Girl Meets God: On the Path to a Spiritual Life

Book Description

Like most of us, Lauren Winner wants something to believe in. The child of a reform Jewish father and a lapsed Southern Baptist mother, she chose to become an Orthodox Jew. But as she faithfully observes the Sabbath rituals and studies Jewish laws, she finds herself increasingly drawn to Christianity. Taking a courageous step, she leaves behind what she loves and converts. Now the even harder part: How does one reinvent a religious self? How does one embrace the new without abandoning the old? How does a convert become spiritually whole. In GIRL MEETS GOD, this appealingly honest young woman takes us through a year in her search for a religious identity. Despite her conversion, she finds that her world is still shaped by her Jewish experiences. Even as she rejoices in the holy days of the Christian calendar, she mourns the Jewish rituals she still holds dear. Attempting to reconcile the two sides of her religious self, Winner applies the lessons of Judaism to the teachings of the New Testament, hosts a Christian seder, and struggles to fit her Orthodox friends into her new religious life. Ultimately she learns that faith takes practice and belief is an ongoing challenge. Like Anne Lamott's, Winner's journey to Christendom is bumpy, but it is the rocky path itself that makes her a perfect guide to exploring spirituality in today's complicated world. Her engaging approach to religion in the twenty-first century is illuminating, thought-provoking, and most certainly controversial.

Customer Reviews:

Relevant... Honest... Transparent and Real - a Relatable Reflection of one Woman's Faith Journey.......2007-08-26

This book was a gift from a dear friend who said - "her writing style reminds me of yours" (which is actually probably true)- but even casting that aside - there was so much about this woman's journey of discovering her faith... and wrestling with all of that (how to walk it out... how to defend it to her friends, her family - even herself in the face of whatever it was that life threw at her... the big & small stuff) - that I could really identify with, and think that most people - and women could as well.

In fact, it was so much like looking in a mirror at some points that it was at times a bit unnerving... or at least very challenging.

I found myself at the end of it kind of/rather torn... smiling and almost grimacing all at once because of the way it ends. While I understand that the author had to end the book/story the way she did, I confess that I am slightly at odds with my reaction to it at the same time. (I waffle between "brilliant" and that slightly unsettled feeling you have when everything isn't all wrapped up at the end into neat Hollywood endings w/pretty bows and packaging).

Which I suppose is what made it all the more real, and true and resonant (sp?) and why, I suppose it was all the more perfectly suited for me.

I highly recommend this book. It's definitely the kind of thing you can pick up & put down... or read all at once, but I recommend savoring it. (Like really good dark chocolate - the kind you would LOVE to eat all at once - and are even tempted too... it's SO much better if you let it soak in over time).

And Next.. A Girl talks to Bhudda .......2005-01-29

Girl Meets God is a bodice-ripping tome on religion, or rather, religion-lite. It titilates, confesses, talks of food, sex, drink and,top it off, a little "Electra" thing going on with Daddy- Ms Winer wrote a little fairy tale for spiritual seekers- Jew or Christian- lost in the big woods, etc., etc. all egos are attended to.
Her theological choices seem to plucked out of a hat- let's see- - I am a non-observant, by name only, Jew--I think I'll become a Jew who stepped out of the middle ages- I will dress to call attention to my piety- observe the most obscure holidays- and find God- Why???- Why would one go from being a practicing nothing to a super religious Jew practicing customs the majority of Jews put aside at least 3 generations ago?--But- you know how it is with teenage girls- Well, she caught on pretty quickly; it isn't too easy to live like that. H'mm how about something a bit more mainstream; Church of England.- WoW! That one ought to get Papa's attention! And what better place to be Christianed an Episcopal than in England. That sweet chapel, the history, the organ, ahh. Ms. Winer's writing is amusing,lively and very simplistic theologically for such aself-described intellectual. The book makes short shrift of both Christianity and Judiasm; and diminshes both faiths. Perhaps she should have completed her Doctorate on religious history before she began competing with Venerable Bede and the esteemed Rabbis she refers to. Ms Winer might consider writing some "Chick Lit". I think she has just what it takes. Like "Prada went to Church"

A very easy book to relate to........2005-01-03

This book is a quick read and well as an interesting read. I read this book for a church book discussion group and was very glad we chose it. I felt that even though it's about her struggle with Judaism and converting to Christianity, it is so very applicable to me as a Christian who did not convert from anything. It reminds me of the basics of being a Christian and the struggles that we all face. The reason not for 5 stars is that even though there is a great deal of information from the author about the 2 religions, it was not a challenging book to read - but that's just my preference.

