Invisible Lines of Connection: Sacred Stories of the Ordinary

What do ordinary stories about stamp collecting, Federal Express packages, Hershey bars with almonds, a child's blue hat and trout fishing have in common? In Kushner's hands, they turn into a road map showing how the mundane can become avenues for exploring the sacred connections in our lives. In each of 42 short chapters, Kushner develops a picture of something tactile-a bowl of peaches, a navigational computer-then tags it with a spiritual punch line. On wool pants: ""Of course organized religion itches. It is trying to hold a crease in life."" Instead of being devoid of meaning, everyday encounters resonate with symbolism, paths to uncovering a reverence for God, appreciation of family and acceptance of responsibility to others. A Massachusetts rabbi and author of eight books on spirituality, Kushner writes with compelling lyricism that's easy to read. But his final product is uneven. Sometimes, the connections between what we see and what we don't offer sparks of insight that produce a shiver of recognition. At other times, the chapters are lightweight, falling short of the spiritual edge Kushner tries to hone. (June)