"Amazing Chesed: Living a Grace-Filled Judaism" by Rabbi Rami Shapiro

 

While the common perception is that Christianity is full of grace while Judaism is full of justice, Rabbi Shapiro turns that argument on its head.  He posits that Judaism actually invented grace and that--while not widely advertised--the Hebrew faith is full of grace.  Shapiro quotes several Bible passages and even goes into detail on what the original Hebrew text means (sometimes things get lost in translation when going from Hebrew to English).  He also expounds on famous stories like Creation, The Flood, Jonah and the Whale, and Job who is the quintessential example of "bad things happening to good people".  Shapiro's thesis is that grace isn't something that can be earned but rather something we receive.  Just like how radio stations are broadcasting music for all but are only audible by those tuned into the appropriate frequency, grace is available for all if only we ready ourselves to receive it.  Living with grace means becoming aware of God, aware of oneself, and aware of the world. 

"I'd Like to Call for Help, but I Don't Know the Number" by Abraham J. Twerski, M.D.

While the front of the book carries the subtitle "the search for spirituality in everyday life", the pages within make extensive references to the Twelve Step Alcoholics Anonymous program.  As a famous rabbi and psychiatrist, Twerski has counseled countless individuals on their road to recovery.  In his experience, the most effective way to get addicts off their drugs is not just talk therapy or even psychotherapy but rather group therapy in a Twelve Step setting.  While those not battling addictions may be quick to put the book down, Twerski argues that the methodologies in the Alcoholics Anonymous program can help anyone on a road to spirituality.  Even though he is a rabbi, Twerski does not proselytize.  He even goes so far as to say that readers need not accept his view of God or even belong to organized religion.  However, in order to achieve a heightened state of consciousness--spirituality--man must acknowledge that he is not in control and there is a "higher power".  Along this journey, readers are encouraged to take a self assessment of their character (including flaws), find their purpose in life, and make amends with anyone they've hurt (where possible).  I'm no alcoholic but I found great value and lessons in the pages of this book.  

 

"Face Workouts for Beginners" by Nadira V Persaud

Having heard of the "face yoga" trend, I decided to give this book a try.  The premise is that the muscles in one's face are no different than the muscles in other parts of the body.  What you don't use, you lose!  Many of the workouts are intuitive and make sense--stretch your neck, open and close your jaw, look up, look left, look right, and so on.  There are also massage techniques for relieving pressure / stress at various points on the face.  Where the book lost me, though, is on the skin pulling exercises.  Several parts of the book instruct readers to literally grab, hold, and pull on the skin face.  I'm no face yoga expert, but I don't think pulling on face skin is going to make anyone look any younger.  While this book has some good tips, I would say it is not a magic cure for the effects of father time.

"That's Not a Fault...It's a Character Trait" by Abraham J. Twerski, M.D.

Acclaimed rabbi and psychiatrist Abraham J. Twerski brings psychology to life with the beloved characters of Charles M. Schultz's "Peanuts".  Just as it is easier to see flaws in others as opposed to oneself, it is even easier to see flaws in cartoon characters.  Someone struggling with feelings of low self worth may not realize it until they see their same behavior reflected in Charlie Brown.  Someone struggling with feelings of fantasy may not realize it until they see their same behavior reflected in Snoopy.  Someone struggling with feelings of narcissism may not realize it until they see their same behavior reflected in Lucy.  Throughout the book, Twerski shows us how the very same traits depicted in the life of cartoon characters are inside us all to some degree.  Words can not do this book justice.  Readers are encouraged to follow along the "Peanuts" gang in Twerski's masterpiece to see how psychology becomes little more than children's play when viewed objectively.  While Twerski is not against therapy--he is a psychologist after all--his book goes to show us that sometimes all that's needed to spark change is to see one's faults reflected in someone else.  If that happens to be a "Peanuts" character, so be it.   

"No More Dirty Looks" by Siobhan O'Connor & Alexandra Spunt

The purpose of this book is to educate readers on the chemicals used in the beauty industry.  From lipstick to shampoo to lotion to face wash to sunscreen to mascara and more, this book covers it all.  Many people trust companies and assume that the government has laws in place to protect the consumer.  Unfortunately, as the book explains, the regulatory framework is underfunded and full of loopholes.  Just like how questionable chemicals sneak their way into processed foods, questionable chemicals sneak their way into processed beauty products.  Each chapter covers a list of chemicals, their uses, and their dangers.  Then there are alternatives listed, as well as the personal stories from the authors.  While chemicals in beauty products are not likely to kill people (the FDA at least covers that!), there is much concern over the long term effects.  Unlike "unhealthy" food that can be enjoyed in moderation, most cosmetics are used by women either daily or multiple times a week.  The authors' position is that the best health and beauty comes from using products that are as natural as possible.  As demonstrated by nicotine patches, what goes on the body makes its way into the body.  If something is not safe to eat, should it really be placed on the body?  While it may be difficult to cleanse all of one's beauty products, every little bit helps.

"Life's Too Short" by Rabbi Abraham J Twerski, MD

 

In this self-help book, acclaimed rabbi and medical psychiatrist Rabbi Twerski dives into self esteem.  With various case studies of patients and friends, the author showcases how low self esteem can contribute to self-sabotaging behaviors (with negative consequences).  Twerski assures readers that they are more special, smart, and valuable than they may think.  He highlights how negative self image destroys people and how those who overcame such thoughts were able to turn their lives around.  There is also a section in the back of the book about raising children with healthy self esteem.  Twerski highlights that--while basic necessities like food and shelter must be met--it is never good to overwork oneself solely to provide for one's child.  No matter how prestigious the school or fancy the toys, children seeing their parents work constantly without spending much time with them is harmful to their development of self worth.  To put it simply, a child benefits more from a modest upbringing with plenty of parental interaction as opposed to an extravagant upbringing with little parental interaction.