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Book recommendations

Recommended by St. Paul readers



“Postville: A Clash of Cultures in the American Heartland” by Stephen Bloom

The book documents the struggle between the small town of Postville, Iowa, and a group of new arrivals – Lubavitcher Hasidim from New York who came to the town to run Agriprocessors, the largest kosher meat plant in the United States.



“A Fine Balance” by Rohinton Mistry

Tragic story about outcast, poor people in 1970’s India. Although there is some humor, it’s very sad because the characters are so fully-developed that you grow to love them and feel their pain.



“Son of Laughter” by Frederick Buechner

Brings the story of Jacob to life by adding emotions, motivations, and details without contradicting the Bible.



“Amazing Grace: A Vocabulary of Faith” by Kathleen Norris

A series of short essays, each one dealing with a word from the “language of Christianity,” such as faith, prayer, blood, trinity. Easy to read, touching, humorous, and profound.



“The Known World” by Edward P. Jones

This story takes place in the pre-Civil War South and deals with the issue of freed slaves owning slaves. Very enjoyable read with lots of characters that are unforgettable.

"Whenever you are confronted with an opponent, conquer him with love." ~Mahatma Gandhi