A critique Pope Francis in The Political Pope and a defense of witchcraft in Woman Most Wild are among the big religion and spirituality books publishing in May.
Nonfiction
May 1
From Superficial to Significant: What It Means to Become Great in God’s Eyes by David Chadwick (Harvest House, $13.99 paper, ISBN 978-0-7369-6731-0). Chadwick, a pastor, defines success according to Christian values and explores the first steps toward finding it.
May 2
The Political Pope: How Pope Francis Is Delighting the Liberal Left and Abandoning Conservatives by George Neumayr Center Street, $27, ISBN 978-1-4555-7016-4). Neumayr argues that Pope Francis’s positions alienate many Catholics and dilute the church’s teachings.
Calm Cure by Sandy C. Newbigging (Hay House, $15.99 paper, ISBN 978-1-4019-5335-5) posits that problems are caused by unconscious conflict and outlines a technique that can clear the mind.
When Did Everybody Else Get So Old? by Jennifer Grant (Herald, $16.99 paper, ISBN 978-1-5138-0131-5). Grant, former health and family columnist for the Chicago Tribune, examines the transitions of midlife.
May 7
Keeping Place: Reflections on the Meaning of Home by Jen Pollock Michel (InterVarsity, $16 paper, ISBN 978-0-8308-4490-6) connects the longing for home and the common experience of homesickness to the story of the Bible.
May 16
Finding the Lost Art of Empathy by Tracy Wilde (Howard, $24.99, ISBN 978-1-5011-5629-8) examines why humans struggle with showing empathy toward others and what it means for today’s society.
Objects of Devotion: Religion in Early America by Peter Manseau (Smithsonian, $29.95, ISBN 978-1-58834-592-9) is a companion to a Smithsonian National Museum of American History exhibition on religion in the United States as told through objects.
Fighting Buddha: A Story of Martial Arts, Buddhism, Kicking Ass and Saving It by Jeff Eisenberg (Findhorn, $14.99 paper, ISBN 978-1-84409-722-7). Eisenberg’s memoir compares his 40-year martial arts career with meditation training and 25 years of Buddhist practice; the book explores both practices.
Woman Most Wild: Three Keys to Liberating the Witch Within by Danielle Dulsky (New World Library, $15.95 paper, ISBN 978-1-60868-466-3) makes a case for witchcraft as a spiritual path that rejects religious dogma in favor of female empowerment.
As Kingfishers Catch Fire: A Conversation on the Ways of God Formed by the Words of God by Eugene H. Peterson (WaterBrook, $24.99, ISBN 978-1-60142-967-4) is a collection of teachings on the Christian life and how Scripture informs one’s relationship with Christ.
What Is the Bible?: How an Ancient Library of Poems, Letters, and Stories Can Transform the Way You Think and Feel About Everything by Rob Bell (HarperOne, $27.99; ISBN 978-0-06-219426-8) explores the people behind biblical stories and the questions and concerns they encountered. 100,000-copy announced first printing.
May 30
Disarming Beauty: Essays on Faith, Truth, and Freedom by Julián Carrón (Univ. of Notre Dame, $25, ISBN 978-0-268-10197-8) is the English translation of a collection of essays by the Catholic priest and theologian from Spain. The essays focus on challenges found in modern society.
Fiction
May 1
Journey Toward Home by Carol Cox (Barbour, $9.99 paper, ISBN 978-1-68322-182-1) is about a young woman named Judith who is abandoned along the Santa Fe Trail in search of a relative and a new place to live. On the trail she meets a motley crew of cowboys who offer to help.
May 2
True to You by Becky Wade (Bethany, $13.99 paper, 978-0-7642-1936-8) follows a romance writer named Nora Bradford who hesitates when given an opportunity to experience falling in love in real life.
May 9
Fatal Mistake by Susan Sleeman (FaithWords, $14.99 paper, ISBN 978-1-4555-9646-1) follows Cal Riggins, an FBI agent struggling to both protect an endangered witness and avoid falling in love with her.
