We are pleased to offer this list of books recommended by our staff.

Traits of a Healthy Spirituality by Melannie Svoboda, Twenty-Third Publications/Bayard, January, 1997.

Traits of a Healthy Spirituality is a highly practical and personally enriching book. It is straightforward and to the point and could easily be used for group sharing or individual devotion. This is a good preventative medicine handbook. When we are strong and healthy in spirit, our minds and bodies may follow.

Being a somewhat subjective term, Svoboda begins with a definition of spirituality. Spirituality involves a way of viewing and experiencing God, self, others and the world. Christian spirituality has its foundation in the death and resurrection of Jesus. Each persons spirituality is unique and ongoing. God is forever calling us to greater devotion. The purpose of this book is to help us reflect on our spiritual lives. It begins with the question God posed to Adam and Eve in the garden after they ate the forbidden fruit, Where are you? He did not ask the question because he did not know the answer, but to make Adam and Eve confront their current state in life. God was asking them, Where are you in relationship to me, to yourself, to each other, to your world?.

In each of the following chapters, a trait of a healthy spirituality is discussed based on scripture, Svobodas personal experience and key spiritual writers. Some of these traits include self-esteem, wonder, friendship, courage, teachability, tolerance and joy. A total of 20 traits or specific indicators of a healthy spirituality are presented. Each chapter includes questions for reflection regarding its trait, a practical exercise and a prayer asking for that trait to be realized in ones life.

I appreciate the spiritual direction Sr. Melannie provides in this book. It is a true help along the way. I am reminded of my God who loves me very much and wants the very best for me. I highly recommend this book to beginners on the path as well as to people more advanced in the spiritual life.

Chaplain Linda Hilliard, BCC

Whenever a book is offered which explores the processes of grief the question must be asked, Is this a valuable unique text, something of distinction, or just something new? In ABCs of Grief: A Handbook for Survivors, Christine Adams provides a unique presentation on grief that discusses the multitude of aspects of the grieving process. Each portion is treated in a concise and caring format which allows the reader to approach this subject one bite at a time while moving on, remaining in place, or walking away as appropriate for the reader.

ABCs of Grief is a significant offering to the discussion on bereavement in that it presents material in an alphabetical format thereby allowing the reader to move from the table of contents to a specific topic. From this readers perspective, this book may be used either individually by one who has journeyed for a while in grief or with a caring professional who can guide discovery and provide an outlet for discussing the issues which the reader experiences.

A second unique offering of Adams work is her use of poetry to further expand on each topic. The poems used provide the reader the opportunity to hear the first hand struggle and strengths of each poet and, through the opportunity to listen from the heart, to find new depth of understanding of ones personal experience of grief. As this reviewer journeyed through this text I was, at times, moved to a depth of memory, comfort and occasional challenge which aided in the processing of my own losses.

ABCs of Grief may be a valuable resource for a bereavement group. A descriptive section of an aspect of the bereavement process could be shared and then explored, or a leader could share a poem as opening words for a group discussion. Another use of this book may be that of adding it to the texts that the spiritual care professional reads on his/her own journey. As I read this book I found ground upon which to further explore the losses of parents and friends, to claim healing for the wounds of loss and the wear and tear of care giving, and a resource from which to name my personal sorrow and celebrate the memories of those whom I grieve.
Chaplain Al Voorhis, BCC