Sex and the City - NOT that one

S__ and the City of God (since I was blocked from posting the actual word) is not really about the subject of the tv show. But that word is part of the story - but the main part of the story is God. The author, Carolyn Weber, writes a vulnerably open recounting of her growing up and her relationships with a few men. She is honest with her thoughts, desires, and yet her ability to keep the standard of God's best for her in her thoughts as these men came and went in her life, and how she ultimately found the one she would say "yes, I do" to. Not to be left out is the poignant story of her father lying in a hospital bed to open and close her memoir. Delightfully written with lessons to learn from lessons she learned along the way. This book was advanced to me from the publisher through NetGalley with no commit

ment for any positive commentary. I recommend it to you. Almost forgot to mention that I love how nearly every chapter opens with a quote from Augustine - and there-by makes the creativity in the title perfectly appropriate.

God flies?

Dutch Catholic Priest, Spiritual thinker and author Henri Nouwen left us in 1996. Now more than 25 years since his death, comes this new book which was crafted from previously unpublished writings. This is a great read, whether one is familiar with Nouwen's other writings or not. It begins with his true story rescue through a hotel window after Nouwen suffered a heart attack. It parallels that story along with his intimate following of the Flying Trapeze Rodleighs whom became his dear friends. Nouwen even travelled with them over the years and developed a deep relationship which often teaches him more about the God he served, shared and loved. He drew parallels from the friendship and shared his faith with them through how he lived his life as their true friend and part of their community. The work is captivating in both the lessons learned about the hardwork of the circus acrobats as well as the spiritual conclusions. Please do yourself a favor and read it. An advance copy was made available to me from NetGally and the publisher with no committment of positive commentary. I also purchased my own copy because this one is a keeper.