compiled by Jesse Breeden

An End to Suffering: The Buddha in the World, by Pankaj Mishra (Picador 2005). Mishra offers a modern approach to the ancient teachings of the Buddha, applying them to the political, religious, and economic struggles of the present and recent past, and describing his pilgrimage to various Buddhist holy sites. The book is a combination of Buddhist history and personal experience. Any student of Buddhism, humanism, or incurable curiosity will likely find this an exciting, informing, and wholly fascinating piece of literature.

Making Art Together, Mark Cooper and Lisa Sjostrom (Beacon 2006). Cooper's goal over the last twenty years has been helping teachers collaborate artistically with children in a classroom setting; he says that teachers, like their students must, 'revel in seeing.' The book suggests numerous art projects and equally numerous colorful illustrations of intriguing to truly extraordinary paintings, sculptures, sketches, footprints, and more. The final contention of the author is that artistic collaboration (especially in children) is one of the foundations to human connection and expression, this book is a 'must read' for teachers and a 'should read' for anyone interested in modern art and culture.

Freedom of Religion Apostasy and Islam, by Abdullah Saeed and Hassan Saeed (Ashgate 2006). Said to be a masterful indictment of both Islamic fascism and western proselytism, this work examines the meaning of human rights versus western and eastern propaganda, including legal documents, historical accounts, and a 20-page works cited section for those interested in closer inspection.

Trinity and Religious Pluralism, by Veli-Matti Kä rkkäinen (Ashgate 2006). If Servetus had lived to see his 500th birthday, this might well have been on his bedside table. A synoptic examination of the Christian trinity in coherence with other religions and the philosophies of theologians past and present, this piece looks to be a deep well of knowledge for any interested in the history and piety of the Trinitarian concept.

Just Add Hormones, by Matt Kailey (Beacon 2006). This is an interesting look at the process, product, procedure, and prominence of transsexuality in the modern world as seen by a female to male transsexual. It offers a unique insider's look at transgendered lifestyles; from medical to psychological, social to personal, Kailey reveals the invisible universe of minds out of congruity with the bodies they own. Laden with facts, opinions, and options, there seems a sense of pride over prejudice for society itself and the GLBT community.

The Gnostic Bible, edited by Willis Barnstone and Marvin Meyer (Shambhala 2006). This collection of Pagan, Jewish, Christian, Mandaean, Manichean, Islamic, and Cathar mysticism, teachings, and wisdom is reported to be one of the greatest achievements in Gnostic study, translation, and compilation.