MSU journalists publish ‘To My Professor’
NEED HELP THIS FALL? Countless headlines in recent years highlight confusion between educators and students who, today, control powerful realms of social media where they can echo their frustration around the world. Now, the Michigan State University School of Journalism, which already has published a popular series of books on cultural diversity, is starting this new school year with a book designed to sort out much of that confusion. The new book is called To My Professor: Student Voices for Great College Teaching, produced by the students you see in this photograph. If you or someone you care about is in school today, then our team at ReadTheSpirit is urging you to read this week’s cover story—and order a copy of this helpful new book.
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CONGRATULATIONS,
COURAGEOUS AUTHORS!
FAITH FOWLER—Once again, Detroit’s Faith Fowler is on the front page of Michigan’s statewide morning newspaper. This time, The Detroit Free Press reports on the debut of her innovative approach to bringing tiny homes to some of the city’s neediest families. The buzz about “tiny homes” has been spreading coast to coast, but Faith and her Cass Community have their own unique twist on this red-hot trend. Just last month, August 2016, Faith was honored with a Shining Light award, and then was profiled by Free Press writer Niraj Warikoo. Want to be inspired by Faith yourself? Then read this 2014 story about the release of her own high-spirited memoir, This Far by Faith.
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NATHAN ALBERT and BOB CORNWALL—One reason ReadTheSpirit magazine and publishing continue to thrive a decade after our founding is the community that forms among our writers—and that reaches out to include you, our readers. So, one of our newest authors, the widely read columnist Bob Cornwall, just posted an encouraging book review about another of our authors, Nathan Albert. When you glance at Nathan’s book cover, Embracing Love, your first question is probably: So, what is this guy’s story? And, Bob’s review captures that appeal, as Bob puts it: “What makes this book so valuable is the personal nature of the story.” Then, in addition, Bob Cornwall is becoming one of our newest authors by publishing an e-edition Study Guide to David Gushee’s very popular book, Changing Our Mind. Bob’s new Study Guide easily breaks Gushee’s book into sections for small-group discussion and provides lots of discussion starters. (That link goes to the Kindle version. If you prefer other options, you’ll also find the new study guide in the Apple store, Barnes and Noble, and also the Google store.
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DANIEL BUTTRY—Of course, our circle always is growing! We’re always reaching out to tell our readers about other writers and filmmakers. This week, our author Daniel Buttry—an international peacemaker—has contributed this very timely review of Safeguarding the Stranger, by another noted peacemaker: Jayme R. Reaves. While Reaves is not a household name in this country, her work should be more widely known, as Daniel points out in his review.
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FEED THE SPIRIT
FOOD INNOVATION— FeedTheSpirit columnist Bobbie Lewis brings us a guest column this week, by Kathy Jennings, about a remarkable program at a Michigan community college. In addition to the story, Bobbie brings us a tasty recipe for a kale and apple salad. (Regular readers know that Bobbie’s kale recipes are worth tasting! Many of us are still making her earlier kale and mango salad.)
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SUZY FARBMAN’S GOD SIGNS
HOPE … AFTER A FALL—Each week, Suzy Farbman brings us an inspiring story of real-life people who discover hope, often in the face of tragedy. This week, she tells about a woman who experienced a horrific fall and feared her life, as she knew it, was over. Instead … well, please read this week’s column for the rest of the story.
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WORLD WATCHES ISLAM
THE CELEBRATION—Columnist Stephanie Fenton, an expert on religious holidays and milestones, writes about the Hajj, which reaches its high point with a worldwide Muslim celebration of Eid al Adha on September 12.
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FILM, FAITH
& POPULAR CULTURE
ED McNULTY—Enjoy all of the free resources from Ed McNulty’s faith-and-film website: VisualParables.org.
Among Ed’s latest movie reviews are:
- SULLY—There’s a whole lot more to the story of this hero that most of us realized, at the time. Ed gives this suspenseful drama, directed by Clint Eastwood, 4 out of 5 stars.
- A TALE OF LOVE AND DARKNESS—This is Natalie Portman’s debut as a director. It’s the story of the childhood of famed Israeli author Amos Oz. (4 stars)
- THE INNOCENTS—An often heart-breaking drama about the aftermath of World War II for Polish nuns. (5 stars)
- FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS—Here’s another great film to catch before it closes. Ed gives this Meryl Streep drama 4.5 stars.
- LIGHT BETWEEN THE OCEANS—Michael Fassbinder stars in this story set just after WWI off the coast of Australia. (4 stars)
- SOUTHSIDE WITH YOU—A fictionalized look at the early romance between the Obamas. (4 stars)
- PETE’S DRAGON—Ed says that David Lowery and co-writer Toby Halbrooks prove that it is possible to surpass the original film in a remake. (5 stars)
- DON’T THINK TWICE—A film about the New York-based improv group The Commune. (4.5 stars)
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