Magi: A Novel

by Daniel L. Gilbert
 
A short novel expanding the story of the Magi who come to visit the infant Jesus. Well written and well researched, with lots of historical and cultural references to help frame the story. Has a surprising end that does not actually contradict the Gospel of Matthew, but is the first time I've encountered such speculation (I won't divulge more at this point and spoil it for other readers).

At first I found the unfamiliar names a bit confusing to keep track of, and the first couple of chapters were a bit of work to get through, but once the Magi start their trek to Jerusalem the story moved along nicely (and perhaps by then I had gotten used to the names).  Overall an enjoyable read which also helped me understand elements of the Magi story more deeply.

Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey into the Afterlife

by Eben Alexander, M.D.
 
After reading the Newsweek magazine article about Dr. Alexander I thought I would get the book. I wasn't disappointed, the book provided much more detail and analysis of Dr. Alexander's unique experience. Not so much a "proof" of heaven as it is an example of the mystery of life and a glimpse into a bigger universe than we can even imagine. This book is almost two books in one - one book telling the story of a medical mystery - the bacterial attack on Dr. Alexander's brain and then his complete recovery.  There has been nothing like this before, his is an unusual and unique case.  The second book would be the recounting of his experience while in a coma, the Near Death Experience (NDE) that he has - a highly detailed account of Dr. Alexander's experience of life beyond the body.  As he reminds the reader on many occassions - what he experiences while in the coma is something his scientific and medically trained mind could not explain - yet something that was real, more real than this life.

I thought of C.S. Lewis' concept of Shadowlands as I read Dr. Alexander's account.  I am amazed that Lewis (both in The Last Battle, and in The Great Divorce) seemed to understand something that Dr. Alexander experiences. It makes me wonder where Lewis got the inspiration from.  This book ends strongly with some of the best chapters in the latter part of the book.  I'm sure it will be hotly debated in the coming months, but I like its insistence on the mystery that surrounds us - real as real can be, but unseen and little known except for those fortunate to have had a glimpse of the larger realm.

Praying in the Messiness of Life: 7 Ways to Renew Your Relationship with God

by Linda Douty

This short book contains a lot of good practical tools and techniques for one's prayer life.  Linda Douty is not breaking new ground in this book, but rather reminding us of things we already know but easily forget or set aside, or giving us a new perspective on an activity we already do that we maybe didn't think of as prayerful.  One example: in the chapter on Praying with the Senses wrote about the Camera as Prayer Tool, "A camera lens can reveal a microcosm of the world's wonder as the eyewitness to intricate design, human emotion, or a simple landscape. Allow your camera to become a channel of prayer as it captures a snow-capped mountain or a single smile."  I have often felt that photography was a spiritual experience for me, and now Ms. Douty has given that experience a new framework.

I also appreciated her reflections on Intercessory Prayer, where she concludes, "Intercessory prayer isn't about manipulating God's will; it's about placing ourselves and those for whom we pray in the loving Presence that never abandons us, no matter the circumstances."  Overall a worthwhile book, best read in small bits, reflecting on each portion before moving to the next section.