Scan barcode
bookishpriest's reviews
217 reviews
On Repentance and Repair: Making Amends in an Unapologetic World by Danya Ruttenberg
From the publisher's blurb:
Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg is an award-winning author and writer who serves as Scholar in Residence at the National Council of Jewish Women. She was named by Newsweek as a “rabbi to watch,” a “faith leader to watch” by the Center for American Progress, received the Lives of Commitment Award from Auburn Seminary, has been a Washington Post Sunday crossword clue (83 Down) and called (in her younger days) a “wunderkind of Jewish feminism” by Publishers Weekly.
Rabbi Ruttenberg is very active on social media and regularly publishes a newsletter called Life is a Sacred Text. She is well worth following and subscribing to. (And no, this is not a paid endorsement, I am genuinely a huge fan of her writing and work.)
This book focuses on repentance as described in Judaism, particularly looking at the work of Maimonides, a twelfth-century philosopher and Torah scholar. This view of repentance stresses accountability and repair of damage done over apologies. It also addresses the common problem of avoiding consequences by claiming good intent. As though a statement beginning with "I didn't mean to hurt anyone..." absolves the speaker of the consequences of their words and actions.
The five-step summary of this process of making amends looks like this:
This is not a short process and, depending on the harm done, may take the rest of the perpetrator's life to repair. The focus is on repairing damage done and demonstrable changes of behaviour on the part of the one who did harm. This is a marked—and, for me, welcome—contrast to much of the societal focus here in Canada on apologies which very often are followed with no action or meaningful change. The consistent demand for accountability, repair, change, and care for the victims of harm shapes a process which fosters real healing, not just "getting over it".
Following this outline, Rabbi Ruttenberg takes us through examples of how this process might appear in different situations including personal relationships, accountability in public, institutional obligations, and forms of national repentance. The book finishes with some strong discussion about consequences, restorative justice, forgiveness and pardon, and what atonement means.
I was impressed at the clear depth of research undertaken in the writing of this book. Many examples are American, which makes sense in many ways. But the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation process gets a look here, as does the South African process. The book focuses on repentance as described by Maimonides, but Rabbi Ruttenberg does a wonderful job of making the principles accessible and employable by anyone.
I usually try and provide some kind of critique of the books I discuss here. In the case of On Repentance and Repair, I really don't have one to offer. I think Rabbi Ruttenberg has done a masterful job of researching and presenting a difficult topic and a viewpoint on that topic which does not conform to common public practice these days.
In my own context, I think this book should be mandatory reading in classes on pastoral care and congregational development and management. Really, for anyone in church leadership. This would make an excellent book study for any group interested in repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Honestly, I think just about anyone would benefit from reading this and thinking about its principles seriously in their own lives. There is much here for individuals, communities, and institutions like churches.
Overall, this book is excellent. I recommend it to anyone interested in the subject matter and will almost certainly be giving copies away as gifts to friends and colleagues when the paperback edition becomes available on 12 September 2023.
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
We've all seen it and maybe even experienced it: Someone makes a mistake that harms someone else. They offer an apology, say that they've learned and will do better next time. It's the victim's responsibility to sort out their healing and, so much of the time, those promised changes in behaviour on the wrongdoer's part never come to pass. Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg's book, On Repentance and Repair: Making Amends in an Unapologetic World offers another way to approach these situations.
From the publisher's blurb:
American culture focuses on letting go of grudges and redemption narratives instead of the perpetrator’s obligations or recompense for harmed parties. As survivor communities have pointed out, these emphases have too often only caused more harm. But Danya Ruttenberg knew there was a better model, rooted in the work of the medieval philosopher Maimonides.
For Maimonides, upon whose work Ruttenberg elaborates, forgiveness is much less important than the repair work to which the person who caused harm is obligated. The word traditionally translated as repentance really means something more like return, and in this book, returning is a restoration, as much as is possible, to the victim, and, for the perpetrator of harm, a coming back, in humility and intentionality, to behaving as the person we might like to believe we are.
Maimonides laid out 5 steps: naming and owning harm; starting to change/transformation; restitution and accepting consequences; apology; and making different choices. Applying this lens to both our personal relationships and some of the most significant and painful issues of our day, including systemic racism and the legacy of enslavement, sexual violence and harassment in the wake of #MeToo, and Native American land rights, On Repentance and Repair helps us envision a way forward.
Rooted in traditional Jewish concepts while doggedly accessible and available to people from any, or no, religious background, On Repentance and Repair is a book for anyone who cares about creating a country and culture that is more whole than the one in which we live, and for anyone who has been hurt or who is struggling to take responsibility for their mistakes.
Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg is an award-winning author and writer who serves as Scholar in Residence at the National Council of Jewish Women. She was named by Newsweek as a “rabbi to watch,” a “faith leader to watch” by the Center for American Progress, received the Lives of Commitment Award from Auburn Seminary, has been a Washington Post Sunday crossword clue (83 Down) and called (in her younger days) a “wunderkind of Jewish feminism” by Publishers Weekly.
Rabbi Ruttenberg is very active on social media and regularly publishes a newsletter called Life is a Sacred Text. She is well worth following and subscribing to. (And no, this is not a paid endorsement, I am genuinely a huge fan of her writing and work.)
This book focuses on repentance as described in Judaism, particularly looking at the work of Maimonides, a twelfth-century philosopher and Torah scholar. This view of repentance stresses accountability and repair of damage done over apologies. It also addresses the common problem of avoiding consequences by claiming good intent. As though a statement beginning with "I didn't mean to hurt anyone..." absolves the speaker of the consequences of their words and actions.
The five-step summary of this process of making amends looks like this:
- Naming and owning the harm one has caused
- Starting to change one's thinking and behaviour
- Making restitution and accepting the consequences of one's actions
- Making apology
- Making different choices
This is not a short process and, depending on the harm done, may take the rest of the perpetrator's life to repair. The focus is on repairing damage done and demonstrable changes of behaviour on the part of the one who did harm. This is a marked—and, for me, welcome—contrast to much of the societal focus here in Canada on apologies which very often are followed with no action or meaningful change. The consistent demand for accountability, repair, change, and care for the victims of harm shapes a process which fosters real healing, not just "getting over it".
Following this outline, Rabbi Ruttenberg takes us through examples of how this process might appear in different situations including personal relationships, accountability in public, institutional obligations, and forms of national repentance. The book finishes with some strong discussion about consequences, restorative justice, forgiveness and pardon, and what atonement means.
I was impressed at the clear depth of research undertaken in the writing of this book. Many examples are American, which makes sense in many ways. But the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation process gets a look here, as does the South African process. The book focuses on repentance as described by Maimonides, but Rabbi Ruttenberg does a wonderful job of making the principles accessible and employable by anyone.
I usually try and provide some kind of critique of the books I discuss here. In the case of On Repentance and Repair, I really don't have one to offer. I think Rabbi Ruttenberg has done a masterful job of researching and presenting a difficult topic and a viewpoint on that topic which does not conform to common public practice these days.
In my own context, I think this book should be mandatory reading in classes on pastoral care and congregational development and management. Really, for anyone in church leadership. This would make an excellent book study for any group interested in repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Honestly, I think just about anyone would benefit from reading this and thinking about its principles seriously in their own lives. There is much here for individuals, communities, and institutions like churches.
Overall, this book is excellent. I recommend it to anyone interested in the subject matter and will almost certainly be giving copies away as gifts to friends and colleagues when the paperback edition becomes available on 12 September 2023.
Cubs & Campfires by Dylan Drakes
slow-paced
2.25
This book was a miss for me. The author did an excellent job of marketing the book on social media, promising a "sweet and spicy romance". On that score, the book delivers, but the balance isn't what I'd hoped for
The book is, essentially, a series of graphic sexual encounters between the two main characters with the thinnest of plots surrounding it. There's great positive body representation - the main characters are both heavy, hairy men - and there are some sweet moments. But it's definitely one part sweet to ten parts spicy, so make sure that's what you're looking for.
There are lots of of wildly unrealistic situations and behaviours in the book. The author does provide a preface that explains this is meant to be an idyllic fantasy where many of the concerns of this world aren't important. Being free of worries like survival gear, long hikes, or STIs means the main characters can frolic much more freely. The disclaimer about this is a nice touch and helped to set my expectations appropriately while reading.
The book is written from a third person POV but spends an enormous amount of time on the internal monologue of the main character, Luca. A first person POV would have felt more natural to this delivery of the story, I think. The main characters are, indeed, sweet, but also felt flat. The main character, at times, seemed like a caricature of the hypersexual gay man who can't look at anything in the world without turning it into a sexual reference.
There are some editorial hiccoughs to note. The book is set in the American Pacific Northwest and the author is Australian. There is a lot of Australian diction that should have been caught and localized to standard American usage. There are several grammatically awkward sentences and at least one obvious spelling error. Repetitive vocabulary was also a noticeable concern. (This book may win an award for most frequent use of "bulge".)
Cubs & Campfires wasn't for me. The writing is okay, if uninspired. The plot is wafer thin and the characters are sweet but shallow. Lots and lots of graphic sexual content on offer, though, so if that's your cup of tea, this may be the book for you.
The book is, essentially, a series of graphic sexual encounters between the two main characters with the thinnest of plots surrounding it. There's great positive body representation - the main characters are both heavy, hairy men - and there are some sweet moments. But it's definitely one part sweet to ten parts spicy, so make sure that's what you're looking for.
