What’s New in the Plymouth Library?
The Plymouth Library is located at the end of the Plymouth Gallery hallway inside the door next to the stained glass cross.
New books have been added to the Plymouth Library! All new are located on the wall rack and the New Book Shelf. See a full list of new books below, organized by categories:
Christian Spirituality, Grief, and Social Justice
“The Tears of Things: Prophetic Wisdom for an Age of Outrage” by Richard Rohr. New York: Convergent Books, 2025.
A compelling call for Christians to embrace a prophetic voice grounded in compassion, wisdom, and nonviolence in a fractured world.“Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart” by Brian D. McLaren. New York: St. Martin’s Essentials, 2024.
A thoughtful and realistic exploration of global crises paired with practical spiritual and communal pathways toward hope and healing.“How to Pray: A Simple Guide for Normal People” by Mariann Edgar Budde. New York: Avery, 2023.
An accessible and grounded introduction to prayer from a respected Episcopal leader, offering guidance for everyday spiritual practice.“A Midwinter God: Encountering the Divine in Seasons of Darkness” by Christine Valters Paintner. Notre Dame, IN: Sorin Books, 2024.
Explores the sacred dimensions of grief, loss, and winter spirituality through reflection and contemplative practices.“Somehow: Thoughts on Love” by Anne Lamott. New York: Riverhead Books, 2024.
A collection of honest and heartfelt reflections on love, grace, and human connection from a beloved contemporary writer.“The Soul Also Keeps the Score” by Robert W. McChesney. New York: Broadleaf Books, 2025.
Examines trauma through a Christian spiritual lens, offering insight into healing, resilience, and the role of faith in recovery.
Nature, Science, and Environmental Awareness
“The Light Eaters: How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth” by Zoë Schlanger. New York: Harper, 2024.
Reveals groundbreaking research on plant intelligence, reshaping how we understand life, consciousness, and ecological relationships.“Beyond Words: What Animals Think and Feel” by Carl Safina. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2015.
Blends science and storytelling to explore animal consciousness, emotions, and the deep connections between humans and other species.“The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year” by Margaret Renkl. Minneapolis: Milkweed Editions, 2023.
A beautifully written series of reflections on nature observed close to home, emphasizing seasonal rhythms and environmental awareness.“When Trees Testify: Science, Wisdom, and the Black Botanical Legacy” by Beronda L. Montgomery. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2021.
Interweaves botany, history, and cultural insight to highlight the contributions and legacy of Black environmental knowledge.“Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard” by Douglas W.Tallamy. Portland, OR: Timber Press, 2019.
Encourages individuals to participate in conservation through native planting and habitat restoration at home.“The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness” by Sy Montgomery. New York: Atria Books, 2015.
A fascinating and personal look at octopus intelligence and the broader question of consciousness across species.“The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate” by Peter Wohlleben. Vancouver: Greystone Books, 2016.
Introduces readers to the complex social networks and communication systems of forests.“Bet the Farm: The Dollars and Sense of Growing Food in America” by Beth Hoffman. Washington, DC: Island Press, 2021.
Examines the economic and human realities of farming in America, with a focus on sustainable agriculture.“Is a River Alive?” by Robert MacFarlane. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2024.
Explores the idea of rivers as living entities, blending environmental philosophy and literary nature writing.
Faith, Culture, and Practical Living
“Joyful, Anyway: Cultivating Hope in a Complicated World” by Kate Bowler. New York: Convergent Books, 2022.
Offers a compassionate perspective on finding joy and meaning even amid life’s uncertainties and hardships.“Jesus and Justice: Organizing for God’s Reign on Earth Then and Now” by John Dominic Crossan and Michael Okinczyc-Cruz. San Francisco: HarperOne, 2026.
Connects the teachings of Jesus to contemporary social justice movements and community organizing.“Considering Sparrows: What Birds Teach Us About Following Jesus” by Kevin Burrell. 2026.
Uses observations from the natural world to illuminate spiritual lessons and deepen Christian discipleship.“How to Stop Yelling Up the Stairs” by Janel Breitenstein. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2026.
