Divine Sparks: Interfaith Wisdom for a Postmodern World…don’t let the title scare you
Divine Sparks: Interfaith Wisdom for a Postmodern World. That’s a mouthful…sounds complex…and deep. Well, it is…and it isn’t.
When I received a free copy of this book from DartFrog Books in exchange for an honest review, I was not at all sure what to expect. If I’m being perfectly honest…and I did promise an honest review…if I had seen this book on the shelf, I may not have picked it up at all. The title sounds a little too scholarly to be enjoyable for me. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
The book does offer intelligent insight on some complex issues; however, they are addressed in practical and inspiring ways that a person of average intelligence…like myself…can understand and take action on.
If you are interested in exploring your inner self and building your spiritual awareness without a focus on any specific religious doctrine, I highly recommend this book. It is divided into 13 succinct chapters, each addressing an issue central to individual growth and to our interconnected world:
- The True Self
- Meditation and Mindfulness
- Solitude and Community
- Forgiveness
- Created to Create
- Saving Mother Earth
- Gratitude
- Embodied Spirit
- Joy
- Simplicity
- Beauty
- A Prayerful Life
Each chapter begins with a thoughtful discussion of the topic and concludes with questions for reflection, creative stretch exercises, and a prayer or meditation. The final chapter is a collection of prayers and meditations.
The book has something for everyone, no matter where you are in your spiritual journey and whatever your religion, including no formal religion. I read straight through the entire book and enjoyed it so much, I intend to go back and spend more time with each chapter.
I admit to being something of a self-improvement junkie, but even if you are only mildly introspective or feel the slightest inclination for personal growth, this book is worth the read.
About the Book
ISBN: 978-1-953910-94-3
Publisher: DartFrog Books
Publication date: 11/06/2021
Pages: 209
Available on Amazon
Your turn
- What is the last book you read? Do you recommend it?
- Do you prefer fiction or nonfiction?
- Audio books or the written word?
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Last book: The Beekeeper of Aleppo (excellent)
Next Up: The Lincoln Highway (supposed to be excellent)
Preference: Fiction, usually historical fiction
Definitely the written word, although I haven’t much experience with audio books and I’ve heard good things from people in my book club.
Hello Janis! Thank you for the book suggestion. I’ll be ready for a new one soon, and I do enjoy good historical fiction. I also prefer the written word, but I’ve listened to some audio books while on the road and enjoyed them. I do better with nonfiction for audio, particularly autobiographies read by the subject of the book. Happy reading!
The last book I read was The Jane Austen Society. It was charming and I recommend it. I read both fiction and nonfiction. Listening to a book bores me so I read the written word– on real paper, not a Kindle.
Thanks for the book recommendation, Ally. I’ve put The Jane Austen Society on my list. I too prefer the written word on paper, but I do at times download a Kindle book for convenience, and I will listen to audio autobiographies at times, if they are read by the subject of the book. Happy reading!
I’m a self-improvement junkie as well and have added this book to my “buy it” list. I read both fiction and non-fiction and finished one of each in past couple of days. Non-fiction was Goddesses in Everywoman by Jean Shinoda Bolen. I’m down a rabbit hole on this topic… as you might have seen in my recent post. Not sure I’d recommend unless you’re interested in goddess archetypes! Fiction was Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney. It was a book given to me by a friend and a psychological thriller. It was hard to put down but also a bit un-nerving! I have not gotten into audio books…. I’m still on real paper even! I rarely even read via Kindle.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, Pat. Once you’ve read it, I’d love to hear what you think. I’ve added Rock Paper Scissors to my list of books to read. I also prefer paper books, though I do download to Kindle on occasion for convenience. I like non-fiction audio for road trips; otherwise I must prefer the written word.
Christie – this may be the book I’ve been looking for! I’m going to check it out. Thank you.
Currently reading: The Hundred Year House by Rebecca Makkai
Last book read: While Justice Sleeps by Stacy Abrams.
I love both fiction and nonfiction but am not into heavy non-fiction at the moment.
