SHE WELCOMES US—AS A FRIEND TO PARENTS
Click Amy’s photo to read our story.
LIKE MISTER ROGERS BEFORE HER, Amy Julia Becker knows how to share compelling stories about everyday family life that inspire us to break down barriers. She’s already a popular Christian writer, known for her books about the richness of family life. Now, Amy Julia’s sixth book tells the true story of how her family discovered the walls (or ‘White Picket Fences’) that they had helped their neighbors build over many years. Without even thinking about the cost of these walls, they shut out people who seem different—people we have instinctively learned to fear.
Her book could not be more timely in our deeply divided America. This is not a political manifesto. She’s not out to shame or blame anyone. As readers of her earlier books know, Amy Julia is a loving Mom who simply wants the brightest and most loving future for her kids. Like Mister Rogers told all of us for many, many years: Bad things happen in our world. We need to clearly see those dangers and divisions—and keep on welcoming each other as neighbors, despite our fears.
Her book is perfect for small group discussions in congregations. She even includes a seven-page discussion guide. We hope you will read our story about Amy Julia and her new book—and share this story with friends.
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SLOWING DOWN FOR SPIRITUAL RENEWAL
ALSO THIS WEEK, our columnist Henry Brinton writes about the overwhelming challenge we all face with the 24/7 pace of social media. In our Cover Story, this week, Amy Julia Becker urges us to find doorways—and walk through them into a new awareness of our world. Henry asks: How can we even hope to glimpse a doorway, if we don’t slow down for a moment?
We’ve headlined this column from Henry: Seeking True Christmas Spirit? Consider Diving Deeper This Year. Like our Cover Story, this is a column that you’ll want to share with friends.
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HOLIDAYS: Seasons of Light
HANUKKAH—Although Hanukkah is a relatively minor Jewish festival, it is one of the most easily recognizable Jewish observances each year to non-Jews. This year, in particular, learning about this celebration of religious freedom is timely in the face of a rising tide of anti-Semitism.
ADVENT—This year, in an unusual convergence, Hanukkah coincides with the Western Christian season of Advent, which also is marked by the lighting of candles. Eastern Christians began their reflective period of preparation for Christmas, the Nativity Fast, weeks earlier.
ST. NICHOLAS DAY—All Christians unite in celebrating St. Nicholas on December 6—the religious figure behind the tales of Santa Claus. Stephanie Fenton has this story, too, including helpful links to the world’s biggest St. Nicholas website!
HOLIDAY GIFT GIVING—As you plan for the holidays, consider giving great books to the readers you love. To help, we’ve published an overview of some terrific gift-giving ideas, whatever your year-end occasion might be. And, please, consider sharing this column with friends. Speaking for our entire family of authors: We all hope you’ll join us in encouraging Peace on Earth!
Want to see all the holidays? www.InterfaithHolidays.com
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WHAT’S IN A NAME?
THE ART OF THE BOOK TITLE—In this week’s Front Edge Publishing column, our Marketing Director Susan Stitt explores one of the great challenges in book production: the art of titling a new book. This is the most important step we take with authors in planning for the launch of a new book. Lots of factors—and guidelines—shape that handful of words that will wind up on a book’s front cover. Did you know that Amazon has rules that govern book titles? Susan touches on all these issues, and more.
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Click the movie still to read Ed’s review of The Green Book.
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FAITH & FILM: Ed McNulty
ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.
Among Ed’s free reviews and columns are:
THE GREEN BOOK—During the decades of Jim Crow barriers across much of the U.S., an annual guidebook called The Green Book helped African-American travelers find safe facilities. Now, Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali co-star in a feature film about that era, based on the true story of a classical musician who hired a driver to take him on a Southern tour. Ed recommends the movie, giving it 4.5 out of 5 stars.- WHAT THEY HAD—Blythe Danner stars in this moving drama about a family coping with their matriarch’s deepening dementia. (5 stars)
- FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD—And, now, for some more encouraging news: Ed enjoyed the latest movie in the Harry Potter franchise and recommends it. (4.5 stars)
Click the movie still to read Ed’s review.
- THE GRINCH—Looking for a great holiday movie? Ed raves about this new version of the classic, writing: “My fears that this expansion of the original 26-minute Dr. Seuss’s classic would be as bad as the 2000 bloated version were quickly laid to rest as this zany animated film unfolded on screen. And, you really do need to see on a big screen the gorgeous scenes of Whoville and the mountains to fully appreciate their intricate detail!” (4.5 out of 5 stars)
- LOSS PREVENTION—Looking for a suspenseful thriller? This film’s got lots of violence and chases. But there’s not much substance to the tale. (3 stars)
- THE GIRL IN THE SPIDER WEB—Another kind of violent thriller is this fourth volume in the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series. The novel wasn’t written by the original author and the material is more predictable. (3 stars)
- BOY ERASED—This gripping film about an evangelical family sending their son to a so-called gay “conversion” camp is sure to promote good discussions, Ed writes in recommending the movie. (4.5 stars)
- THE HATE U GIVE—Ed says this is the one film all Americans should be sure to see this year. (5 stars)
- FIRST MAN—This film tells us as much about Neil Armstrong the family man as it does Armstrong the astronaut. (5 stars)
- GENERATION WEALTH—Another can’t-miss-it documentary is Lauren Greenfield’s thought-provoking project, both in book and cinematic forms. (4 stars)
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