adminmessiah“The Road To Wisdom: On Truth, Science, Faith, and Trust” By Francis S. Collins
Recommended by: Jack Wolgemuth, Messiah Village Resident
Who might be interested in this book: Those curious about navigating the cultural and political landscape of our communities and nation
Collins is a physician and geneticist, serving three presidents as director of the National Institutes of Health and the international Human Genome Project. His goal for writing the book was to give a guide to what he calls the bedrock sources of wisdom: truth, science, faith, and trust.
He encourages us to turn the focus away from hyper-partisan politics and bring it back to the most important sources of wisdom while resting upon a foundation of humility, knowledge, morality, and good judgment. Collins also suggests criteria for deciding whom to trust: integrity, competence, humility, and aligned values.
“The Pianist” By Władysław Szpilman
Recommended by: Lauren Garcia, Life Enrichment Manager
Who might be interested in this book: Anyone interested in World War II history, memoirs, or narratives about overcoming adversity
The memoir begins in 1939, as Szpilman works as a pianist for Polish Radio when Nazi Germany invades Poland. Through vivid and deeply
personal reflections, Szpilman portrays the collapse of normal life, the struggle to endure in a city torn apart by war, and the moments of
unexpected humanity that emerge even in times of cruelty.
In sharing his journey, Szpilman offers readers a deeply human perspective on courage and the struggle to survive and maintain hope during one of history’s darkest times. This book reminded me of the enduring power of hope amid adversity and how small acts of humanity can create a profound impact.
“This Other Eden” By Paul Harding
Recommended by: Harriet Sider Bicksler, Messiah Village Resident
Who might be interested in this book: Anyone who enjoys historical fiction and is a fan of beautiful writing
“This Other Eden” is based on a small, real life interracial community on the tiny island of Malaga, just off the coast of Maine. About 47 mixed race residents lived there from the mid-1800s to 1912, when they were evicted and resettled on the mainland.
In the novel it is Apple Island, originally settled in 1793 by a husband and wife—a Black man who was born enslaved and a white woman
from Ireland. By the early 1910s, when the novel takes place, the island is inhabited by descendants of the original couple plus an assortment
of other colorful characters. By the end of the novel, the state has intervened and forced all the inhabitants to leave the island. I loved this book for the gorgeous writing, its folkloric and mythical qualities, and for the glimpse into a mostly unknown and sad chapter in American history.