Page Turner.......2004-06-24

It is not often a person can say a religious book is a edge of chair page turner; BUT, Lauren's book was just that. I read it in three evenings, and quickley ordered her book Mudhouse Sabbath, and can't wait to read it. Lauren's religious "travel" from reformed Judaism to orthodox Judaism to Episcopalism was both insightful and thought provoking. I highly recommend this book if you are searching spiritally, or want to learn basic tenants of Judaism and christianity from a person who lived both.

A Dizzying Journey.......2004-05-21

You might have a friend who is pretty bright, likes to talk about their struggles, desperately tries to defy any and all 'categorizations', and comes across as passionate but erratic. Chances are this friend is great at dinner parties, but you don't exactly give them the keys to your house and ask them to water your plants while you're on vacation. Maybe this is because you fear that they would suddenly, inexplicably, or tirelessly pursue a 'spontaneous' life, a life that maybe didn't include sustaining your African violets. If you don't have that friend, I encourage you to read this book. After which, Lauren Winner can be that friend.

The book is not a bad read. It's a faithful mimicry of Anne Lamott - even when it comes to sentence construction. You'll have lots of long, rambling, free-flowing sentences (with parenthetical expressions) that will be showing you the many divergent paths that her intricate mind is capable of exploring...and you'll see that she's young, hip, and flippant because there will be the necessary punctual follow up fragment. Like this.

Overall, I found her a story a little suspect, in part due to the author's note that let's us know certain "details - names, professions, chronology, and so forth" were changed. Also in part due to the freshness of the material; she's so stuck in the churn that I don't think she's fully reflected on her journey. The dust-jacket comparisons to C.S. Lewis (because he wrote a spiritual autobiography?! What about St. Augustine while we're at it?) made me want to puke.

Girl Meets God, on the Path to a Spiritual Life.
Average customer rating:
Girl Meets God, on the Path to a Spiritual Life.
Lauren F. Winner
Manufacturer: Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000O3OPG8

Girl Meets God: On the Path to a Spiritual Life
Average customer rating:
Girl Meets God: On the Path to a Spiritual Life
Lauren F. Winner
Manufacturer: Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000WAIIOS

China Debates The Future Security Environment
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Stupendous

Old Friends, or New Enemies

An Interesting and different perspective

An Insightful (Chinese) Warning to a Self-absorbed America

China Debates The Future Security Environment
Michael Pillsbury
Manufacturer: University Press of the Pacific
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Relations | International | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
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Chinese Views of Future Warfare

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ASIN: 1410218562

Book Description

This study offers over 600 selected quotations from the writings of over 200 Chinese authors published from 1994 to 1999. Analysis and interpretation are kept to a minimum so that the Chinese may speak for themselves. Many Chinese scholars assisted with this study by providing hard-to-get books and articles unfamiliar to most Westerners. Half the authors were interviewed in China. They explained some of the viewpoints in recent debates about the future security environment. Debates in China are generally concealed, and frequently authors pretend they do not exist. However muted they may be, China's debates about the future nevertheless exist and merit attention if we are to understand the premises of China's national strategy and set a baseline from which to measure any future change in these premises.

Customer Reviews:

Stupendous.......2001-01-31

Beyond ranking this fantastic work, there isn't much I can add that previous reviewers haven't admirably covered. It is necessary for our country to understand the needs that motivates the calculations Pillsbury illustrates in his book. It is essential for the American debate about our relationship with China to include texts such as these, which highlight important concerns for Americans, but transcend the current dichotomy of right-wing paranoia and left-wing romanticism toward China.

While Pillsbury's book is devoted to a very specific topic, the tone and quality of his work helps illustrate China's foreign policy communities in ways that are absent in the sterotyped visions of China usually constructed. Instead of having to fall in with one or the other viewpoint that is more an argument about domestic ideology than about China, we ought to remember that it is the clarity of our vision that is the most important technique for ensuring American security. Public relations gestures of saber-rattling or apologia accomplish just the obvious. That is why careful attention paid to work such as Pillsbury's book makes us better off in the long run.

