Molly Pavlovich“THE PHOTO THIEF” BY J.L. DELOZIER
Recommended by: Joel Burcat, Pathways Institute Instructor / Author
Who might be interested in this book: People who love police and crime mysteries, books with a twist of the supernatural, and/or novels set in Philadelphia
“The Photo Thief” follows the return of Detective Dan Brennan to the Philadelphia Police Department after the devastating loss of his five-year-old daughter to cancer and his subsequent divorce. Brennan is a dark character struggling to recover from his losses and revitalize his life and career. He is assigned to investigate the mysterious murder of a Philadelphia socialite, the granddaughter of an aging and ailing media tycoon.
The novel has strong elements of family drama and a dose of paranormal (or is it the illness and meds?). Delozier has mastered the best elements of Michael Connelly’s Hieronymus “Harry” Bosch. It has the suspense and other-worldliness of Alfred Hitchcock. There is a strong element of paranormal, à la Stephen King and M. Night Shyamalan—or are the voices Cassie hears a product of her
epilepsy and anti-seizure medications? Delozier will keep you guessing to the end. This is a true page-turner—once I started reading, I could not put it down.
“AND THERE WAS LIGHT” BY JON MEACHAM
Recommended by: Henry Greenawald, Messiah Village Resident / Pathways Institute Participant
Who might be interested in this book: People who enjoy reading biographies and/or learning about significant political figures throughout history
“And There Was Light” is a biography about President Abraham Lincoln, and the author touched on a lot of interesting topics in the book that I think many other biographers have passed over, including insight into how and why he made decisions that affected life, and later, the life and survival of the U.S. as one nation.
Jon Meacham’s writing style clearly shows the extent of his research and knowledge, but it also was incredibly pleasant to read. I even have two more of his books on my bookshelf now that I hope to read soon: “Franklin and Winston: An Intimate Portrait of an Epic Friendship” and “American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House.”
I always enjoy exploring new layers of people’s lives, particularly those like Lincoln who we first learned about in history class but have really only skimmed the surface of who they were. If you’re looking for a read that is intellectually stimulating, painting a fuller picture of the leaders of change who came before us, give this a try. You’re bound to learn something new.
“SPIRITUAL PRACTICES FOR THE BRAIN: CARING FOR MIND, BODY, AND SOUL” BY ANNE KERTZ KERNION
Recommended by: Marti Derr, Pathways Institute Instructor / Spiritual Director, Associate Professor Emerita of Nursing
Who might be interested in this book: Those looking to slow down and live moment to moment and/or those who enjoyed “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk
I think of the books I’ve read, “Spiritual Practices for the Brain” is the most accessible book on the topic of how spiritual practices affect our health. And I have shelves and shelves of books on this kind of stuff.
Anyone can pick it up and find value in it, as the author relates everything she talks about to everyday life. She explores learning, compassion, and service, the value of those things, and how they build our emotional and spiritual wellbeing. It has the research-backed information and thoughtful and applicable guidance to help us slow down and move through our days moment by moment—fully valuing what each day brings for us and what we can bring into our day and into the people that we meet.
I think for a little book that doesn’t cost a lot of money, you get a lot of bang for your buck. It doesn’t waste your time. Instead, it enhances your life.
