How's Your Faith?: An Unlikely Spiritual Journey

"How's your faith?", a question President George W. Bush posed to NBC reporter Gregory, infuses Gregory's itinerary for the midlife spiritual journey described in this sturdy study. Gregory grew up in a mixed religious home, and faith was never a large part of his upbringing: his mother is a lapsed Catholic and recovering alcoholic, and his father is a non-practicing Jew. After leaving home, the former moderator of "Meet the Press" chose to identify (and eventually study) as a Jew while married to a Christian; her sacrifice to raise their children as Jews proves poignant. Through this mix, Gregory defines a goal for his family: fitting Judaism's traditions to "a pluralistic society and interfaith marriages." Ever a reporter, Gregory writes in plain English with few descriptions and seldom any humor. He asks earnest questions, researches diligently, and looks for common ground through the guiding words of Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Gregory's insights are clear and he's always humble during his search, admitting his own failings and proclaiming his promise to grow "a heart for God." (Sept.)