Cannonball Read 18

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time


Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam for layfolks

The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything by James Martin

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Every now and again, there’s a picture of David Tenant that pops up on social media where he’s taking a selfie at a con, and there’s some guy just next to him with his nose in his phone. The caption is almost always some suggestion of what the other guy is missing being that close to a celebrity and not knowing it.  Here’s my version of that, kind of. I kind of remember the final time I graduated that the Commencement speaker was referred to […]

Let’s all be Vulcans in our personal bubbles

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

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I try to go to yoga two or three times a week. The instructor for early Wednesday runs an insurance/financial advising office outside of the studio, and is fond of bringing in the self-help/improvement kinds of things that can be made to work for both the business side of things as well as the yoga. This is how I first heard of The Four Agreements. I saw the book itself, and in need of retail therapy, I decided to see what the whole thing was […]

“God is a Troubadour!”

The Inquisitor's Tale by Adam Gidwitz

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Well, here it is, the book that made me cry, the book I’ll be throwing at anyone who seems vaguely interested in historical fantasy books that introduce children to big ideas and big research in an accessible way. Watch your head! *throws* Yes, I’m here to tell you a Newbery-honor book is supremely good, follow me for more shocking revelations. The Inquisitor’s Tale follows three remarkable kids and their magical dog as they try to survive Medieval France. Peasant girl Jeanne has visions of the […]

The traditions endure, but the perspective evolves

For Small Creatures Such as We by Sasha Sagan

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CBR15Bingo: You are here You are here on this planet, in this life. How you are moved to celebrate and acknowledge the passing of time and all of the joy and pain that is part of it is up to you. Rituals are, among other things, tools that help us process change. There is so much change in this universe, so many entrances and exits, and ways to mark them…each one astonishing in its own way. ― Sasha Sagan, For Small Creatures Such as We: […]

Like a Warm Bath

The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down: How to be Calm in a Busy World by Haemin Sunim

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Best for: Anyone who feels a bit overwhelmed by life. Anyone who doesn’t, but still wants some suggestions for how to slow down and calm down. In a nutshell: Buddhist monk and professor Sunim offers reflections on ways to more deeply experience different aspects of life: rest, mindfulness, passion, relationships, love, life, the future, and spirituality. Worth quoting: “Unless we recognize the still point beneath the surface of our changing emotions, we will feel we are hostage to their whims.” “When you make a mistake, […]

Do you already have a vague idea of what self-care is? If yes, you can skip this book

The Witch's Book of Self-Care by Arin Murphy-Hiscock

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BINGO – SELF-CARE Arin Murphy-Hiscock endeavors to instruct in practical self-care through a witch’s lens. She begins with an introduction to what self-care is and isn’t and how the idea of self-care has been co-opted by some many people and industries to make a buck. She then breaks down modes of self-care into Mental and Emotional Self-Care, Physical Self-Care, Spiritual Self-Care, and Household Self-Care. She sprinkles spells, rituals, and recipes throughout as well as practical tips on how to incorporate self-care into one’s daily life. […]



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