There are lots of of wildly unrealistic situations and behaviours in the book. The author does provide a preface that explains this is meant to be an idyllic fantasy where many of the concerns of this world aren't important. Being free of worries like survival gear, long hikes, or STIs means the main characters can frolic much more freely. The disclaimer about this is a nice touch and helped to set my expectations appropriately while reading.
The book is written from a third person POV but spends an enormous amount of time on the internal monologue of the main character, Luca. A first person POV would have felt more natural to this delivery of the story, I think. The main characters are, indeed, sweet, but also felt flat. The main character, at times, seemed like a caricature of the hypersexual gay man who can't look at anything in the world without turning it into a sexual reference.
There are some editorial hiccoughs to note. The book is set in the American Pacific Northwest and the author is Australian. There is a lot of Australian diction that should have been caught and localized to standard American usage. There are several grammatically awkward sentences and at least one obvious spelling error. Repetitive vocabulary was also a noticeable concern. (This book may win an award for most frequent use of "bulge".)
Cubs & Campfires wasn't for me. The writing is okay, if uninspired. The plot is wafer thin and the characters are sweet but shallow. Lots and lots of graphic sexual content on offer, though, so if that's your cup of tea, this may be the book for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Fungal: Foraging in the Urban Forest by Ariel Gordon
The writing is beautiful, as one would hope from a poet, and has a focus that makes it evident that mushroom foraging is a true passion of Gordon's. Throughout the book I was delighted to follow the author's thoughts as she wove a complex mycelial network of relationships between her experiences as a mushroom hunter, parent, friend, worker, and human being. Her appreciation of beauty in the natural world - mushrooms that look like the sun descended to earth - and the earthy aches of pursuing fungi - sore muscles working in a mushroom factory - enhance the reading experience so. The final chapter draws the multilayered connections into sharper focus and offers plenty of food for thought about how our ecosystems and relationships are much more deeply connected than they might first seem.
This is, perhaps, what most makes Fungal such a joy to read. Gordon's ability to draw the reader's attention to the beautiful truths that hide in plain sight, right before us. Growing up in rural Manitoba, how many times did I pass mushrooms growing on stumps, logs, or springing from the ground and not notice a single remarkable thing about them? And I was generally quite appreciative of the curiosities of my environment! Here is Fungal, making me wonder what else I am missing as I move through the world.
Fungal: Foraging in the Urban Forest is worth your while to read, whether you are a mushroom enthusiast, just curious about these fascinating fungi, or want something completely different, this book will reward your attention. Just like the mushrooms growing on that boulevard stump outside your house.
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Ariel Gordon's new collection of essays, Fungal: Foraging in the Urban Forest is a wonderful read that touches on life during the pandemic, parenthood, immigrant experience, work, spirituality, natural history, and friendship. And does it all through the lens of mushroom foraging.
The writing is beautiful, as one would hope from a poet, and has a focus that makes it evident that mushroom foraging is a true passion of Gordon's. Throughout the book I was delighted to follow the author's thoughts as she wove a complex mycelial network of relationships between her experiences as a mushroom hunter, parent, friend, worker, and human being. Her appreciation of beauty in the natural world - mushrooms that look like the sun descended to earth - and the earthy aches of pursuing fungi - sore muscles working in a mushroom factory - enhance the reading experience so. The final chapter draws the multilayered connections into sharper focus and offers plenty of food for thought about how our ecosystems and relationships are much more deeply connected than they might first seem.
This is, perhaps, what most makes Fungal such a joy to read. Gordon's ability to draw the reader's attention to the beautiful truths that hide in plain sight, right before us. Growing up in rural Manitoba, how many times did I pass mushrooms growing on stumps, logs, or springing from the ground and not notice a single remarkable thing about them? And I was generally quite appreciative of the curiosities of my environment! Here is Fungal, making me wonder what else I am missing as I move through the world.
Fungal: Foraging in the Urban Forest is worth your while to read, whether you are a mushroom enthusiast, just curious about these fascinating fungi, or want something completely different, this book will reward your attention. Just like the mushrooms growing on that boulevard stump outside your house.
Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.5
Dungeon Crawler Carl is a fast-paced, funny, clever satire of reality television and the exploitative, extractive capitalism of our world. It's also, easily, the most bingeable series of books I've read in ages.
Aliens decide to strip Earth of the resources they need and humanity is given a choice: Attempt to survive on a blasted and desolate surface or enter the dungeon. Those who enter the dungeon find a globe-spanning complex full of danger that they are expected to navigate, like characters in a role-playing game. Their experiences are televised - and monetized - for the entertainment of the universe. Carl sets out with Princess Donut, his ex-girlfriend's cat who is now a powerful magic-user, to attempt to survive this trial.
The relationships between characters in this book and their experiences are a cutting commentary on human exploitation for entertainment. Social media, reality TV, and our increasing desire for "real" tears in our entertainment make the at-first-absurd dungeon seem closer and closer to reality the further you read.