Old Friends, or New Enemies.......2000-06-15

The work of Michael Pillsbury has been almost as popular in Chinese military circles as it is in the United States. His previous report on Chinese views of future warfare was noted enthusiastically by Chinese military scholars, although there was some concern over his liberal reference to high ranking Chinese sources.

Nevertheless, Pillsbury was able to return to drink from the same well in preparing China Debates the Future Security Environment. His sources are highly placed and respected members of China's security apparatus, and include members of leading think tanks, such as the China Institute for International Studies, as well as People's Liberation Army leadership.

The great value of the work is that between its covers Pillsbury shows a comprehensive picture of Chinese perspectives on a variety of topics relating to future security environments. He explains contemporary Chinese Communist Party rationale for viewing the future based on an amalagam of ancient Chinese statecraft (views drawn from the Warring States Era, which many Chinese use to draw comparisons with today's single superpower system) and current methodology for calculating the comprehensive national power (CNP) of modern states. The CNP of the United States will decline in the future, the Chinese are required to believe, and their calculations go to some lengths to show this pattern in various ways.

Most interesting to me was a discussion of China's three views of future threats and how these relate to special interest groups inside the PLA. People's War traditionalists are still the most powerful bloc and control most budget decisions. Their future posits a large enemy, such as the United States, Russia, India or a resurgent Japan. Power projection advocates see the future differently in terms of local wars around China's periphery. They advocate modernization, smaller and more professional forces. The revolution in military affairs (RMA) enthusiasts see no immediate major threat for a number of years, time, they say, to transform key parts of the military force to be technologically competitive with the West.

There is a fourth future, explained in Unrestricted Warfare, a book by two senior colonels in the PLA published last year. It advocates removing all rules and restrictions in the conduct of war to enable the "inferior to defeat the superior." Available too late for Pillsbury to consider in this work, Unrestricted Warfare may represent a synthesis of views on the future way of war from a Chinese perpective, even though it "does not represent official doctrine."

I commend Pillsbury's work to both the serious and casual student of Chinese military affairs. He has done a service for those on both sides of the Pacific.

An Interesting and different perspective.......2000-06-08

I have learned that perceptions are sometimes more important than facts and in the case of the Chinese viewpoint of the world situation, this holds true. This book describes in an interesting fashion, the Chinese perception of the motives, strengths and weaknesses of the world powers.

The Chinese use an interesting method of determining a nation's relative power using a quasi-mathematical formula to determine the Comprehensive National Power (CNP) of any given nation. They use this also to project the future CNP of given nations.

This interesting process is described in detail and the varying uses of this CNP are described. The Chinese show the most interest in the United States, Russia, Europe (mainly Germany, France and the United Kingdom), Japan, India and China. These calculations are focused through the lens of Chinese perception. This is based on Chinese history including ancient Chinese history, Marxism, Mao thought and the writings of Deng tso Peng. This is the most fascinating portion of the book.

For example, some factions in this debate feel that Japan is becoming militaristic and will want power in Asia. Most feel that Russia will become their friend in the coming struggles. The optomists feel that there will be a multipolar power sharing between China, Europe, Russia, the United States and Japan in a atmosphere of cooperation.

You may or may not disagree with the Chinese conclusions but the reality is, they believe that the world operates the way they see it and will react to world events accordingly.

An Insightful (Chinese) Warning to a Self-absorbed America.......2000-03-15

Pillsbury's excellent work reminds Americans of the danger of expecting other nations to mirror our notions, objectives and policies. Fascinating Chinese foreign policy insights throughout the book. Some of the translated policy proposals/commentaries were really quite shocking. It should be required reading for all presidential (and Congressional) candidates. A "serious" book -- but very "readable", and definitely NOT just for policy "wonks." Availability may be troublesome as it is published by the National Defense University (NDU) and available through the Government Printing Office (GPO)[sorry Amazon ;-) ].

China Debates the Future Security Environment

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China Debates the Future Security Environment
Michael Pillsbury
Manufacturer: National Defense University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KXTM0Q

Book Description

Unprecedented in content, Provincetown and the National Seashore offers readers a unique and cohesive group of Provincetown images: from candid portraits of Provincetown residents and celebrities, seasonal landscapes and wildlife, to everyday street scenes from the town's renowned summer season. Over a year in the making, the color photo essay book artistically chronicles Charles Fields's first year in Provincetown, taking readers on a journey of people, places and history in a highly personal and contemporary collection. The book features nearly 140 stunning color images, with special "celebirty appearances" by Poet Laureate Stanley Kunitz, filmmaker and director John Waters, Cape Cod National Seashore Superintendent Maria Burks, nautical explorer Barry Clifford, and famed Provincetown and Ground Zero photographer Joel Meyerowitz.