Provides practical, emotionally aware parenting strategies rooted in faith and healthy communication.“Queer & Christian: Reclaiming the Bible, Our Faith, and Our Place at the Table. Expanded ed” by Brandan Robertson. New York: St. Martine’s Essentials (earlier edition; updated edition may vary).
An accessible and affirming theological work that reclaims scripture and Christian identity for LGBTQ+ Christians.
Additional Titles
“How to Know a Person” by David Brooks. 2024.
An accessible guide to developing empathy, attentive listening, and meaningful relationships.“Voice of the Fish” by Lars Horn. 2022.
A thoughtful exploration of the biblical story of Jonah and its enduring spiritual themes.“The Cure for Everything” by Michelle A. Williams and Linda Marsa. 2022.
Examines modern medicine, public health, and the evidence behind health interventions.“Life Together” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
A classic work on Christian community, exploring discipleship, shared worship, and the spiritual practices that sustain life together.“The Lives We Actually Have” by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie. 2023.
Offers compassionate reflections and practical spiritual practices for navigating uncertainty and hardship.“Sea of Grass” by Dave Hage and Josephine Marcotty.
A compelling history of North America's tallgrass prairie and contemporary conservation efforts.“The Comfort of Crows” by Margaret Renkl.
A lyrical collection of nature essays celebrating the seasons and the interconnectedness of the natural world.“Finding the Mother Tree” by Suzanne Simard. (Paperback).
An engaging account of groundbreaking forest ecology research revealing the hidden relationships among trees.“Whistler” by Ann Patchett.
A novel examining family relationships, memory, and moral complexity.“When the Forest Breathes” by Suzanne Simard.
Introduces the reader to the remarkable communication and resilience of forest ecosystems.“Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservati” by Douglas W. Tallamy. 2020.
Argues that homeowners can play a critical role in restoring biodiversity through native landscaping.
Monthly periodicals
The Christian Century
Soujourners
Book Reviews
Below are book reviews written by members of the Plymouth Library Group on Church Center, click here to join this group.
— Courtesy of the Board of Spiritual Growth. If you are interested in writing short book reviews, contact Kay Riley (kayjriley@gmail.com).
“Prayer Seeds: A Gathering of Blessings, Reflections and Poems for Spiritual Growth” by Sr. Joyce Rupp
Sr. Joyce Rupp, a best selling author and spiritual guide, offers a new selection of her works. Themes range from feasts and seasons of the liturgical year, compassion, and ministry to difficult times and important events. She includes a method for using this book for group prayer.
“For Everything A Season: 75+ Blessings for Daily Life, 25th Anniversary Edition” by the Nilsen family
The Nilsen family, 5 of whom are Lutheran pastors, is a guide of blessings and rituals for making the everyday moments meaningful. Moments like getting a driver’s license, or completing each of the 12 Steps, or blessing the new school year − those moments that are painful, normal, and joyful. This is a rich resource for families and anyone seeking to bring depth and appreciation to those moments, especially in these challenging times.
“When God Became White: Dismantling Whiteness for a More Just Christianity” by Grace Ji-Sun Kim
This book explores the historical origins and theological implications of how Jesus became white and God became a white male. The Foreword by David Gushee describes the book in 3 parts: a critique of white maleness as an ideology and theology; her story as a Korean immigrant; and a way of thinking about God that can help dismantle our inherited theology. Questions for reflection and discussion are at the end of the book.
“Earthbound: God at the Intersection of Climate and Justice” by Grace Ji-Sun Kim
Grace Ji-Sun Kim is a Earlham School of Religion Theologian. This book is a good resource for anyone wondering how to begin to address climate change and the ecosocial problems of our day. She describes the book as “a theological reflection on life and God that engages overlapping concerns for the well- being of the world, including climate change, water health, and environmental racism.” She invites us to examine how we are relating to one another, including other creatures and our environment, and challenges us to rethink our understanding and images of God in light of climate justice. Discussion questions are at the end of each chapter.
