Inspired

If polls and surveys are to be believed, the overwhelming majority of Americans are religious people in one way or another. Authors Laufer and Lewis collect commentaries from important figures in fields areas ranging from music, literature and art to finance, science and athletics who discuss how deeply their lives have been shaped by their faith. Contributors to the volume include jazz musician Wynton Marsalis, novelists Andre Dubus and Madeleine LEngle, opera singer Leontyne Price, lawyer Alan Dershowitz and bluegrass musician Doc Watson. The book is organized according to the following themes: ""The Breath of God,"" ""Loss, Grief, and Healing,"" ""Revelation,"" ""Creativity,"" ""Prayer"" and ""Ritual."" Contributors offer their thoughts on each of these topics, and all tell Laufer and Lewis of the ways they have been motivated, encouraged, consoled and healed by the ""spirit of God."" These firsthand accounts of spiritual vitality offer powerful and rewarding reading. (Sept.)