
The mystery within the clergy soul
Clergy will find some collegiality with Sidney Chambers in James Runcie’s Grantchester Mysteries book series (and the two priests of the Grantchester television adaptation). The times are changing, the pastoral calling continues, and those in service of a parish call keep the faith, sometimes even despite themselves.
A review of the film “The Quiet Girl”
“The Quiet Girl” is a powerful reminder to appreciate the lower key approach, most often encouraged during Lent but usually ignored other times of the year for Christians.