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Spirituality and Religion November 2025 Recent Releases |
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How to Lose Yourself: An Ancient Guide to Letting Go
by The Buddha
A central tenet of Buddhism is the idea that the self is an illusion and by relinquishing it, our self-centered impulses melt away. But what does it mean not to have a self, and how does one go about ridding oneself of the idea? Drawing from early Buddhist texts and scriptures from the Theravada, Tibetan Indian, and Chinese Zen traditions, this will be the first non-Greco-Roman volume in our Ancient Wisdom for Modern Readers (AWMR) series. Jay Garfield, Maria Heim, and Robert Sharf introduce and translate the key texts they individually know best. They show how these texts argue that while we exist as conventionally constituted, interdependent persons, we have no self, or core that makes us who we are. More importantly, they reveal that this approach is not nihilistic, but rather, a positive way of thinking about personal identity, ethics, and our place in the world.
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| Struck Down, Not Destroyed: Keeping the Faith as a Vatican Reporter by Colleen Dulle; foreword by James Martin, SJ Amid Vatican scandals, journalist Colleen Dulle faced a crisis of faith -- and chose to fight for it. With honesty and hope, she shares her journey to reconcile belief with institutional failure, offering comfort to anyone navigating doubt. This is an unflinching account of finding light amid darkness.
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Poems & Prayers
by Matthew McConaughey
An inspiring, faith-filled, and often hilarious collection of personal poetry and prayers about navigating the rodeo of life and chasing down the original dream: belief.
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Tame Your Thoughts: Three Tools to Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life
by Max Lucado
When was the last time you awakened to a swirl of out-of-control thoughts? Perhaps you were overwhelmed with the weight of worry, the fear of failing, or the grip of guilt. The way we think directly impacts our joy and peace. In Tame Your Thoughts, Max Lucado provides three biblical and practical tools to renew your mind and transform your life.
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Jews vs. Rome: Two Centuries of Rebellion Against the World's Mightiest Empire
by Barry Strauss
Between 63 BCE and 136 CE, the Jewish people launched several revolts driven by deep-seated religious beliefs and resentment towards Roman rule. Judea, a province on Rome's eastern fringe, became a focal point of tension and rebellion. [This book] recounts the three major uprisings: the Great Revolt of 66-70 CE, which led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, culminating in the Siege of Masada, where defenders chose mass suicide over surrender; the Diaspora Revolt, ignited by heavy taxes across the Empire; and the Bar Kokhba Revolt. We meet pivotal figures such as Simon Bar Kokhba but also some of those lesser-known women of the era like Berenice, a Jewish princess who played a major role in the politics of the Great Revolt and was improbably the love of Titus--Rome's future emperor and the man who destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple.
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| The Outward Path: The Wisdom of the Aztecs by Sebastian PurcellWhat if happiness is not the goal? Drawing on Aztec philosophy, this thought-provoking guide argues that a meaningful life begins with relationships and shared wisdom. Structured around lessons and exercises, it offers a refreshing alternative to Western individualism and is ideal for seekers of rooted, communal living. |
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Do This Before Bed: Simple 5-Minute Practices That Will Change Your Life
by Oliver Nino
The period right before you go to sleep is a fruitful time for co-creating with the universe and whatever we focus on before we go to bed sets the pace for how we experience our waking life. In this practical guide, you'll learn how to harness the untapped potential of your mind, emotions, and energy before drifting off to sleep. By capitalizing on this crucial real estate of your consciousness, you can set the stage for a life filled with love, joy, clarity, purpose, and abundance. Whether it's visualization, intention setting, breathwork, light therapy, movement, or journaling, each practice is designed to catalyze profound identity shifts and accelerate your journey toward fulfillment. From foundational routines to situational practices for healing and manifestation, these simple yet effective exercises can be seamlessly integrated into your nightly ritual.
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Sister Wife: A Memoir of Faith, Family, and Finding Freedom
by Christine Brown Woolley
Christine Brown Woolley had always dreamed of having a picture-perfect family: beautiful children, an adoring husband, and of course, a sisterhood of wives to share him with. Raised in Utah by practicing polygamists, Christine knew her life was less than normal, but that didn't stop her from loving the full house of her childhood any less. Becoming Kody Brown's third wife in 1994, Christine finally found the big, happy family she had hoped for. When TLC's hit show Sister Wives premiered in 2010, Christine knew it was her chance to shine a light on the brighter side of polygamy--the helping hands, the lively discussions, and their unmatched devotion to each other. But the cameras also revealed a much darker truth.
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Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person's Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds
by John Fugelsang
For more than two centuries, the United States Constitution has given us the right to a society where church and state exist independently. But Christianity has been hijacked by far-right groups and politicians who seek to impose their narrow views on government, often to justify oppressive and unequal policies. The extremists who weaponize the Bible for earthly power aren't actually on the side of Jesus--and historically they never have been. How do we fight back against those acting--literally--in bad faith? Comedian and broadcaster John Fugelsang finally offers the answers. In this informative, perspective-shifting book, Fugelsang takes readers through common fundamentalist arguments on abortion, immigration, LGBTQ rights, and more--exposing their hypocrisy and inaccuracy through scripture, common sense, and deeply inappropriate humor. It offers practical tips on how to debate your loved one, coworker, or neighbor on the issues that divide us using that Bible they claim to follow.
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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