Staff Recommendation: Turning the Mind into an Ally

Mipham proposes that meditation is the solution to the cultural conundrum of training the mind like we train the body. Without relying on jargon or complicated philosophies, Mipham simply and eloquently describes how to begin your own meditation practice and learn how to control your thoughts, emotions and moods instead of allowing them to control you.

Turning the Mind into an Ally by Sakyong Mipham

Reviewed by Jen R.

Staff Recommendation: Republican Gomorrah

This book describes how the Republican Party, once considered a "big tent" party, has become increasingly aligned with the Christian Right in the last 50 years. Based on interviews, undercover research and dogged observation, Blumenthal brings clarity to the reasons behind the Republican party's increasingly value-based policy.

Republican Gomorrah by Max Blumenthal

Reviewed by Chris

Staff Recommendation: The Hidden Life of Deer

Think deer are lovely yet ultimately dull creatures? After reading this book, I can argue that these elusive animals are indeed fascinating. The author writes in a warmly informal tone. Her observations of the wildlife that frequent her farm are childlike in their wonder yet rooted in an extensive knowledge of animal behavior. A delightful book for animal lovers.

The Hidden Life of Deer by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas

Reviewed by Tracy

Staff Recommendation: The Undertaking

These insightful “life studies” are more about the living than the dead: we fret over our mortality, make complicated (and sometimes silly) funeral arrangements, and despite it all, “the dead don’t care.” But they matter. Lynch’s prose is poetic, thoughtful, and even funny. And since the author is an undertaker, the viewpoint is certainly a unique one.

The Undertaking by Thomas Lynch

Recommended by Christine

Staff Recommendation: Cleaving

For those readers who enjoyed Julie and Julia, Cleaving offers the same witty writing style but a darker and more complex subject matter. When Julie is tempted into a love affair with a dark and handsome man from her past, she decides to leave town and distract herself by learning how to become a butcher. Her immersion in this new obsession is raw and animalistic, yet human.

Cleaving by Julie Powell

Reviewed by Claire

Staff Recommendation: Lost to the West

In early 2007, nearly 150,000 people worldwide eagerly listened to a podcast on Byzantine History. Lars Brownworth opened the minds of thousands to the fascinating and little-known history of the Eastern Roman Empire. Brownworth's dry humor and encyclopedic knowledge shines just as brightly in written form, from the fall of Rome to the Renaissance.

Lost to the West by Lars Brownsworth

Reviewed by Jen R.

Staff Recommendation: The Insider's Guide to the Peace Corps

If you want a practical, thorough, and honest guide to volunteering with the Peace Corps, look no further. A seasoned Peace Corps veteran himself, Banerjee gives real answers to questions you may not have even thought to ask. Full of sound advice, and valuable resources, this guide is a must-have for anyone interested in joining.

The Insider's Guide to the Peace Corps by Dillon Banerjee

Reviewed by Mari