This commentary is played out against the whacky, bizarre events and encounters that, for me, are most reminiscent of old school role-playing games and some of the wild fantasy novels of the 1970s and 1980s.
This is the first book in a series which has six installments so far. I'm reading ebooks, but have heard clips of the audiobooks and the narration is absolutely phenomenal.
If you're a fan of fantasy, RPGs, and a funny, fast-paced read with some deep moments, Matt Dinniman's Dungeon Crawler Carl is definitely worth a look!
The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook by Matt Dinniman
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.5
The third volume in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series keeps on with and amps up the bizarre trek of Carl, Princess Donut, Mongo and friends through this Earth-made-dungeon-gameshow.
This floor of the dungeon includes puzzles and conundrums on a scale not encountered before. The events of the story also reveal much more about how some of the strings in the dungeon are being pulled.
The characteristic sense of humour and buddy comedy tropes are still here, but tihs book, more than the first two, drives home that the dungeon is a dangerous, heartless place. I gasped more than once while reading through.
Like the others in the series, if you're into a fast-paced dungeon crawl with strange monsters, troubled people, and the universe's worst public transit system, this is probably for you!
This floor of the dungeon includes puzzles and conundrums on a scale not encountered before. The events of the story also reveal much more about how some of the strings in the dungeon are being pulled.
The characteristic sense of humour and buddy comedy tropes are still here, but tihs book, more than the first two, drives home that the dungeon is a dangerous, heartless place. I gasped more than once while reading through.
Like the others in the series, if you're into a fast-paced dungeon crawl with strange monsters, troubled people, and the universe's worst public transit system, this is probably for you!
Carl's Doomsday Scenario by Matt Dinniman
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.5
This is the second installment in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series of LitRPG novels by Matt Dinniman. Like the first, this book is lots of fun and details the exploits of Carl - a rapidly-learning explosives expert - and his friends, Princess Donut - a Persian Cat turned charming sorceress - and Mongo - Princess Donut's pet velociraptor.
We learn more about just how the dungeon works and some of the behind-the-scenes shenanigans in this second installment. This, combined with some good character development and a fun plotline, made Carl's Doomsday Scenario another great, easy read.
If you're a fan of a bit of fun, absurdist fantasy, this could be for you! The scenarios in this series often remind me of 1970s and 1980s pulpy sword and sorcery stories with a great sense of humour mixed in.
We learn more about just how the dungeon works and some of the behind-the-scenes shenanigans in this second installment. This, combined with some good character development and a fun plotline, made Carl's Doomsday Scenario another great, easy read.
If you're a fan of a bit of fun, absurdist fantasy, this could be for you! The scenarios in this series often remind me of 1970s and 1980s pulpy sword and sorcery stories with a great sense of humour mixed in.
1177 B.C.: The Year Civilization Collapsed: Revised and Updated by Eric H. Cline
informative
reflective
4.0
Three Parts Dead by Max Gladstone
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
2.5
At face value, I should really have enjoyed this book much more than I did. The parts all sound great. Wizard lawyers, a dead god, magic and divine favour as commentary on capitalism with just a sprinkle of steampunk on top.
In the execution, though, I just didn't love it. I didn't find the characters especially interesting or intriguing. Some were too obvious - the villain stops just short of actually twirling a moustache as they describe their evil plans - and some were just unremarkable. The twists felt very carefully constructed with lots of signposts along the way.
There's a truly fascinating world as the backdrop for this story but I never felt like I quite got a proper handle on it. The writing seemed to be having an identity crisis and couldn't decide whether this was a gritty urban fantasy whodunnit or a zany fantasy adventure with silly characters along for the ride.
I think there's a lot of potential with the setting and ideas, but this book didn't bring it together in a way that worked for me.
A note on format: I started trying to read this with the audiobook and absolutely could not handle the narrator. There was a huge inconsistency in delivery which, combined with the inconsistent attitude of the story, was absolutely unmanageable for me.
In the execution, though, I just didn't love it. I didn't find the characters especially interesting or intriguing. Some were too obvious - the villain stops just short of actually twirling a moustache as they describe their evil plans - and some were just unremarkable. The twists felt very carefully constructed with lots of signposts along the way.
There's a truly fascinating world as the backdrop for this story but I never felt like I quite got a proper handle on it. The writing seemed to be having an identity crisis and couldn't decide whether this was a gritty urban fantasy whodunnit or a zany fantasy adventure with silly characters along for the ride.
I think there's a lot of potential with the setting and ideas, but this book didn't bring it together in a way that worked for me.
A note on format: I started trying to read this with the audiobook and absolutely could not handle the narrator. There was a huge inconsistency in delivery which, combined with the inconsistent attitude of the story, was absolutely unmanageable for me.