The Best American Spiritual Writing 2008
by Philip Zaleski (Editor)
The Best Spiritual Writing (2008), Best American (2008)
On This Page
Description
In his introduction to this volume, President Jimmy Carter writes that The Best American Spiritual Writing "approaches the writing of both poetry and prose as a spiritual discipline, a way to explore the mysteries of the soul and the soul’s relationship with God.” As always, editor Philip Zaleski has assembled a wide-ranging and wonderfully eclectic collection that delves headlong into that spiritual discipline, looking to inspire, provoke, and offer insight into modern spirituality and show more religion. Here you will find Walter Isaacson’s brilliant and provocative portrait of Einstein’s religious life--a cross between his parents’ secularism, his native Judaism, and his Catholic grade-school education. Drawing from his own experience of trying to inhabit multiple worlds, Noah Feldman examines the difficulties facing faith communities as they adhere to tradition yet also strive to be modern, in "Orthodox Paradox.” When "Meeting the Chinese in St. Paul,” Natalie Goldberg, with the help of a broken rhinoceros fan, grapples with this question: how should I live, knowing the world is a confusing place? Pico Iyer weighs in on his tranquil retreat, the holiest place in Japan; Oliver Sacks gives a moving account of a man with retrograde amnesia, striving for a meaningful life devoid of memory; and Ursula K. Le Guin passionately explains, as only she can, the appeal and subtle morality of A. E. Housman’s "A Shropshire Lad: XXXII.” Committed to literary excellence, this "invaluable collection” (Library Journal) also features poetry from distinguished voices such as Wendell Berry, Maxine Kumin, John Updike, and Charles Wright. As Zaleski writes in his foreword, The Best American Spiritual Writing 2008 proves that the writing in this edition is a stirring "medium for contemplating, via the things of the flesh, the things of the spirit.” show lessTags
Recommendations
Member Reviews
Great collection of essays, poems and reflections -- not religious per se, but certainly indicative of Belief. Zaleski clarifies in his intro: "By spiritual writing, I mean writing that sheds light upon the life of the soul, that reveals the manifold ways human beings repsond to truth, beauty, and goodness and the depth and mystery and suffering and glory of our relationship to God." One favorite poem included here is XYZ by Robert Pinsky and I enjoyed the essay "Einstein and Faith" which first appeared in Time magazine. "The Lost River" has a Native American spirituality and "The Closest to Love We Ever Get" is about finding the sacred amidst the shabby. This was the 10th anniversary edition of this publication and it's a good one.
A wonderful, thought provoking collection of essays and poetry! I got it in particular to read Christian Wiman's essay "Love Bade me Welcome," (which funny enough you can find online), but so many were delightful and challenging. I so wish I had more time to stew and chew and reflect on them more.
Definitely worth reading. Parts of it are pedantic and parts are brilliant, but I would probably be willing to buy it every year just for the true gems included.
Not my favorite in this annual series, but still good stuff. "The Closest We Ever Get to Love," an essay by Heather King, is a keeper.
Ratings
Members
- Recently Added By
Author Information
Philip Zaleski is senior editor of Parabola magazine. He teaches religion at Smith College Andre Dubus III teaches writing at Tufts University and Emerson College
All Editions
Series
Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- The Best American Spiritual Writing 2008
Classifications
- Genre
- Fiction and Literature
- DDC/MDS
- 810.8038 — Literature & rhetoric American literature in English American literature in English Anthologies and Collections Themes and subjects
- LCC
- PS509 .S62 .B47 — Language and Literature American literature American literature Collections of American literature
- BISAC
Statistics
- Members
- 89
- Popularity
- 359,194
- Reviews
- 4
- Rating
- (3.75)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper
- ISBNs
- 2
- UPCs
- 2
- ASINs
- 2