“A Book of Belonging: Bible Stories for Kind and Contemplative Kids” written by Mariko Clark and illustrated by Rachel Eleanor
This book is for kids ages 6-12. Beautifully written and illustrated, it tells 42 stories from the Old and New Testaments that reflect the rich diversity of God’s people and a more expansive and wondrous view of God. Written with a focus on wonder, contemplation and identity, children and grown-ups are reminded that God tells us, “You are Beloved, you Belong, and you are Delightful.” Highly recommended for parents and anyone looking for a thoughtful, solidly researched children’s Bible.
“Falling Down and Getting Up: Discovering Your Inner Resilience and Strength” by Mark Nepo
This book by master teacher, storyteller and spiritual guide Mark Nepo is an invitation to “view adversity from a new perspective”. This book explores the opportunities to choose between surviving and thriving, managing risk and enhancing risk, opening and closing, giving and receiving, living a balance between solitude and community. Nepo calls this “course correcting” and introduces the readers to their own gifts and wisdom through practices of question, journaling and dialogue. It is Nepo’s hope that learning how to befriend our fear, pain, and grief during these turbulent times will help us discover one or two specific ways to "move forward in our journey toward a blessed and authentic life.”
“Being a Progressive Christian (is not) for Dummies (nor for know-it-alls): An Evolution of Faith” by Chuck Queen
This book by Queen (a small town pastor) contains 6 chapters that explore the following themes from a progressive Christian viewpoint: Scripture, faith, Christianity, salvation, discipleship, and the Beatitudes. Each reflection is followed by a section titled “Going Deeper” that includes questions for personal reflection and group discussion. Trained in a conservative, evangelical tradition, the author traces his faith journey as he develops a progressive Christian perspective through personal experience and vignettes from literature and film, with creative biblical interpretation and theological exposition. This 100 page book is highly readable, has great discussion questions and an extensive recommended reading list.
“A Book of Belonging: Bible Stories for Kind and Contemplative Kids” by author Mariko Clark and illustrator Rachel Eleanor
This book is for kids ages 6-12. Beautifully written and illustrated, it tells 42 stories from the Old and New Testaments that reflect the rich diversity of God’s people and a more expansive and wondrous view of God. Written with a focus on wonder, contemplation and identity, children and grown-ups are reminded that God tells us, “You are Beloved, you Belong, and you are Delightful.” Highly recommended for parents and anyone looking for a thoughtful, solidly researched children’s Bible.
“The Psychology of Christian Nationalism: Why People Are Drawn in and How to Talk Across the Divide” by Pamela Cooper-White
This book examines the emotional and psychological roots of Christian nationalism and offers tools for dialogue and healing. The author, a pastoral psychotherapist and Professor of Psychology and Religion at Union Theological Seminary, offers extensive resources for those wanting to further explore the increasing rise of this threat to our democracy and how to effectively respond.
“Beyond A Binary God: A Theology for Trans* Allies” by Tara K. Soughers
Soughers is an Episcopal priest and mother of two sons, one trans* and one cis. With a PhD in practical theology and a concentration in spirituality, she helps Christians think differently about gender and God.
“American Teenager: How Trans Kids are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era” by Nico Lang
Lang is a compassionate collection of stories by trans teenagers. The author visits families across the country who are grappling with the current political climate and provides an informative and humanizing narrative. A must read for anyone who loves a trans person or wants to learn more about the trans community.
“For Such A Time As This: An Emergency Devotional” by Hanna Reichel
Reichel is a systematic theology professor at Princeton Theological Seminary who has written a book many of us have been looking for: a devotional that addresses the challenges and tragedies of our time. Drawing on her earlier work on Karl Barth, a Reformed theologian who lived and taught in Germany during the demise of the Weimar Republic and Nazi rise to power, she describes how some of the German Protestant churches resisted integration into the Nazi state. This small book is wise and concise, with practical and spiritual advice into how to navigate an imperial presidency. Highly recommended for clergy and laity with a 45-page study guide for discussion groups.
