Spirituality and Religion
 
March 2026

Recent Releases
Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious by Ross Douthat
Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious
by Ross Douthat

Read by the author. Do you ever wish you had more faith? Here is a blueprint for thinking your way from doubt to belief.As a columnist for the New York Times who writes often about spiritual topics for a skeptical audience, Ross Douthat understands that many of us want to have more faith than we do. Douthat argues that in light of what we know today it should be harder to not have faith than to have it.With empathy, clarity, and rigor, Douthat explores: Why nonbelief requires ignoring what our reasoning faculties tell us about the worldHow modern scientific developments make a religious worldview more credible, not less.
David Bowie and the Search for Life, Death and God: A Spiritual Meditation on His Music and...
by Peter Ormerod

This spiritual portrait of David Bowie traces the religious, philosophical, and mythic influences woven throughout his music and evolving personas. It offers fresh insight into how his lifelong search for meaning fueled his creativity. For readers intrigued by the role of spirituality in creative musical work, consider Leonard Cohen: The Mystical Roots of Genius by Harry Freedman.
Eight Million Ways to Happiness: Wisdom for Inspiration and Healing from the Heart of Japan by Hiroko Yoda
Eight Million Ways to Happiness: Wisdom for Inspiration and Healing from the Heart of Japan
by Hiroko Yoda

A Japanese cultural historian shares a path to joyful living drawn from her nation's unique approach to spirituality and nature, offering a fascinating (Wintering author Katherine May) blend of memoir, cultural reporting, and practical guidance for anyone struggling to find balance in our turbulent modern world. Everyone's in the pursuit of happiness, but few know how to attain it. Millions around the world have turned to Japan for advice on finding their Ikigai, or summoning The Courage to Be Disliked. Japan's spiritual traditions hide in plain sight, forming the basis of so much of what we love about the country's culture. Without Japan's spiritual sustenance, Jiro wouldn't dream of sushi; Hayao Miyazaki's films wouldn't spirit us away; and Marie Kondo wouldn't spark joy. In her book 
A Lamp Unto Yourself: A Beginner's Guide to Asian Spiritual Practices, from Advaita and Buddhism to Yoga and Zen by C. Pierce Salguero
A Lamp Unto Yourself: A Beginner's Guide to Asian Spiritual Practices, from Advaita and Buddhism to Yoga and Zen
by C. Pierce Salguero

For spiritual explorers ready to travel beyond Western bounds, a beginner's guide to Asian spiritual traditions spanning regions, cultures, and history--
The Mattering Instinct: How Our Deepest Longing Drives Us and Divides Us
by Rebecca Newberger Goldstein

This thoughtful, curious book explores our deep need to feel like we matter and all the surprising (and sometimes painful) ways we build our lives around that urge. Blending philosophy, psychology, and vivid storytelling, it examines how our longing for significance shapes relationships, creativity, and conflict in a world hungry for purpose.
Not That Wheel, Jesus!: Stories from a Faith That Went Off-Road in the Best (and Worst) Possible Ways by Mary Katherine Backstrom
Not That Wheel, Jesus!: Stories from a Faith That Went Off-Road in the Best (and Worst) Possible Ways
by Mary Katherine Backstrom

Jesus, take the wheel. But wait...not like that! Mary Katherine Backstrom grew up the most basic of all youth group kids-pH level 14-and her faith only grew as she led youth ministry, served as a missionary, and went on to become a bestselling Christian author. She knew all the practiced, perfect Sunday school answers and was driving happily down the straight and narrow, until one day her young son asked a simple question: will my Jewish best friend go to hell? In the months and years that followed, that single question continued to snowball. MK challenged and reconsidered every part of the faith she'd been raised to accept so completely. 
Serving Up Scripture: How to Interpret the Bible for Yourself and Others
by Jennifer Garcia Bashaw and Aaron Higashi

Using the metaphor of cooking, this book introduces readers to the art of interpreting biblical verses with greater clarity and confidence. It breaks down genres, context, and common pitfalls while encouraging curiosity, making biblical study feel approachable for individuals and groups alike.
Shamanism: The Timeless Religion by Manvir Singh
Shamanism: The Timeless Religion
by Manvir Singh

... a fascinating investigation into the spiritual practice of shamanism, from its beginnings to the present moment, for readers disaffected with organized religion who seek a more personal approach to spirituality.--Provided by publisher.
Uncomplicate It: Permission to Enjoy God in Your Unique Way
by Hosanna Wong

This inviting book encourages readers to discover a more personal and flexible relationship with God by honoring their own personality and life season. Through real-life stories and practical reflections, it offers gentle permission to release comparison, rethink expectations, and find meaningful connection in everyday moments.
Work in Progress: Confessions of a Busboy, Dishwasher, Caddy, Usher, Factory Worker...
by James Martin, SJ

This coming-of-age memoir looks back on the summer jobs, awkward moments, and small lessons that shaped a future Jesuit priest. Told with humor and humility, it reflects on work, character, and the surprising ways ordinary experiences can prepare us for a life of purpose. Readers drawn to this blend of warmth and everyday spirituality might also appreciate Tattoos on the Heart by Gregory Boyle.
Contact the Reference Dept. at 847-720-3230 for more great books!
Park Ridge Public Library
20 S. Prospect Ave.
Park Ridge, Illinois 60068
847-825-3123

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