The Zimzum of Love: A New Way of Understanding Marriage

Rob Bell (Love Wins) and his wife, Kristen, have a way with words in their first marriage book. The Bells use Hebrew terms like echad and zimzum, relational terms like “responsive,” “dynamic,” “exclusive,” and “sacred,” and their own intimate back-and-forth dialogue to reveal the mysteries of marriage, love, and divine connection. They also use simple sketches—stick figures, circles, and arrows—to diagram the entanglement that exists between partners, one that reflects “the divine love that flows throughout all creation.” More than anything else, the Bells wield their heartfelt words and honest voices to cheer on couples of all kinds who want to build devotion and intimacy. This is a “feel good” book, but not because it skirts the issues, but precisely because it delves so deeply into them, illuminating a path to wholeness and warmth for the sake of the world. It invites readers to love their partners and the bedazzling existence they share and create together. Married or not, read this book. Agent: Christopher Ferebee, Christopher Ferebee Literary Agency. (Nov.)