Spirituality

Ever hip and wise, Noah Levine (author of Dharma Punx) has written another incredible book on Buddhist teachings for the younger generations. Levine, a Buddhist teacher and lecturer, found he still struggled with anger and annoyance that came up when faced with life’s everyday challenges. Looking back toward the root of Buddha’s source—compassion, Levine realized that forgiveness joy and peace were possible if he could bring this quality forth in everything he did. Suggesting practices that will open you to yourself and others, Levine has written another practical yet edgy manual on how to go forth with an open mind and heart. —S.M.C.

Gina Welch’s social experiment, in which she infiltrated Thomas Road Baptist Church (home of the Falwells) for a staggering two years, was prompted by prejudice. Not theirs, but her own—she realized that she harbored deep-seated beliefs about a culture she knew nothing about. In order to get a closer glimpse, she attended Bible study classes and singles mixers, got baptized, and went to Alaska for a mission trip. The result is a smart, fascinating read. —Kat