A Snarky But Authentic Spiritual Memoir
Got your attention, huh? Susan E. Isaacs wrote the book with that title. I had to explore her story so I got it from the library.
Summer reading lists appear everywhere this time of year. Oprah’s magazine, the newspaper, Parade (that slick section of the Sunday paper that hides in with the ads and comics), blogs I read online. The NPR website must have a list–I haven’t looked.
I don’t buy books much anymore. Partly because the retired man I live with and I have a fixed income these days instead of a refillable well of money. Partly because I have so many books already that some live in a big Rubbermaid bin in the corner of my office behind the open door. They call to be released from their box every time I notice the blue bin in the corner. Not so good feng shui for creativity.
I’ve rediscovered the library. When a book on a list looks interesting, I add it to the Books list on the Notes app on my phone. (Just writing that cracks me up.) Or I go to my computer and add it to my Wishlist on the Greensboro Public Library website. Isn’t the internet great? I never remember what the books are about later so I just randomly pick one when I request a specific book be sent to the branch closest to me. At least I don’t waste money on so-so books.
These days I allow myself not to finish a book that doesn’t interest or entertain me. I couldn’t do that when I was younger. (Why?) Now I figure I don’t have the time to waste. I feel bad for the writer, even though I’m the only one who knows I didn’t finish. Some books I slam shut astonished that some publisher gave the author a contract.
I’m almost halfway through Angry Conversations With God. Susan E. Isaacs takes God to couples counseling with an ex-pastor therapist. The book includes dialogue with God, Jesus, herself and the ex-pastor therapist. The book is witty, a tad irreverent and funny. It’s also thought-provoking. And as goofy as it sounds.
Isaacs is an actress/comedian, and participates in improv performances. She has plenty of reasons to be mad at God. She works on her relationship with God through role play. I can’t decide if it’s just too cute. I keep reading so I think it has something for me to ponder.
How is my relationship with God?
“What do you do for fun?” every counselor, therapist, minister, friend asks. The question nags at me every time someone asks.
What do God and I do for fun?
I need to ponder that some more.
What do you and God do for fun?
(to be continued…)
Amma Ponders 
We nurse Marge.
Love it! (We?)
Wonderful post! I’m looking forward to your conclusions about the book. Like you, I have rediscovered the library for most of the same reasons. I do send my requests electronically but when I get there, I try to take some time just to walk through the stacks. I’ve always loved that feeling.
As I await your next post, I ponder what God and I do for fun. Frankly, I’ve never thought about it so this is going to take some time. Again, great post.
KM
Thanks! I love the smell of the books in the library. It’s not as quiet as it used to be–clicking computer keyboards, for one thing–but I can usually find a quiet corner to look at newspapers and random magazines.
He shows me is spiders, clouds, newly-leafed trees, and I say, cool!
Make that HIS spiders (not IS spiders.