A Place Like Any Other

The author of Hiding in Plain Sight offers the best of her weekly Internet musings on spirituality, faith and everyday life in this simple volume, arranged according to the six seasons of her native Canada (the usual four, plus two ""mud seasons"" before and after winter). The book opens with a profound essay sparked by the quotidian exercise of cleaning the refrigerator. Reflecting on the molecules that compose all biological organisms, Wolf explores the possibility that the cruddy exterior of her spoiled cucumber may contain hydrogen and carbon from other parts of creation--specifically, from Christ's body hanging on the cross. In fact, Wolf speculates, perhaps her own body harbors some of Christ's incarnation, making her a physical part and parcel of the Body of Christ. Some of the book's deepest theological ideas spring from these notions of the Incarnation, such as a vignette about a poor single mother who struggles at Christmastime (""God had not only come down to dwell among humankind, as one of us; God had chosen to dwell among that portion of humankind that humankind doesn't have much, if any use for"": the poor). Wolf sounds other themes as well, such as the uselessness of stoically avoiding pain and our damaging tendency to judge others. Readers who enjoy fine spiritual writing infused with thoughtful theology and a healthy dose of humor will consider this book a friend. (Sept.)