Books matching: faith and doubt
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- #1
Save:In Victor LaValle's 'Big Machine', readers are taken on a journey with Ricky Rice, a former heroin addict turned janitor, who receives a mysterious envelope that leads him to the Washburn Library in rural Vermont. Here, Ricky joins the Unlikely Scholars, a group of African American social outcasts tasked with searching for the Voice of God through paranormal investigations. As Ricky navigates his past in a suicide cult, battles doubt, faith, and addiction, he embarks on a cross-country mission to confront a rogue Scholar threatening the Library's message. LaValle's writing style blends elements of horror, spirituality, mystery, and coming-of-age, creating a story that is by turns funny, tragic, horrifying, and wondrous, leaving readers captivated and eager to turn its pages.
The narrative of 'Big Machine' unfolds with exuberance and unpredictability, weaving together themes of redemption, second chances, and the search for truth in a world of beliefs. LaValle's sharp and incisive take on race and religious fanaticism is balanced with humor and humanity in his characters, elevating what could be a bizarre horror story into a thoughtful examination of belief. The book's blend of mysticism, the paranormal, and stark reality, set against the backdrop of northern Vermont, invites readers into a world that is both strange and captivating, challenging them to explore the monsters within and the weight of carrying one's own story.
DON’T LOOK FOR DIGNITY in public bathrooms. The most you’ll find is privacy and sticky floors. But when my boss gave me the glossy envelope, the bathroom was the first place I ran. What can I say? Lur... - #2
Save:The novel 'As a Driven Leaf' by Milton Steinberg delves into the internal struggles and conflicts faced by Jews in reconciling their traditional beliefs with the changing modern world. Centered around the character Elisha ben Abuyah, the book weaves a historical tapestry depicting the aftermath of the destruction of the Second Temple and the clash between Jewish and Roman cultures. Through detailed descriptions and expressive writing, Steinberg brings to life the philosophical debates between Greek and Rabbinical ideologies, as well as the personal journey of Elisha as he grapples with doubt and seeks reason amidst a backdrop of political turmoil and religious upheaval.
Steinberg skillfully blends historical facts with fictional elements, portraying well-rounded characters who are deeply intertwined with the significant events and philosophical discourses of the time. The narrative not only sheds light on the complexities of faith and reason but also serves as a reflection of the enduring struggle faced by modern Jewry in navigating their identity in a rapidly changing world.
- #3
Save:'The Knowledge of Good & Evil' by Glenn Kleier follows the journey of Ian Baringer, a former priest with a crisis of faith, as he embarks on a quest to uncover the mysteries of the afterlife. With the help of his fiancée Angela, Ian delves into near-death experiences and paranormal investigations to seek answers about life beyond death. The plot intertwines elements of adventure, mystery, and romance as Ian navigates through challenges, facing opposition from various forces determined to hinder his quest for the truth.
Glenn Kleier's writing style in 'The Knowledge of Good & Evil' is described as engrossing and riveting, blending humor, theology, action, and intelligence to create a vivid and informative narrative. The novel delves into themes of miracles, heroism, and the exploration of faith, presenting a storyline that keeps readers spellbound until the very end, leaving them eager for more from the author.
"Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again" by Rachel Held Evans delves into the complexities of the Bible and challenges traditional interpretations. Through her engaging storytelling and in-depth research, Evans explores differing viewpoints and offers grace to those grappling with doubts and uncertainties. The book encourages readers to question, reflect, and engage in conversations about the values taught by Jesus, such as compassion, love, and gratitude.
Evans' narrative style breaks down Biblical stories into relatable anecdotes, shedding light on the contradictions within the Bible and the context in which it was written. By emphasizing the importance of understanding the narrative nature of the Bible, Evans invites readers to explore their faith, confront challenging issues, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth.
Even in the soft glow of the lamplight, Mama’s features look worn with worry. The challah has been baked, prayers have been said, and Papa has put down his tools and is bouncing little Hanan on his kn...- #5
Save:'The Brothers Karamazov' by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a classic Russian tale that delves into the lives of Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov and his sons Ivan, Dmitri, and Alexei. The novel is known for its acute examination of the psychology of its main characters, as well as its exploration of Russian identity, family dynamics, and ethical debates. The book weaves together a murder mystery, a psychological thriller, a religious treatise, and a social commentary, all while portraying a dysfunctional family and the struggles of humanity.
