Adult

Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church by N.T. Wright. What happens when we die? How should we think about heaven, hell, purgatory and eternal life? Wright critiques the views of heaven that have become regnant in Western culture, especially the assumption of the continuance of the soul after death in a sort of blissful non-bodily existence. This is simply not Christian teaching, Wright insists. The New Testament's clear witness is to the resurrection of the body, not the migration of the soul. And not right away, but only when Jesus returns in judgment and glory.

Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light by Mother Teresa with Brian Kolodiejchuk. It is no surprise that ten years after her death, people still want to know what impelled this poor, humble Albanian woman to give her life to God so completely. Kolodiejchuk, a Catholic priest and friend of Mother Teresa’s, assembles a startling and impressive collection of her writings, most of which have never been seen by the public. Two themes especially shine through in Mother Teresa’s letters, namely, her absolute conviction that she was doing God’s will, and a deep and surprising chasm of darkness within her that some would call the dark night of the soul.

The Ordering of Love: The New and Collected Poems of Madeleine L'Engle. This volume collects nearly 200 of L’Engle’s original poems, including eighteen that have never before been published. Reflecting on themes of love, loss, faith, and beauty, this volume gives vivid and compelling insight into the language of the heart.

The Complete Book of Bible Trivia: Bad Guys Edition by J. Stephen Lang. Over 3,000 questions and answers about flawed men and women of the Bible. The author gives readers all the dirt on the bad boys and girls of the Bible.

Young Adult

Leonardo's Shadow: Or, My Astonishing Life as Leonardo da Vinci's Servant by Christopher Grey. It is 1497, and young Giacomo does chores for his master, accompanying him when needed and running errands to the merchants of Milan. He also spends much of his time making excuses to those who have commissioned the artist's work and fending off the many merchants who come trying to collect debts. With smooth words and false promises, the boy keeps them at bay – for the time being. Leonardo has a commission for a great painting, but he will not work. Why is a mystery, but until he finishes this painting of the Last Supper, he will not be paid. Even worse, the Duke of Milan, whose temper is legendary, is getting impatient. Giacomo worries about starving, about freezing, and about dying by order of the duke or the gentlemen whom Leonardo insults. But, mostly, he worries about his great master, whom he thinks might be his father.

Children

Where Do Angels Sleep? by Cynda Strong. This charming, gentle-natured bedtime story is perfect for preschool children. Told in an easy-going rhyme with colorful full-page drawings, this book provides an opportunity for learning about the comforting gifts of angels.