Customer Reviews:

A Combination of Natural Beauty and the Unique.......2003-09-14

If imitation is the greatest form of flattery, many photographers both amateur (me) and professional, will be in awe of this book. It will also be loved and appreciated by tourists who visit the area. I first came across this book last year when I did a slide show on Cape Cod and needed a few shots of this portion of the Cape. I did not copy Mr. Fields' work (largely because I am not as gifted a photographer), but the book inspired me. This is due to his interesting perspective of the area. His best photographs are those of the dunes and the areas along the national seashore, but he also includes typical Cape Cod shots such as vacationers, fishing boats, and historical landmarks. He also includes photographs of a few of the more outlandish sides of Provincetown, which makes Provincetown fun for many people and shows that Fields is adept at using his camera to tell a story.

Brings the Outer Cape to light.......2002-06-18

I was blown away with the quality and breadth of the images in this unusual photo essay book. I love both Provincetown and photography, so you can imagine my excitement in discovering the book on Amazon.

Fields seems to have a knack for capturing the subtle and beautiful Cape light many artists and tourists flock to see. Surprisingly, he also has a fair number of fun and stunning portraits in the collection.

I would recommend thia book for anyone who loves photography or the Cape. It's also an easy and obvious gift selection for my friends.

Adventure Kayaking: Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard : Includes Cape Cod National Seashore (Adventure Kayaking)
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adventure kayaking

Adventure Kayaking: Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard : Includes Cape Cod National Seashore (Adventure Kayaking)
David Weintraub
Manufacturer: Wilderness Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Massachusetts | States | United States | Travel | Subjects | Books
Cape Cod | Massachusetts | States | United States | Travel | Subjects | Books
North America | Travel | Subjects | Books
General | Kayaking | Water Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0899972934

Customer Reviews:

adventure kayaking.......2004-12-06

I am now using AdventureKayaking CapeCod and Martha'sVineyard because I find it comprehensive(all 15 towns plus Martha'sVineyard) and like the detailed current description of each tour and the info given for access to each launch point

Cape Cod and the National Seashore: A Photographic Essay by Charles Fields

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A Great Photographic Collection for Cape Cod Lovers

Cape Cod and the National Seashore: A Photographic Essay by Charles Fields
Charles Fields
Manufacturer: Fields Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Provincetown and the National Seashore
Cape Light: Color Photographs by Joel Meyerowitz
The Enduring Shore: A History of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket
Cape Cod

ASIN: 0971545820

Book Description

This endeavor, several years in the planning and in execution, culminates Fields' odyssey all around Cape Cod making photographs of its towns and villages, bodies of water, landscapes, architecture, sights and attractions, personalities and unique way of life. Cape Cod's magnificent natural, historic and architectural beauties unfold in page after page of remarkable and truly awe-inspiring photography.

Cape Cod and the National Seashore represents a milestone in photographic history. Never before has the Cape been so compellingly represented in this medium. Capturing the off-beat, heretofore unseen and untrammeled Cape, Fields committed two years to photographing the Cape in all of its moods, nuances and natural splendor. Natural and man-made, summer and winter, new and old, the myriad personae of Cape Cod are revealed for all to revel in within its 144 pages. Wendy Northcross, CEO of the Cape Cod Chamber, claimed that "Fields has captured the very essence of Cape Cod."

Customer Reviews:

A Great Photographic Collection for Cape Cod Lovers.......2003-12-04

CAPE COD AND THE NATIONAL SEASHORE is Charles Fields' second book of images from Cape Cod. Fields, along with his wife painter Gail Rogers Fields, are both well known Cape Cod artists with a gallery in Provincetown. Like his first book, Fields' captures the recognizable Cape Cod sites as well as the lesser known side of Cape Cod. The book includes landscapes, seascapes, nature shots, people, and places. Many of Fields' images are off the beat and track such as his shots of Barnstable's' Sandy Neck Light and the dune shacks of Provincetown. Other places are familiar such as Truro's Days Cottages. Whether it is the familiar or not so familiar, Fields has the eye of an artist and the images he captures seem new even to people who know the Cape well.