The writing style of 'The Brothers Karamazov' is described as deep, complex, philosophical, humane, and powerful. The book is praised for its sprawling narrative, great characters, and thought-provoking themes that encompass religion, morality, good vs. evil, and the essence of human nature. Despite its length and occasional tangents, readers appreciate the brilliance and relevance of the novel, which continues to challenge and inspire readers with its depth and complexity.
Alexey Fyodorovitch Karamazov was the third son of Fyodor PavlovitchKaramazov, a land owner well known in our district in his own day, andstill remembered among us owing to his gloomy and tragic death... - #6
Save:'Blue Skinned Gods' by SJ Sindu follows the journey of Kalki Sami, a child raised as the tenth human incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu. As Kalki turns ten, he must undergo three trials to prove his divine status, but unexpectedly struggles and begins questioning his own identity. Over the next ten years, Kalki's world shatters as he navigates the complexities of his family, his upbringing at an ashram in India, and his evolving sense of self. The narrative delves into themes of faith, manipulation, and self-discovery, offering a unique exploration of cultural identity and personal growth.
The writing style in 'Blue Skinned Gods' is praised for its vivid imagery and beauty, immersing readers in Kalki's journey from an ashram in India to the bustling streets of New York City. The story unfolds with a blend of realism and salient themes, capturing the struggles of a child god grappling with the expectations placed upon him and the unraveling of his beliefs. Through Kalki's narrative voice, readers gain insight into the human experience of manipulation, doubt, and the search for truth amidst a backdrop of cultural and personal transformation.
- #7
Save:'The Case against Satan' by Ray Russell is a classic horror story that delves into the theme of demonic possession. The plot follows Susan, a 16-year-old girl who starts exhibiting bizarre behavior, leading her father to seek help from a priest. As the story unfolds, the narrative explores the complexities of faith, the supernatural, and the psychological aspects of possession. The writing style is described as succinct and poetically flowing, capturing the reader's attention with its engaging prose and well-developed characters.
- #8
Save:'Lying Awake' by Mark Salzman follows the story of Sister John of the Cross, a Carmelite nun in Los Angeles, who starts experiencing mystical visions and intense closeness to God. However, these visions are accompanied by debilitating headaches, leading her to discover that they may be caused by a form of epilepsy. As Sister John faces the choice of whether to undergo surgery to cure her condition at the risk of losing her spiritual experiences, the novel delves into themes of faith, doubt, and the intersection of the divine and the medical.
- #9
Save:In Graham Greene's 'Monsignor Quixote', a Spanish priest named Monsignor Quixote and a former communist mayor, whom he nicknames Sancho, embark on a journey through post Franco Spain, reminiscent of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. The novel explores themes of Catholicism, communism, faith, and friendship through witty and engaging conversations between the two mismatched friends as they navigate their philosophical and spiritual debates while traveling in a broken-down car.
'Monsignor Quixote' is a road trip full of adventure, philosophical and spiritual debate, and unexpected friendships as Monsignor Quixote and his atheist Marxist companion traverse the Spanish countryside. The novel cleverly pairs the unlikely duo in a journey that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, showcasing Graham Greene's ability to create engaging dialogue and vivid imagery of mid-century Spain while exploring the themes of religion, politics, and the human experience.
It happened this way. Father Quixote had ordered his solitary lunch from his housekeeper and set off to buy wine at a local cooperative eight kilometres away from El Toboso on the main road to Valenci... - #10
Save:Barabbas by Par Lagerkvist is a fictional story that delves into the life of Barabbas, a notorious criminal spared by Pilate instead of Jesus. The novel explores Barabbas' spiritual struggle, his quest for faith, and the aftermath of Christ's crucifixion. Lagerkvist weaves a tale of darkness, despair, and hopelessness as Barabbas grapples with guilt, doubt, and the search for meaning in a world that has rejected Christ. Through vivid imagery and powerful insights, the author paints a poignant picture of a man caught between belief and disbelief, redemption and damnation.
The book offers a thought-provoking narrative on themes of forgiveness, faith, and the human condition. Lagerkvist's writing style is intense, sparse, and masterful, drawing readers into a world where the line between light and darkness, belief and doubt, is blurred. Barabbas' journey becomes a reflection of the eternal struggle faced by humanity in accepting the unseen, in finding solace in the midst of despair, and in seeking redemption in a world filled with uncertainty and turmoil.
Everyone knows how they hung there on the crosses, and who they were that stood gathered around him: Mary his mother and Mary Magdalene, Veronica, Simon of Cyrene, who carried the cross, and Joseph of...