“Spirituality & Health: A Unity Publication” Magazine
This is a monthly magazine that draws from the wisdom of many traditions and cultures with an emphasis on spiritual beliefs and practices that can be applied to our everyday lives. Its mission statement says that “they look to science to help provide a context for the spiritual quest, and they explore holistic healing modalities that enhance the health of our bodies, minds and communities.” Topics covered include Faith, Nutrition, Creativity and Public Health.
“Mother Jones” Magazine
This is a bi-monthly magazine that was established in 1976. A nonprofit news organization, it focuses on investigative journalism into politics, governments, corporations, the environment, crime, and justice. Media Bias/Fact Check rates it as strongly Left-Center biased based on story selection that moderately favors the left, and High for factual reporting due to thorough sourcing and a clean fact check record. The magazine describes its mission: “to deliver hard-hitting reporting that inspires change and combats “alternative facts”.
“The Tears of Things: Prophetic Wisdom for An Age of Outrage” by Richard Rohr
Rohr, one of the great spiritual leaders of our time, explores the prophets’ wisdom as he leads the reader through grief and vulnerability in these troubled times. With a pastoral voice, he focuses on one or two prophets in each chapter that remind us the prophetic journey leads from anger to sadness to hope. He calls us to recapture the prophetic mindset in order to respond to the world with love, while still confronting injustice.
“Sojourners” Magazine
This is a monthly independent magazine of faith, culture and politics. Its mission is “ to inspire hope and action by articulating the biblical call to racial and social justice, life and peace, and environmental stewardship.” A reliable source for social action issues.
“The Christian Century” Magazine
This is a monthly magazine based in Chicago, Illinois. Considered the flagship magazine of US mainline Protestantism, it reports on religious news; comments on theological, moral and cultural issues; and reviews books, movies and music. Highly recommended by both clergy and laity for its thoughtful, independent and progressive perspective.
“New Directions for Holy Questions: Progressive Theology for Families” by Peebles and Jones
This book is an accessible and inclusive guide for families exploring theology through a progressive lens, emphasizing justice, environmental care, and belonging. This is a great book of questions and answers about our progressive faith and good for discussion for adults as well as kids.
“Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times” by Katherine May
Review 1: This book explores the value of quiet, restorative seasons in one’s personal and spiritual life. May describes times in her life when she was “wintering.” Her message: when life gives you lemons, learn to make the most of the disruptions in your daily routines to refocus and make the most of the downtime and periods of unexpected change in your life. This is an especially good book to read this winter.
Review 2: May’s “Wintering” is a meditation on the necessity of embracing life’s difficult seasons rather than resisting them. Drawing from her own experience of unexpected hardship, including illness, job loss and family struggles, May weaves together personal narrative nature writing and cultural observation to argue that periods of withdrawal and dormancy are not failures but essential phases of human existence. Her prose is lyrical yet accessible, moving seamlessly between descriptions of the natural world’s winter rhythms and intimate reflections on depression, grief and exhaustion. May’s central metaphor of “wintering” reframes struggle as a temporary but vital state one allows for rest, reflection and eventual renewal rather than demanding constant productivity and cheerfulness.
What makes this book particularly powerful is May’s refusal to offer easy answers or forced optimism. Instead, she validates the reader’s experience of hardship while suggesting that there is wisdom in slowing down and honoring our need for retreat. Her explorations of winter traditions from Scandinavian cold-water swimming to the ancient celebration of midwinter festivals provide both practical inspiration and a sense of connection to something larger than individual suffering. “Wintering” is not a self-help book in the conventional sense but rather a compassionate companion for anyone navigating loss, burnout or uncertainty. May’s message is both simple and profound: sometimes the way forward is to stop fighting, accept the season you are in and trust that spring will eventually come.
“Essential Writings” by Joyce Rupp
This book is a collection of the author’s work, drawn from her many books and essays. Rupp’s reflections on home and family, loss and grief, the endless miracles of nature, finding meaning in life, and our universal connections in this magnificent “cosmic dance” lead the reader along delightful and inspiring pathways to a “fuller enjoyment and appreciation of the mystery of life and its inherent goodness in yourself and in all of creation.” Somehow: Thoughts on Love Somehow: Thoughts on Love Somehow: Thoughts on Love”Is a River Alive?