This coffee table book is a must for lovers of Cape Cod. It will also find a home in the libraries of people who love good photography.

Cape Cod National Seashore (New England Landmarks.)

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Truly a treasure

Cape Cod National Seashore (New England Landmarks.)
Andrew Borsari , and Amy Whorf McGuiggan
Manufacturer: Commonwealth Editions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Conservation | Environment | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

General | Conservation | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Ecotourism | Specialty Travel | Travel | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1889833797

Customer Reviews:

Truly a treasure.......2004-08-20

This volume in the series of Commonwealth Editions is wonderful for its rich photography. For those interested in photography, there are lessons here to be learned from a great photographer. There are fond memories here to be revived for those who have experienced the Cape. In the text one learns a bit of the history of the creation of the Cape Cod National Seashore and the quotations selected by Amy Whorf McGuiggan are elegant companions with the photographs.

National Geographic Maps Trails Illustrated: Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts (National Park)

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National Geographic Maps Trails Illustrated: Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts (National Park)
Trails Illustrated
Manufacturer: Rand McNally & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Map

World | Atlases & Maps | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books

American Map Cape Cod Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket Southeastern Massachusetts: Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket, Southeastern Massachusetts (American Map)
Cape Cod Massachusetts Map

ASIN: 1566950430

The Visitor's Guide to Cape Cod National Seashore,

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The Visitor's Guide to Cape Cod National Seashore,
Margaret H. Koehler
Manufacturer: Devin-Adair Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Essays & Travelogues | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

North America | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0856990663

Adventure Kayaking: Trips in Cape Cod : Includes Cape Cod National Seashore (Adventure Kayaking)

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Showcases twenty-five exciting trips
A terrific guide of kayaking adventure!
great places to explore

Adventure Kayaking: Trips in Cape Cod : Includes Cape Cod National Seashore (Adventure Kayaking)
David Weintraub
Manufacturer: Wilderness Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Travel | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Cape Cod is a paddler's paradise with numerous bays, ponds, harbors, marshes, and tidal creeks to explore. This essential book includes detailed maps and trip descriptions, route distances, parking regulations, and best times to go.

Author David Weintraub is a resident of the West Coast but enjoys summering in his Cape Cod home. He has also the authored the popular North Bay Trails and East Bay Trails.

Customer Reviews:

Showcases twenty-five exciting trips.......2001-02-21

Adventure Kayaking: Trips On Cape Cod is "user friendly" guide to enjoying safe and fun kayaking on Cap Cod. David Weintraub showcases twenty-five exciting trips from Falmouth to Provincetown with detailed route descriptions for each trip. Also included are USGS topographic maps (showing routes, parking areas, launch sites); travel directions; parking information, as well as nearby scenic and historical attractions. Adventure Kayaking is highly recommended reading for anyone seeking out Cape Cod's impressive landscape, bird sanctuaries, flora and fauna, all within the recreational framework of the kayaking experience.

A terrific guide of kayaking adventure!.......2000-09-07

Adventure Kayaking is "user friendly" guide to enjoying safe and fun kayaking on Cap Cod. David Weintraub showcases twenty-five exciting trips from Falmouth to Provincetown with detailed route descriptions for each trip. Also included are USGS topographic maps (showing routes, parking areas, launch sites); travel directions; parking information, as well as nearby scenic and historical attractions. Adventure Kayaking is highly recommended reading for anyone seeking out Cape Cod's impressive landscape, bird sanctuaries, flora and fauna, all within the recreational framework of the kayaking experience.

great places to explore.......2000-07-14

I have a kayak and live on Cape Cod. this book is a great source to search out places to explore via kayak. Maps, directions, general information are all provided. anyone who likes to kayak, and in search of a places to explore on the Cape will love this book. Great price too !

Archeological Investigations At the Carns Site, Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts.

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Archeological Investigations At the Carns Site, Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts.

Manufacturer: U. S. Department of the Interior
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000FSHS9I

The archeology of Cape Cod National Seashore

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The archeology of Cape Cod National Seashore
Francis P McManamon
Manufacturer: Division of Cultural Resources], Eastern Archeological Field Laboratory, North Atlantic Regional Office, National Park Service, [U.S. Dept. of the Interior]
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Birds of the Cape Cod National Seashore and adjacent areas

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Birds of the Cape Cod National Seashore and adjacent areas
Wallace Bailey
Manufacturer: [Eastern National Park and Monument Association
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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