patlo's Reviews (1.32k)

This is a beautiful, timeless book on visual journaling. I'm sad that it's out of print and is hard to find used.

Update: I bought the Kindle edition so I could return my borrowed copy to my friend. And I found a $7 used copy.

I deeply enjoyed this work of historical fiction, which illuminated (ha!) the life of mystic saint Hildegard. One of the most intriguing figures in the history of the Christian church, Hildegard was a shining voice who has only recently received full recognition for her character and her work. Sharratt's novel paints a deeply passionate and deeply human woman who courageously lived her faith and led others to do the same.

For a similar approach, see also Frederick Buechner's [b:Godric|76802|Godric|Frederick Buechner|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1389043046s/76802.jpg|74283] and (better, but different) [b:Brendan|76801|Brendan|Frederick Buechner|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388599818s/76801.jpg|74282].

A reasonably engaging, quick read, but not fantastic. However, it is well worth sticking around for the last three chapters. Enough said.

An interesting illustrated/illuminated (collaged, most specifically, and as such not really my favorite form of illumination, but still well done) look at the Sufi Salat. Lovely illumination in a modern form, and some commentary on the practice of prayer from our Sufi sisters and brothers.

If you've heard/seen Brené's videos from TED or elsewhere, it's interesting to hear this in audiobook form, and not read by the author. It's also largely expected content; Brown fleshes out the ideas that you've heard her speak. She's a good storyteller (after all, "stories are just data with a soul"), and engaging as a writer. But I sort of think that I've reached saturation on this particular book. It's good, but would have been better if I'd read it a few years ago when it was more in the zeitgeist.

A powerful and well written novel about the Nigeria/Biafra civil war. Adichie is an astounding writer, advanced beyond her years.