For fiction I need a book in-hand to turn the pages and escape — I’m on computer most of the time for my day job.
For nonfiction I’m okay with an electronic version if it is a quick read.
Not at all into audio books. I prefer to listen to music!
I hope you enjoy the book and find it useful, Janet. Please let me know what you think, either way. Did you enjoy the two books you mentioned here? I’m always building a list of books to read. I’m with you on preferring paper books for a break from the screen. Most of the time, I prefer music or podcasts for audio, but have enjoyed the occasional autobiography as audio book.
I definitely enjoyed the books I mentioned. I also enjoyed Rebecca Makkai’s more recent book The Great Believers.
Thanks for the recommendations, Janet!
I usually prefer fiction and historical fiction, but if a good non fiction book is recommended to me I’ll read it. I love the feel of a real book, but my kindle is just too darn convenient, so that’s what I usually read on. Right now I’m reading The Imperfects. The last really good book I read you lent to me, Lilac Girls. Reading is one of my biggest pleasures.
I loved Lilac Girls too, Cindy. One of the pleasures of reading a paper book is being able to pass it around. But I do agree with you on the convenience of the Kindle. Happy reading!
I wouldn’t have picked this book up based on the title. I love the idea of spiritual awareness without focus on a specific reliaious doctrine. I would pick it up, however, on the basis of your review. Thanks for linking up with us.
I felt the same way about the title, Joanne, but I was happy that I agreed to read and review it. I hope if you decide to read it, you enjoy it as well. Thanks for the What’s on Your Bookshelf link-up. Happy reading!
Hi, Christie – Thank you so much for joining us at What’s on Your Bookshelf.
‘Divine Sparks’ sounds like a very interesting read and may fit in well with my quest to read more books focussing on ‘peace’.
Here are my answers to your questions:
What is the last book you read? Peace in the Age of Chaos. Not a light read but I learned a great deal from this book.
Do you prefer fiction or nonfiction? Both.
Audio books or the written word? Both (but I lean toward printed books)
Hello Donna. I agree this book would fit well in your peace reading quest. I also enjoy fiction and nonfiction. I much prefer printed books, but do enjoy listening to some nonfiction when we are on the road. I’ve tried audio novels before, and just couldn’t get into it.
Hi Christie, thanks for joining us for #whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge with your great book review. I’m with others who said they probably wouldn’t have picked it up based on the title but your review gives far more insight.
What is the last book you read? Do you recommend it? I finished Still Life by Sarah Winman and loved it. Highly recommended.
Do you prefer fiction or nonfiction? I prefer fiction but do read some non-fiction.
Audio books or the written word? I prefer the written words but listen to audio books when driving or walking.
Thank you, Deb. I’ve been tempted to participate for a while and finally did. I have added Still Life to my list of books to read. It sounds like we have much the same philosophy on audio and written books. Happy reading!
Hello Christie and it is so lovely to have you join us for What’s On Your Bookshelf? This book is one I think I would enjoy and I know my daughter would also enjoy it. We can never judge a book by it’s cover or in this case, it’s title, can we? Thanks for your honest review and I look forward to you joining us next month. Happy Reading. xx
Thank you for the warm welcome, Sue. I hope you and your daughter get a chance to read this book and work through some of the questions and exercises. I think you would enjoy them, and we all can benefit from them. Thanks for hosting What’s On Your Bookshelf.
It is always lovely to have you join in, Christie. My daughter is a very talented Executive Coach and I know she will appreciate this book. I hope you join us next month. You may also like to join us for the 2022 WOTY Link party the last Friday of each month. It is designed to keep our focus on our WOTY or if you don’t have one, keep the focus on your goals or intentions. You can read about it on my blog and hope to see you there. xx
Thank you for the warm invitations, Sue. I’ve only read one book this month, but it was a good one, so I’ll see if I can get a review done. Who knows maybe I’ll have one more by the time the next What’s on Your Bookshelf airs. And the WOTY link party may be just what I need to keep me mindful of my commitment.